Can Your Rabbi Be Your Therapist?

In this powerful episode, Rav Don and Rav Alex welcome Rabbi Avi Schwartz, who brings his unique dual expertise as both a JLIC rabbi and licensed social worker. Rav Avi dives into his vital work supporting Jewish college students navigating religious commitments alongside mental health challenges.

Episode Highlights:

• Bridging Two Worlds: Rabbi Schwartz reveals how he balances his rabbinical role with mental health expertise, establishing clear boundaries while recognizing valuable overlaps.
• When OCD Meets Religious Observance: Discover how mental health conditions directly impact halakhic practice, and learn the critical signs that distinguish religious questions from mental health concerns.
• Personalized Guidance: Rav Avi demonstrates how understanding a student's emotional state transforms his rabbinic advice, especially in sensitive areas like dating and personal development.
• Breaking Stigmas: The conversation tackles mental health stigma in Orthodox communities head-on, offering practical strategies for encouraging students to seek help.
• Torah Psychology: Explore how ancient Torah narratives provide profound psychological insights, with Rabbi Schwartz illustrating how the story of the spies illuminates modern concepts like projection.
• Looking Forward: Rav Avi shares his exciting plans to bring mental health support to English-speaking students in Israel and potentially expand his work to IDF veterans.

This thought-provoking episode illuminates the psychological dimensions of Jewish life and showcases how sensitivity and understanding enhance religious guidance.