Human & Holy

201

Stretching Into Freedom with Rivka Mazal Tauber

Mar 27, 2022

41:36

Where do you feel limited in your life? How can you experience freedom from your personal limitations? If you have experienced internal freedom, why do you seem to keep coming back to the same cage? Today, Rivka Mazal Tauber shares her own personal experiences of limitations, and the chassidic wisdom that brings her to a higher plane. || Today's episode is part one of a three part series on Pesach, where we will be exploring the themes of the holiday of freedom. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

202

How To See Each Other More Softly with Rochel Holzkenner

Mar 20, 2022

43:19

Religious fervor, arrogance, a false assumption about another person's experience... all of these things can easily lead us down the slippery slope of self-righteous judgment. Today, Rochel Holzkenner takes a deep dive into our judgments of others and explore how we can bring ourselves to a place where we not only judge others less, but actually come to respect them for the very things we were critical of before. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

203

When the Steering Wheel Gets Tight with Rivky Brikman

Mar 13, 2022

37:32

How can we manage feelings of sadness or worry that confront us throughout our day? How should we respond to feelings of failure when we struggle to maintain our internal growth? Through the wisdom of Chapters 26 and 27 of Tanya, Rivky Brikman shares her ongoing, internal journey with G-d. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

204

My Stroke of Good Fortune with Rus Devorah Wallen

Mar 6, 2022

55:05

Through her own experience with a stroke, and through watching her clients rise from the depths of internal struggle, Rus Devorah tells us the story of yeridah l’tzorech aliyah: how the greatest descents in our lives are often a preparation and a catalyst for unparalleled ascent. How can we support ourselves in rising, after we have plummeted? How can we experience our descent as the driving force of our subsequent ascent? Find more of Rus Devorah’s work on toratherapeutics.com || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

205

You Are Not a Mannequin and Other Lessons in Jewish Beauty with Basya Weunsch-Reiter

Feb 27, 2022

50:53

Does the Torah value physical beauty, or not? How should we define our own beauty? When does our desire to feel beautiful come as a true expression of ourselves, and when does it come from a place of judgment or lack? In today's episode, we explore the Torah's unique perspective on physical beauty to better understand how we can fully embody our G-d given beauty, without making it about looking a certain way. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

206

Instead of Why, What Now? with Freidy Yanover

Feb 20, 2022

41:48

In today's episode, Freidy Yanover speaks about our challenges being signs that can direct us towards the next step of our journey. If we are open, we can allow them to nudge us more deeply into our lives and relationships with G-d. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

207

Jewish Femininity with Elana Kornfeld, Rochel Deitsch, Chayale Tzukernik, and Rochel Flikshtein

Feb 13, 2022

40:40

What is Jewish femininity? What does it mean to be leaders of our homes, and of the world? This episode explores these questions in a live panel hosted for the Young Women's Kinus. Rochel Flikshtein, Chayale Tzukernik, Rochel Deitsch, and Elana Kornfeld share how they each experience their Jewish femininity and power. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

208

Souls First with Miriam Lipskier

Feb 6, 2022

56:47

In today's episode, Miriam Lipskier speaks about seeing another person's soul before we judge them for their actions. Based on chapter 32 of Tanya, and Miriam's own experience, we discuss what it actually means to see others as souls first. And what it means to see ourselves that way, too. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

209

Only This Moment Belongs to Me with Alisa Fellig

Jan 30, 2022

33:40

In this episode, I speak with Alisa Fellig about the muscles we build, over time, that help us stay present with G-d in our more challenging moments. Through a miraculous outcome of her baby's birth, Alisa speaks about surrendering the future to G-d and fully owning our headspace in each moment. || TW: Alisa speaks about complications during birth. If you are pregnant or sensitive to complicated birth stories, please consider skipping the first fifteen minutes of the conversation. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

210

Longing and Returning with Shterny Tubul

Jan 23, 2022

48:11

In today’s episode, I speak to Shterny Tubul about the lifelong process of Ratzui V’shuv, pining for spirituality, but always returning to the real work in this physical world. Shterny speaks about wrestling with a woman’s profoundly physical role in Judaism and how she had to redefine her understanding of spirituality. Through parenting her child, she began to sense what it meant to connect to G-d through her daily life, and she shares how she balances her personal process of longing and returning. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

211

Asking Questions to Find Answers with Kayla Goldstein

Jan 16, 2022

42:55

In today’s episode, I speak to Kayla Goldstein about her journey with her Judaism throughout the years. For many years, she went through the motions of the religious lifestyle that she was brought up with. When life got rough, habit was not enough. Kayla speaks about being encouraged, for the first time, to truly ask questions -- and what happened to her relationship with G-d when she did. || TW: Kayla briefly mentions her struggle with depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please reach out at [email protected].

212

This World is a Garden with Dini Hecht and Inbal Levin

Jan 9, 2022

58:56

In honor of Yud Shvat, I interview Dini Hecht and Inbal Levin about the way the Rebbe's vision for the world pushes them, each in their own way, to take responsibility for the state of the world and prioritize their fellow Jew's spirituality, just as much as their own. The world is already a garden. Through our tending, we reveal its inherent beauty. || To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please reach out at [email protected].

213

G-d as Parent and Partner with Chana Kalmenson

Jan 2, 2022

41:33

In today's episode, Chana Kalmenson speaks about using our understanding of attachment theory to better understand our relationships with G-d. What does it look like for us to be securely attached to G-d, as a parent to a child? What does it look like for us to choose Him as adults, and form a committed, loving relationship? - To sponsor an episode, or to reach out about the podcast, please get in touch via [email protected]. To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy.

214

Instead of Juggling, Hold Them Both with Shternie Bell

Dec 26, 2021

50:52

In today's episode, I interview Shternie Bell about finding the unity in seemingly opposing areas of our lives. Shternie shares her quest to bridge the divide between her personal identity and her life as a community leader, and in doing so, encourages us to look for the unifying thread that runs through our lives.

215

Focus Less on the Obstacle, More on the Goal with Vivi Deren

Dec 19, 2021

49:58

In today's episode, Vivi Deren speaks about utilizing the idea of L'chatchila Ariber to help us focus less on our obstacles, and more on our goals. Instead of becoming consumed with the challenges in her life, Vivi tries to focus her energy on her unique mission in bringing the world to its ultimate goal. ---- To become a paying subscriber of the podcast, please visit patreon.com/humanandholy. To sponsor an episode, please email us at [email protected]

216

Until You Feel It In Your Bones with Devori Nussbaum

Dec 12, 2021

56:16

In today's episode, Devori Nussbaum describes Daas as a felt sense in the body, as a true integration of G-dly awareness into our emotional and internal headspace. Devori outlines how to deepen our body's awareness of G-d, with compassion, curiosity, and openness.

217

Human Beings, Not Human Doings with Rivky Kaplan

Dec 5, 2021

1:04:24

In today's episode, I interview Rivky Kaplan about moving away from our obsession with productivity to embrace the value of simply being. Many of us measure our worth by the light we are emitting. Through a talk given by the Lubavitcher Rebbe about the diminishment of the moon, Rivky challenges us to consider that sometimes, our mere presence is enough. We are human beings, not doings. Some days, G-d asks us, simply, to be.

218

The Life I Was Supposed to Have with Chana Margulies

Nov 28, 2021

51:06

In today's episode, I interview Chana Margulies about embracing the continuous, inward nature of personal challenges. Through the lens of her personal journey with cancer, infertility, and a family member's depression, Chana discusses the instinct to shame recurring struggles, and how we can learn to celebrate the opportunities for holiness in our continuous battles. Chana can be reached through her website chanamargulies.org. Her memoir “Jumping in Puddles” is available on Amazon. Her newest book "Thank You for Being You" will be released in the coming months.

219

Come Celebrate! A Birthday Party for Chassidus

Nov 21, 2021

1:11:16

Join a group of women, as we celebrate the new year of Chabad Chassidus. Play a game with us, laugh with us, look inward. This is the year we discover the holiness in our human experience.

220

Is This Thought True? with Chayale Tzukernik

Oct 3, 2021

45:32

In this episode, I interview Chayale Tzukernik about the role our thoughts play in the way we view the world. Chayale speaks about bridging the gap between her intellectual understanding of an idea and its practical implications in her life. We discuss questioning our natural thought processes in order to guide them towards a more objective truth, and how to practically reframe our experiences in order to align them with a more G-dly perspective of the world.

221

Stepping into the Sukkah: My Journey to Embodiment

Sep 19, 2021

16:02

Have you ever felt yourself floating above your life? Have you ever connected spiritually to an idea, but still felt detached from it in your day to day life? Today, I explore how Sukkos teaches me the profound importance of physical embodiment as the manifestation of our spiritual experiences.

222

A Daily Conversation with Chaviva New

Sep 5, 2021

36:49

In today’s episode, I interview Chaviva New about her unique and deeply personal relationship with the mitzvah of tzedakah. She talks about charity as this ongoing conversation she has with G-d: both to give thanks and to ask for things that she needs. In the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Chaviva's words are a powerful reminder that a mitzvah can be a daily opportunity for us to interact with G-d.

223

Expanding the Vessel with Dena Shusterman

Aug 22, 2021

49:34

What would our life look like if we tapped into the limitlessness of our potential? Do we stunt ourselves when we become too well versed in our limitations? What is the true meaning of Ein Sof, and how can its presence in our world inform the way that we live? In today’s episode, I interviewed Dena Shusterman about the experiences she has had in pushing herself beyond her perceived limitations. Dena talks about expanding her family, stretching herself financially, and sometimes, scaling back in one area in order to expand in another. Listen to this episode for a grounded perspective on what it means to be tapped into an infinite source.

224

If It Makes You Feel Alive with Menucha Schwartz

Aug 8, 2021

43:40

In today’s episode, I bring you a beautiful, soulful conversation I had with Menucha Schwartz about a chassidic discourse that makes the case for the importance of a sense of a self in our relationship with G-d. Not as an end unto itself, but as a vehicle that takes us where we need to go. We explore why the word “yeshus” might not actually be the big, bad word in G-dly service, and what it looks like to allow your sense of self to evolve, as your reality becomes more aligned with G-d’s.

225

The Moment of Pause with Dena Gorkin

Jul 25, 2021

42:19

In today’s episode, I interview Dena Gorkin, principal of Bnos Chomesh Academy and a sought after educator about the topic of Iskafia as a powerful regulation tool to teach to youth, and ourselves. Dena throws a new spin on the topic that I had never considered before: Iskafia is not extended self-control. It is the moment of pause before making a decision where we can regulate ourselves enough to make a conscious choice.

226

Come As You Are with Raizel Deitsch

Jul 11, 2021

43:27

In today’s episode, I interview Raizel Deitsch about a verse from Mishlei which encourages us to “find G-d in all your ways”. Raizel speaks about giving herself permission to find G-d in the human corners of her life, which sparked her transition from an abstract relationship with G-d to one that emanated from her authentic, physical experience. Raizel’s words are a powerful reminder that G-d is looking for a personalized relationship with us that goes far deeper than the world’s opinions or expectations of our Judaism. When we can clear out the noise around us and hone in on our authentic relationship with G-d, we can reclaim the joy and passion of a divine service that is intertwined with our messy, human existence.

227

To Guide Your Emotions, Feel Them First with Ester Zirkind

Jun 27, 2021

42:55

In today’s episode, I interview Ester Zirkind about the concept of Moach Shalit al Halev, the Chassidic teaching that encourages us to let the mind take the driver seat when we make decisions. In a personal accounting of this idea, Ester speaks about the importance of our emotions in the equation. Using the mind to guide the heart is not an excuse to disregard the heart; it is an invitation to feel our emotions fully, so that when it comes time to make the decision, our heart is regulated enough to make a conscious choice.

228

The Rebbe’s Impact: Five Women Share from the Heart

Jun 13, 2021

1:09:05

Today is the 3rd of Tammuz, the anniversary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s passing. In today’s episode, I asked five women, from different ages and backgrounds, five questions about the Rebbe’s influence on their lives. Join us as we celebrate the Rebbe’s ongoing impact on the world.

229

Louder & Prouder: The Jewish Response to Hatred

May 30, 2021

17:09

When the world goes low, we go high. Join me as I explore the storyline of these last few weeks in Israel and the entire world through the lens of Jewish voices worldwide. When the world tries to terrify us into submission, we get louder and prouder. Even a tiny candle can cut through the thickest darkness. Our flame is only getting brighter and brighter.

230

Angels Vs. Humans: The Court Case Within

May 9, 2021

17:04

In this solo episode, I explore the friction we experience between our unrealistic desire for perfection and our inevitable human reality. Before G-d gave us the Torah, a court case occurred between Moshe and the angels. Each felt that they had legal rights to the Torah. They fought back and forth until ultimately, the angels were silenced and the Torah was given to the human beings. Today, I speak about silencing our own, internal angels and recognizing that the Torah was not given to us despite our human limitations, but because of them. Every day, we battle the internal voices that tell us that G-d demands perfection. If we cannot be perfect, why bother? The first step to receiving the Torah is silencing the angels within. Their voices prevent us from receiving the Torah as we are, and allowing ourselves to believe that we are worthy and capable of carrying out its mission.

231

Truth is a Mirror with Rochel Leah Taktuk

May 2, 2021

41:52

In today's episode, I interview Rochel Leah Taktuk about Achdus Hashem, the unity of G-d, and how that awareness pushed her to acknowledge her internal battles as part of her divine service. Rochel Leah speaks about seeing G-dliness everywhere, other than within her own self. Ultimately, she learned that trusting in G-d's presence is about turning the truth inward, and revealing His presence and importance in our human battles, too.

232

In the Ordinary Moments with Temmi Hadar

Apr 18, 2021

44:48

In today’s episode, I interview Temmi Hadar about the topic of Isapcha, transformation, and how she strives to infuse the ordinary moments of her life with meaning, little by little. It is not the grand moments that transform our lives into meaningful ones. It is the ordinary moments infused with meaning that make our lives extraordinary.

233

The Larger Vision with Rivkah Slonim

Apr 5, 2021

42:13

In today's episode, I interview Rivkah Slonim about her experience with the idea of Kabbalas Ol, which literally means "accepting the yoke". Rivkah speaks about tapping into the larger vision of our soul's mission in this world and recognizing that even if something isn't easy or pleasant for us in this moment, we can trust that if G-d needs it from us, than it is in our own best interests, too. She speaks about pushing herself to accept G-d's will even when it was challenging and how those choices led her to life's greatest gifts. Deep alignment is not always easy. But it is always worth it.

234

Three Steps to Personal Freedom

Mar 21, 2021

15:50

Is it possible to live our lives solely guided by the voice of our souls, free of the world's opinions and perspectives on us? What is the secret to a true, personal freedom? Join me on a journey through the Torah's guide to personal freedom, hidden in the three names of Passover. It's freedom season. Let's shatter our inner limitations and step into our truest selves. Background music in this episode, by order of appearance: "Ve'hi She'amda" by Yonatan Razel, "The Seder Song" by Zusha, and "Freedom Season" by Shmuli Chazanow.

235

Creativity is the Act of Listening with Sara Hecht

Mar 7, 2021

46:58

In today’s episode, I interview Sara Hecht, who is a singer-songwriter, about the influence of Torah and Chassidus in her creative process. Sara speaks about allowing herself to become a vessel for G-d’s work to flow through her, through conscious listening to her soul’s voice. Sara’s words are a reminder to pay closer attention, and to actively carve out space to listen to the voice of the soul. You can find Sara's music on sarahecht.com.

236

Choosing Joy with Rochel Lazaroff

Feb 22, 2021

56:09

It's Adar! The month of joy. In this episode, I interview my mother, Rochel Lazaroff, about the definition of joy according to Chassidus. What does it mean to use our mind as the root of our emotions? How can we choose to live just a little bit more joyfully in our everyday life?

237

Self-Confidence Is Not About You with Hindel Swerdlow

Feb 7, 2021

52:35

In this episode, I interview Hindel Swerdlow about the deepest form of self confidence: believing in our G-d given potential. Hindel speaks about how she has pushed herself to overcome some of her greatest fears by reminding herself that her gifts and talents are "not about her" but about her responsibility to the world. Hindel is warm and honest about her own experiences in pushing herself to her soul's fullest capacity and I think her words will give you the courage to push yourself a little closer, too.

238

When G-d Sends You Mail with Chavie Bruk

Jan 24, 2021

52:06

In this episode, I interview Chavie Bruk about the concept of hashgachah pratis, detailed divine guidance, and how that awareness has shaped the way she deals with the mail G-d sends to her doorstep. Chavie talks about how our personal challenges can be guides to our souls’ mission and how we can train our minds to notice G-d’s guidance in the minute details and circumstances of our lives.

239

A Generation of Leaders with Chava Witkes

Jan 12, 2021

39:42

Yud Shvat is the anniversary of the date that the Lubavitcher Rebbe officially accepted the role of leadership of the Chabad community. In this episode, I speak about the Rebbe's vision for the world, and how he empowered each of us to be leaders of light in our own way. I interview Chava Witkes about how she embodies this mission in her own home, by bringing people together in meaningful ways. What better way to celebrate the Rebbe's leadership than to explore how we can perpetuate his mission statement seventy years later?

240

When It Feels Impossible with Eta Cotlar

Dec 27, 2020

49:23

In this episode, I interview Eta Cotlar about her relationship with bitachon (trusting in G-d), when the rug was pulled from beneath her feet six years ago and is continuously tested every single day. Eta talks about the paradoxes she lives with daily: her deep pain and simultaneous trust in G-d's goodness, her responsibility to make a vessel for positive outcome, and then knowing when to let go of control. Eta shares more than just her personal story; she shares the nuances and complexities of what it means to be a struggling human in a relationship with an infinite G-d.

241

The Chanukah Miracle Never Ended

Dec 12, 2020

12:30

In this solo episode, I share a bit about the miracle of the oil: what it represents and how I've seen it show up in my life. What does it actually mean to tap into a connection with G-d that transcends our understanding? Hear how I experienced this idea through the pregnancy and birth of my baby. Background song "Chasof" by Shauli

242

The Soul Makes a Promise with Nechama Caplan

Dec 9, 2020

51:00

In this episode, I interview Nechama Caplan about the promise the soul made before coming down into the body and how that oath inspires her daily life. Nechama speaks about shifting her consciousness away from the self and towards the divine, through intentional habit forming and conscious choices. How can you integrate your divine purpose into the details of your daily life? Nechama can be reached at [email protected] for more information about her Whatsapp group and online Tanya courses!

243

First, the Seed Unravels with Hadassah Shemtov

Dec 9, 2020

43:25

In this episode, I interview Hadassah Shemtov, director of Batsheva Learning Center and high school Gemara teacher, about the concept of yesh ayin yesh -- the idea that in order for any type of meaningful transformation to happen, we have to lean into that uncertain, open space of ayin, or nothingness. Hadassah speaks about our experience of transformation on a micro scale: learning something new, or making room for change in our closest relationships, as well as life’s broader transformations, like the birth of her daughter and the unraveling she experienced before becoming something new.

244

Learning to Receive with Hindi Kalmenson

Dec 9, 2020

50:35

In this episode, I interview Hindi Kalmenson, who is a marriage coach, teacher, and mom of four. Hindi takes us on her journey of learning to embrace her imperfections and let go of control in order to truly receive from the people around her and from G-d. Hindi’s story is inspired by the kabbalistic idea of mashpia and mekabel, the relationship between the giver and the receiver. How is our need for control and illusion of self-perfection stopping us from truly receiving? Hindi is a certified marriage coach living in LA. She can be contacted at [email protected].

245

Human & Holy Trailer

Dec 4, 2020

5:16

Do you crave spiritual conversation that feels relevant to your daily life? Do you enjoy studying but can’t always find yourself in the text? This podcast is a space for experiential learning. Together, we will be exploring ideas in Jewish and Chassidic thought through the lens of real people’s experiences. How do they weave the sacred into the fabric of their lives? What relevance do mystical ideas have to their most intimate, human struggles? What does it mean to be both human and holy?