Human & Holy

In today’s episode, I interview Raizel Deitsch about a verse from Mishlei which encourages us to “find G-d in all your ways”. Raizel speaks about giving herself permission to find G-d in the human corners of her life, which sparked her transition from an abstract relationship with G-d to one that emanated from her authentic, physical experience.

Raizel’s words are a powerful reminder that G-d is looking for a personalized relationship with us that goes far deeper than the world’s opinions or expectations of our Judaism. When we can clear out the noise around us and hone in on our authentic relationship with G-d, we can reclaim the joy and passion of a divine service that is intertwined with our messy, human existence.

In today’s episode, I interview Ester Zirkind about the concept of Moach Shalit al Halev, the Chassidic teaching that encourages us to let the mind take the driver seat when we make decisions. In a personal accounting of this idea, Ester speaks about the importance of our emotions in the equation. Using the mind to guide the heart is not an excuse to disregard the heart; it is an invitation to feel our emotions fully, so that when it comes time to make the decision, our heart is regulated enough to make a conscious choice.

Today is the 3rd of Tammuz, the anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s passing. In today’s episode, I asked five women, from different ages and backgrounds, five questions about the Rebbe’s influence on their lives. Join us as we celebrate the Rebbe’s ongoing impact on the world.

When the world goes low, we go high. Join me as I explore the storyline of these last few weeks in Israel and the entire world through the lens of Jewish voices worldwide. When the world tries to terrify us into submission, we get louder and prouder. Even a tiny candle can cut through the thickest darkness. Our flame is only getting brighter and brighter.

In this solo episode, I explore the friction we experience between our unrealistic desire for perfection and our inevitable human reality. Before G-d gave us the Torah, a court case occurred between Moshe and the angels. Each felt that they had legal rights to the Torah. They fought back and forth until ultimately, the angels were silenced and the Torah was given to the human beings.

Today, I speak about silencing our own, internal angels and recognizing that the Torah was not given to us despite our human limitations, but because of them. Every day, we battle the internal voices that tell us that G-d demands perfection. If we cannot be perfect, why bother?

The first step to receiving the Torah is silencing the angels within. Their voices prevent us from receiving the Torah as we are, and allowing ourselves to believe that we are worthy and capable of carrying out its mission.

In today's episode, I interview Rochel Leah Taktuk about Achdus Hashem, the unity of G-d, and how that awareness pushed her to acknowledge her internal battles as part of her divine service. Rochel Leah speaks about seeing G-dliness everywhere, other than within her own self. Ultimately, she learned that trusting in G-d's presence is about turning the truth inward, and revealing His presence and importance in our human battles, too.

In today’s episode, I interview Temmi Hadar about the topic of Isapcha, transformation, and how she strives to infuse the ordinary moments of her life with meaning, little by little.

It is not the grand moments that transform our lives into meaningful ones. It is the ordinary moments infused with meaning that make our lives extraordinary.

In today's episode, I interview Rivkah Slonim about her experience with the idea of Kabbalas Ol, which literally means "accepting the yoke". Rivkah speaks about tapping into the larger vision of our soul's mission in this world and recognizing that even if something isn't easy or pleasant for us in this moment, we can trust that if G-d needs it from us, than it is in our own best interests, too. She speaks about pushing herself to accept G-d's will even when it was challenging and how those choices led her to life's greatest gifts. Deep alignment is not always easy. But it is always worth it.

Is it possible to live our lives solely guided by the voice of our souls, free of the world's opinions and perspectives on us? What is the secret to a true, personal freedom? Join me on a journey through the Torah's guide to personal freedom, hidden in the three names of Passover. It's freedom season. Let's shatter our inner limitations and step into our truest selves.

Background music in this episode, by order of appearance: "Ve'hi She'amda" by Yonatan Razel, "The Seder Song" by Zusha, and "Freedom Season" by Shmuli Chazanow.

In today’s episode, I interview Sara Hecht, who is a singer-songwriter, about the influence of Torah and Chassidus in her creative process. Sara speaks about allowing herself to become a vessel for G-d’s work to flow through her, through conscious listening to her soul’s voice. Sara’s words are a reminder to pay closer attention, and to actively carve out space to listen to the voice of the soul.

You can find Sara's music on sarahecht.com.