The Taharas Hamishpacha Workbook

Book excerpt: .This workbook is a valuable resource for women suffering from anxiety or OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) particularly regarding taharas hamishpacha (family purity), mikvah, and related issues. It is not a guide to the halachos (laws) of taharas hamishpacha. Rather, it enables a woman who has anxiety regarding these matters overcome her anxiety, by guiding her through an evidence-based step-by-step program using proven cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. It can be used as a self-help book or as a treatment manual in a therapy setting. The book teaches how to deal with uncertainty, fear of taking risks, and extreme fear of sinning. It addresses how women can learn to face these challenges without compromising on their Jewish values. And to the contrary, how Jewish values encourage living with joy and happiness rather than anxiety and fear. Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky shlita: This work is of great usefulness for those struggling with these matters. Rabbi Yehuda Jacobs (mashgiach, Beis Medrah Govoha, Lakewood, NJ): This book combines Torah wisdom with the practical knowledge needed to address these issues. Rabbi Avrohom Spitzer (Skver Dayan) and Rav Eliezer Harari shlita: This work will help women fulfill the mitzvah with happiness and in a relaxed manner. Rabbi Yaakov Forchheimer attests to the knowledge of the author, and that the work is consistent with halachah. Dr. Elna Yadin and Dr. Jonathan Huppert, renowned experts in the field of Anxiety and treatment of OCD, both note that the book was written with sensitivity, and -- at the same time -- is consistent with evidenced-based practices. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter One SERVE HASHEM WITH JOY Chapter Two THE IMPERFECT MAN Chapter Three TAKING THE RISK Chapter Four FEELINGS Chapter Five WHAT TO DO Chapter Six THE BASICS Chapter Seven DESIGNATE FOR YOURSELF A RAV Chapter Eight DO IT! Chapter Nine PREPARING FOR MIKVAH Chapter Ten AFTER TEVILAH Chapter Eleven "IT'S ALL IN YOUR MIND!" Chapter Twelve BOSS BACK YOUR ANXIETY Chapter Thirteen IS IT OCD? Chapter Fourteen DO I NEED HELP? Chapter Fifteen NOW IT'S UP TO YOU A WORD TO THE MIKVAH LADY