As we count the days from Pesach to Shavuos, we are not just marking time—we are preparing ourselves spiritually and emotionally to receive the Torah anew. This journey, known as Sefiras HaOmer, is meant to be one of growth and refinement. But it is also shadowed by the pain of the tragic deaths of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, whose loss we commemorate during this period.

At Amudim, we hear from countless individuals overwhelmed by the emotional demands of Yom Tov. Whether it's family pressure, anxiety, loneliness, or unresolved pain, this time of year can be deeply triggering. One woman shares how setting boundaries and prioritizing her mental health transformed her Pesach experience.

In the past seven weeks, 16 people in our community died by suicide. Another nine attempts were thankfully unsuccessful. That’s 25 people in crisis, 25 lives on the brink, and 16 who are no longer with us.

At Amudim, we believe that no one should have to suffer alone. Mental health struggles do not disappear just because the world expects joy. In fact, for many, Purim can amplify feelings of loneliness, depression, and despair.

Understanding the unimaginable harm to victims of sexual abuse when writing letters of support about a sex offender.

Serving the Jewish community, Amudim is a resource center that combats crises by raising public awareness and implementing community-wide educational programs.

A new bipartisan New York bill, spearheaded by Zvi Gluck of Amudim and frum Assembly member Sam Berger, “Gittel's Law,” aims to protect patients who go to therapists.

The Gemorah in Kesuvos (21a) talks about an “inesh delo maalei” – a bad person. The Gemorah’s reference is to a forger, but bad people exist everywhere. But there is a new type of bad people “inshei delo maali” – who have entirely re-defined the term.

Amidst the harsh realities that have become part of our lives since the October 7th terror attacks, we've also been privileged to witness uplifting moments. Who can forget the heartwarming scenes of little kids managing corner lemonade stands, selling their goods for the price of a perek of Tehillim?

The recent heartbreaking events in Israel have left us all deeply shaken. The savage brutality that took place defies description, and, like the rest of the world, we find ourselves struggling to comprehend the unimaginable brutality that unfolded before our eyes. We are immersed in shock as we grieve the senseless loss of life, and no matter where we may be, our hearts are in Israel, our prayers intertwined with tears as we struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible.

We’re so proud and grateful to all our runners who are joining us in the upcoming Miami Marathon and helping those who feel pursued by challenges of abuse and addiction every single day, who are running tirelessly just to survive. They’re making a huge difference, helping victims slow down, catch their breath, and find hope and healing.

For the kids, Simchas Torah is magical, as the shul’s usual solemnity is replaced by heartfelt joy, and they have the opportunity to fill their pockets with more candy than any human being should consume in a single week, let alone in just one day.