What does it mean to live a life of purpose without expecting a reward? In this episode, we dive into the profound teaching of Antignos ben Socho, who said:

"Do not be like servants who serve their master for the sake of receiving a reward, but rather be like servants who serve their master without the intention of receiving a reward; and let the fear of Heaven be upon you."

We explore:
✅ What does it really mean to do good for its own sake?
✅ How can we apply this in a world driven by incentives and recognition?

Whether you’re curious about Jewish ethics, personal growth, or want a practical takeaway for living more meaningfully, this episode will leave you inspired and challenged.

🎧 Listen now and discover why serving without expectation leads to the ultimate reward.

What is the single most important quality a person can hold onto in life? In this episode, we dive into the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot where Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai asks his students: What is the best path a person should cling to? Each student suggests something different—generosity, friendship, foresight, kindness—but Rabbi Elazar says: a good heart.

Why did Rabbi Yochanan declare this the most valuable path of all? What does it mean to truly have a “good heart”—and how does that shape the way we see others, ourselves, and even God?

Join us as we explore:

• The different answers the students gave and why each matters

• Why a good heart includes all the other qualities

This Mishnah invites us to reframe success—not by what we achieve or acquire, but by the quality of our inner world and how it radiates outward.

Some love falls apart. Some conflict builds worlds.
What makes the difference?

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful teachings in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 5:16–17):

“Any love that depends on something—when that thing ceases, the love also ceases. But a love that does not depend on anything will never cease.”
“Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a lasting outcome, and one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a lasting outcome.”

With vivid examples—Amnon and Tamar’s destructive love vs. David and Jonathan’s deep bond; Korach’s rebellion vs. the debates of Hillel and Shammai—this Mishnah gives us a roadmap to understand what makes relationships endure and disagreements bear fruit.

Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book

Fear is a natural part of life - but what if fear isn’t just about what we’re afraid of… but what we don’t value enough?In this powerful episode, we explore how fear often reveals a lack of clarity in our values. Through the stories of Esau selling his birthright and the spies sent to scout the Land of Israel, we uncover how giving in to fear can cause us to miss out on our greatest opportunities—and even on our purpose.💭 In this episode:Why Esau gave up his future for a bowl of stew—and what that teaches us about fear-How the spies' fear of failure outweighed their trust in G-d and their sense of missionFor more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life, check out my book Living Beautifully - gilaross.com/book or on Amazon - https://a.co/d/c97E2Yg.

In this meaningful episode, we explore The Three Weeks—a period of national mourning for the Jewish people that begins with the 17th of Tammuz and culminates on Tisha B’Av. But what exactly are we mourning? And what can the loss of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) teach us about our lives today?We’ll journey back in time to discover what life was like when the Temple stood and what its absence means for us now. From open miracles to spiritual clarity, the Temple wasn't just a building—it was a living lesson in connection, purpose, and unity.For more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life, check out my book Living Beautifully - gilaross.com/book

In this episode, excerpted from my book Living Beautifully, we dive into a powerful question: Does God really care about the small stuff? From a missed smile to a small act of kindness, from a quiet prayer to a hidden struggle—can something so seemingly small matter in the grand scheme of the universe?

Together, we explore Jewish wisdom and stories that show how every detail, every person, and every action carries cosmic significance. Whether you’ve ever wondered if your efforts make a difference or felt invisible in a world that values the “big and bold,” this conversation will leave you uplifted, empowered, and inspired to embrace the holiness of the small.

📌 What You’ll Learn:

Why Judaism believes that every action—even the tiniest one—matters

What it means that every person has a unique mission in this world

🌱 Takeaway Message:

There are no extras in God’s world. You matter. Your choices matter. Even the ones that seem small.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the sacred in the everyday.

In moments of tension, our instinct might be to smooth things over or "fix" the situation—but what if that causes more harm than good?

In this episode, we explore the profound wisdom of the Mishna that teaches us when not to act, especially in the delicate space of someone else's experience.

You'll discover:

• Why trying to calm someone down in the heat of the moment can backfire
• What real support looks like when emotions are high
• The power of timing in building trust and connection

Whether you're navigating a tense conversation with a friend, partner, or child, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and respond with wisdom—so you can help without hurting.

Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully, we dive into the Mishna (Avos 3:1) that teaches: "Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give an accounting."We explore this powerful teaching on three levels:Our Life: What does this Mishna reveal about the fleeting and humble nature of our physical existence? How can reflecting on our origin and destination motivate us to live with greater purpose, integrity, and gratitude?Our Soul: Beyond the physical, we discuss how the Mishna invites us to recognize our soul's journey: from its divine source, through our life in this world, and ultimately returning to give an accounting before God.Our Actions: Every deed leaves a mark. We look at how this Mishna pushes us to consider the beginning, end, and accountability of each action, not just life as a whole.Along the way, we bring in insights from classic commentaries and offer thought-provoking questions: How does knowing where you came from shift the way you see your challenges? What does it mean to "give an accounting," and how can that inspire us rather than frighten us?Join us as we uncover the depth of this simple yet transformative teaching, and learn how it can help us live more intentionally, spiritually aware, and accountable lives.

In this powerful episode, we explore the three core relationships every human being must cultivate for a life of depth and balance: our relationship with ourselves, our relationship with others, and our relationship with God.

Drawing from timeless Jewish wisdom, we unpack the three spiritual tools designed to help us grow in each area:

• Torah – as a mirror to develop self-awareness and purpose.

• Prayer – as a pathway to build a real and personal relationship with God.

• Kindness – as the soul-language that connects us deeply with other people.

We reflect on the idea that these tools aren’t abstract or outdated — they’re deeply human, practical, and transformative. With relatable stories, thoughtful insights, and actionable takeaways, this episode is a roadmap for spiritual and emotional wellness grounded in Jewish tradition.

In this eye-opening class, we dive deep into the powerful forces of jealousy, lust, and honor-seeking—three drives that Rabbi Elazar HaKappar warns can take a person out of this world. But where do these impulses come from? Why do they have such a strong hold on us? And most importantly, what can we do to rise above them?We explore the roots of these desires, how they show up in daily life, and how Jewish wisdom offers transformative antidotes to each one. Through timeless teachings and real-life applications, you'll walk away with clarity, tools for inner strength, and a renewed perspective on what truly matters.