Human & Holy

It's Adar! The month of joy. In this episode, I interview my mother, Rochel Lazaroff, about the definition of joy according to Chassidus. What does it mean to use our mind as the root of our emotions? How can we choose to live just a little bit more joyfully in our everyday life?

In this episode, I interview Hindel Swerdlow about the deepest form of self confidence: believing in our G-d given potential. Hindel speaks about how she has pushed herself to overcome some of her greatest fears by reminding herself that her gifts and talents are "not about her" but about her responsibility to the world. Hindel is warm and honest about her own experiences in pushing herself to her soul's fullest capacity and I think her words will give you the courage to push yourself a little closer, too.

In this episode, I interview Chavie Bruk about the concept of hashgachah pratis, detailed divine guidance, and how that awareness has shaped the way she deals with the mail G-d sends to her doorstep. Chavie talks about how our personal challenges can be guides to our souls’ mission and how we can train our minds to notice G-d’s guidance in the minute details and circumstances of our lives.

Yud Shvat is the anniversary of the date that the Lubavitcher Rebbe officially accepted the role of leadership of the Chabad community. In this episode, I speak about the Rebbe's vision for the world, and how he empowered each of us to be leaders of light in our own way. I interview Chava Witkes about how she embodies this mission in her own home, by bringing people together in meaningful ways. What better way to celebrate the Rebbe's leadership than to explore how we can perpetuate his mission statement seventy years later?

In this episode, I interview Eta Cotlar about her relationship with bitachon (trusting in G-d), when the rug was pulled from beneath her feet six years ago and is continuously tested every single day. Eta talks about the paradoxes she lives with daily: her deep pain and simultaneous trust in G-d's goodness, her responsibility to make a vessel for positive outcome, and then knowing when to let go of control. Eta shares more than just her personal story; she shares the nuances and complexities of what it means to be a struggling human in a relationship with an infinite G-d.

In this solo episode, I share a bit about the miracle of the oil: what it represents and how I've seen it show up in my life. What does it actually mean to tap into a connection with G-d that transcends our understanding? Hear how I experienced this idea through the pregnancy and birth of my baby.

Background song "Chasof" by Shauli

In this episode, I interview Nechama Caplan about the promise the soul made before coming down into the body and how that oath inspires her daily life. Nechama speaks about shifting her consciousness away from the self and towards the divine, through intentional habit forming and conscious choices. How can you integrate your divine purpose into the details of your daily life?

Nechama can be reached at [email protected] for more information about her Whatsapp group and online Tanya courses!

In this episode, I interview Hadassah Shemtov, director of Batsheva Learning Center and high school Gemara teacher, about the concept of yesh ayin yesh -- the idea that in order for any type of meaningful transformation to happen, we have to lean into that uncertain, open space of ayin, or nothingness. Hadassah speaks about our experience of transformation on a micro scale: learning something new, or making room for change in our closest relationships, as well as life’s broader transformations, like the birth of her daughter and the unraveling she experienced before becoming something new.

In this episode, I interview Hindi Kalmenson, who is a marriage coach, teacher, and mom of four. Hindi takes us on her journey of learning to embrace her imperfections and let go of control in order to truly receive from the people around her and from G-d. Hindi’s story is inspired by the kabbalistic idea of mashpia and mekabel, the relationship between the giver and the receiver. How is our need for control and illusion of self-perfection stopping us from truly receiving?

Hindi is a certified marriage coach living in LA. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Do you crave spiritual conversation that feels relevant to your daily life? Do you enjoy studying but can’t always find yourself in the text? This podcast is a space for experiential learning. Together, we will be exploring ideas in Jewish and Chassidic thought through the lens of real people’s experiences. How do they weave the sacred into the fabric of their lives? What relevance do mystical ideas have to their most intimate, human struggles? What does it mean to be both human and holy?