As a professional dating coach, Devorah Kigel has helped over 300 women get clarity in their dating lives and marry their bashert. She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. She has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant.

Devorah and her husband, Reuven, who is the Campus Director for Emet Outreach, host Shabbos guests most weeks. Using humor and honesty, Devorah shares the entertaining personal journey that led her to develop powerful tools to have the relationships you desire.

Her book “Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today’s Single Woman” published by Gefen was released September 2024 and is available on Amazon. Devorah has been featured in Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, Meaningful Minute, Torah Anytime and on aish.com.

For more info: www.devorahkigel.com

Rabbi Reuven Kigel is Emet’s dynamic Campus Director, overseeing all of Emet’s campus programs—at Baruch college, St. John’s University, Queens College, and Adelphi University, as well as a multi-campus program in Forest Hills. He also serves as the Jewish chaplain for Baruch College. 

In 2022 he started an initiative to help 100k frum men get their health back by eating according to Chazal. You can find out more on www.thefitjew.com

Born during the heyday of communism to capitalist-aspiring parents in Kiev, USSR, Rabbi Kigel immigrated to the United States in 1978, as a young child. Rabbi Kigel has semicha from Rabbi Heineman in Baltimore, and has been a longtime member of the Passaic-Clifton community kollel. 

Rabbi Kigel graduated from the University of Michigan in 1995 with a degree in finance and spent 8 years working on Wall Street before switching careers to devote himself to the Jewish people.

This conversation delves into his near-death experience, their financial struggles, the importance of faith and resilience during tough times, and their dedication to Jewish outreach, helping others find their bashert, and health initiatives.

Enjoy the episode!

00:00 - Meet the Kigels

02:36 - Devorah's Early Life and Discovery of Orthodox Judaism

10:59 - Rabbi Reuven's Background and Immigration Story

17:08 - Rabbi Reuven's Car Accident and Spiritual Awakening

30:12 - Financial Struggles and Career Transition

47:51 - The Importance of Supportive Relationships

50:11 - Becoming a Dating Coach

51:16 - Challenges in Modern Dating

57:48 - Balancing Career and Family

01:04:29 - Health and Fitness Side Hustle

01:08:21 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

Channukah Sameach!!!

For over twenty years, Ronnie Baras has been traveling the world with his hypnotism and mentalism shows. He integrates comedy into his hypnosis routine to add flavor to a mesmerizing show.

Ronnie is a certified hypnotherapist. Unlike most hypnotists, Ronnie goes to great lengths to entertain, without embarrassing either his audience or his hypnotism subjects.

In addition to hypnotism, Ronnie also performs ‘mentalism’ shows where he demonstrates the ability to ‘read minds’ in an entertaining fashion.

Every show is a unique event.

No two shows are ever the same.

What is consistent, however, is top-quality entertainment with a huge dose of humor and fun.

Ronnie has performed several times in Las Vegas including headlining at the renowned Venetian Hotel.

He performs weekly throughout the United States (and sometimes Canada) and has recently completed a performing tour in Israel.

Listen as he shares his life's journey, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and his favorite parts of being a hypnotist in this episode.

He can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at  240-305-7007 for bookings!

00:00 - Introduction

05:19 - Ronnie Barris' Journey into Hypnosis

07:51 - Growing Up in Silver Spring

14:38 - Pranks and School Life

17:45 - College Days and Hypnosis

23:50 - Family Life and Hypnosis

25:16 - Stress Management Hypnosis Session

31:12 - Memorable Hypnotherapy Stories

42:28 - Balancing Career and Family

46:48 - Unexpected Challenges and Rewards

55:03 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

Channukah Sameach!!!

In this powerful episode, marketing expert, comedian, and mother of two, Joan Wiener, takes us on a deeply personal journey through her life. She shares her experiences of growing up in a conservative Jewish home on Long Island, facing the profound loss of her mother at just six years old, grappling with her religious identity, losing her roommate in a bus bombing, navigating a broken engagement, and battling infertility.

Joan’s wit and resilience shine through it all, demonstrating how humor can be a source of strength even in the darkest moments.

If you’d like to continue the conversation with Joan, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, or her website.

00:00 - Meet Joan Wiener Levin

01:37 Joan's Childhood and Family Background

02:53 - The Loss of Joan's Mother

10:09 - Joan's Path to Becoming a Comedian

16:02 - Joan's Religious Journey

24:07 - Finding Love and Marriage

27:48 - A Traumatic Experience in Israel

29:18 - Graduate School and the Pull to Israel

31:17 - Navigating Personal Tragedy and Relationships

36:31 - Life in San Francisco During the Dot-Com Boom

39:09 - Challenges and Joys of Parenthood

42:48 - The Journey of Aliyah

48:00 - Struggles with Judaism and Personal Beliefs

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested!

Thank you for listening!

From surviving the horrors of 9/11 to the heartbreak of losing a spouse at a young age, Elia Weixelbaum’s journey has been quite the definition of anything but traditional.

Hear as we dive deep into his experiences as a single father, the challenges and triumphs of blending two families, and the profound role his faith has played throughout his life.

Now living in Rechovot, Israel, with his wife (my mom) — he is living his dream life.

Listen to this story and be inspired by Elia's faith, resilience, determination, and positive attitude.

It's truly an episode not to be missed!

00:00 - Meet Elia Weixelbaum

01:28 - Elia's Early Life and Family Dynamics

06:54 - Education and Career Beginnings

13:27 - Life in Greenwich Village and First Wife

21:18 - Family Life, Moving to East Brunswick, Career Switch

30:45 - 9/11 Experience and Aftermath

47:36 - Stephanie's Passing and Its Aftermath

58:48 - The Challenges of Single Parenthood

01:02:04 - Dating and Blending Families

01:12:41 - Facing More Losses and Life Challenges

01:17:02 - Making Aliyah and Starting Anew

01:24:17 - Reflections on Life's Journey and Future Expectations

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested!

Thank you for listening!

David Beiss is an attorney and partner at Hunter Herman PLLC. His practice areas include complex commercial litigation and post-judgment enforcement.

David was born with an extremely rare and painful skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

As a child and young adult, David mainly used a wheelchair for mobility but never let EB define his life or ambitions.

As an advocate, David is dedicated to raising awareness and fundraising for rare diseases and helping those with disabilities achieve their goals.

Thank you for listening!

00:00 - Introduction to David Beiss

02:00 - David's Early Life and Family Background

05:14 - Understanding Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)

31:37 - Yachad, Camp Simcha, and Kids of Courage

43:14 - Navigating Yeshiva with a Disability

47:40 - Impact of EB on Relationships

55:14 - Fundraising and Advocacy Efforts

57:52 - Career Path and Legal Profession

01:07:03 - Involvement in Disability and Israel Advocacy

01:10:47 - Final Thoughts and Messages

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested!

Thank you for listening!

Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Giddy Ben Tzvi, is a lot more than Anything But Traditional's host, Tamar Ben Tzvi's husband.

He currently lives in Neve Shamir in Ramat Bet Shemesh, is an avid lover of Torah, a massive religious Zionist, dedicated member of his shul Avnei Shamir, runner, and pick up ball player.

Over the past 9 years, Giddy has held various positions in hi-tech and hi-tech adjacent companies.

In this episode, we explore Giddy's life, various challenges, his relationship with God especially in dealing with infertility, the importance of living a more nuanced Jewish life and so much more.

This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Thank you for listening!

00:00 - Introduction

02:35 - Giddy's Early Life

14:50 - Yeshiva and Israel Experience

33:18 - Post-Yeshiva Reflections

37:07 - Aliyah

39:31 - Meeting Tamar and Early Marriage

41:56 - Navigating Life's Challenges

43:13 - Coping with Anxiety

56:06 - Fertility Journey and Faith

01:08:22 - Tamar and Giddy Fun

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

Thank you for listening!

Dr, David Leitner, better known as Dr. D., is a strategy and leadership consultant and a university lecturer. He specializes in using strategy to create team alignment and engaged followership. He is married and has three amazing kids. He is a disabled IDF veteran who suffers from CRPS. And is the only IPSC wheelchair competitor in Israel.

In this episode of Anything But Traditional, Dr. David Leitner reflects on his upbringing as the son of a conservative rabbi, his life-changing experience in Israel, and his severe injury during military service that led to his struggle with CRPS.

Dr. D discusses making aliyah on his own, building Bar Ilan into a more accessible university, and building a family and career despite chronic pain.

Thank you for listening!

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Growing Up as a Rabbi's Kid

05:06 Journey to Israel and Religious Transformation

08:39 College Life and Struggles with Identity

16:16 Military Service and Injury

26:48 Living with CRPS

31:26 Adapting to a New Reality

41:44 Expanding Accessibility Efforts

42:47 Handing Over the Role and Creating a Board

43:43 Pursuing a PhD and Major Life Events

46:00 Challenges and Triumphs in the Army

51:11 Building A Family

01:01:26 Daily Life and Assistance

01:10:12 Leadership and Followership

01:14:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

Thank you for listening!

Shabbos Kestenbaum graduated from Harvard’s divinity school this past May, and is now suing Harvard University for failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.

This past Wednesday night, Shabbos addressed the Republican National Convention.

Today, we hear the story of his past, present, and future.

From Yeshivat Noam to Harvard Divinity School, he shares his evolving political ideologies, and emphasizes the importance of fighting for Jewish and American values, both domestically and abroad with his goal of greater unity and support for Jewish causes.

Listen now.

00:00 - Introduction

01:57 - Early Life and Family

04:26 - Educational Journey and Harvard Experience

07:36 - Political Views and Ideologies

08:16 - Experiences in Poland and Jewish Education

19:30 - Reflections on American and Israeli Jewish Communities

24:11 - Future Plans and Final Thoughts

**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

Thank you for listening!

Chari Pere, creator of Miscarried: An Unspoken Cartoonmentary, worked as a creative director and illustrator/storyboard artist on projects for Red Bull, Jockey, Disney, Comedy Central, and Bud Light.

She has created content for The Washington Post's The Lily and Mad Magazine and has collaborated with NYT bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and actress Mayim Bialik.

Chari launched the "Unspoken" Cartoon series as part of the 2024 Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab Fellowship.

Breaking Stigmas through Cartoons: An Interview with Shari Pair

In this episode of Anything But Traditional, Chari shares her journey from childhood aspirations to her experiences working with major brands like Red Bull and Disney, and her profound personal journey through miscarriage and postpartum depression.

The conversation delves into her efforts to break the silence around very important, yet often untalked about topics, through her comics and animated shorts, and is a powerful testament to using art to foster empathy and support others facing similar challenges.

Website: https://www.charipere.com/

Miscarried: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI7kEAYkUJI

Michael's Miscarriage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E-9Nc66L2k&t=2s

Subscribe to the "Unspoken" YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnspokenCartoonmentary

Instagram/Facebook: @charipereart

**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

Thank you for listening!

00:00 Introduction

01:29 Chari's Journey into Cartooning

02:32 The Impact of Miscarriage on Chari's Work

03:48 Creating Comics for Social Change

08:58 Chari's Background and Early Influences

16:24 Navigating Career and Motherhood

20:16 Challenges and Resilience in Chari's Career

27:26 Struggles and Miscarriages

31:48 Postpartum Depression and Health Challenges

34:19 Balancing Career and Family

38:31 Finding Support and Breaking Stigmas

49:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Kylie Ora Lobell is the president of KOL Digital Marketing, a marketing, PR, and ghostwriting firm for Jewish organizations, authors, and business owners. She is also an award-winning writer who has been published in the Jewish Journal of LA, Washington Post, LA Times, New York Magazine, Aish, Chabad, and Tablet. You can follow her on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

In this episode, Kylie shares her extraordinary journey from a secular Christian upbringing to converting to Orthodox Judaism. She discusses her tumultuous childhood, questioning faith, and eventual embrace of Jewish practices after experiencing the warmth of the Jewish community.

Kylie delves into her struggles with depression, postpartum depression, the challenges she faced in her conversion process, and how Judaism is misrepresented in the media.

This episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes, offering a deep dive into the complexities and rewards of Kylie's faith and personal growth.

**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

Thank you for listening!

00:00 Introducing Kylie Ora Lobel

01:55 Kylie's Childhood and Family Background

03:42 Questioning Faith and Early Doubts

14:52 Meeting Daniel and Exploring Judaism

17:29 Discovering Chabad and Connecting with Faith

21:41 Conversion Journey and Challenges

33:28 Challenges and Reflections on Jewish Practices

46:51 Postpartum Depression and Community Support

01:01:09 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages