Join Danny and Sara as they reflect on some mind-blowing life lessons from the recent birth of their 8th child.

Rabbi Wolfe shares his sermon from Shabbos Chazon-- an idea about Tisha Bav about what it is that we are mourning, and what we can all do about it. Tisha Bav is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar in which Jews across the world fast and mourn for 25 hours. Among other things, we mourn the destruction of both of our Temples which occurred on this day. Sadly, in a post-October 7th world, for many, this year we can all feel the pain of Tisha Bav more profoundly.

Show Notes for Episode with Dr. Jacob L. Freedman

Episode 7: From The Couch to a Jerusalem Bakery: A Conversation with Dr. Jacob L. Freedman

Episode Description: In this insightful episode of Judaism with Altitude, we are joined by Dr. Jacob L. Freedman, a distinguished board-certified psychiatrist practicing in both The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and The State of Israel. Dr. Freedman shares his unique approach to psychiatry, which integrates mindfulness and Jewish values to help patients find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Guest Bio: Dr. Jacob L. Freedman is a board-certified psychiatrist with a private practice in Jerusalem. He is a graduate of The University of Massachusetts Medical School and The Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program, where he was Chief Resident of Inpatient Psychiatry and recipient of The Henry G. Altman Award for Excellence in Medical Education. Dr. Freedman has served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and has published in prestigious journals such as The American Journal of Psychiatry, The Harvard Review of Psychiatry, and The British Journal of Psychiatry. He is also an accomplished public speaker and consultant.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Freedman discusses how he incorporates mindfulness and Jewish values into his psychiatric practice.
• The importance of good relationships and healthy habits like sufficient sleep and exercise in reducing depression and anxiety.
• Dr. Freedman shares stories from his experience working with a diverse range of patients, including those with severe psychiatric conditions.
• Insights on how meaningful living and finding purpose can significantly improve mental health.

Books by Dr. Jacob L. Freedman:

• Off the Couch
• The Things I Told My Patients

Recommended Readings:

• Mindfulness: A Jewish Approach by Dr. Feiner
• Living in Presence by Benjy Epstein

Recommended TED Talk:

• What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness by Robert Waldinger

Listen to the full episode to explore more about Dr. Freedman’s integrative approach to mental health and his invaluable insights into living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

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• Instagram: @OlamiDenverExperience

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On this week's episode we interview Eshley Spitzer, a therapist who specializes in grief, trauma, anxiety and depression. She shares some fascinating insights about dealing with pain and discomfort and how those feelings can encourage real growth. We see the blend of Judaism and psychology, among many other pieces of wisdom!

Rabbi Wolfe and Sara discuss his recent trip to Israel--in which he reflects on being in Israel during a war, the atmosphere, and lessons learned.

Rabbi Wolfe explores the perspective of the Nesivos Shalom on one of the most enigmatic episodes in the Torah: Why was Moshe punished so harshly for hitting the rock instead of speaking to it-- why was he banned from bringing the Jewish People into Israel, and why did Hashem accuse him of not having adequate faith in Him?

Raised in Mexico, Rochel Meira Potestio shares her incredible journey where she was at one point a Christian Missionary, who eventually converted to Orthodox Judaism. She is now a leader in her community, and shares her inspirational story with us! Don't miss it!