About Us

Despite the real or imagined gravity of our situation, there remains deep within us an untouched and unaffected point of wholeness and goodness. As soon as we remember this, we can use this point to recast our whole situation in a more positive light. Without this awareness, we may conceive of our inner selves as problematic or even tainted by some psychological disorder or complex. In truth, however we possess an identity and selfhood that is independent of our anxieties. If we can gradually identify with this inner point of health, we can rehabilitate ourselves in its image.

 Harav Yitzchak Ginsburgh

About Our English Program

5774 (2013-14) marks the seventh year of the Torat Hanefesh – School of Jewish Psychology. During this time, we have developed a firm basis and methodology for teaching Jewish psychology according to the teachings of the Ba’al Shem Tov and his students. The teachings of Chassidut on the psyche and soul are known to be both deep and difficult. Harav Yitzchak Ginsburgh has written a number of books and delivered countless lectures organizing the matieral and transforming it into knowledge and discipline that can be taught and grasped by anyone interested in the subject.

Two years ago we launched an English speakers' department and this year approximately 15 women will be completing our full 3-year program.

Another first year program began this fall with a mixed group of participants. Half the group attends our lectures at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the other half watch the lectures with live or later through our internet broadcast. All English lectures are recorded (video and audio). The recordings and all additional material are posted on our Moodle site and are available to enrolled students at any time.

Distance learning for men 

Whereas enrollment is currently only available to women, the distance-learning program is open to men as well (thus, part of this year's first year group consists of men viewing the lectures over the internet).

Our English program is similar in structure to the Hebrew program and offers a rich and varied curriculum combining a profound introduction to the foundations of the psychology of the soul according to Kabbalah and Chassidut together with workshop-style classes that place greater emphasis on the students’ incorporating the studies into their daily lives while keeping in mind the more practical applications of Jewish psychology.

We hope, with Hashem’s help, that we will continue to reap His blessings as a result of our continued endeavors to spread and expand Torah learning in this field and that He continue to open the path to help ourselves and all those who come to ask for our assistance.

Who is The School of Jewish Psychology for?

If you are a Jewish man or woman interested in understanding the working of the psyche according to the Torah, you will find our program to be both informative and life-changing.

If you are currently involved in any form of therapy for others, we believe you will find our program to be an indispensable source for connecting with the Torah’s unique approach to therapy.

Please note that currently, enrollment for men is only available through our distance-learning program 

Are there any prerequisites?

No prior learning is assumed and all texts provided will be in English. Jewish psychology is not an offshoot from secular psychology, but a self-contained Torah discipline. Therefore, no prior psychological training is required.

If you have studied psychology, or currently provide therapy to others, our program will enrich you by presenting an authentic Jewish approach to mental and psychological health.

Like any Torah-centered program, we tend to use terms in Hebrew and English interchangeably. Our lecturers have dozens of years of experience (each) in teaching an English speaking audience, so they constantly redefine Hebrew terms so that they are clearly understood by all. All texts are translated into English and Hebrew originals are provided.

One day Introduction to Torat Hanefesh

Every summer we conduct a one-day introduction to Torat Hanefesh for prospective students. This year, it will be held on June 30th, 2014 (Bet Tammuz, 5774). Please click here for more information.