Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

February 23rd, 2022

It’s been only a few months since the shocking revelations about popular children’s author, Chaim Walder, first emerged. Walder was accused of sexual assault and/or child sexual abuse by tens of women and girls, the vast majority of whom he’d been entrusted with helping.    Soon after the abuse was reported, some store owners stopped selling Walder’s books; Charedi media outlets took away the platforms they&rsquo …
1 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

January 9th, 2022

At a recent address to a group of mental health professionals, Rav Dovid Cohen shared his perspective regarding the very disturbing events surrounding the sexual predator, Chaim Walder.  Rav Dovid made more than one point, but I’d like to focus on what I believe is the most important, most essential one. Many of us have become so caught up in the question of whether Walder is evil or not, or whether he was mentally ill or not, that we …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

October 18th, 2021

Soon after Sukkos, we are given the opportunity to study the lives of the Avos and Imahos. Some Torah readings are immediately accessible to us; others are more complex. In two consecutive weeks of Torah reading, Sarah Imenu is taken captive by a powerful king. This, after Avraham Avinu portrays the relationship between them as being simply brother and sister. There is, though, a subtle difference between the narratives. When Sarah is taken by Ph …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

March 5th, 2021

Around this time of year, we spend several weeks reading about the construction of the Mishkan and its Keilim/vessels. Moshe is, early on, instructed to build the Aron. He is then told to place, in the Aron, the עדות/Edus - literally the testimony. We are taught elsewhere (Melachim 1: 8) that this includes the Luchos - the two tablets, given to Moshe, at Sinai.  There are two difficulties with the above. Why doesn’t Hashem simply …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

March 1st, 2021

A number of people have puzzled over why some observant Jews seem unconcerned about contracting COVID and/or following medical recommendations, while other observant Jews seem very concerned. I believe that a key factor relates to a discussion, within Judaism, as to the relationship between two seemingly opposing beliefs. In Jewish thought, we are given the conceptual tools, on the one hand, to feel safe and secure, and, on the other hand, to exp …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

February 21st, 2021

There are lessons nestled not only in what the Torah tells us, but how the Torah speaks to us. A prime example occurs around this time of year, when we read the detailed instructions for fabricating the Bigdei Kehunah – Priestly Garments.   One of those garments is the Me’il, a poncho of sorts, that is worn underneath the Ephod - Apron. The most salient features of the Me’il are its shape, its brilliant blue pigmentati …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

December 2nd, 2020

There’s a thought that’s been percolating inside of me.  Most recently, it was activated by the surprising response of large segments of the Frum/Orthodox community, to the COVID crisis.  The thought actually starts with a question: Why is it that a good many of the most observant members of our community seem almost allergic to rules that broader society tends to abide? In particular, why do a large number of Frum Jews make …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

November 15th, 2020

Author’s note: The privacy and confidentiality of individuals found in this narrative was safeguarded, by modifying identifying details.     Mordy, a 40-something father of three, has been meeting with me, for about a year. We focus on issues of intimacy, productivity, and accountability. His wife, Leah, works downtown, in an executive position. Mordy’s graphic design job allows him to work part-time from home. He is pr …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

July 9th, 2020

Author’s note: The privacy and confidentiality of individuals found in this narrative was safeguarded, by modifying identifying details.     It didn’t dawn on me the first week of the shutdown, or even the second or third week. The pandemic had shuttered our schools and synagogues for more than a month, before I recalled my earlier conversation with Hank.    Hank is a bright, sensitive young man.  He is a …
0 comments

Author: Yehuda Krohn, Psy.D.

June 5th, 2020

COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down.  It’s killed many and sickened many more. The safety measures adopted to limit the spread of the coronavirus have greatly restricted our freedom of movement, shutting down community events, family visits, and play dates.  Government-based restrictions have, until recently, shuttered businesses, schools, and houses of worship. Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 crisis also impacts on our feeli …
0 comments