Pure Podcast: Aaron Holder on Music, Faith, and Life's Lessons

Welcome to Pure Podcast with an insightful discussion featuring Aaron Holder from Miami. In this episode, Aaron shares his deep connection to Israel, his journey into music, and the profound impact of his faith. He recounts the pivotal moments that guided him to become a soulful musician, discusses the importance of thinking positively, and highlights how challenging times can lead to personal growth. The conversation touches on spiritual leaders, the power of Negunim, and how music serves as a conduit for expressing and processing emotions. Aaron also shares his favorite Negin and reflects on his relationship with God, emphasizing the significance of trusting in a higher power. This episode is filled with inspiration, touching stories, and a beautiful acoustic performance.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest

00:13 Connection to Israel and Jewish Identity

01:49 Aaron Holder's Musical Journey

03:16 Coping with Loss Through Music

09:11 The Power of Positive Thinking

21:05 Spiritual Reflections and God's Role

30:54 Aaron sings: Acoustic Niggun

32:13 Final Thoughts

In this heartfelt episode, Kenzi Locks, Director of Educational Development at Tikva, hosts a poignant discussion with Ayala and Josh Gross about their 15-year struggle with infertility.

Ayala and Josh delve into their personal and emotional experiences, sharing the challenges, heartache, and unexpected moments of hope throughout their journey.

They reflect on the strain infertility placed on their marriage, their individual emotional struggles, and how they eventually found support and understanding through the community and each other.

The conversation also highlights Ayala's impactful work with Tikva's 'One Candle' program and her 'Pure Podcast,' which discusses issues related to infertility.

This episode is a touching exploration of resilience, love, and the importance of community support in navigating the hardships of infertility.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming00:16 Meet Ayala and Josh Gross00:30 The One Candle Program01:02 Ayala's Personal Journey02:29 Josh's Perspective on Infertility03:04 The Emotional Toll of Infertility06:28 The Financial Strain of IVF11:28 Impact on Marriage and Intimacy12:35 Support and Community15:49 Facing Judgment and Finding Unity16:17 Divine Messengers and Common Enemies18:38 The Journey Through IVF19:05 Miracle Babies and Separation20:31 The Decision to Use the Frozen Embryo22:20 Sharing the Story of Infertility23:30 Emotional Support and Compassion26:38 Podcast and Community Engagement28:39 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of Pure Podcast, we discuss the current political tensions involving Israel, Iran, and America, and explore how to find peace amidst chaos. The host dives deep into the concept of bringing in Shabbat peacefully as a metaphor for preparing for the times of Moshiach (Messiah).

She emphasizes the importance of tranquility and spiritual preparation, using the peaceful ushering of Shabbat as a way to potentially experience a smoother and less chaotic arrival of Moshiach.

With practical advice and spiritual insights, the host challenges listeners to start their Shabbat preparations earlier and offer these moments as a plea for protection and a more serene future.

00:00 Introduction and Current Events

00:23 The Concept of Moshiach

02:08 Preparing for Moshiach Like Shabbat

04:18 The Challenge of Bringing in Shabbat Peacefully

06:15 The Power of Lighting Shabbat Candles Early

08:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this emotional episode of Pure Podcast, the Ayala sits down with her husband, Josh, to discuss their 15-year infertility journey filled with pain, spiritual struggles, and growth. They share their experiences from both the male and female perspectives, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll on men. Josh recounts how the infertility process affected his sense of masculinity, their roles within their marriage, and their spirituality.

The couple provides valuable insights and advice for men supporting their partners through infertility, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and understanding.

Tune in for an intimate conversation that sheds light on the often-unspoken challenges couples face during their fertility journey.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:30 Meet My Husband, Josh00:46 Our 15-Year Infertility Journey01:43 The Emotional Toll on Men03:43 Dealing with Unexplained Infertility06:37 The Impact on Our Marriage and Roles08:08 Spiritual Struggles and Realizations12:22 Realizations and Reflections13:17 The Impact of Emotional Support14:17 Understanding Masculine and Feminine Roles14:42 The Energetic Exchange in Relationships16:24 The Importance of Genuine Giving21:49 Navigating Infertility Together25:30 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciation

Transforming Triggers into Spiritual GrowthIn this episode of PURE Podcast, Ayala shares a deeply personal journey about how she uses teachings from the book 'Tomer Devorah' for spiritual growth. She discusses the concept of emulating God's attributes by not seeking honor and finding value in being triggered or embarrassed as a form of soul cleansing. Ayala recounts an example, emphasizing acceptance and prayer during moments of emotional challenges.

She offers free copies of the book to listeners, encouraging them to use adversities as opportunities for spiritual purification and growth.00:00 Introduction and Personal Update00:17 The Power of Tomer Devora00:52 Embracing Public Embarrassment01:37 Personal Experience with Criticism02:23 Facing Triggers in Everyday Life04:09 Transforming Pain into Prayer05:14 Conclusion and Encouragement

We are joined by Brittney Hopper, an independent TV journalist and Jewish activist.

Brittany shares her experiences covering major national events over nearly two decades, her current role as a regular contributor on Fox News, and her passion for Judaism and activism.

Brittney discusses her upbringing in a Jewish household and her experience that solidified hey Jewish identify through Chabad.

Her journey in journalism, and the challenges and risks of being outspoken about her Jewish identity and support for Israel. Brittany also touches on the balance between professional integrity and personal values, the impact of antisemitism, and the importance of maintaining Jewish traditions and community.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 Brittany Hopper's Career Journey01:04 Personal Life and Jewish Identity05:10 Activism and Challenges in Journalism09:13 Balancing Career and Personal Life09:28 Navigating Modern Media and Social Issues16:12 Psychology and Personal Growth19:58 Concerns About Education and Antisemitism22:36 Creating Our Own Institutions23:13 A Wake-Up Call for the Jewish Community24:01 Facing Antisemitism from All Sides24:40 The Role of Social Media in Spreading Hate25:39 The Importance of Jewish Unity and Identity27:05 Global Conflicts and Media Focus28:37 The Ignorance and Hypocrisy of Anti-Israel Sentiments33:30 Pride and Fear in Jewish Identity36:06 The Impact of Jewish Education and Upbringing40:25 Closing Thoughts and Reflections  

Join this transformative concepts from 'Dance of the Omer' by R' Benji Elson. Explore the idea of Hirhurim, "ghosts", those recurring thoughts driven by unresolved emotions, and discover a guided meditation to address them. This episode also highlights the author's recent adversity and how you can support him.

Enhance your spiritual journey with insights and meditations from this remarkable book available on Amazon.

00:00 Welcome to Pure Podcast

00:02 Introduction to Dance of the Omer

00:12 The Kabbalistic Super Bowl

00:30 Personal Connection to the Book

00:45 Robbery Incident and Call for Support

01:43 Exploring the Kabbalistic Sense of the Month

02:15 Understanding Circular Thoughts

04:57 Frozen 2 and Kabbalistic Insights

06:06 Integrating and Healing Emotions

08:14 Guided Meditation to Access Emotions

14:42 Conclusion and Book Recommendation

My guest Michael Benmelah – a spiritual mentor, real estate agent, and inspirational figure in the Jewish community, discusses his transformative journey from a traditional Jewish upbringing in Venezuela and Miami to becoming a profound spiritual teacher and meditation guide.

Michael shares his struggles, breakthroughs, and the evolution of his spirituality, including founding the influential Lighthouse Project, a hub for Torah learning, meditation, and higher consciousness.

This episode delves into Michael’s influential encounters with Rabbi Nachman's teachings, his connection to Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's works, and his vision for combining traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary methods of meditation and healing.

Join the conversation to explore the intersections of faith, personal growth, and community transformation.

00:00 Introduction to Pure Podcast

00:31 Discovering Michael Ben Benmelah

01:31 Michael's Early Life and Jewish Upbringing

04:25 College Years and Spiritual Awakening

07:20 Journey into Torah and Kosher Living

12:42 Double Life in South Beach

17:58 Founding the Lighthouse Project

25:52 Expanding the Lighthouse Project

38:30 Discovering Holy Chutzpah

39:04 Finding a Rabbi and Spiritual Mentor

41:24 The Lighthouse Project Journey

42:22 Transition to Online Teaching During COVID

44:00 Introduction to Meditation and Higher Consciousness

46:21 The Elevation Project and Personal Growth

01:11:36 The Future of the Lighthouse Project

In this enlightening episode, Sharon and Ayala delve into the complex topic of modesty and the challenges of breaking free from traditional religious norms while still living an orthodox life.

Sharon shares her personal journey of living in an ultra Orthodox community and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of modesty and personal identity while still remaining true to her Orthodox roots.

Sharon shares a bold and concise perspective on how modesty can be redefined within a religious framework.

This episode promises to inspire and provoke thought, inviting listeners to reframe their view and relationship of Gd. Spoiler Alert - GD LOVES YOU!

Chef Olivia Ostrow opens up about her life candidly, unfiltered & unapologeticly. From milking cows on a kibbutz in Israel to boldly making her mark in the hospitality word & her new Kosher Miami Beach Club.

Olivia takes us on her fearless journey—from the trauma in her life that she turned into triumph, to the “country club” housewife life she left behind for a life of authenticity to pursue her passions.

 She’s bold, beautiful, brilliant, hilarious and no topic is off-limits— she teaches us how to actually pronounce those intimidating French luxury brands, and she proves that being a female Jewish restaurant owner doesn’t mean playing by anyone’s rules but her own.

Compliments to the chef. Merci beaucoup Olivia.