613 Books Podcast

By Heather DeanReligion & Spirituality

613 Books Podcast episodes

April 23 Rabbi Nachman Seltzer and his book Rabbi Murray Maslaton Part Two
This episode of “613 Books” podcast is Part Two of Heather Dean’s exclusive interview with bestselling author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer, whose most recently published book is called “Rabbi Murray Maslaton: The Phenomenal Life Story of a Fearless Guardian of Torah Values.”
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Rabbi Murray Maslaton was a person unlike any other. He thought differently, lived differently, and served Hashem in a way that was fresh, authentic, and entirely his own. Deeply righteous and profoundly connected to Hashem, his avodas Hashem defied easy categories. Known throughout the Syrian community simply as “the Rabbi,” he was a rare individual who mastered every role he embraced.
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SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and never miss a new episode!
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Show notes:
Featured Guest: Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
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Featured Book: “Rabbi Murray Maslaton: The Phenomenal Life Story of a Fearless Guardian of Torah Values.”
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Link to purchase on Artscroll’s website: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422646496.html
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Contact Rabbi Nachman Seltzer: [email protected]
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Heather Dean Productions Website: https://tinyurl.com/3cjfadxb
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mrxvykdw
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3b26zbv3
SoundCloud: https://tinyurl.com/3x88tx6t
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and never miss a new episode!
27 min
April 15 Rabbi Nachman Seltzer and his book Rabbi Murray Maslaton Part One
On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean interviews Rabbi Nachman Seltzer, a bestselling author of well over fifty (!) books, many of which are biographies, novels, collections of inspirational stories, and books about Jewish history.
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Rabbi Seltzer’s most recently published book is called “Rabbi Murray Maslaton: The Phenomenal Life Story of a Fearless Guardian of Torah Values.”
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Rabbi Murray Maslaton was a person unlike any other. He thought differently, lived differently, and served Hashem in a way that was fresh, authentic, and entirely his own. Deeply righteous and profoundly connected to Hashem, his avodas Hashem defied easy categories. Known throughout the Syrian community simply as “the Rabbi,” he was a rare individual who mastered every role he embraced.
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SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and never miss an episode!
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Show notes:
Featured Guest: Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
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Featured Book: “Rabbi Murray Maslaton: The Phenomenal Life Story of a Fearless Guardian of Torah Values.”
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Link to purchase on Artscroll’s website: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422646496.html
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Contact Rabbi Nachman Seltzer: [email protected]
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
30 min
March 11 Rabbi David Eliezrie and His Book Undaunted Part Two
This is this episode is Part Two of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean’s guest is Rabbi David Eliezrie, the senior Chabad Shliach in Yorba Linda, California. Rabbi Eliezrie the author of Undaunted: How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Schneersohn saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, and Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance.”
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“Undaunted” highlights the courage of the Rebbe during the harshest years of Soviet oppression. While most religious leaders fled as the Communists closed synagogues and schools, Schneersohn remained, risking his life to sustain Jewish life and earning a reputation as “the last man standing.”
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Despite torture and a death sentence, his defiance led to his release through international pressure. Using historical documents and rare archives, Rabbi Eliezrie shows how the Rebbe introduced Chabad teachings in Western Europe, empowered women, and built yeshivas to revive Chassidic life. The book also recounts his dramatic escape from Nazi Europe and his arrival in the U.S., where he famously declared, “America is Not Different,” sparking a transformation in Jewish life. It documents the deep personal relationship between the Sixth Rebbe and his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
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“Undaunted” emphasizes that Schneersohn’s mission was driven by self-sacrifice, not martyrdom. Even in exile, he led Jewish resistance and laid the groundwork for Jewish revival worldwide, inspiring generations of Chabad leaders to persevere under oppression.
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Show notes:
Featured guest: Rabbi David Eliezrie, Founder & Director of North County Chabad/Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen in Yorba Linda, CA
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Featured Book: “Undaunted: How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Schneersohn saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, and Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance”
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Link to Purchase on Amazon or Hamafitz: https://rabbidavideliezrie.com/books/undaunted/
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Contact Rabbi Eliezrie through the North County Chabad Center website: https://www.ocjewish.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/112336/jewish/Rabbi-David-Eliezrie.htm
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North County Chabad’s Telephone Number: 714-693-0770
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Email Rabbi Eliezrie: [email protected]
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To Purchase “Searching for Heather Dean: My Extraordinary Career as a Celebrity Interviewer and Why I Left It” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Heather-Dean-Extraordinary-Interviewer/dp/965927050X
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
30 min
February 25 Rabbi David Eliezrie and His Book Undaunted Part One
On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean’s guest is Rabbi David Eliezrie, the senior Chabad Shliach in Yorba Linda, California. Rabbi Eliezrie the author of "Undaunted: How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Schneersohn saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, and Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance.”
⠀
“Undaunted” highlights the courage of the Rebbe during the harshest years of Soviet oppression. While most religious leaders fled as the Communists closed synagogues and schools, Schneersohn remained, risking his life to sustain Jewish life and earning a reputation as “the last man standing.”
⠀
Despite torture and a death sentence, his defiance led to his release through international pressure. Using historical documents and rare archives, Rabbi Eliezrie shows how the Rebbe introduced Chabad teachings in Western Europe, empowered women, and built yeshivas to revive Chassidic life. The book also recounts his dramatic escape from Nazi Europe and his arrival in the U.S., where he famously declared, “America is Not Different,” sparking a transformation in Jewish life. It documents the deep personal relationship between the Sixth Rebbe and his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
⠀
“Undaunted” emphasizes that Schneersohn’s mission was driven by self-sacrifice, not martyrdom. Even in exile, he led Jewish resistance and laid the groundwork for Jewish revival worldwide, inspiring generations of Chabad leaders to persevere under oppression.
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Show notes;
Featured guest: Rabbi David Eliezrie, Founder & Director of North County Chabad/Congregation Beth Meir HaCohen in Yorba Linda, CA
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Featured Book: “Undaunted: How the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Schneersohn saved Russian Jewry, Reimagined American Judaism, and Ignited a Global Jewish Renaissance”
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Link to Purchase on Amazon or Hamafitz: https://rabbidavideliezrie.com/books/undaunted/
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Contact Rabbi Eliezrie through the North County Chabad Center website: https://www.ocjewish.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/112336/jewish/Rabbi-David-Eliezrie.htm
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North County Chabad’s Telephone Number: 714-693-0770
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Email Rabbi Eliezrie: [email protected]
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To Purchase “Searching for Heather Dean: My Extraordinary Career as a Celebrity Interviewer and Why I Left It” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Heather-Dean-Extraordinary-Interviewer/dp/965927050X
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
31 min
February 04 Esther Kurtz’s Favorite Books about Bitachon
On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean’s guest is Mishpacha Magazine columnist Esther Kurtz, and the topic is all about bitachon, emunah, and Esther’s recommended reading list for people who are ready to infuse more bitachon (and emunah) in their lives!
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Esther also hosts a popular podcast called “Emunah for Non-Rebbitzens” which is one of the best around for bite-sized daily doses of inspiration!
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
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Show notes:
Featured guest: Esther Kurtz
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Esther’s recommended Books about Bitachon:
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Beis Halevi - https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422627211.html?srsltid=AfmBOooQNPOx499x4KeQTrjA_XyHxbeutq3ETAY86BltfV34X_InAfl1
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Shaar Bitachon - https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422628164.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16009991511&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ARHqV4LDXHsa0Pghmbyhm6zBTV&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4eHLBhCzARIsAJ2NZoKPEHhtBMX6DrzUhw43Xh7WtIGl2iQrTRlHb5iB7kfWHshRxJu_fssaAuQREALw_wcB
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Daily Dose of Bitachon - https://www.eichlers.com/a-daily-dose-of-bitachon-mid-size-890-3.html?utm_source=google-ads&utm_campaign=Pmax_Shopping&utm_agid=&utm_term=&creative=&device=c&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23266769930&gbraid=0AAAAAD_rJjUFPX9JqKL3ttdnQBbbPoqqK&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4eHLBhCzARIsAJ2NZoLFBzKiRTDfoh13gkRomco8K1enCZpmF06249lN1GIUmrJcpuAW4qYaAmnQEALw_wcB
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Email/Subscriber Sign up for Esther’s Content - https://www.estherkurtz.com/emailsignup
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Bitachon Shiur Sign up - https://jewishworkshops.lpages.co/ek-the-shaar-habitachon-learning-circle/?cookieUUID=5f69cb70-73d1-4997-bd5b-ebeb1795dac9
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“Emunah for Non-Rebbetzins" Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4LK5oAMeb5FZ5yElHy6qCQ
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
38 min
January 21 Rabbi Nachman Seltzer and his book Missiles, Miracles and Mesiras Nefesh Part Two - Encore
This encore episode of “613 Books” podcast is PART TWO of producer Heather Dean’s interview with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer. He is the bestselling author of well over fifty books, many of which are biographies, novels, collections of inspirational stories, and books about Jewish history.
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Rabbi Seltzer’s most recently-published books is called “Miracles, Missiles and Mesiras Nefesh,” which explores the war that began on October 7th, on what should have been one of the most joyous days of the year, Simchas Torah – which that year also fell on Shabbat.
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Through riveting stories and unforgettable behind-the-scenes reports, Rabbi Seltzer’s book has it all: tragedy, hope, heroism, and military miracles.
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THIS EPISODE focuses on:
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The rise and fall of the notorious “Butcher of Khan Yunis” Yahiya Sinwar, y-sh"u, Rabbi Seltzer’s reflections being a young writer, How long it takes to write each book, Ideas for creative writing –song lyrics included - come from Hashem, The Jewish spark of Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Ben & Jerry
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His opinions about Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) as a writer’s tool and more!
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SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and never miss an episode!
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Show notes:
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Featured Guest: Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
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Featured Book: Missiles, Miracles and Mesiras Nefesh.
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Link to purchase on Artscroll’s website https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422643204.html
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Link to purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-.The-Heartbreak-Miraculous-Operations/dp/1422643204
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Contact Rabbi Nachman Seltzer: [email protected]
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and never miss an episode!
25 min
January 07 Rabbi Nachman Seltzer and his book Missiles, Miracles and Mesiras Nefesh Part One - Encore
On this encore episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean interviews Rabbi Nachman Seltzer, a bestselling author of well over fifty (!) books, many of which are biographies, novels, collections of inspirational stories, and books about Jewish history.
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They are discussing Rabbi Seltzer’s book, “Missiles, Miracles and Mesiras Nefesh,” which explores the war that began on October 7th, on what should have been one of the most joyous days of the year, Simchas Torah – which that year also fell on Shabbat.
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Through riveting stories and unforgettable behind-the-scenes reports, Rabbi Seltzer’s book has it all: tragedy, hope, heroism, and military miracles.
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PART TWO of Heather’s encore interview with Rabbi Seltzer is featured in the next episode of “613 Books” podcast!
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SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and never miss an episode!
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Show notes:
Featured Guest: Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
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Featured Book: Missiles, Miracles and Mesiras Nefesh.
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Link to purchase on Artscroll’s website https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422643204.html
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Link to purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-.The-Heartbreak-Miraculous-Operations/dp/1422643204
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Contact Rabbi Nachman Seltzer: [email protected]
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Binyamin Airley zt”l was killed in action in Gaza, during the “Swords of Iron” War in November 2023. He was 21 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Beit Binyamin is a beautiful retreat center in the heart of the holy city of Tzfat, named to perpetuate the memory of Binyamin Airley z”l.
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Visit the Beit Binyamin website for more info, and to schedule Jen Airley to speak to your community or organization: https://beitbinyamin.org/#
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and never miss an episode!
22 min
December 31, 2025 Yocheved Davidowitz and her book I’ll Start Tomorrow - Encore
On this encore episode of “613 Books” podcast, Heather speaks with Yocheved Davidowitz about her book, “I’ll Start Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Health and Weight Goals.”
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Yocheved is also a therapist based in Cleveland, Ohio and she produces and hosts a wonderful podcast she calls “A Deeper Conversation: The Podcast for Jewish Women.” And for a daily dose of insights and inspiration about the mitzvah of Shiras Halashon (guarding one’s tongue) Yocheved hosts a brief daily audio message from a project called “Shmiras Halashon Effort.”
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In “I’ll Start Tomorrow,” Yocheved explains why it’s so hard to stay on a diet as well as societal and psychological factors that are affecting people’s weight loss battles. She also gives practical tools to get healthy and stay healthy!
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
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Show notes:
Featured Guest: Yocheved Davidowitz, MC
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Featured Book: I’ll Start Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Health and Weight Goals
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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Tomorrow-Yocheved-Davidowitz-M-C/dp/B08CJWKTGZ
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A Deeper Conversation: The Podcast for Jewish Women: www.maverickpodcasting.com/a-deeper-conversation
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Shmiras HaLashon Effort: Brief daily insights about guarding our tongue. Link to audio: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?e=9de0e67127&u=5cc0317a1df3c36e068b747f0&id=e978210b4f
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Contact Yocheved: [email protected]
29 min
December 16, 2025 Devorah Benarroch’s Favorite Books about Health and Wellness
On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean’s guest Devorah Benarroch, the co-Founder of the Jewish Healing Network.
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This special episode is an exploration of Devorah’s favorite books about health and wellness. Her passion for this literary category extends beyond her professional life. Her home is adorned with shelves brimming with books on nutrition, mindfulness, and personal development.
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On Shabbat, she immerses herself in the latest research and insights, eager to apply them not only to her own life but also to inspire her colleagues, clients and friends. If you also believe that a well-read mind fosters a healthier lifestyle, this interview is for you!
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SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
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Show notes:
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Featured guest: Devorah Benarroch
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Contact Devorah: [email protected]
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Jewish Healing Network Website: https://www.jewishhealingnetwork.com/
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Devorah’s Book Recommendations:
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“Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon” by Dr. Joe Dispenza
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To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supernatural-Common-People-Uncommon/dp/1401953115
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“The Jewish Guide to Manifesting: Based on Torah Sources and Wisdom” by Rabbi Yaakov Cohen
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To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Jewish-Guide-Manifesting-sources-wisdom/dp/1961602504
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“The Surrendered Wife” by Laura Doyle
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To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Surrendered-Wife-Practical-Finding-Intimacy-ebook/dp/B000FC0V4S
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“The Empowered Wife” by Laura Doyle
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To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Empowered-Wife-Surprising-Attracting-Attention-ebook/dp/B01N540235/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_1_1/145-7923421-1314966?pd_rd_w=olgHm&content-id=amzn1.sym.2cd14f8d-eb5c-4042-b934-4a05eafd2874&pf_rd_p=2cd14f8d-eb5c-4042-b934-4a05eafd2874&pf_rd_r=B7KDARJRHE85N1K4JGTB&pd_rd_wg=UJ3Rj&pd_rd_r=ebcc8a33-e6f0-4883-a4ca-ddca0974883c&pd_rd_i=B01N540235&psc=1
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“The Secret to Miraculous Salvations” by C.T. Friedman
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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Miraculous-Salvations-Friedman/dp/B075WTHZZF
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“You can Heal Your Life” by Lousie Hay
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To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/dp/0937611018
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“Turn Around Your Emotions” by Orit Esther Riter
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To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/TURN-AROUND-Emotions-Esther-Riter/dp/1568717121
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To Purchase “Searching for Heather Dean: My Extraordinary Career as a Celebrity Interviewer and Why I Left It” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Heather-Dean-Extraordinary-Interviewer/dp/965927050X
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Info Mitz Chai, Leah Mitnick’s original plant-based juices: https://www.jewishhealingnetwork.com/health-products/new-product-sampler
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FYI Devorah Benarroch ALSO works with Kim Bash Real Estate as the Branch Manager, Ramat Beit Shemesh & Community Development!
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For More Info about Kim Bash Real Estate: https://kimbashrealestate.com/about-2/
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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
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Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/
39 min
December 10, 2025 Mitchell Silk and his book A Seat at the Table – Part Two
On this episode of “613 Books” Podcast, Producer-Host Heather Dean’s guest is Mitchell A. Silk, author of “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Global Economic Revolution.” Mr. Silk served as assistant secretary for International Markets at the US Department of the Treasury and was the first Hassidic Jew to ever serve in a presidentially nominated and Senate-confirmed role.
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This is PART TWO of a two-episode interview, which is a deeper dive into Mitchell Silk’s foray into: the upper echelons of the US Department of the Treasury; formality and protocol with the Chinese delegation; and formulating the historic Abraham Accords!
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Recap from Part One of this interview: From his earliest beginnings as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant to his work in international law and finance, Mitchell A. Silk’s story illustrates how perseverance and divine providence led him to become the first Hassidic Jew ever confirmed by the Senate for a position in the US Federal government and a consequential leader in Trump’s Treasury. Mr. Silk is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and he actively engages in pro bono work within the Jewish community.
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Show Notes:
Featured author interview: Mitchell Silk, author of “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Economic Revolution”
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To Purchase “A Seat at the Table” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seat-Table-Account-Economic-Revolution/dp/B0F318DTSH
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To Purchase “A Seat at the Table” through the publisher, Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Seat-at-the-Table/Mitchell-A-Silk/9798895652268
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To Purchase “Searching for Heather Dean: My Extraordinary Career as a Celebrity Interviewer and Why I Left It” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Heather-Dean-Extraordinary-Interviewer/dp/965927050X
⠀
Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger
⠀
Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/
⠀
SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
47 min