The Eden Center Podcast

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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In this episode of Women and Wellbeing, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet speaks with Amalia Misul-Jesselson, MSW, Psychotherapist, Couple and sex therapist about the transitions that take place as soldiers come back home, and what can help partners make the adjustment back into 'regular' family life and the marital relationship after time away.

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This month Karen explores the imagery of seeds and planting as a symbol of hope in Talmudic literature. She relates this to the recent wave of volunteering to work the land here in Israel. Then she talks with Tamar Weissman about her family’s move to a farm in Northern Israel, the spiritual and Torah dimensions of working the land, and about what working the land does for one’s body and soul.
This month’s podcast is dedicated to the refuah shlemah of Netanel Yaakov ben Yehudit Sarah, who was wounded in Gaza and the health and safety all those injured, all of our soldiers, and those who were kidnapped.

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Life is stressful. Unfortunately we are all feeling it now more than ever. In this episode of Medical Matters, Chana and Sharon discuss the medical basis of stress, stress in Halakha and steps we can take to manage it.

This month's Kislev podcast focuses on the challenges the war in Israel poses for couples around taharat hamishpacha, particularly when one or both have been drafted and are trying to keep the light going strong in their relationship. Karen then discusses halakhic and emotional questions that have arisen about taharat hamishpacha and intimacy during wartime with yoetzet halacha and ASSECT certified sexuality counselor Dr. Judith Fogel.

The Kislev podcast is sponsored by Erez and Shelly Markowitz in memory of Bella Werthheimer, daughter of Moshe Zvi and Kreindal Mihai, to commemorate 25 years since her passing
on Rosh Hodesh Kislev. May her Neshama have an aliyah.
לזכרה של בלה ורטהימר בת משה צבי וקריינדל לבית מיהאי

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Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss what is allowed in the Mikveh, including rules around technology, food, and beverages. Gabrielle also discusses why a certain candy is provided and encouraged by most mikvot... it's most likely not the reason you think! 

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In light of the war in Israel, this month Karen looks to Parshat Noah for Torah thoughts on how to remain optimistic in the face of unbearable loss and destruction. Then, Karen interviews Dr. Bella Schanzer, an experienced psychiatrist, who provides valuable guidance about coping with anxiety brought on by the war in Israel. This includes practical advice about caring for ourselves and our families, as well as specific thoughts directed towards mothers/parents of chayalim.
This month's podcast is dedicated to the safe return of our soldiers and prayers for healing of all those wounded or missing. Yet, amid the darkness, we see hope and continuity as soldiers and young couples continue to get married. On that note, this podcast is also sponsored in honor of Lauren Ostrofsky's wedding. May Hashem provide us with strength and bring all of Am Yisrael back to days of joy.

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During Tishrei there is an extra focus on meals and food. This is a good time to think about modeling healthy relationships with food and to raise awareness about eating disorders in the Jewish community. After Karen’s Torah thoughts on the physical and spiritual side of sustenance, she interviews psychotherapist Aliza Levitt Gillman about building positive relationships with our bodies and food.

This month's podcast was generously sponsored by Esther Tekuzener.
Wishing everyone a Shana Tova!

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Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss some of the most prominent reasons women (and men!) go to the Mikveh. During their conversation, they go beyond the reason of Taharah and Tumah to uncover some less commonly known uses of the Mikveh.

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