In this episode of Medical Matters, Chana Even-chen and Dr. Sharon Grossman discuss the relevance of weight loss medicines and related health considerations in the context of the country being at war, with a focus on the recent approval of a weight loss medicine in Israel. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of these medications, emphasizing the need for their responsible use and distinguishing between medical and cosmetic purposes. Issues related to self-care, healthy body image, and the restrictions on diet for medical purposes are also discussed, with a particular emphasis on the halakhic perspective.

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In this episode Karen talks with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about her forthcoming book, Uncovered: Women's Roles, Mitzvot, and Sexuality in Jewish Law (Urim Publications), which relates to things not always discussed openly such as intimacy and challenges to keeping hilchot niddah. They highlight the fact that our Sages did not shy away from sensitive topics and often characterized the relationship between God and Israel as a loving couple.

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Iyar is the month when we celebrate the birth of modern-day Israel. And yet, we recognize the need to hold space for those who have experienced personal loss. Guest host, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet, The Eden Center's Executive Director and psychologist Dr. Romy Shulman, who previously served as the Clinical Lead of Chana UK, break the silence around miscarraige, exploring the emotional, practical and mikveh-related aspects of this loss and how to give/get support when the need arises.

You can order a free copy of Birkat Emunah or have one sent to a friend experiencing pregnancy loss or infertility at this link: https://theedencenter.com/emuna2021/

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For Chodesh Nissan, Karen talks Torah and wellbeing with Dr. Yael Ziegler, Rosh Beit Midrash and Academic Director of Matan. Based on the story of the birth of Moshe and the Jewish nation, they explore meaning and purpose in the story of the Exodus and draw resonance and hope for our time.

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Karen and her guest Rachel Sharansky Danziger discuss the resonance of Megillat Esther for Israel and the Jewish world today. They look to Esther and Rachel's parents Avital and Natan Sharansky for inspiration about the plight of the hostages and how to deal with adversity. As we begin Chodesh Adar we pray for a safe return of all the hostages, healing for the injured, and that light and joy return to Am Yisrael in the month of Adar.

The Eden Center is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to support our programming. If you’ve been enjoying and drawing strength from this podcast, we ask that you consider a generous donation in honor of Karen and this podcast: https://www.jgive.com/new/he/ils/donation-targets/123484 

For Adar Aleph, Karen explores the messages that arise from the addition of a month to the calendar. She examines the themes of waiting, patience and finding faith through a process in her Torah insights on the book of Shemot and in her interview with Rabbanit Etta Bendavid, who shares her experiences as grief counselor and her own moving personal story of coming to terms with having Alopecia universalis.

Etta Bendavid, BCC, SCP-C, MAEd., provides pastoral care and grief counseling at the Center for Loss and Grief in Raanana (www.SpiritualCareIsrael.com), is a certified Morah L’Halacha (Matan) and is Rabbanit of Raanana's Shivtei Yisrael synagogue.

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