MENTAL HEALTH AND DIVORCECONFERENCE
- Hosted By SHOSHANA GOLDSTEIN-NISSENBAUM
- 28/01/2025
- Nefesh B’Nefesh Building, Cinema City Complex, Jerusalem
SPONSORED BY
Insightful Sessions
Why Attend the Divorcing with Dignity Conference?
Insightful sessions tailored to empower mental and emotional health professionals with the critical tools and strategies needed to support clients navigating divorce and mediation.
Conference Program Overview
- Nefesh B’Nefesh Building, Cinema City Complex, Jerusalem
- 28 Jan 2025
- 09:45 AM - 10:35 AM
Naty Benhamu- Assistant District Attorney
Emotional and verbal abuse, though leaving no visible scars, can inflict profound and enduring harm. This session delves into the legal acknowledgment of these forms of abuse and examines their significance in divorce proceedings. Additionally, it includes an in-depth discussion on mandated reporting obligations, highlighting the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals to report abuse, the processes involved, and the potential implications for divorce and custody cases.
- Nefesh B’Nefesh Building, Cinema City Complex, Jerusalem
- 28 Jan 2025
- 10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
Dr Daniel Gottlieb
Psychological evaluations play a pivotal role in legal proceedings, offering valuable insights into mental health, parenting capacity, and interpersonal dynamics. This session examines the reasons courts request these assessments, their influence on rulings, and the ethical considerations they entail. Real-life case studies will illustrate their impact on divorce and custody disputes, underscoring the importance of psychological expertise in fostering fair outcomes. Additionally, the session will cover evaluations conducted through the Revacha, providing a comprehensive understanding of their process and implications.
- Nefesh B’Nefesh Building, Cinema City Complex, Jerusalem
- 28 Jan 2025
- 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Lawyers Panel- Prof. Dov Frimer, Jeremy Stern esq, Gabe Freedman esq, Shoshana Goldstein-Nissenbaum toenet rabbanit, Daniel Schwartz esq
Seize the opportunity to ask your burning questions! This session offers practical, actionable guidance on why choosing mediation over court proceedings can reduce conflict and foster amicable resolutions. Featuring a dynamic and interactive Q&A panel, attendees will gain exclusive access to expert advice and shared insights, empowering them to navigate the path to peaceful solutions with confidence.
- Nefesh B’Nefesh Building, Cinema City Complex, Jerusalem
- 28 Jan 2025
- 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Judge Philip Marcus
This session uncovers the destructive dynamics of parental alienation, where one parent seeks to sabotage the child’s bond with the other parent. It delves into how individuals—whether knowingly or unintentionally—contribute to this behavior and examines the lasting emotional toll it takes on children. Gain insights into recognizing, preventing, and addressing this harmful cycle, and discover strategies to foster healthier, more supportive family relationships.
- Nefesh B’Nefesh Building, Cinema City Complex, Jerusalem
- 28 Jan 2025
- 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
Dayan Harav Mordechai Ralbag
Discover the profound ethical and spiritual dimensions of divorce in this thought-provoking session. Explore compelling scenarios where helping to facilitate a divorce reflects the values of kindness and justice, and even fulfills the mitzvah of supporting others in times of transition. This session also sheds light on the critical issue of parental alienation, examining its ethical and emotional implications and how to address it within the framework of Jewish law. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with the President of the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court, asking questions and gaining invaluable insights into these complex and sensitive topics.
Our Speaker
Meet Divorce With Dignity Speakers
Judge Philip Marcus
Philip Marcus was born and educated in England. After obtaining his LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) degree at University College London, and qualifying as a Solicitor, he moved to Jerusalem in 1978. He was admitted as an Advocate at the Israel Bar in 1979. He was appointed a Judge of the Jerusalem Magistrates Court in 1995, and served as a Judge of the Family Court from its opening in 1997 until his retirement in 2012.
Philip Marcus obtained a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) from Haifa University in 2008. He is an Israeli jurist, who, building on his background as a judge, lawyer, and activist for change, is a consultant, researcher, writer and lecturer on Family Law and Family Courts, professional ethics and jurisprudence.
With special emphasis on persons who are affected by family disputes – children, the elderly, and others whose interests might be injured – he has devoted his time, especially since retiring as Judge of the Jerusalem Family Court in 2012, to independent multidisciplinary work, collaborations and consultancy worldwide. By clarifying concepts and objectives, he is promoting initiatives in all areas and disciplines for solutions for families, thereby changing society for the better, by making existing systems more humane and proposing new systems where necessary.
Dr Daniel Gottlieb
DANIEL GOTTLIEB, PSY.D. IS A CLINCAL PSSYCHOLGIST AND FAMILY
THERAPIST.HE IS THE DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES AT THE SHINUI INSTITUTE – THE ISRAELI INSTITUTE FOR SYSTEMIC STUDIES, FAMILY AND PERSONAL CHANGE IN HERZLIYA, ISRAEL. DR. GOTTLIEB IS FREQUENTLY APPOINED BY THE FAMILY COURTS AND RABBINICAL COURTS TO RENDER EXPERT OPINIONS IN CASES INVOLVING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Shoshie Nissenbaum- Goldstein
I’m a wife, mother and a grandmother, originally from Chicago. I arrived here in 2002 on the first Nefesh b’Nefesh flight. I taught in seminary for 27 years, both in Israel and the US and have been involved in adult education for over 30 years. (I have a teaching degree and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification.)
After going through my own divorce here in Israel, I saw how crucial – and how rare – it is to have moral and ethical representation. That’s when I decided to change careers. I studied for 4 years to get my Toenet (halachic advocate) and mediation license. Since 2019 I’ve been practicing exclusively in the Rabbinic Courts in Israel. (I am one of a very few chareidi women who do.)
Before I appear before any Bet Hadin, I conduct meticulous research into the dayanim. This gives me important insights into their backgrounds, their mentors, and their previous judgments. It helps me formulate my approach on behalf of my clients which in turn, has allowed me to consistently obtain rulings in my clients’ favors. I am known amongst the dayanim as a Toenet of the highest moral standards with a focus on fair solutions.
Jeremy Stern
I am a graduate of the Law Faculty of Hebrew University and member of the Israeli Bar Association for 15 years. I have represented hundreds of clients in divorce proceedings and appeared in all levels of the Israeli Court system.
For me, my legal knowledge and skills are important, but even more vital are my psychological insights and analyses, which I use to further my clients interests and help them and their families.
Education and Bar Admissions
Princeton University, AB
United States District Court – Eastern District of New York
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, LLB
United States District Court – Southern District of New York
The Israel Bar Association
United States District Court – Northern District of New York
New York State Court (2nd Dept.)
United States District Court – Western District of New York
Gabe Freedman
Attorney Gabriel Freedman received his AB of Law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has been practicing as a litigator since 1999. Freedman’s extensive litigation experience includes:
- Litigating hundreds of cases, including complicated civil and commercial litigation covering a wide range of legal issues;
- Representing clients in negotiations regarding mediations, arbitration, and out of court settlements
- Preparing various types of contracts relating to civil issues
In addition he is an experienced mediator, having mediated many different types of cases.
Gabe litigates in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, torts/damage cases, and family law including divorces.
Dov Frimer
Professor Dov I. Frimer is a senior partner in the Jerusalem law firm of Frimer Gellman & Co. and taught Family Law and Succession at the Law Faculty of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He earned his B.A in psychology from Yeshiva University in New York and subsequently received Rabbinical Ordination. He pursued his legal studies (L.L.B.) in Israel at Bar-Ilan University (where he finished first in his class) and received his doctorate (Ph.D.) in law (Direct Track) from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prof. Frimer is member of both the Israel Bar and the New York Bar, having served as chairman of the Jerusalem Bar Association’s Committee on the Court of Family Matters and the Rabbinical Court from 2001 until 2024. Prof. Frimer has also served on various public commissions by appointment of the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Knesset. In 2009, he was nominated to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court of the State of Israel.
An internationally recognized authority in Israeli and Jewish Family Law who has given expert testimony in these fields in courts around the world, Prof. Frimer has authored and edited numerous articles and books in the areas of Family Law and Jewish Law and is a very popular and sought after speaker both in Israel and abroad.
Daniel B. Schwartz
During his extensive legal career Daniel has developed exceptionally high skills in negotiation, advocacy, legal research, and writing and analytical skills.
Having all aspects of complex matrimonial and family litigation as well as commercial litigation matters, including all phases of discovery and pretrial proceedings, trials and appeals, Daniel has developed a familiarity with many areas of law. He has been involved in estate resolution matters, legal incompetency and guardianship matters, and durable powers of attorney. He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings and drawn up hundreds of mediation agreements. He also serves as a mediator and arbitrator.
he manages countless personal status and divorce cases, as well as family law cases including.
Daniel graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University. He also holds a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva University, New York.
Daniel is a certified mediator and a member of the Israel Bar Association. He is also licensed to practice law in New York State.
Our Speaker
Meet Divorce With Dignity Speakers
Judge Philip Marcus
Philip Marcus was born and educated in England. After obtaining his LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) degree at University College London, and qualifying as a Solicitor, he moved to Jerusalem in 1978. He was admitted as an Advocate at the Israel Bar in 1979. He was appointed a Judge of the Jerusalem Magistrates Court in 1995, and served as a Judge of the Family Court from its opening in 1997 until his retirement in 2012.
Philip Marcus obtained a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) from Haifa University in 2008. He is an Israeli jurist, who, building on his background as a judge, lawyer, and activist for change, is a consultant, researcher, writer and lecturer on Family Law and Family Courts, professional ethics and jurisprudence.
With special emphasis on persons who are affected by family disputes – children, the elderly, and others whose interests might be injured – he has devoted his time, especially since retiring as Judge of the Jerusalem Family Court in 2012, to independent multidisciplinary work, collaborations and consultancy worldwide. By clarifying concepts and objectives, he is promoting initiatives in all areas and disciplines for solutions for families, thereby changing society for the better, by making existing systems more humane and proposing new systems where necessary.
Shoshie Nissenbaum- Goldstein
I’m a wife, mother and a grandmother, originally from Chicago. I arrived here in 2002 on the first Nefesh b’Nefesh flight. I taught in seminary for 27 years, both in Israel and the US and have been involved in adult education for over 30 years. (I have a teaching degree and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification.)
After going through my own divorce here in Israel, I saw how crucial – and how rare – it is to have moral and ethical representation. That’s when I decided to change careers. I studied for 4 years to get my Toenet (halachic advocate) and mediation license. Since 2019 I’ve been practicing exclusively in the Rabbinic Courts in Israel. (I am one of a very few chareidi women who do.)
Before I appear before any Bet Hadin, I conduct meticulous research into the dayanim. This gives me important insights into their backgrounds, their mentors, and their previous judgments. It helps me formulate my approach on behalf of my clients which in turn, has allowed me to consistently obtain rulings in my clients’ favors. I am known amongst the dayanim as a Toenet of the highest moral standards with a focus on fair solutions.
Prof. Dov Frimer
Professor Dov I. Frimer is a senior partner in the Jerusalem law firm of Frimer Gellman & Co. and taught Family Law and Succession at the Law Faculty of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He earned his B.A in psychology from Yeshiva University in New York and subsequently received Rabbinical Ordination. He pursued his legal studies (L.L.B.) in Israel at Bar-Ilan University (where he finished first in his class) and received his doctorate (Ph.D.) in law (Direct Track) from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prof. Frimer is member of both the Israel Bar and the New York Bar, having served as chairman of the Jerusalem Bar Association’s Committee on the Court of Family Matters and the Rabbinical Court from 2001 until 2024. Prof. Frimer has also served on various public commissions by appointment of the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Knesset. In 2009, he was nominated to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court of the State of Israel.
An internationally recognized authority in Israeli and Jewish Family Law who has given expert testimony in these fields in courts around the world, Prof. Frimer has authored and edited numerous articles and books in the areas of Family Law and Jewish Law and is a very popular and sought after speaker both in Israel and abroad.
Dr. Daniel Gottlieb
DANIEL GOTTLIEB, PSY.D. IS A CLINCAL PSSYCHOLGIST AND FAMILY
THERAPIST.HE IS THE DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES AT THE SHINUI INSTITUTE – THE ISRAELI INSTITUTE FOR SYSTEMIC STUDIES, FAMILY AND PERSONAL CHANGE IN HERZLIYA, ISRAEL. DR. GOTTLIEB IS FREQUENTLY APPOINED BY THE FAMILY COURTS AND RABBINICAL COURTS TO RENDER EXPERT OPINIONS IN CASES INVOLVING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Jeremy Stern
I am a graduate of the Law Faculty of Hebrew University and member of the Israeli Bar Association for 15 years. I have represented hundreds of clients in divorce proceedings and appeared in all levels of the Israeli Court system.
For me, my legal knowledge and skills are important, but even more vital are my psychological insights and analyses, which I use to further my clients interests and help them and their families.
Education and Bar Admissions
Princeton University, AB
United States District Court – Eastern District of New York
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, LLB
United States District Court – Southern District of New York
The Israel Bar Association
United States District Court – Northern District of New York
New York State Court (2nd Dept.)
United States District Court – Western District of New York
Gabe Freedman
Attorney Gabriel Freedman received his AB of Law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has been practicing as a litigator since 1999. Freedman’s extensive litigation experience includes:
- Litigating hundreds of cases, including complicated civil and commercial litigation covering a wide range of legal issues;
- Representing clients in negotiations regarding mediations, arbitration, and out of court settlements
- Preparing various types of contracts relating to civil issues
In addition he is an experienced mediator, having mediated many different types of cases.
Gabe litigates in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, torts/damage cases, and family law including divorces.
Daniel B. Schwartz
During his extensive legal career Daniel has developed exceptionally high skills in negotiation, advocacy, legal research, and writing and analytical skills.
Having all aspects of complex matrimonial and family litigation as well as commercial litigation matters, including all phases of discovery and pretrial proceedings, trials and appeals, Daniel has developed a familiarity with many areas of law. He has been involved in estate resolution matters, legal incompetency and guardianship matters, and durable powers of attorney. He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings and drawn up hundreds of mediation agreements. He also serves as a mediator and arbitrator.
he manages countless personal status and divorce cases, as well as family law cases including.
Daniel graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University. He also holds a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva University, New York.
Daniel is a certified mediator and a member of the Israel Bar Association. He is also licensed to practice law in New York State.
Esther (Sha'anan) Landes
Esther (Sha’anan) Landes was admitted to the Israel Bar Association in 1998.Adv. Sha’anan specializes in Matrimonial and Family Law. From 1999-2014 she was a sole practitioner which included a six-year period in which she served as legal counsel for two Jerusalem women’s shelters. In March 2014 she joined Gideon Koren and Co. Law Offices, where she continued her practice. Since February 2024 she is once again a sole practitioner. In addition to litigation, Adv. Landes is a qualified mediator and a qualified collaborative divorce professional. Adv. Landes is an occasional lecturer to diverse audiences in Israel and abroad, including members of the legal community, therapists, and social workers. She blogs on families, law and life in Israel at: The Missing Peace. Adv. Sha’anan is a native of Canada, made her home in Israel in 1980.
She is a graduate of Touro College in New York (1980), has a Master’s Degree in Criminology from the Hebrew University (1985) and an LL.B from Sha’arei Mishpat Law College (1997). Esther is a native English speaker and fluent in Hebrew.
Naty Benhamu
Naty Benhamu received his LL.B from Bar Ilan University Law School in 2012, and his M.A. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2016.
He interned at the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office (criminal division) and the Queens District Attorney’s Office in New York
Since 2012, Naty has been working as a prosecutor at the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office since 2013, and represents the State of Israel in various criminal proceedings (pre-trial detention, trial, sentencing, and appeals).
He has handled hundreds of cases of all types of criminal offenses – Homicide, sexual assault, violence, terrorism, fatal car accidents and white-collar crimes. He also serves as a professional consultant in the field of cyber crime and digital evidence.
Tanya Prochko ( MEd, MFT )
Tanya received her post graduate training in counseling psychology from Fordham University of New York in 2005 and continued her specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy in California. Prior to making Aliyah, Tanya’s experience included working with families of incarcerated mothers, victims of domestic violence, and the older adult immigrant population in New York and Los Angeles. After making Aliyah, in 2012, Tanya opened a private practice. Seeing a wide gap between the mental health needs of the English-speaking public and their ability to access help in their mother tongue, Tanya founded Get Help Israel (GHI) – The Israel Association of Mental Health Professionals. Clients can now easily find private clinicians throughout Israel, as well as support groups, treatment facilities, psychiatric facilities, subsidized services, hotlines, and information on navigating the public mental health care system.
For the professional members of the association, GHI serves as a vital platform that facilitates collaboration, growth, and knowledge sharing. It serves as a bridge, connecting social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, life coaches, and counselors from diverse backgrounds. Through various initiatives, GHI actively promotes ongoing education and training opportunities for mental health professionals. It recognizes the importance of staying updated with the latest research, therapeutic techniques, and best practices in order to provide the highest quality of care to individuals in need.
Moreover, GHI strives to enhance the professional community’s visibility and accessibility to potential clients. By maintaining a comprehensive directory of verified mental health practitioners, it ensures that individuals seeking support can easily connect with qualified professionals who align with their specific needs.
Ultimately, GHI is committed to elevating the standards of mental health care in Israel. By nurturing the professional community, facilitating collaboration, and raising awareness, it strives to create a society where mental well-being is a fundamental priority, and individuals can access the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Take the first step towards resolution and healing by booking a consultation.