Author

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 – she 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 cancer. 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.”

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
students community, 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 who
exemplified these words and inspired all who knew her.