Maternal and Mental Health

Since 2016 I’ve explored a unique part of my identity: maternal and mental health activist. It began with the arrival of our son Avi and the painful, complicated journey that followed. Diagnosed with severe postpartum depression six weeks after his birth, I initially hid from everyone but our closest friends and family. I wanted no one beyond that tight-knit circle to know what was “wrong” with me. 

Fortunately, I healed quickly (due in no small part to our incredible support team) and began to educate myself on the politics of maternal and mental health, rates of maternal mortality - particularly for women of color - plus the battle for paid family leave and broad access to mental health care. I realized not only how fortunate I was, but also just how much work we have left to do in America today. I knew that, as a rabbi, I had a unique voice and a platform to create change. 

Since then, I have written and spoken extensively, not simply sharing my story but preaching a message accessible to all faiths: We have an obligation as humans to take better care of each other, starting with guiding families of all backgrounds as they enter parenthood. Additionally, I’ve carried this message into the realm of general mental health, serving as a resource and speaker for NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness). In 2020 two books with which I am involved - one as essayist - will be released by Bloomsbury Press and Penguin Random House, respectively. 

I am honored to serve as a resource, share my story and educate others on the critical demand for stronger maternal and mental health care in the United States. I am immensely proud (and grateful) to share that today, our son - love and light of our lives - is thriving, as are we.

Selected Writings and Features

Feature 1

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Feature 2

The Nation

Feature 3

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