Joy Furer is on a mission. An eminent school psychologist trained in crisis intervention, she is focused on helping individuals who are experiencing life’s challenges to overcome their seemingly insurmountable obstacles by providing them with an empowering skill set to lead healthy, productive, and successful lives.
Elucidating, engrossing, and reader-friendly, “Anchoring Thru Life’s Challenges” includes chapters featuring specific strategies and intervention based on Joy’s professional expertise in psychology.
Written in a literary style that is witty, wise, and warm, much like the author herself, the book presents a message about how to anchor your life in the ways of Hashem, and to accept and overcome the challenges that He presents to you with love and grace, through Torah and Kabbalah. Indeed, it is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced a challenge, be it large or small. Unique in concept, it intertwines many of the features of a self-help book with compelling real-life stories. Joy takes the reader on a journey through her own personal challenges in life, including the experience of helping her mother, z’l, after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and then grieving her passing after valiantly battling the disease. Further, the author shares her own traumatic experience when she successfully fought off two muggers who attempted to kidnap her.
Opening a window to such painful memories was a veritable challenge. “What I found most challenging was writing personal stories and reliving those difficult times, especially my journey while navigating dealing with my mom battling Stage 4 Breast Cancer bone metastatic disease,” says Joy.
For Joy, bringing the book from concept to fruition has been a labor of love. Masterfully crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the work is a loving tribute to the author’s parents, who set a sterling example for her to emulate. “My writing process was a relief and in fact, cathartic,” she shared. “I realize I can actually help people with my personal stories and insights of Kabbalah, Torah, and Psychology. I feel I want my mother, who encouraged me to write this book, to be proud of me. I am dedicating “Anchoring Thru Life’s Challenges” in memory of my beautiful parents, z’l.
Born and bred in Los Angeles, California, Joy relocated to New York in August, 1997. With the intent to major in nursing, she enrolled at Hunter College where she decided to change majors. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hunter College.
Demonstrating stellar leadership skills, Joy was an integral part of the fabric of the college’s Jewish student life, participating in a multitude of organizations both on and off-campus, including Aish HaTorah, Manhattan Jewish Experience, and Hineni, helping many non-observant Jews connect to their Judaism.
Discovering the beauty and sanctity of a Torah-observant lifestyle, Joy embarked upon her journey to embracing Orthodox Judaism. Joining the teaching staff at Manhattan Day School, she was inspired and mentored by Ruchie Harary, who served with distinction as MDS’s school psychologist at the time. Enthused and encouraged by her mentor’s guidance, Joy enrolled at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus and earned her masters’ degree in School Psychology. Joy has been a school psychologist for twelve years. Trained in crisis intervention, she provides psychological evaluations, facilitates meetings, staff trainings, student and parent counseling, parent and teacher workshops, and leads support groups.
Personable and unpretentious, Joy Furer is not content to rest on her plethora of professional laurels. With a passion for helping people, she is dedicating her efforts for the greater good.
“I want to make a difference in helping thousands of people to learn how to cope with life,” she declares. Following her two upcoming book launches, in New York on August 19 and in Los Angeles on September 8, Joy aspires to become a motivational speaker, scheduling two monthly events, in New York and New Jersey respectively.
“I will provide Kabbalah, Torah, and my professional expertise as a psychologist to help people who are experiencing life challenges by providing them with tools for coping while reaching their potential in life.”
Joy’s message to readers is heartfelt and powerful: “Anchoring your life in the ways of Hashem, to accept and overcome the challenges that Hashem presents to you, through Kabbalah and Torah. As my father would say, ‘G-d has a Divine Plan; always know that everything from G-d is for the good.’ Hashem hears our prayers and takes full notice of our acts of chesed; hence, the importance of giving tzedakah and helping others, especially those who are less fortunate. When an individual battles cancer and other life-threatening challenges, I highly recommend not hiding them. Have others in his/her merit, do mitzvos and good deeds. May this message be a blessing for the memory of my precious Mom, Zahava bas Yechezkel, z’l, who exemplified these words and inspired all who knew her.”
The Book Launch Event will be held on August 19 at the Kingsway Jewish Center, 2810 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11229. VIP Admission $125 begins at 6:00 p.m. with wine, hors d’oeuvres, the book synopsis, copy of the book, and book signing. General free admission begins at 7:00 p.m. and the author, Joy Furer, will deliver a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Reception will be from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. featuring refreshments and a book signing opportunity. Copies of the book are available for purchase for $26. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Joy Furer at 917-547-4258 or e-mail anchoringbook2024@gmail.com.
Rochelle Maruch Miller is a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times. She is a journalist, creative media consultant, lecturer, educator, and writes for magazines, newspapers, websites, and private clients. She welcomes your comments at RochelleMiller04@aol.com. Read more of Rochelle Maruch Miller’s articles at 5TJT.com.
