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Phone
(972) -2- 571 51 12

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(972) -2- 587 95 57

email
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Ramot Bet
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1st International Conference on

Torah Psychology & Medicine

News

2 Shevat 5768, January 9, '08  
 
Published: 01/09/08, 6:31 PM

Feature: Refuah Conference – A Festival of Positive Energy


by Hillel Fendel

(IsraelNN.com) "A lot of positivity and people wanting to do good."  That's how one of the over 200 participants summed up the recent First Annual Refuah Institute Conference on Torah Psychology and Medicine, held at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem.

The conference was two days of intensive lectures and workshops on all things having to do with Torah counseling and coaching, better communication with others and between our physical and spiritual selves, and bringing out our best potential.

"Less Like a Great Machine, More Like a Great Thought"
World-renowned Prof. Gerald Schroeder, author of Genesis and the Big Bang, began the proceedings by positing that metaphysical or spiritual life is just as real as our physical lives. "As we get down to levels as tiny as quarks and neutrinos in our understanding of the world," he said, "we discover something amazing: All of modern technology that controls everything we do is based on quantum physics – meaning, as astronomer Sir James Jeans said, 'The universe is beginning to look less and less like a great machine than like a great thought.'"

"In short," Prof. Schroeder said, "the world is coming nearer to the Torah's truth that man was created in the 'image of G-d' – i.e., with the spark of the original wisdom, into which we hope to tap."

Refuah Institute founder and dean Prof. Joshua Ritchie, M.D., followed by noting, "When I started in medical school 50 years ago, they told me that most of what they were teaching us would not be correct 50 years later – and they were mostly right.  We're living in exciting times; Torah has always used the science of its day, and it uses it well."

Prof. and Mrs. Ritchie

Prof. Joshua Ritchie, MD and Mrs. Liliane Ritchie, RTC

 

Physics and Isaiah
The Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, continued this line by praising the study of nature as a way of teaching us the greatness of the Creator. "When I was a high school student," he told, "my rabbi and teacher, the famed late Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, heard in my voice that I was not over-enthusiastic about learning physics. He couldn't believe it. 'How can you not like physics?!' he said. 'It's a clear manifestation of [the verse from Isaiah], 'Lift your eyes heavenward and see Who created all this!'"

Prof. Dr. Yehuda Levi explained, with examples, how Torah Judaism combines the best of the three main theories of modern psychology – Skinner's behaviorism, Freudian analysis, and cognitivism.

Another in the list of super-star speakers - four lectures, three in English and one in Hebrew, were often going on simultaneously - was Rabbi Mordechai Neugroschel, Director of the "Judaism from a Different Angle" Center.  He enthralled the participants with his approbation of Holocaust-survivor psychologist Victor Frankl's theory of logotherapy: "Human beings seek meaning in life, and they wish to be part of something great," the rabbi said.  He also explained the relationship between the different parts of our spiritual personality, and how our actions, speech and thought correspond to each.

Rabbi/Doctor Team and Physical/Spiritual Interplay
The physical/spiritual interface was the focus of a well-attended session given jointly by physician Dr. David Shiller and Torah scholar Rabbi Avraham Sutton.  Their slide show/lecture detailed a view of the human body in which mind, emotions, and physiology function in unity – explaining why prayer, meditation, song, and Torah study and commandments enhance our physical health.  A long list of Torah/Kabbalah sources was provided as well to emphasize the soul-body unity.

Joy and Happiness
Another theme that was notably emphasized throughout the conference – and that left participants on a noticeable "high" – was that of happiness.  Mrs. Liliane Ritchie, RTC, led a "guided imagery" session, before which she reminded the participants, "Being depressed is not reality, and is not natural; it's just a limited, negative way of looking at what is happening. We can listen and pay attention to our inner voice of truth that tells us we are G-d's beloved children – and we can see and feel this when we are in a loving, joyful state."

Jerusalem's well-known author and counselor Rabbi Zelig Pliskin enthusiastically outlined his "Nine Principles of Joy."  These include thinking appreciatively and gratefully, speaking joyfully and kindly, assuming everything has some benefit, striving for meaningful goals, and more.  To concretize the ninth principle – "I smile and wave to mirrors; they always smile and wave back" – Rabbi Pliskin ended the session by distributing, at cost price (5 shekels), small pocket mirrors complete with a copy of the Nine Principles. 

Coaching
Much of the second day of the conference focused on the developing field of personal coaching from a Torah standpoint.  Empathy, understanding and listening were repeatedly emphasized throughout the conference as indispensable tools for those who wish to coach or counsel others. 

"I merited to spend over 1,000 hours with the Amshinover Rebbe in Bayit Vegan in Jerusalem," Prof. Ritchie said, "witnessing how he counseled others.  I was able to see first-hand how genuine empathy, caring, support and a positive approach actually was successful!  The Torah taught this long before Carl Rogers formulated the Rogerian approach."

A basis for personal coaching based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe was quoted by Rabbi Mordechai Weiss, who said that when the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) advises each person to set a rabbi for himself, this was not meant merely for legal, Halachic questions – but rather that one must find someone to guide him or her in all facets of life. "This means that everyone must have his own personal advisor and coach," Rabbi Weiss concluded, "in order to help him progress in life, spiritually and otherwise, as best as possible."
"In order to be a successful coach," Weiss added, "you must live your own life purposefully. "
"Your job as a coach," Rabbi Weiss said, "is to help people discover their own visions, goals and dreams.  There may be multiple paths to accomplish these goals… The coach must keep in mind that the exact solution must lie with the client; it is not your job to tell him or her what to do, but rather to listen very well and hear what the client is telling you…"
 
"In order to be a successful coach," he added meaningfully, "you must live your own life purposefully.  This means to live in full awareness of what you can accomplish; life is not a spectator sport."

A fascinating model coaching session was led by Stewart Hirsch, J.D. of the Boston area, who flew to Israel especially for the conference. 

Harvard Prof on "Positive Psychology"
A special treat was the appearance of Harvard Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, who gave a sampling of his course on "Positive Psychology" - Harvard's most popular course in 2006. 

"The objective of Positive Psychology," he explained, "is to unite the accessibility of the self-help movement with the rigor of academic research."  In a friendly and humorous manner, juxtaposed with some healthy Zionism – he said that he moved back to Israel, where he was born, "because here is where I feel best, for both family and Zionist reasons" – he outlined five main points (summarized here in painful brevity):

1. We are allowed to be human, and we are allowed to sometimes have negative emotions. Instead of trying to be rid of them, we must simply accept and deal with them.

2. Modern society faces an epidemic known as stress, which must be dealt with by simplifying our lives.  Time-outs are important, as is realizing we can't do everything. A recent study surprisingly found that busy young mothers did not enjoy being with their children – and then it was ascertained that this was because they were always doing other things at the same time… It's like listening to your favorite music, Carlebach and Beethoven, at the same time…

3. The mind-body connection. Exercise is important in overcoming depression.

4. Mindfulness Meditation.  This is something that people think comes from the East, but really it appears in Torah.  Everyone jumps at sudden sounds – but not those engaging in meditation…  At a red light, for instance, instead of being frustrated, use the time to take deep breaths and relax. 

5. Five Nightly Thank-You's. Focusing on the positive and appreciating the good.  Must we really wait for something bad to happen in order to appreciate the good that we have?  A study by Emmons and McCullough in 2002 shows that feelings of gratitude lead to emotional well-being.  I personally have found, as has academic research, that writing down before I go to sleep every night five things for which I am grateful improves my emotional health in general.

To purchase recordings of the conference lectures, or to find out more, click here.  www.refuah.net



 

 

1st International Conference

Torah Psychology & Medicine

Share new exciting discoveries in positive psychology, Education, science, healthcare & better living. Learn from experts in Torah, Psychology & Medicine.

Over 36 Outstanding Speakers including:

Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD, Harvard Univ. Prof. Shimon Glick, MD, Prof. Gerald Schroeder, PhD, Rabbi Joshua Ritchie, MD, Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Dr. Miriam Adahan, PhD, Dr. Lisa Aiken, PhD, Rabbi Simcha Cohen, Rabbi Eliezer Glatt, MA, Dr. Chaya Greenberger, RN, PhD, Stewart Hirsch, JD, Rabbi Shmuel Jakobovits, Dr. Yakir Kaufman, MD, Rabbi Elimelech Lamdan, Rabbi Zev Leff, Prof. Yehuda Levi, PhD, Dr. Ed Pakes, MD, Yona Pollack, MA, CASAP, Rabbi Mordechai Neugroschel, Rabbi Efim Sverski, MA, Dr. Chana Stroe, PhD, Rabbi Avraham Sutton, Rabbi Avraham & Rebbitzen Rachel Trugman, MA.

Left to right: Chief Rabbi I.M. Lau & Prof. J. Ritchie, Prof. J. Ritchie & Prof Tal Ben-Shahar, Prof. Gerald Schroeder, Prof. Shimon Glick

Schedule:

December 26 - 27, 2007 יז'-יח' טבת, תשס"ח

 
Wednesday, December 26, 2007

יום רביעי, יז' טבת, תשס"ח

 

English - Auditorium

חדר סמינרים עברית

8:30 – 9:30

Registration and Coffee

הרשמה וכיבוד קל

9:30 – 10:00 Prof. Joshua Ritchie, MD, Science Synergistically Enhanced by Torah

הרב דוד סינגר B.Ed ,

10:00 – 10:45 Prof. Gerald Schroeder, PhD, Finding the Soul within Science and Torah

פרופ' יהושע ריצ'י, MD

11:00 – 11:45 Chief Rabbi HaRav Israel Meir Lau, Torah & Science - תורה ומדע הרב הראשי ישראל מאיר לאו,
11:45 – 12:00 Intermission הפסקה
 

English – Lecture Hall

English Seminar Room

English - Auditorium

חדר סמינרים עברית

12:00 – 13:00 Rebbitzen Rachel Trugman, MA

Chaya Sara Brand, MSW

Women’s Issues

Dr. Lisa Aiken, PhD

Coping with Illness and Pain

Prof. Yehuda Levi, PhD

Chazal on Psychology

Prof Joshua Ritchie, MD

Torah Psychology

הרב אליהו שטרן

תרפיה מציאותית

13:00 – 14:30 Intermission Interest Groups, Career Counseling, Course Registration (Mincha 14:15מנחה ) הפסקה
14:30 – 15:45 Dr. Chana Stroe, PhD, Yona Pollack, CASAP

Rivkah Finkel, MA, CASAP

Youth at Risk

Dr. Miriam Adahan, PhD,

Creative Parenting

HaRav Mordechai Neugroschel,

Jewish Psychology

הרב משה פליסקין

חינוך

15:45 – 16:00 Mincha and Coffee Break הפסקה, תפילת מנחה
16:00 – 17:15 Dr. Michael Gropper, DSW, Counseling Teenage Substance Abusers with Psychiatric Disorders Rebbitzen Liliane Ritchie, RTC

Listening to Your Higher Guidance

HaRav Zev Leff

Torah Guidance for Counselor and Counselee

הרב מרדכי נויגרשל

פסיכולוגיה יהודית

17:15 – 17:30 Coffee Break הפסקה
17:30 - 18:45 Rabbi Shmuel Jakobovits, Right to Refuse Therapy?

Chaim Cohen, PhD

Ill Elderly Parents

A. David Shiller, MD

Riphael Rosen, MD

Doctor Patient Relationship

Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

States, Traits, and Goals

הרב מנחם מנדל גלוכובסקי

יעץ וטיפול בתורת האדמו"ר מליבוביץ

Thursday, December 27, 2007

יום חמישי, יח' טבת, תשס"ח

 

English – Lecture Hall

English Seminar Room

English - Auditorium

חדר סמינרים עברית

8:30 – 9:30

Registration and Coffee

הרשמה וכיבוד קל

9:30 -10:45 Dr. Chaya Greenberger RN PhD, Caring & Torah

Rebbetzin Channah Schafer, MSW, Guided Healing

Rabbi Efim Sverski

Torah Guided Imagery

Rav Mordechai Weiss

Coaching

Rav David Singer, B.Ed

Coaching

הרב עו"ד נח קורמן,

מוכות

ד"ר יקיר קאופמן, MD

משמעות ובריאות

10:45 – 11:00 Coffee Break הפסקה
11:00 - 12:15 Dr. Ed Pakes, MD,

R’ Reuben Tradburks,

Widows, Orphans & Converts

Rabbi Natan Schafer, MSc

Chaplaincy

Stewart Hirsch, J.D.

Trusted Advisor Coaching & Networking

הרב אלימלך למדן

תרפיה תורנית

12:15 – 13:45 Intermission Career Counseling, Course Registration הכוונה מקצועית, הרשמה לקורסים
13:45 – 15:00 Rav Avraham Sutton

A. David Shiller, MD

The Soul-Body Interface

Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman, Baal Shem Tov on Education Prof Joshua Ritchie, MD

Reality Therapy &

Quality Education

הרב שמחה כהן

שידוכים

15:00 - 15:15 Mincha and Coffee Break הפסקה, תפילת מנחה
15:15 - 16:15

Dr. Tal Ben Shahar, PhD

Positive Psychology and Happiness

פרופ' שמעון גליק, MD

יחסי רופא-מטופל

16:30 - 17:30

Prof. Shimon Glick, MD

Doctor Patient Relationship

ד"ר טל בן שחר, PhD

פסיכולוגיה חיובית – באושר ובאושר

Refuah Institute - Tel: 02-571-5112, Fax: 02-587-9557, info@refuah.net, www.refuah.net

 

 Download the Schedule, (click here to download)

Buy Recordings of the Conference on DVD. Click Here

 

Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau (on left), Rabbi Joshua Ritchie, MD, Dean, Refuah Institute

The International Conference on Torah Psychology & Medicine will explore the synergistic integration of Torah wisdom and modern scientific methods. At the conference we will study the practical application and multiplied benefit achieved by the effective synergy of Torah and Science in health care, psychology and education today.

 At this conference you will learn practical useful skills that are applicable for professionals and laymen. We will explore new exciting innovative discoveries and applications of Torah and spirituality. This conference is a must for Jewish educators, Healthcare professionals and therapists wishing to keep up with the latest advances in their own and related fields. 

By attending this conference you will become an informed participant in the forefront of the movement toward synergetic integration and collaboration of Torah and Science. You will also participate in the advancement of mental & physical health, positive psychology, fulfillment and happiness in the spirit of Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”.

Over 36 Outstanding Speakers:

Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, Chief Rabbi Tel Aviv, Chief Rabbi of Israel

Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD Harvard Univ. Lecturer most popular course ‘Positive Psycholo Author of ‘Happier

Prof. Shimon Glick, MD, Dean Emeritus of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion Univ., Ombudsman Ministry of Health

Rabbi Joshua Ritchie, MD, Dean Refuah Institute & Faculty Reality Therapy Institute USA

Prof. Gerald Schroeder, PhD, Scientist and Author of’ Genesis Big Bang’, ‘The Hidden Face of God’, etc.

Dr. Miriam Adahan, PhD, Psychologist, Author of ‘Awareness’, ‘Sticks and Stones’ etc. founder of EMETT

Dr. Lisa Aiken, PhD, Psychologist and Author of ‘To be a Jewish Woman’, ‘Beyond Bashert’ etc.

Chaya Sara Brand Farkas, MSW, Counselor

Dr. Chaim Cohen PhD, Social Worker, Shaare Tzedek Medical Center, Lecturer, Michlellet Efrata, Jerusalem

Rabbi Simcha Cohen , Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Netivot Olam and Noted Author

Rebbetzin Rivkah Finkel, Director of Olamot School

Rabbi Eliezer Glatt, MA, Machon Nitivot Lev - Evaluation, Counseling and Guidance

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gluchovsky, Beit Din HaRabbanei, Chabad

Dr. Chaya Greenberger, RN, PhD, Jerusalem College of Technology/Machon Tal, lecturer Ben Gurion Univ.

Dr. Michael Gropper, DSW, Private Practice and Senior Consultant

Stewart Hirsch, J.D., Strategic Organizational Consultant / Coach

Rabbi Shmuel Jakobovits , Dean The HaRav Lord Jakobovits Torah Institute of Contemporary Issues - JICI

Dr. Yakir Kaufman, MD, Head of Department of Behavioral Neurology, Herzog Hospital

Rabbi Noach Korman, JD, Executive Director, Miklat – Bat Melech

Rabbi Elimelech Lamdan , Therapist and Author of ‘Torah Therapy’

Rabbi Zev Leff, Moreh D’Asrah Moshav Matityahu

Prof. Yehuda Levi, PhD, Rector Emeritus, Jerusalem College of Technology

Rabbi Mordechai Neugroschel, Noted Lecturer and Author of’ Journey into the Depth of Existence’ etc.

Dr. Ed Pakes, MD, Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst, subspecialty in working with grief and the bereaved

Rabbi Moshe Mordecai Pliskin, Educator

Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Noted Lecturer and Author of ‘Gateways to Happiness’, ‘Gratitude’ etc.

Yona Pollack, MA, CASAP, Addictions Counselor

Dr. Riphael Rosen, MD, Physician

Rabbi Natan Schafer, MSc, Chaplain

Rebbitzen Channah Schafer, MSW, Counselor

Dr. A. David Shiller, MD, Physician

Rabbi David Singer, BEd, Educator and Counselor

Rabbi Efim Sverski, MA, Counselor and Author of ‘Connection’

Rabbi Eliyahu Stern, Lecturer

Dr. Chana Stroe, PhD, Director, Tikvah Seminary

Rabbi Avraham Sutton, Author & Lecturer

Rabbi Reuben Tradburks, President of the Toronto Rabbinical Committee, Rabbi of Kehilat Shaarei Torah

Rabbi Avraham Trugman, Author & Lecturer, Director of Ohr Chadash

Rebbetzin Rachel Trugman, MA, Family Therapist

Rabbi Mordechai Weiss, MA, Coach

 

-------------------------------------------------------

1st International Conference

Torah Psychology & Medicine

Program includes:

 Events, Activities & Exhibits

Workshops

Lectures

Plenary Session

Networking & Interest Groups

Panel Discussions

audio/video presentations

Career Counseling

Book Signings

Awards and Graduation Ceremony

Publications: Proceeding of the 1st International Conference, Journal of Torah Psychology & Medicine, Vol. 1, Conference Lectures  & Workshops (DVD & Audio) 

Career Training Credit: 2 unit diploma-course Certificate, 14 hours CEU

Buy Recordings of the Conference on DVD. Click Here

 

--------------------------------------------------

Torah Psychology & Medicine

Conference & Journal Organizing Committee:

 

Rabbi Joshua Ritchie, MD, Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD, Yakir Kaufman, MD,

Rabbi Eliezer Glatt, MA(EdPsy), Stewart Hirsch, JD

 

Journal Of Torah Psychology & Medicine Vol. 1

The 1st Annual International Conference on Torah Psychology and Medicine is dedicated to exploring the Torah sources and their impact on the contribution that the Jewish people have made to the world in mental and physical health care as well as in preventive medicine and positive psychology.  This international, interdisciplinary conference will study from several perspectives the historic and current uses of Torah wisdom in promoting mental & physical health, healing, wellbeing, success & happiness.

   The study of Torah Psychology and Mind-Body Medicine combines the Torah heritage of religious and spiritual teachings with modern scientific appreciation of positive psychology and the mind body therapies.   We will be looking for the synergistic integration of the art, science and spiritual dimensions of health and healing. This two day conference (up to 10 hours of CEU) for health care providers and educators will include presentations by Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD, author and popular lecturer at Harvard University, the faculty and graduates of the Refuah Institute and invited speakers from all over the world. For this multidisciplinary collaborative effort, experts from the diverse fields and areas of specialization such as Healthcare and Education, as well as Rabbinic and Academic scholars, are invited to share their experience, knowledge and acquired wisdom.

Suggested Topics include:

• Integration of Torah Spirituality into Healthcare Practices.

• Examples of Torah Sources Informing and Elevating Modern Health Care,

   Counseling, Coaching, Psychotherapy, Nursing and Eldercare.

• Torah Psychology as applied to education and guidance counseling. 

• Torah Judaism’s understanding and perspective on counseling, positive psychology, mind-body therapies.

• The Rabbinic leader and educator as coach, counselor, therapist.

• Suggested integration and the synergies of Torah spirituality and therapy.

Please send your submissions to office@refuah.net

For more information contact us at office@Refuah.net or call 972-2 5715112

Looking forward to greeting you at the conference,

All best wishes for a blessed Shana Tova, a good New Year.

Professor Joshua Ritchie, MD, Dean, Refuah Institute

Tal Ben Shahar, PhD,

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Professional Training for inspired

Counseling,

Coaching

& Living

מכון רפואה –

אהבת לרעך כמוך (ע"ר)

הכשרה מקצועית לייעוץ, קוצ'ינג (אימון) וחיים מאושרים

 

   

REFUAH INSTITUTE     Tel. (972) 2-571-5112   Fax (972) 2-587-9557    Email: office@refuah.net