From Rupture to Resilience: 2 Jewish Psychologists on
How to Move on From Trauma.
Today, April 23, 2026 at 3:00pm PT | 6:00pm ET
Adapt, grow, build across generations. These skills have enabled the Jewish people to thrive over the millennia, despite enduring tragedy after tragedy — including, of course, the Hamas invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
As Jews face an unprecedented spike in antisemitism around the globe, we invite you to join us on April 23 for an illuminating conversation with Drs. Shelly Steinwurtzel and Jessica Zmood, who will discuss present-day strategies for Jewish resilience and post-traumatic growth.
The New York-based clinical psychologists will discuss how the Hamas-held hostages persevered in horrific conditions, what lessons American Jews can learn from their strength of spirit and how Jewish traditions can help us heal and move forward.
Register for this hopeful and energizing conversation, moderated by Lisa Keys, Special Projects Editor at 70 Faces Media.
Event is brought to you by My Jewish Learning and Kveller, with the support of UJA-Federation of New York.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Rochelle—Shelly—Steinwurtzel is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York and Florida and the Co-Founder of Gesher Community Care, a nonprofit she helped launch in response to rising antisemitism affecting Jewish individuals seeking mental health support. Shelly’s clinical work spans hospital, neonatal, and community settings. In addition to GCC, Shelly maintains a private practice in Westchester, New York while serving as Clinical Psychologist for the Neonatal Comfort Care Program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is deeply committed to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and to strengthening pathways to safe support for Jewish communities.
Dr. Jessica Zmood is a New York State Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Manhattan since 2010. She is also Co-Founder and Director of the nonprofit mental health organization Gesher Campus Care. She earned her B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and completed her Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Dr. Zmood trained at Mount Sinai’s Addiction Institute, North General Hospital, NYSPI, and Lincoln Medical Center, specializing in psychological assessment and cognitive-behavioral treatment with diverse and Spanish-speaking populations. Her clinical expertise includes anxiety, depression, stress management, identity development, relationship challenges, and addiction. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples. As a Level II Certified Gottman Therapist, she treats complex relational issues including trauma, infidelity, and co-occurring disorders.
About Gesher Community Care
Gesher Community Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to affordable, culturally responsive mental health care for Jewish individuals and families across the United States. Founded in the aftermath of October 7, 2023, the organization emerged in response to the growing emotional toll of antisemitism and the urgent need for safe, affirming therapeutic support within the Jewish community. Originally launched as Gesher Campus Care to address the needs of Jewish students and faculty, the organization has since expanded its mission to serve Jews of all ages and stages of life, connecting individuals and families with compassionate care that not only understands Jewish identity, but embraces it. Through its work, Gesher Community Care seeks to empower people to navigate complex times with strength, resilience, and dignity while helping build a more responsive and supportive mental health landscape for the broader Jewish community.
Learn more: https://www.geshercc.org/
Media Contact
For media inquiries and speaking engagements:
Jeremy Broekman 818-212-9201 ~ jeremy@broekmancomm.com
