Tree of Life: Anxiety and Depression

An information and resource guide about depression and anxiety through the lens of Jewish wisdom to support congregants and community members.

Life presents true challenges that test us, our confidence, and our faith. Depression and anxiety make facing these challenges even more difficult.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov once taught, “Depression can cause one to forget one's own name.” In other words, when depressed, we forget our true selves. We may not recognize the best inside ourselves and in others. However, when we are kind to ourselves, depression and anxiety can loosen their grip. Judaism, along with modern medicine, recognizes depression and anxiety as potentially debilitating conditions. Judaism also reminds us that we are deserving of love and kindness.

Written by Loren Firstenberg, Psy.D., this 8-page pamphlet, sold in packs of 10, includes a connection to Jewish texts, resources from both within and outside the Jewish community, and a ritual—such as a blessing or meditation—to offer ongoing support and coping mechanisms. 

(The 5 x 7” pamphlets are designed to fit existing racks)

Tree of Life is a series of pastoral care pamphlets spanning a wide range of social and emotional topics to offer information, resources, and support to congregants.

People come into a synagogue and other Jewish institutions with a variety of needs. It can be difficult for the clergy and other leaders to be able to address all the demands of their community. These pamphlets give you outreach tools to support congregants who wish to explore what may be stigmatized issues in a comforting, spiritual, and information-based way that can also open a pathway to deeper conversation.

Written by rabbis and/or experts on the subjects, each pamphlet includes a connection to Jewish texts, resources from both within and outside the Jewish community, and a ritual—such as a blessing or meditation—to offer ongoing support and coping mechanisms.

Topics include

• Coping With Depression and Anxiety
• When a Loved One Dies
• Caring for Your Elderly Parents
• Jewish Views of the Afterlife
• Understanding Gender Diversity
• Responding to Antisemitism
• Divorce
• Facing Illness: Healing the Spirit
• Fertility and Pregnancy Loss
• When a Family Member Comes Out as LGBTQIA+
• …and more.

Pamphlets are 8 pages long and are sold in packs of 10. In a convenient 5 x 7 inch format , the pamphlets are easy to hold and designed to fit in existing racks.