Are you considering Aliyah? As part of a new series on That’s So Kvetch, I’ll be focusing on Aliyah stories from individual people! In this episode, I interview Dafna Milstein, filmmaker, creative writer and English teacher in Pardes Hanna and Roni Buchine, (old friend from Houston roots), who is studying computer science at Machon Lev in Jerusalem. We cover everything from acclimating as an immigrant, to cost of living and salaries, to the healthcare system, a typical shabbat experience, love stories, and more! It’s very cathartic to listen in and hear other people’s stories and gain insights from them. I hope you enjoy Part 1!

After a hiatus, I’m back! In this episode, I start off chatting about some recent life updates, moving apartments, and future plans. Summer is the season of change, and in the process I’ve noticed how roommate hunting is similar in some ways to dating life! I mean, it’s all about making a commitment in the end, am I right? Then, I briefly go on a tangent about Rav Nachman and nature (don’t ask) and swerve back to a scandalous and exciting story of triumph by the bad a** ladies Devorah and Yael! This dream team is truly exemplary and if you listen in, you’ll find out why! (Plus some wild plot twists along the way). Enjoy!

In this episode, I chat about my personal reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement, the positive and negative effects of social media, and my white guilt. It’s important to recognize how to be more educated and aware in the Jewish community. If we don’t talk about this, nothing will change. Then, I chat about the difficult decisions that come with dating someone of a different religious level than you. Lastly, I discuss the pressure of ‘getting over’ someone, and the negative impact that brings.

This is a very raw episode. I hope it brings you to feel less alone if you are struggling with something similar.

In this episode, I chat about the concept of dealing with uncertainty in life right now. I reflect on some positives that grew out of my uncertainty from when I graduated college. Then, I dive into the significance of Shavuot as the basis for Jewish belief and how it relates during this time. Also, this week was Israel Kamakawiwo'ole’s birthday and I shared more about his life and his charm! (He’s the Hawaiin singer and activist who sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’). Lastly, I top things off with a poem by Walt Whitman and some well wishes for us to find clarity and continue to move through the uncertainty with art, music, and nature.

In this episode, I chat about the awesome upcoming holiday Lag B’Omer this Tuesday and how I’ve fallen in love with its coolness. Lag B’Omer is a mystical holiday that celebrates the Kabbalah’s legacy, religious tolerance, renewal, and inspiration. I dive into the interesting story of R’Shimon Bar Yochai and talk about some funky customs from this holiday like shooting bows and arrows and eating dyed eggs? What?! Anyway, don’t worry, there are also brief chats about dating and recent tv shows I’ve enjoyed to cover all the stops. Happy listening!

In this episode, I chat with Tzvi Zuckier, a mental health therapist and friend that I met on last year’s Jewish music festival, Sababa. We interrupt his tie-dying activity to discuss the relevant topics: Tiger King, Zoom speed dating, mental health (always relevant!), and how people (sometimes) look like animals! And let’s not forget, a ‘That’s so Kvetch’ classic, worst dating stories! Happy listening!

In this episode, I start off with sharing some things that have brought me genuine joy recently as well as a chat about Zoom fatigue and how Zoom can drain your energy. Then I interview my wise sister Anna Kerzner, who is a matchmaker on Saw You at Sinai, one of the oldest Jewish online dating sites! She shares her wisdom on how the site works, how to match people, and tips on how to craft your resume. Lastly, we top things off with talking about the pressure to date right now and some cute quarantine date ideas! Happy listening :)

In this episode, I chat about my journey into self-help during quarantine life and how I've welcomed the extra time to self-reflect and refocus. I share areas of struggle for me personally like changes in friendships, religious guilt, and general anxiety and how I deal with them. Then, I dive into a book I read over chag by Brene Brown and her insights on tackling our inner critic and the concept of shame. Lastly, I finish off with a short chat on emunah, or faith in G-d, as a powerful tool to live your best life! Cheers to an honest episode!

In this episode, I chat about the future of dating in the Corona age (thanks to my recent insta poll peeps for your input!) and how dates will go down -just a little more creatively- during this time! Next, I talk a little bit about my personal self-care and how I’ve been managing my anxieties during this crazy time. I highly encourage dance parties right now! Then, I talk about Miriam as a feminine strength born out of bitterness and how she lead the women who left Egypt with their tambourines and dances of joy and faith. Shabbat Shalom everyone!

In this episode, I start off by talking about my journey in trying to stay hopeful and positive during the global pandemic. As for dating, Covid-19 is quite a turnoff so we dive into the next best thing: Rom-coms! He’s Just Not That Into You (on Netflix right now!) has some interesting monologues about dating that we just had to unpack! Lastly, we discuss some sources on the Jewish exile in Egypt in honor of the upcoming Passover holiday and how it can inspire us to reframe this new reality.