What happens when a grieving mother, a Jewish podcaster, and a Delta airline pilot cross paths by “chance” at an airport security line? In this unforgettable episode, Matana introduces Yuko Query, the Delta pilot who stopped to comfort Einav Danino, mother of murdered hostage Ori Danino, and ended up flying her safely to New York. What began as a simple act of compassion became a powerful story of faith, divine timing, and unlikely friendship. Called an “angel” by Matana, Yuko shares her journey of prayer, courage, and devotion, reminding us how one small moment can change everything.

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Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA

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In this deeply moving and raw episode, Matana sits down with writer and founder of Awake Jewish Women, Rea Bochner, for a powerful conversation on addiction, recovery, faith, and awakening. Rea shares her personal journey through food addiction, her 20+ years in 12-step recovery, and how spirituality—not religion—became the anchor that saved her life. Together, they explore the shame around addiction in the Jewish world, the difference between fitting in and belonging, and the power of owning your truth. A must-listen for anyone craving authenticity, connection, and healing.

Connect with Rea:

AwakeJewishWomen.com

IG: @awakejewishwomen

email: [email protected]

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Rabbanit Rachel Weinstein lives in Tekoa with her husband and eight children. She studied at Migdal Oz, graduated from the Nishmat Yoetzet Halacha program, and completed the Matan Hilcheta program. She has been serving as a Yoetzet Halacha for the past 18 years. Rachel has taught in various women's Torah study programs and currently works at MMY, Lapidot, and Ma'ale.

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Listen to us:

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA

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Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of the Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an accomplished scholar, author, and speaker on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership, and communication skills. She passionately discusses the role of women in leadership and education within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting female leaders and mentors. Focusing on the transformative impact of figures like Sarah Schneirer and the Bais Yaakov movement, which provided Jewish girls with education and a sense of spiritual identity, Leslie emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another and foster inclusivity and acceptance within the community.

In addressing today’s challenges in Jewish education, including school rejections, inclusivity, and balancing home and school in teaching Jewish values, Leslie advocates for moving beyond performative education. She calls for internalized spiritual growth rather than surface-level conformity. Sensitive topics such as dress codes, hair covering, and the devaluation of teachers are tackled, with a strong appeal to prioritize respect and fair pay for educators. Leslie and Matana underscore the importance of ensuring meaningful, inclusive education for all children and strengthening the role of women in shaping the community.

Dr. Klein earned her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women, and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children.

Connect with Leslie:

Website: lesliegklein.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram:@leslie_g_klein

Leslie's Book: Sarah Builds a School

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Liel Alter went on a transformative journey from a secular upbringing to embracing God, Judaism and spirituality. From the profound impact of her mother's illness and passing had, to her search for meaning, and how she found faith through community and personal exploration, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the role of supportive parenting, and the power of choice in personal growth. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of resilience, faith, and the essence of living a meaningful life.

Liel and Matana explore the profound impact of gratitude, spirituality, personal well-being and how gratitude is not just a feeling but a choice that can transform one's perspective, especially during hardships. This concept is woven into the significance of Chanuka, a time to reflect on gratitude, the miracles in our lives and emphasizing that true happiness comes from recognizing and appreciating what we already have.

Liel's message is compelling and has attracted thousands on her popular social media accounts, ripe with relevant content and inspiration, where she shares thoughts gleaned along her journey.

Connect with Liel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emunahashem

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emunahashem

WhatsApp group for daily inspiration: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GurRSu29bY31axv0xydOps

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Listen to us:

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630

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Author Moriel Bareli explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having moved to Israel and learned Arabic, he gained insights from conversations with Arabs. Moriel shares the historical narratives presented in the Quran, the misunderstandings surrounding Jewish sovereignty, and the need for education to bridge cultural gaps. The significance of reclaiming national identity are crucial in understanding the deeper issues at play in the ongoing conflict.

Moriel delves into the significance of Eretz Israel in Judaism, discusses the historical and spiritual connections that bind the Jewish people to the land, the challenges faced by Jews living outside of Israel and the importance of returning to their roots. Moriel emphasizes the need for unity among Jews, the role of education in fostering understanding and peace with the Muslim world, the necessity of self-reflection and living with passion and truth to fulfill their purpose as a nation.

Moriel was born and raised in New York but at the age of 18 decided to make Aliyah to Israel. He now lives in Samaria with his wife and 2 children, teaches Arabic, gives lectures about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is the author of “When a Jew and a Muslim Talk”.

His passion for the Arabic language began while he was studying in a Yeshiva that bordered the Christian and Muslim quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. He embarked on a journey to study the language, religion and culture of those surrounding him, eventually leading him to hundreds of conversations with Muslims from all over the Middle East.

Connect with Moriel:

[email protected]

https://moriel-bareli.co.il/en/book-eng/

Amazon Book

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Galya Falkson, a sex and relationship coach, is dedicated to providing sex education and breaking down taboos, especially within religious communities. She began her journey after studying halachah and recognizing the need for open discussions around sex and intimacy. Galya believes shame and taboo arise from a lack of education and stresses the importance of normalizing conversations about sex, pleasure, and intimacy from a young age. She encourages couples to communicate openly about desires, expectations, and experiences to build fulfilling relationships. In this conversation, Galya addresses the myths and pressures surrounding sex, particularly within marriage, advocating for a realistic, compassionate, and open approach to intimacy.

Connect with Galya:

[email protected]

www.galyafalkson.com

https://www.instagram.com/galyafalkson

Join us on Whatsapp:

Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️

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Ellie Levi is an Orthodox Jewish woman who chose to become a single mother. In this episode, she and Matana discuss the journey and challenges of single motherhood, including the stigma around the term "single mom by choice" and the various paths women take to reach this decision.

Ellie shares her personal experience with egg freezing and fertility treatments, highlighting the importance of a supportive network during the emotional ups and downs of the process. She reflects on her family's reactions and the halachic complexities, urging women to pursue their dreams without seeking others’ permission.

Chapters:

02:16 Understanding Single Motherhood

11:32 The Journey of Egg Freezing

12:14 Navigating Fertility Treatments

16:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood

30:25 Coping with Societal Expectations

36.42 The Halachic Perspective on Single Motherhood

44:27 The Selfless Act of Motherhood

46:14 Navigating Reactions to Single Motherhood

49:38 Overcoming Naysayers and Embracing Support

57:38 The Complex Relationship with God

01:07:44 Fertility Organizations and Their Limitations

01:21:34 Reflections on Regrets and Surprises in the Journey

Connect with Ellie:

[email protected]

Resources:

Single Mothers By Choice

Orthodox Jewish Single Moms by Choice

IVF/IUI Single Moms By Choice

https://www.singlemothersbychoice.org/

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Omar Pinto is a spiritual guide whose unconventional journey from addiction to enlightenment has resonated profoundly within orthodox Jewish communities. Omar's clients, predominantly orthodox Jews grappling with spiritual disillusionment and personal crises, seek his guidance to rediscover faith and inner peace.

Against the backdrop of orthodox Jewish traditions, Omar candidly shares his own struggles and spiritual awakening, including his unorthodox use of plant medicine as a catalyst for healing. His clients, facing challenges ranging from religious conformity to personal crises, find solace and transformation through Omar's compassionate and unconventional approach to spirituality. Omar advocates for a personal, authentic approach to spirituality. He encourages listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, emphasizing that true connection with the divine lies in embracing one's unique path rather than conforming to societal or religious expectations.

With Matana's thought provoking questions, Omar explores resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and a compelling narrative of transformation and optimism that offer profound insights into finding inner peace and spiritual awakening amidst life's challenges.

Connect with Omar:

[email protected]

http://www.omarpinto.com

Join us on Whatsapp:

Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️

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As a thinker, scholar and author of 2 acclaimed books, Judaism Reclaimed and Talmud Reclaimed, Rabbi Shmuel Phillips dives into the pivotal role of morality within Judaism and how Jewish teachings define concepts of Olam Haba, Geyhinom from biblical narratives and rabbinic literature and explores the complexities of ethical decision-making in Jewish life.

While Teshuvah (repentance) and Hoda'ah (acknowledgment) foster spiritual growth and strengthen one's connection with God, perspectives from historical narratives and philosophical insights illustrate the dynamic interplay between morality and Jewish identity and how historical figures grappled with moral challenges and emerged as enduring role models of resilience and introspection and emphasize the universal lessons that can be gleaned from Jewish teachings on morality.

The timeless wisdom of Jewish tradition offer a compelling perspective on how Judaism continues to inspire moral integrity and ethical responsibility in an ever-changing world.

Rabbi Phillips was born and raised in England, has spent almost two decades studying in Yeshiva and Kollel in Israel and has also completed a law degree from the University of London.

Connect with Rabbi Phillips:

https://www.talmudreclaimed.com

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Maxifyz.com

Maxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep.

Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE