Rabbi Michael Friedman
Rabbi Michael Friedman, M.Ed., LPC, is a seventh-generation rabbi, licensed professional counselor, and educator, dedicated to integrating Torah wisdom with psychological and emotional wellness. He received semichah from Harav Gedalia Dov Schwartz zt”l and Harav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg zt”l. He holds a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas at Dallas, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore.
Rabbi Friedman is the co-founder and Wellness Rabbi of Nafshi, a non-profit organization that blends Torah-based principles with holistic psychological and emotional wellness. Through Nafshi, he helps individuals achieve spiritual and emotional balance using Jewish wisdom and modern psychology.
Before making aliyah, Rabbi Friedman was deeply involved in the Dallas Jewish community, serving as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shaare Tefilla, Judaics Educator at Akiba Yavneh Academy, and Chapter Coordinator for Yachad – National Jewish Council for Disabilities. In addition, he provided mental health support as a therapist, school counselor, and intake coordinator at Jewish Family Services of Dallas. His work has impacted individuals, couples, and families, promoting inclusion, mental health, and Torah-based personal growth.