Episode 141: Rachel Tuchman, LMHC "Judaism & Mental Health"

Episode 141: Rachel Tuchman, LMHC "Judaism & Mental Health"

Author: Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni | A Geonic-Maimonidean Approach to Torah Through the Ages and Today July 27, 2026 Duration: 55:56

On this episode of the Judaism Demystified Podcast, licensed mental health counselor Rachel Tuchman joins us for an honest conversation about the hidden factors shaping mental health in Orthodox Jewish communities. We explore how influencer culture, constant comparison, and the pressure to "keep up" affect dating, marriages, family building, and self-worth. We also discuss the rise of Gen Z addictions, the impact of social media and dopamine-driven living, and why so many people are unaware of the everyday habits that either strengthen or undermine their mental health. Finally, we examine the difference between authentic Torah values and what we call "snake oil Judaism." We discuss how to distinguish genuine spiritual growth from quick fixes, and how greater self-awareness can lead to healthier minds, stronger relationships, and more meaningful Jewish lives.


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*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh, and l'ilui nishmat Zehara Yehudit bat Yaakov Ezra v'Ilana Shira


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• Bio: Rachel Tuchman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over ten years of experience. She has worked with many diverse populations including incarcerated women at Riker's Island Correctional Facility, kids and adults with developmental delays, kids with behavior issues, overwhelmed parents looking for skills and support, teens struggling with the pressures of adolescence and life in general, adults going through difficult life circumstances (divorce, infidelity, phase of life challenges), individuals struggling with their relationship with food and their bodies and women experiencing infertility. Rachel is HAES (Health At Every Size) aligned clinician and dedicates a lot of her time out of office to educating parents and kids on the importance of body respect and the behaviors that truly honor our health. Currently, she offers services in her Cedarhurst, NY office for teens adults, and women experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, and post-hysterectomy. Rachel also does speaking engagements for schools, synagogues, and various community organizations. Telemental health services are available to all

current NY state residents.

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• Check out her website here: https://www.racheltuchman.com/


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In a world of soundbites, JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition offers a different space: long, thoughtful conversations that delve into the questions and concepts often passed over. Lifelong friends Ben Koren and Benzi Siouni host this series, bringing together voices from across disciplines-religious thinkers, scientists, historians-to examine Jewish wisdom through a specific lens. Their approach is rooted in the Geonic-Maimonidean tradition, a classical stream of Jewish thought that champions reason alongside deep faith, and they thoughtfully engage with the modern intellectual legacy of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. This isn't about simple answers, but about rediscovering the robust, foundational frameworks of Torah that can speak to contemporary complexity. Each episode aims to build a bridge between ancient text and modern perplexity, reigniting a genuine passion for tradition by taking it seriously as a living, intellectual pursuit. The resulting discussions in this podcast are nuanced, patient, and designed for anyone who feels that standard explanations have left gaps in their understanding. You'll hear explorations where tradition meets rigorous inquiry, where historical context illuminates enduring principles, and where the goal is a more coherent, personally owned Jewish life. It’s a guide for the curious, the skeptical, and the devoted, all seeking a deeper anchor in timeless wisdom.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED | A Guide for Today's Perplexed: Torah Foundations, Reason, and Tradition
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