Explore how faith and questioning can coexist after tragedy. Rabbi David Aaron shares how to connect with God through pain, showing that true faith isn’t about having all the answers but about sensing divine presence through love and kindness.

The conversation highlights why questioning suffering can reflect faith, how to hold space for grief while still embracing joy, and the challenge of reconciling God’s power with a world that feels chaotic. It also introduces a Kabbalistic view of God as the ultimate good, beyond full understanding yet present in every act of compassion.

Along the way, it addresses misconceptions about divine anger, emphasizes living with empathy and purpose, and offers simple ways to feel a daily connection to something greater—helping you find meaning and presence even in the darkest moments.

Rabbi David Aaron, is a visionary educator who offers a life-changing view about Hashem and Torah living. Rabbi Aaron serves as Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Orayta, which offers an inspirational and comprehensive approach to Torah. Students at Orayta develop leadership skills and become philosophically equipped to cope with the challenges of living a Torah life in a Modern World.
Rabbi Aaron is the author of several best–selling books including Endless Light, Seeing G-d, Living a Joyous Life, The Secret Life of G-d and The G-d Powered Life. He has reached millions through appearances on national media.
He received his Semicha in 1979 from Yeshivat ITRI and studied under the tutelage of HaGoan HaRav Shlomo Fischer z’l. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Chana, and seven children.

https://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/

https://www.instagram.com/davidaaron613/

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This episode explores what it really means to “listen to understand” — especially when conversations are difficult, emotional, or deeply tied to identity and belief. Through a powerful discussion with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the conversation challenges the instinct to prove we’re right and instead invites a shift toward curiosity, openness, and growth.

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is a bestselling author and a leading voice in positive psychology. He taught at Harvard University, where his courses on Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership became some of the most popular classes in the university’s history. He is also the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, where he continues to teach and share practical tools for well-being, resilience, and leadership.

At the core of this episode is his concept of “permission to be human” — allowing ourselves and others to feel uncomfortable emotions without suppressing or judging them. Rather than avoiding conflict, the episode reframes disagreement as a necessary and even healthy part of growth, emphasizing that many of today’s toughest issues are not right vs. wrong, but right vs. right.

The conversation dives into how to approach moments where beliefs feel non-negotiable — from religion and identity to family dynamics and societal divides. It highlights the importance of entering dialogue with intention: are we trying to win, or are we trying to understand? Through real-life examples and psychological insight, listeners are given a practical framework for having more empathetic, grounded, and meaningful conversations.

Ultimately, this episode is about creating space — for others to speak, for ourselves to reflect, and for something deeper to emerge. Not necessarily agreement, but connection, clarity, and the possibility of bridging even the widest gaps — one conversation at a time.

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In this enlightening conversation, Matana and Yitzchok A. Pinkesz delve into the world of astrology from a Jewish perspective, exploring the significance of kosher astrology, the interplay of free will, and the cosmic energies that shape our personalities. They discuss the importance of understanding astrological cycles, the role of healing in personal growth, and how astrology can guide relationships. Astrology is not deterministic; rather, it serves as a tool for self-awareness and navigating life's challenges. Yitzchok discusses the significance of understanding character traits in relationships, the importance of personal growth, and how astrology can serve as a tool for insight and healing. He emphasizes the need for self-love and divine connection, while also exploring the impact of trauma and the cycles of life. The discussion touches on current astrological events and their significance, as well as Yitzchok's personal journey into astrology and its connection to personal growth.

Yitzchok's website: ⁠kosherastro.com⁠

⁠Yitzchok's book, "Kosher Astrology" direct purchase

⁠Yitzchok's book, "Kosher Astrology" on Amazon⁠

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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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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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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

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

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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

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