613 Books Podcast

Imaginative images, lessons and jokes (!) are some of the ways author and workshop presenter Sari Kopitnikoff celebrates every Jewish moment. And in the episode of “613 Books” podcast, host Heather Dean finds out from Sari how and why she uses humor and wisdom to create her imaginative and thoroughly Jewish content.

It will be hard for your family to pick just one from her growing collections of books, which include: Todah, Teacher!, Only Kidding!, My Davening Diary, and That Jewish Moment.

PLUS writer and photographer par excellence Sharon Marks Altshul checks in to tell us about the unique book for parents which is a departure from the pack.

Show Notes:

You can connect with Sari Kopitnikoff on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok, @thatjewishmoment.

Links to Sari’s books and lots of other educational resources are available on her website: www.thatjewishmoment.com

Sharon Marks Altshul’s Reading Table selection: “Handle with Love” by Rebbetzin Devorah Eisenbach

For details and to purchase your copy: https://www.israelbookshoppublications.com/store/pc/Handle-with-Love-p7957.htm

You can reach Sharon Marks Altshul by email: [email protected], or by going to the Real Jerusalem Streets website: http://rjstreets.com/ where you will see live Jerusalem Photo Walks or virtual tours with hundreds of images are another method used to share the old and new of Jerusalem with the world.

Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/

Joining Heather Dean on this special episode of “613 Books” podcast is Chanale Fellig-Harrel, the acclaimed singer, songwriter and popular podcast host of “The Weekly Squeeze with Chanale.” Chanale is on board to talk about the books our children read at home.

Chanale discusses her longtime love of reading and the high value she puts on reading books with her own children (despite parental exhaustions), offering up books with a compelling message and lovely to

The conversation also touches on the impact of the scandal surrounding famed author and therapist Chaim Walder; how it affected parents, children, and the Jewish literary world.

Show Notes:

Featured Guest: Chanale Fellig-Harrel

Visit Chanale’s website: https://chanalemusic.com/

Listen to the podcast “The Weekly Squeeze with Chanale”

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0g2vRgdVQQlCIdRoznT0TF

On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-squeeze-with-chanale/id1614568206

On Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Weekly-Squeeze-With-Chanale-Podcast/B09VNQ77B1

Some of Chanale's favorite books for Jewish children:

Author Ellen Emerman

Is it Shabbos Yet? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1447890.Is_It_Shabbos_Yet_?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=XPGTfKJmcf&rank=1

Author Dina Rosenfeld

The Little Girl Named Miriam: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5449824-a-little-girl-named-miriam

Kind Little Rivka: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2143460.Kind_Little_Rivka

Little Boy Named Avram: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/506670.Little_Boy_Named_Avram

David the Little Shepherd: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2143458.David_the_Little_Shepherd

The Very Best Place for a Penny: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4570232-the-very-best-place-for-a-penny

Yaffa Ganz

Mimi and Simi:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13553426-the-story-of-mimi-and-simi?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_13

The Little Old Lady Who Couldn’t Fall Asleep: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1284416.The_Little_Old_Lady_Who_Couldn_t_Fall_Asleep?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_44

Where Are You Hashem?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1284352.Where_Are_You_Hashem_

Who Knows One?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2993139-who-knows-one-a-book-of-jewish-numbers

Safta Simcha: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1447885.Savta_Simcha_and_the_Incredible_Shabbos_Bag?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_12

Aydel Lebovics

The Teeny Tiny Yarmulka: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3518126-the-teeny-tiny-yarmulka?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23

The Wind in the Sukkah

Artscroll

The Elegant Little Lie

Bracha Goetz

What Do You See (Entire Series of Books)

Let’s Stay Safe: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19836501-let-s-stay-safe?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dF5WMBX3tn&rank=11

Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/

In this episode of the 613 Books Podcast, host Heather Dean interviews NCSY Rabbi Menachem Tenenbaum about his new book, "Three Steps Forward," which explores the meaning and significance of the Shemoneh Esrei. Rabbi Tenenbaum shares personal stories to connect the teachings of the prayer to real-life experiences and emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's basic needs in order to deepen one's relationship with Hashem.

PLUS: Best-selling author Sherri Mandell tells us about the quietly powerful memoir that’s on her reading table.

Show Notes

Featured Guest Interview: Rabbi Menachem Tenenbaum Author of: “Three Steps Forward: Unlocking the Shemoneh Esrei and Our Connection with Hashem”

To Purchase from Publisher:

https://www.feldheim.com/three-steps-forward

To Purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Steps-Forward-connection-Eybeschutz/dp/1957579684/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I9KQD9Q06XPQ&keywords=%22Three+Steps+Forward%22+Menachem+Tenenbaum&qid=1685826761&sprefix=three+steps+forward+menachem+tenenbaum%2Caps%2C1644&sr=8-1

Reading Table contributor Sherri Mandell

Sherri’s selection: The Kitchen Congregation: A Daughter's Story of Wives and Women Friends by Nora Seton

To Purchase “The Kitchen Congregation” on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Congregation-Daughters-Story-Friends/dp/0312242107/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OPVBKOPDIJ1T&keywords=The+Kitchen+Congregation&qid=1685826997&sprefix=the+kitchen+congregation%2Caps%2C493&sr=8-1

By Sherri Mandel:

The Kabbalah of Writing is available wherever books are sold:

B&N, Amazon, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, Bookshop.org

USA: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Kabbalah-of-Writing/Sherri-Mandell/9781644116104

U.K.: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/The-Kabbalah-of-Writing/Sherri-Mandell/978164411610411

To purchase a copy of The Blessing of a Broken Heart: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+blessing+of+a+broken+heart&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&crid=SYW70MD8W7BS&sprefix=the+blessing+of+a+broken+heart%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C203&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

For More information about Sherri Mandell’s books as well as The Koby Mandell Foundations visit:

https://www.kobymandell.org/sherri-mandell

Contact Sherri by email: [email protected]

Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/

This encore episode of 613 Books podcast features host Heather Dean’s interview with bestselling author Riva Pomerantz about her book, "Navigating the Newlyweds." Riva talks about the challenges of communication between parents and their newlywed children, as well as the dynamics of in-laws, money, and more.

PLUS: Riva tells us about her exciting venture Skill Nosh, the online learning platform that offers courses aligned with Torah observant values. Bite-size brain food; no junk!

*** TWO AMAZING SPECIAL OFFERS for “613 BOOKS” PODCAST LISTENERS! ***

1) Exclusive to “613 Books” Podcast listeners, Menucha Publishers offers a 15% DISCOUNT on Riva Pomerantz’s book “Navigating the Newlyweds!” Just enter RIVA15 at the checkout and enjoy reading this fantastic book for 15% off the regular price!

2) And in this episode, Riva tells us about her exciting venture SkillNosh, the online learning platform that offers courses aligned with Torah observant values. Bite-size brain food; no junk! GRAB YOUR SKILLNOSH DISCOUNT in honor of Chanukah: Riva has created a special coupon code: CHANUKAH15 which will give 15% off ALL Skillnosh courses! No minimum and no limit to how many times you can use the discount. It is good through December 15th 2023.

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Rabbi Menachem Tenenbaum, City Director of NCSY Cleveland shares what's on his Reading Table!

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Show Notes:

REMEMBER to Like, Subscribe, and Share “613 Books” Podcast: https://heatherdeanproductions.com/613-books-podcast/

This episode’s featured guest interview: Riva Pomerantz

*** SPECIAL OFFER ALERT! *** Menucha Publishers offers a 15% DISCOUNT on Riva Pomerantz’s book “Navigating the Newlyweds” exclusively to listeners of “613 Books” Podcast!

Click this link and at the checkout, enter discount code: Riva15

https://menuchapublishers.com/products/navigating-the-newlyweds-the-essential-handbook-on-marrying-off-children?_pos=1&_sid=a9d9b8487&_ss=r

Riva’s Website: https://rivapomerantz.com/

Skill Nosh: https://skillnosh.com/

Contact Riva: https://rivapomerantz.com/contact/

"What's on My Reading Table" with Rabbi Menachem Tenenbaum

Reading Table Book title: Reb Elchonon: The life and ideals of Rabbi Elchonon Bunim Wasserman of Baranovich

By Rabbi Aharon Sorasky

To purchase from the publisher:

https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9780899064505.html

To purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Reb-Elchonon-Wasserman-Baranovich-Artscroll/dp/0899064515

To purchase Rabbi Tenenbaum’s new book “Three Steps Forward” from his publisher:

https://mosaicapress.com/product/three-steps-forward/

To purchase Rabbi Tenenbaum’s new book “Three Steps Forward” on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Steps-Forward-connection-Eybeschutz/dp/1957579684/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KVK244ENIC1B&keywords=three+steps+forward+by+tenenbaum&qid=1685391770&s=books&sprefix=thre+steps+forward+by+tenebaum%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C224&sr=1-1

Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/

In this encore episode of 613 Books podcast, host Heather Dean interviews author and personal organization expert Rebekah Saltzman about her new book, "Organized Jewish Life: The Essential Guide to Planning Jewish Holidays, Events, and Every Day."

When you have checklists and other tools that Rebekah provides in this essential guidebook, your Jewish life is much more manageable. Shabbat and Holidays, life events and celebrations, even those skills we think of as “adulting,” are all presented in a way you can succeed. All of us can benefit from Rebekah’s practical tips on home organization, bill paying, traveling, emergencies, and decision-making and more in “Organized Jewish Life.”

PLUS, Braha Bender, founder and director of 100 Fun Things tells us about the inspiring book that’s on her reading table, written by one of this generation’s most respected Jewish thinkers.

Do you enjoy a variety of books with authentic Jewish values? SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and never miss an episode!

Show notes:

Featured Guest: Rebekah Saltzman, personal organization expert and sustainable lifestyle leader in the Jewish community

Rebekah’s Book: Organized Jewish Life: The Essential Guide to Planning Jewish Holidays, Events and Every Day

To buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Organized-Jewish-Life-Essential-Planning/dp/B0B38CX5LS

To buy from the author: http://organizedjewishlife.com/

Follow Rebekah on Instagram at: @BalaganBeGone.

Listen to Rebekah’s podcast: “Journey to Organization:” https://balaganbegone.com/podcasts/

Reading Table Contributor in this episode: Bracha Bender, founder and Director of 100 Fun Things.

To connect with Bracha and get in the know about her “The Artist’s Way” course and her “100 Fun Things” events, WhatsApp her directly at 053-521-3036 or visit www.100funthings.com

Reading Table selection this episode: Inviting God In by Rabbi David Aaron

To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Inviting-God-Celebrating-Soul-Meaning-Jewish/dp/1590304586

To Purchase from the author’s website:

http://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/product/inviting-god-in/

To purchase from Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/42/inviting-god-in-by-rabbi-david-aaron/

“613 Books” podcast producer and host Heather Dean is joined by National Jewish Book Award-winner Sherri Mandell whose most recent book, The Kabbalah of Writing, explains how the 10 Sefirot (the channels of divine creative life force) can be used to develop your writing and give you the power to grow as a person and a writer. Sherri also shares her own painful yet poignant writing journey that grew from her personal anguish when her son Koby was murdered.

Plus, author and personal organization expert Rebekah Saltzman tells us what’s on her reading table.

Show notes:

The Kabbalah of Writing is available wherever books are sold:

B&N, Amazon, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, Bookshop.org

USA: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Kabbalah-of-Writing/Sherri-Mandell/9781644116104

U.K.: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/The-Kabbalah-of-Writing/Sherri-Mandell/978164411610411

To purchase a copy of The Blessing of a Broken Heart: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+blessing+of+a+broken+heart&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&crid=SYW70MD8W7BS&sprefix=the+blessing+of+a+broken+heart%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C203&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

For More information about Sherri Mandell’s books as well as The Koby Mandell Foundations visit:

https://www.kobymandell.org/sherri-mandell

Email: [email protected]

Rebekah Saltzman’s Reading Table selection:

Shaar HaBitachon of Chovos Halevavos - Jaffa Family Edition

To purchase from Artscroll: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422627280.html

To purchase from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shaar-HaBitachon-Chovos-Halevavos-Family/dp/B09WTZPCR2

Shaar HaBitachon of Chovos Halevavos – Kehot Fellig Edition

Tor Purchase from Kehot Publication Society: https://store.kehotonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EO-SHAAH

Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.com/

In this encore presentation of “613 Books” Podcast, producer and host Heather Dean interviews Naomi Elbinger, co-author of the best-selling novel, Yedidya. Naoimi explains how Yedidya’s journey compares to our own struggles, hope and search for clarity.

Plus, author, educator and artist Sari Kopitnikoff tells us what’s on her reading table.

Show notes:

FEATURED GUEST: Naomi Elbinger, co-author of Yedidya

To purchase Yedidya on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Yedidya-Naomi-Elbinger-ebook/dp/B09324538G

To purchase Yedidya from publisher Feldheim: https://www.feldheim.com/yedidya

Readers' Feedback AND Exclusive Bonus Yediya Content: https://yedidyabook.com/feedback/

Naomi’s direct email address is on her website: https://naomielbinger.com/

WHAT’S ON MY READING TABLE CONTRIBUTOR: Sari Kopitnikoff

Message from Sari to "613 Books" Podcast listeners:

My books, Sometimes When I Pray, Only Kidding!, My Davening Diary, My Escape from Egypt, and Jewmagine That!, have all made best-seller lists on Amazon. Order your copies here: https://www.thatjewishmoment.com/books.

Check out my free educational packets, virtual games, and more. Here: https://www.thatjewishmoment.com/shop

Don't miss out on free Jewish educational resources and important announcements from That Jewish Moment. Click https://mailchi.mp/3214aa368620/thatjewishmoment to get on the email list.

Enjoying my work? Please consider making a donation! https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thatjewishmoment to contribute any amount you'd like.

Sari’s selection: The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks

To purchase The Big Leap from publisher HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-big-leap-gay-hendricks?variant=32205677625378

To purchase The Big Leap Kindle edition on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level-ebook/dp/B0026772QU

Sari’s website, That Jewish Moment: https://www.thatjewishmoment.com/

Books by Sari: https://www.thatjewishmoment.com/books

To contact Sari: https://www.thatjewishmoment.com/contact

Bestselling Author Tamar Ansh is this week’s special guest on 613 Books Podcast to discuss her new book, "Let's Get Bentching!" Your kids and grandkids will love the stories and inspiration Tamar brings alive on every page of her book, which is in fact relevant for ALL readers.

Join host Heather Dean as she finds out what prompted Tamar to write about bentching, and the surprising influence researching for this book has had on its author.

PLUS: Does your mind wander during tefillos? Tamar shares the amazing, sure-fire and easy bit of advice she personally received from a revered Rabbi about how anyone can concentrate better during davening.

ALSO Naomi Elbinger shared what’s on her reading table!

SHOW NOTES:

For more Info and to purchase “Let’s Get Bentching” by Tamar Ansh: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422632208.html

A Taste of Challah website (Tamar Ansh): https://atasteofchallah.com/

Jerusalem Women's Writers Seminar (JWWS): https://thejwws.com/

Reading Table Selection by Naomi Elbinger: “Dreams Never Dreamed: A Mother's Promise that Transformed her Son's Breakthrough into a Beacon of Hope” by Kalman Samuels

To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Never-Dreamed-Kalman-Samuels/dp/1592645259

Bestselling Novel Yedidya, written by Naomi Elbinger

To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Yedidya-Naomi-Elbinger-ebook/dp/B09324538G

To purchase from publisher Feldheim: https://www.feldheim.com/yedidya

Show Announcer: Michael Doniger

For voice samples and voice-over queries for Michael: https://michaeldoniger.com/

In this first episode of 613 Books Podcast, Heather Dean interviews author, marriage-minded mentor for singles and the star of the new Netflix series, "Jewish Matchmaking", Aleeza Ben Shalom!

Aleeza shares her insights about effective dating, keeping the momentum going, and weighing old-fashioned vs. modern dynamics.

Also, author Esther Kurtz, creator of “Emunah for Non-Rebbitzens” podcast and Mishpacha magazine columnist tells us what’s on her reading table!

Show Notes:

Buy your copy of Aleeza Ben Shalom’s book, Get Real, Get Married: Get Over your Hurdles and Under the Chuppah: https://aleezabenshalom.com/books/

Watch Aleeza’s Netflix Series, Jewish Matchmaking: https://www.netflix.com/il-en/title/81423793

Visit Aleeza’s website: https://aleezabenshalom.com/

Listen to Esther Kurtz’s Podcast, “Emunah for Non-Rebbitzens”

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emunah-for-non-rebbitzens/id1646521839

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/esther-kurtz5

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Emunah-for-Non-Rebbitzens-Podcast/B09R11QN3Q

Sticher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/emunah-for-non-rebbitzens

Visit Esther’s website: https://www.estherkurtz.com/

Buy your copy of Heather Dean’s memoir: 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.com/

This special pilot episode of “613 Books” podcast features host Heather Dean’s interview with Jodi Samuels, the author of the memoir "Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman."

Jodi talks about why and how she wrote this book, her unique Jewish journey, and her experiences as a mother of a child with Down syndrome. She shares her struggles to find acceptance in the Jewish community and how she became an unstoppable advocate for inclusion and acceptance of children with disabilities. Jodi also shares her advice for aspiring memoir writers in three legendary words.

As the precursor to Season 1 of "613 Books" weekly podcast, this pilot offers up a sneak peek to the podcast that will feature a variety of authors who have published books geared to readers who appreciate authentic Jewish values. And just for fun, Season 1 will also include a weekly visit from a different Jewish “star” who will tell us what book is on their reading table!

JODI’S EMAIL: [email protected]

VISIT JODI’S WEBSITE: https://www.jodisvoice.com/

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE JODI’S MEMOIR: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C324MPB/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=chutzpah+wine+and+wisdom&qid=1593540871&s=books&sr=1-2