The EmpowerEd Mental Health Summit, held this past Sunday, drew over 500 attendees for training, collaboration, and networking, in collaboration with Ray of Hope, Amudim, Touro University, and MASK. Participants flew in from multiple states, with representation from Monsey, Brooklyn, Baltimore, and across the tri-state area. The event was attended by over 100 Rabbanim, alongside a distinguished group of medical doctors and mental health professionals, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach.

I'm writing this from Yerushalayim, hours before Pesach. I've been hearing from rabbanim and gedolim that we are living in the times of ikvesa d'Meshicha, in times the Navi'im spoke about thousands of years ago. I am not here to argue with that. I am not a navi. I am not a gadol.

When leaders unite for an abuser but stay divided on protecting children, something is deeply broken. Survivors deserve better. Our community can do better.

Multiple survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse stood in Washington this week, demanding justice and safeguards for the vulnerable. We reflect on Parshas Ki Seitzei, reminding us that Torah commands us not to remain indifferent, to build fences of protection, and to never forget Amalek. Courageous voices bring hope, justice, and redemption.

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.