MENDEL HOROWITZ Writer | Psychotherapist

Jerusalem's
lonely Fathers

A fellow ain't got a soul of his own, just a little piece of a big soul,

the one big soul that belongs to everybody.
John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath

Ben Zoma would say: Who is wise?

One who learns from every man.

Ethics of the Fathers

Book

"A beautiful, haunting narrative... metaphorical, lyrical, and poignant."

Fred Rabinowitz

Past-President of the American Psychological Association's Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity

Jerusalem's Lonely Fathers:

Of Empathy, Masculinity, and Faith

Jerusalem’s Lonely Fathers: Of Empathy, Masculinity, and Faith introduces readers to an unfamiliar community whose men struggle to avoid loneliness while pursuing virtuous lives.

In these stories about group therapy, men learn about themselves from understanding each other, while their spirits become restored from reciprocal disclosures and appeals.

The notion of collective learning fits well with Jewish principles of mutual responsibility, just as the possibility of cooperative healing is suitable for every culture and way of life.

About

This manuscript is inspired by my experiences as an Orthodox Jewish educator and psychotherapist. As an individual, couples, and group psychotherapist, I have helped adults and children to become more self-aware and capable of meeting their life challenges. Training in child-centered play therapy, EMDR, and the treatment of domestic violence contribute to my informed perspective on trauma and family dynamics.

My culturally sensitive workshops integrate teaching and group therapy to affect behavioral change in emotionally isolated men. I encourage these men to take emotional risks, be courageous in self-disclosure, and identify with others in need.

Originally from New York City, I live today in Jerusalem with my wife and family. My personal essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Jerusalem Post, JTA, Forward, Jewish Journal, and Mishpacha, among other publications. My professional writing can be found in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.

Stories

Individual Therapy

Successful therapy relies on a trusting, non-judgmental relationship between client and therapist and is sometimes a slow and difficult process. I take care to support my clients throughout their progress and to create an alliance that is reliable, respectful, and safe.

lectures & Workshops

I have presented internationally and offer culturally sensitive workshops that integrate teaching and group therapy to affect behavioral change in emotionally isolated men. I encourage lonely men to take emotional risks, to be courageous in self-disclosure, and to identify with others in need.

multicultural

counseling

As a New Yorker, the multicultural streetscape of my youth was the setting for a religious experience that is tolerant and diverse. Orthodox Judaism can be respectful, patient and open-minded. My parents raised us to cherish creativity and conversation, and to be resentful of extremism, bigotry, and hate.

group therapy

A powerful source of relief in the early stages of group therapy is helping an individual understand that he is not unique.

I am certified by the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists and my in-person and online groups uphold the highest standards of group practice.

freelance writing

My essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Jerusalem Post, JTA, Forward, Jewish Journal, and Mishpacha, among other publications.

My professional writing can be found in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.

Services

Work