Breaking New Ground in Breaking the Silence; Yedid Nefesh Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Mental Health Organization for the Jewish Community

Sunday, February 1, 2025, Williamsburg, NY 

The room is quiet. The smell of fresh paint lingers and the newly-installed light fixtures cast a soft glow. 

Prominent community leaders, rabbanim, and mental health professionals crowd around, their collective breath suspended. The air feels solemn and electric—at the same time. Each person standing here understands they're witnessing a revolution. They know this moment will be remembered as a turning point for the Jewish community here and around the entire world. 

As each mezuzah is carefully affixed, there's a collective exhale of relief. This isn't another office opening. This is the very first home of Yedid Nefesh—a place that will break the silence and the stigma around mental health challenges so that those struggling can break free. 

One in five people face mental health challenges, with most having nowhere to turn. Today, that changes.

The door to a new era has opened. 

Yedid Nefesh: The Soul Friend of Every Yid 

In a landmark moment for Klal Yisroel, Yedid Nefesh, a revolutionary organization has opened its doors this Sunday to provide a space where mental health will be addressed, understood and treated with compassion and professionalism.

Founded by three visionary leaders; Rav Zisha Ausch, Vulkaner Dayan and expert in mental health, R’ Shaya Bernat, head of Hatzolah in Williamsburg and a renowned community activist, and R’ Zalmen Lovi, a passionate mental health advocate—Yedid Nefesh represents a critical first step in addressing a long-overlooked crisis.

The Silent, Serious Crisis 

It is an accepted statistic that one in five people worldwide struggle with their mental health, and it’s no secret that the Jewish community is no exception. Yet, these struggles remain largely hidden. Stigma, misinformation, and lack of guidance make those suffering confused and afraid to seek help. 

“We have worldwide organizations for those facing cancer or infertility, but, when it comes to mental health there’s no place to go.” R’ Zalmen Lovi, explains, “Yedid Nefesh is forming to be that place. Offering guidance, referrals, and case management, we aim to be that safe space for every Yid.”

“When a person has a mental health crisis, it's like a heart attack, but one that impacts not just the individual—the entire family," says Shaya Bernat. "We need a dedicated support system that treats mental health with the same urgency and compassion as any other medical emergency."

With a team of askanim, rabbanim, and mental health professionals with decades of experience, Yedid Nefesh will support these individuals and their families with the guidance, resources, and community they so desperately need. 

"Mental health has been a silent crisis for far too long," Lovi emphasizes. "We recognize that in our close-knit community, stigma and lack of access to proper care left many suffering  alone and our goal is to change that, to make mental health support as accessible and accepted as any other form of care—because that’s the way it should be."

The launch of Yedid Nefesh comes at a critical time, as awareness around mental health continues to grow. By partnering with mental health professionals, community leaders, and educators, Yedid Nefesh is working to provide culturally-sensitive resources that cater specifically to the needs of the frum world. 

In addition to professional guidance and crisis intervention, Yedid Nefesh has big plans ahead to provide more education and services to foster open conversations and give a more comprehensive level of care to the community.  

"Our message is very clear,” “Help is available, healing is possible, and you are never alone.”

The Start to a Global Resource 

In its short existence, Yedid Nefesh has already made a significant impact, saving not just an individual, but an entire family due to a parent’s mental health crisis. Backed by prominent rabbanim and staffed with trained professionals, the organization is poised to become a global resource for Jewish mental wellness.

Healing hearts with heart 

True to its name, Yedid Nefesh is that soul friend when no one else is there. Providing unconditional support with uncompromised confidentiality and true care, you know when you call, you’ll speak to someone who understands, knows how to help, and will protect your privacy at any cost. 

Hope is here 

Yedid Nefesh is not the next nonprofit organization, but the next chapter in Klal Yisroel. Because the time has come for us to finally say: Your pain is real. Help is here. There’s hope ahead.

Healing begins when we stop denying we need it.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call Yedid Nefesh's confidential support line today: 718.400.1550 yedidnefeshsupport.org