In 2017, Rabbi Yoni Rosenweig realized there was a significant dearth of published halachic material on mental health and set about to rectify the situation with his good friend Dr. Shmuel Harris. Together they wrote Nafshi BeShe’elati, a comprehensive halachic work on mental health, published by Maggid.

However, during this process, Rav Yoni learned something much more painful: thousands of religious and traditional Jews across the world felt alone with their mental health challenges, and in many cases, alienated from their communities and religion. Rav Yoni learned how deeply intertwined mental health and spirituality is for so many. And it soon became clear that facing a perceived conflict, many decided that they had to choose between their religious identity and their mental health. They decided that they couldn’t maintain both.

This realization led Rav Yoni to begin offering spiritual, pastoral, and halachic guidance to the hundreds of people that contacted him from around the globe. Moreover, he began to speak publicly about mental health, raising awareness and gathering a community of thousands on Facebook.

Sensing the strong need for a center that would train Jewish community leaders, provide an address for those suffering, fight stigma, and raise awareness, Rav Yoni partnered with Nadav Ellinson, a hi-tech executive, to found Maaglei Nefesh – the Center for Mental Health, Community, and Halacha.

Maaglei Nefesh’s vision is a society that actively supports people on their journey to positive mental health. We believe that communities are a powerful force in the fight against stigma and community leaders are well placed to lead that fight.

Please join us in our efforts.