In this first part, Yakira Apfel from Fit Studio and The Yard joins us for a conversation about confidence, insecurity, and the unfolding of her life's journey.

We explore how confidence is built, shaped, and sometimes questioned, what insecurity really looks like beneath the surface, and how personal history and lived experience influence the way someone shows up in the world.

This is an honest and grounded conversation about identity, perception, and the tension between how we feel inside and how we are seen from the outside.

Part two is out next week. Stay tuned.

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In this soul-o episode, I share something very real. I was in the middle of a conflict and needed something to hold onto, so I went back to my favorite lines from the Tanya, a foundational text from Chabad on the inner life, the mind, and the soul.

What I found wasn’t abstract. It was immediate.

I gathered quotes that speak directly to sadness, joy, and the power of our thoughts, and tried to actually apply them in real time. Not as an idea, but as a way to move through something difficult.

This is a conversation about what it looks like when these teachings stop being theoretical and start becoming usable. About the tension between how we feel and how we want to think and about whether we can actually shift our inner world when it matters most.

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In this episode I sit down with Shira Melamed for an honest and thoughtful conversation about tzniut, Jewish modesty, and what it really means to walk humbly with Hashem in the modern world.

I play devil’s advocate and bring the questions many women quietly think about but rarely say out loud. Why do the laws of modesty sometimes feel challenging. What are the common objections people have to tzniut today. And how can we understand the deeper purpose behind these halachic guidelines.

Together we explore the Torah idea of humility and inner dignity inspired by the words of Prophet Micah who taught that we are meant to walk humbly with our God. We discuss Jewish values around modesty, identity, femininity, and spiritual growth while examining how ancient wisdom meets contemporary life.

This conversation touches on Jewish law, women in Judaism, faith, and the tension many people feel between modern culture and traditional religious values. Rather than avoiding difficult topics we open the door to thoughtful dialogue about tzniut, halacha, and what modesty can mean in a deeper spiritual sense.

If you have ever questioned modesty laws, struggled with the concept of tzniut, or wondered how Jewish women can find meaning within these practices, this episode invites you into an honest exploration of faith, humility, and living a life connected to Hashem.

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In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Rabbi David Aaron to explore the deeper meanings of Pesach (Passover) and what true freedom really means. We dive into the profound spiritual significance of the holiday and how it connects to the power of prayer (Tefillah) in our lives. Rabbi Aaron also takes us on a journey into the roots of many key concepts found in Jewish tradition, shedding light on how understanding the ancient Hebrew language unlocks layers of wisdom that have been passed down through generations. If you’ve ever wondered how language shapes our spirituality or what the true essence of freedom is, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

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In this bonus Soul-o episode of A Soul Grows in Israel, I explore a deeper way of understanding Pesach. Beyond the preparations, the Seder, and the traditions, Pesach carries a powerful idea that speaks to the inner life of the soul.

We often think of the story of the Exodus as something that happened long ago. But the message of Pesach is also about personal renewal, letting go of what holds us back, and stepping into a new version of ourselves. In this episode I reflect on the idea of the rebirth of the soul and how the season of Pesach invites us to look honestly at where we are in life and what we are ready to leave behind.

I talk about the emotional and spiritual layers of the Seder, the experience of freedom, and why this time of year can open something new inside us if we allow it.

If Pesach has ever felt deeper than just a holiday, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode my speical guest is my husband.  We explore the Pesach Seder through the lens of personal reflection and shared experience. We discuss how we each engage with the Haggadah and with life so differently. We talk about the Four Sons, and the expectations of family and tradition. We dive into the deeper practice of letting go of control, of expectations, and of the ways we hold onto the past while experiencing the Seder together.

Join us for an honest and thoughtful conversation about Pesach, connection, and the meaning we find in this ancient ritual.

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In this Soul-o episode, I share my personal experience and reflections after two weeks at war in Israel during the conflict with Iran. I speak about what it feels like to live under uncertainty the emotional impact on our people and the ways faith in ourselves as a nation and in Hashem help us endure.

This episode is a personal journey into fear, resilience ,and connection to the land and the people of Israel. It is about navigating extraordinary times and finding our strength in the midst of conflict.

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In this episode we sit down with the Rosenfeld parents to share the story of their son Natan who was killed in battle in Gaza. We explore the courage he showed, the values he lived by, and the way his family continues to honor his memory through faith, resilience, and love.

This conversation is about more than loss. It is about the everyday heroism of soldiers in Israel, the strength of Jewish families in times of war, and the lessons of hope and perseverance that emerge even in the darkest moments. We reflect on the power of community support and the deep bonds that sustain those left behind.

Listeners will hear an honest and heartfelt account of grief and courage and find inspiration in how ordinary people face extraordinary challenges. This episode is a tribute to Natan’s life and the enduring impact of heroes who shape our world.

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In this episode I explore the deeper themes of Purim through the lens of femininity, hidden strength, and the ability to transcend the illusion of what appears on the surface. Esther’s name comes from hiddenness. The miracles of Purim are concealed within ordinary events. And yet behind the veil there is Divine orchestration, faith, and moral clarity.

I share the lessons I learned from my Bobby, a woman whose life embodied true faith, steady courage, and unconditional love. She taught me that strength is not loud. It is patient. It is resilient. It chooses dignity over fear and connection over ego. Her life reflected the same inner power we see in Esther, the power to remain anchored in truth even when the world feels uncertain.

This episode is about the women who shape us. The ones who carry faith quietly. The ones who love without condition. We all have a strong woman in our lives. This is an invitation to honor her and to recognize that same strength within ourselves.

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Support the show

Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more.

https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast