About the Author


Debbie Gutfreund

Debbie Gutfreund is an OCD and trauma therapist. She holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Family Therapy from the University of North Texas. In her free time, she is a competitive runner and skier. She lives in Parkland, Florida with her husband and children.


Four Choices to Fuel Your Soul

Your soul is yearning for meaning. Nourish it with these four powerful choices.

Six Secrets to a Fulfilling Marriage from Longtime Couples

What’s the secret to lasting love? Longtime couples reveal what makes a marriage thrive.

A Father’s Day Story Like No Other

On October 7th, Noam Tibon didn’t wait for help—he became it. This Father’s Day, discover five powerful lessons in love, courage, and what it means to show up when it matters most.

My Stroke of Insight: Four Ways to Rethink Life’s Hardest Moments

The life of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist, was shattered by a massive stroke. Here are four transformative takeaways from her extraordinary recovery.

This Is Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

Three inspiring messages from Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning that can help you embrace your mission as a Jew.

What It Means to Be a Jew Today: After the Darkness in D.C.

After two lives were tragically taken in a moment of hate, we are left not only to mourn, but to define what it truly means to be Jewish in today’s world—where pain is deep, but purpose runs deeper.

Clean Up Your Room: 4 Jewish Lessons from Jordan Peterson

Practical insights on responsibility and personal growth.

Five Things Strong Jewish Mothers Do

The strength and resilience of Jewish mothers has kept the faith and hope of the Jewish people alive throughout Jewish history.

Meaningful Questions for Your Seder

Discussion questions for your family, in light of a difficult year for the Jewish people.

My Mother the Judge

Watching Judge Lefkowitz balance the needs of four generations and a seat on the New York State Supreme Court was impressive, especially to her daughter.

Saying Goodbye

Racing across the ocean to my dying grandma's bedside, I cannot bear to let her go.

Fathers and Memories

Daughters never forget.

My Lost iPod Cable

In Egypt, the Jewish people were hanging on by a tiny thread. So was I.

Bat Mitzvah Gifts for My Daughter

Spanning three generations, I want to give you some very special gifts that are close to my heart.

NY’s Israeli Day Parade

We gather for one unifying reason: We love Israel.

Forever Dad

Even though my parents divorced, my father always played a crucial role in my life.

Al Qaeda Threat & Elul

When danger is everywhere, listen to the siren of the shofar.

Answering Rosh Hashanah's Call

The shofar’s cry is God calling out my name, looking for me.

Swastikas in New York

Jewish students face ongoing anti-Semitism and no one is doing anything about it.

Being Jewish on Christmas

Amidst all the talk about eggnog, I realized the special blessing of Shabbat.

Passover: Going Home Again

Coming together as families and as a nation to remember our shared history.

A Letter to the Fallen Israeli Soldier

The words are inadequate, but we thank you.

Four Gifts for Mother’s Day

Appreciating the gifts our children have already given us.

No More Apologies

I am sick of apologizing for Israel when it is Israel that really deserves an apology.

A Land Devoid of Peace

In Israel on a solidarity mission, the mourning is palpable.

Saying Thank You to Israeli Soldiers

Our Israel Solidarity mission visits the wounded and attends heartbreaking funerals.

The Sukkah’s Embrace

Rebbetzin Kanievsky & the sheltering sweetness of a mother’s love.

Terror in the Synagogue

Gaining some perspective on an unfathomable tragedy.

From the Four Widows

In the midst of the most horrific nightmare, these righteous women are reaching out to the Jewish world with a message of hope.

What I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Mother

I stared at her beautiful face and held her tiny hand and thought: I have no idea what I’m doing.

Crushing Pain

The Jewish people ache with the Sassoon family. We cannot speak; we have no words.

From a Stay-at-Home Mom to Her Working Mother

A letter to my mother.

The Spiritual Bystander Effect

The Jewish people needs your prayers.

7 Reasons I am Grateful to Be a Jew

Why I am grateful to be a Jew today.

Living in Israel: Six Lessons

Where the heart of the Jewish people lies, nothing is mundane.

Remembering Staff Sergeant Liel Gidoni

Liel was 20 years old when he was killed in a firefight with terrorists who emerged from a tunnel in Gaza.

Thank You Israel

My top seven gifts I’ve received from my beloved homeland.

Appreciating the Gift of Being Jewish

Four questions to ask yourself.

Knocked Out by the Flu

Unable to get up from my bed I was forced to face the uncomfortable truth: I am not in control.

Seven Things to be Grateful for at the Seder

Especially the handprint on the fridge.

An Open Letter to Israeli Soldiers

My heartfelt tribute to the dedicated and brave soldiers who defend our people.

Falling in Love with Israel

4 personal reasons why I’m grateful for Israel.

Four Priceless Gifts for Father’s Day

An open letter to my dad.

Sheryl Sandberg, Tisha B’Av & How to Transform Loss into Resilience

Keeping the memory of a loved one alive.

Fractured Families: Forgiveness and Healing

Family rifts are extremely painful. Reconciling is a real possibility.

What Motherhood has Taught Me

Becoming a mother is the hardest choice I've ever made. And by far the best.

Five Habits to Transform Your Marriage

The key to transforming your marriage lies in the small habits and gestures that are part of your daily life.

Teaching Your Children What It Means to Be a Jew Today: 5 Points

During the most challenging of circumstances, the hostages found solace in holding onto their Judaism. Their journeys can help you teach your children what it means to be a Jew today.

The Five Masks We Hide Behind

Reconnecting to your authentic self on Purim.

5 Lies the World Wants Jews to Believe

Fight these distortions and reclaim your authentic identity as a Jew.

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