Power Up!

51

Sarah: On Living a Good Life

Dec 1, 2024

29:02

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq What does it mean to live a good life? In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Sarah, one of the most influential figures in Jewish history, to uncover timeless lessons about defining and achieving a life of meaning, fulfillment, and purpose. Sarah’s life was far from simple—marked by challenges, resilience, and unwavering faith. We’ll delve into what we can learn from Sarah about cultivating joy, gratitude, and connection even in difficult times. **Subscribe and Share**: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast for more insights on personal growth and breaking free from limiting behaviors. Share with anyone who might find these tools helpful for their own journey!

52

What Avraham Teaches us About Balance?

Nov 24, 2024

25:22

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq What differentiates the patriarchs and matriarchs from other Biblical personalities? We delve into some of their personalities and the challenges they had throughout their lives and we see something profound that can teach us what to expect in our lives and how we can achieve balance. **Subscribe and Share**: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast for more insights on personal growth and breaking free from limiting behaviors. Share with anyone who might find these tools helpful for their own journey!

53

Understanding the Roots of Self-Sabotage

Nov 10, 2024

29:27

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this episode, we explore the complex and often hidden roots of self-sabotage. Why do we sometimes act in ways that go against our own best interests? Through insights from Torah, we unpack the underlying fears and limiting beliefs that contribute to self-sabotaging patterns. From procrastination to negative self-talk, self-sabotage can appear in many forms, subtly hindering our progress in both personal and professional realms. Self-sabotage can ultimately hold us back from our true potential. By identifying its roots, we can begin the journey toward self-acceptance, resilience, and freedom from these limiting patterns. **Subscribe and Share**: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast for more insights on personal growth and breaking free from limiting behaviors. Share with anyone who might find these tools helpful for their own journey!

54

The DNA of Judaism: Self-Mastery & Relationships

Nov 3, 2024

30:48

Get one of the last few copies!! For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this episode, we dive into the core elements that shape the Jewish spiritual experience. We explore the "DNA of Judaism" through three foundational concepts: the fear of God, the pursuit of self-mastery, and the Jewish perspective on our relationship with God. These principles not only frame Jewish spirituality but also serve as a guide for leading a meaningful and purpose-driven life. By unpacking each of these elements, we uncover how they connect deeply to our daily lives and to the greater purpose of Jewish faith. Key Themes and Takeaways: 1. Fear of God: Reverence and Awe - What It Means: Fear of God is often misunderstood as fear of punishment, but in Judaism, it’s about cultivating awe and respect for the Divine. This reverence shapes how we conduct ourselves, make decisions, and approach the ethical dimensions of life. 2. Self-Mastery: - What It Means: In Jewish thought, self-mastery isn’t about suppressing our desires but rather elevating them to serve a greater good. It’s about self-discipline, resilience, and aligning our behavior with our values. 3. Our Relationship with God: Connection and Partnership - What It Means: The Jewish relationship with God is built on a foundation of connection and partnership. Rather than seeing God as distant, we view the Divine as an active presence in our lives, guiding, supporting, and challenging us. --- Closing Thoughts: Together, the fear of God, self-mastery, and our relationship with the Divine form the "DNA of Judaism." These elements remind us that our lives are not random but meaningful, with opportunities for growth, connection, and service. By integrating these principles into our lives, we carry the torch of Jewish wisdom and share its light with the world. Subscribe and Share: If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to our podcast to continue exploring the deeper layers of Jewish life. Please share with others who may be seeking inspiration, as we continue to bring timeless teachings into everyday conversation.

55

Sukkot - How to be Happy

Oct 15, 2024

29:23

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq We have a mitzvah to be happy on sukkot 1. How can we be told to be happy?? 2. Wouldn't having to sit in an uncomfortable sukkah detract from our happiness? Let's discover what happiness is and how to achieve it Subscribe and Share: If this episode inspired you to keep going, please subscribe and share it with others who may need help in their own journey of making change stick. Let’s continue to learn and grow together!

56

Making Change Stick: Failure, Effort & Procrastination

Oct 10, 2024

30:00

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this episode, ahead of Yom Kippur we take a deep dive into what it really takes to make meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. We’ll explore how we deal with failure, the role of effort and resilience in creating change, and the problems with procrastination. More importantly, we’ll share strategies to help you push through setbacks and make your efforts stick for the long term. Some themes: - Understanding failure as an inevitable part of any change journey. - How to reframe failure not as a dead end, but as a learning experience that helps refine your approach. - The importance of a growth mindset: viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to quit. - Why procrastination is often a barrier to change, leading to delay and avoidance. - Recognizing the small wins along the way and celebrating progress, even if it’s not perfect. - How to foster self-compassion throughout the process and give yourself grace while striving for progress. -- Change is hard, but it’s also possible with the right mindset, effort, and tools. This episode is a reminder that failure doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end of the road—it’s just a bump along the way. By pushing through procrastination, building resilience, and focusing on consistent effort, you can turn your goals into reality and make lasting change stick. Subscribe and Share: If this episode inspired you to keep going, please subscribe and share it with others who may need help in their own journey of making change stick. Let’s continue to learn and grow together!

57

I Know I Shouldn't So Why Do I Keep Doing it?!?

Sep 30, 2024

22:44

The astonishing answer to why knowledge of what we should and shouldn't do is not enough to help us change. And what we need instead. -- For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my almost sold out book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq -- Any questions or feedback, get in touch [email protected]

58

Can People Change? Rachav's Transformational Journey

Sep 23, 2024

23:50

In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful stories of personal transformation in the Bible: the journey of Rachav (Rahab). Once known as a harlot in the city of Jericho, Rachav made a bold decision that changed her life forever. Her story challenges us to think about the capacity for change, redemption, and how people can rise above their past to embrace a new identity and purpose. Lessons for Today - What we can learn from Rachav’s story about personal change and transformation in our own lives. - How to apply Rachav’s journey to our own lives, whether it’s through forgiveness, starting fresh, or encouraging others on their path to change. Subscribe and Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and share it with others who may find inspiration in Rachav’s incredible story of transformation! Let’s keep exploring how ancient wisdom can illuminate our paths today. -- For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my new book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq

59

Does Judaism Allow Venting, Whistle-blowing or Bad-Mouthing?

Sep 9, 2024

30:36

Are you allowed to vent? What about whistle-blowing? This episode focuses on understanding the concept of lashon hara (negative speech) in Jewish ethics and exploring the seven conditions that make it permissible to speak negatively about someone—but only for a constructive reason (to’elet). The intention is to clarify when it is allowed to share information that would otherwise be considered lashon hara, ensuring the speech is used to prevent harm and promote positive outcomes. Definition: Lashon hara refers to speaking negatively about another person, even if the information is true. In Jewish ethics, this kind of speech is prohibited because of the potential harm it can cause to individuals and communities. Constructive Purpose: There are rare cases where it is permissible to share negative information, but only if it is done with the goal of preventing harm or achieving a positive outcome. - Send us your thoughts and questions at [email protected] - Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! - Check out my book, Living Beautifully for more insights to bring joy, meaning and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book --- Thank you for tuning in! We hope this episode helps you navigate the fascinating impact of our words

60

Can't You Take a Joke!?!

Sep 4, 2024

27:25

What's so wrong with saying telling other people the truth about themselves? Should we worry about triggering other people? We look at the impact of our words on other people and the 5 categories of forbidden speech in Jewish law. - Send us your thoughts and questions at [email protected] - Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! - Check out my book, Living Beautifully for more insights to bring joy, meaning and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book --- Thank you for tuning in! We hope this episode helps you navigate the fascinating impact of our words

61

Understanding Free Will to Foster Empathy

Aug 30, 2024

27:28

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of free will and explore how understanding it can significantly enhance our ability to empathize with ourselves and those around us. Join us as we unravel the complexities of free will, its impact on human behavior, and how this knowledge can transform our interactions and self-perception. Key Topics Covered: 1. Defining Free Will: - What is free will, and why is it such a crucial concept to understand? - How much control do we really have over our actions? 3. Empathy and Free Will: - How understanding free will can lead to greater self-compassion. - The role of free will in understanding others’ actions and intentions. 5. Common Misconceptions: - Debunking myths about free will and responsibility. - Real-life examples and case studies illustrating the impact of understanding free will on empathy. - Send us your thoughts and questions at [email protected] - Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! - Check out my book, Living Beautifully for more insights to bring joy, meaning and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book --- Thank you for tuning in! We hope this episode helps you navigate the fascinating interplay between free will and empathy, enriching your interactions and self-understanding.

62

3 Reasons Why Your Thoughts Matter

Aug 19, 2024

21:14

Does it matter what you think of other people? Who cares what's going on in your head? In this episode we look at 3 important reasons why it makes a huge difference what we think about other people. -- For more insights on how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot, check out my book Living Beautifully - gilaross.com/book

63

Hey! Don't Judge!

Aug 6, 2024

26:48

If you're like me you probably hate being judged... and yet, who wants to be taken for a ride? In this episode we look at: - what does Judaism expect from us when it comes to judging other people? - How we make sure we aren't niave? -- For more insights on how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot, check out my book Living Beautifully - gilaross.com/book

64

Heaven & Hell in Judaism

Jun 24, 2024

31:27

What does Judaism say about Heaven and hell? What is heaven and hell? What are they there for?

65

Shavuot & a Curious Thing about Ruth

Jun 11, 2024

35:55

Shavuot celebrates us becoming the nation who received the Torah. Why do we read the book of Ruth? Ruth teaches us how to achieve radical transformation in our lives.

66

Reincarnation- and who you really are

Jun 4, 2024

34:57

Let's talk about reincarnation. Why reincarnation would happen and what it can tell us about our life in this world. - For more insights on how to bring meaning joy and love into your life check out my book Living Beautifully. Currently 25% off with code avot25 at gilaross.com/book

67

Do You Want Your Thoughts Recorded?

May 28, 2024

37:08

In the next part of our soul's journey we look at the life review!!! Gulp. But wait before you get scared listen to this episode. It will give you a fresh and empowering view of life!! -- For more insights on how to bring meaning joy and love into your life check out my book Living Beautifully. Currently 25% off with code avot25 at gilaross.com/book

68

What Happens After Death?

May 16, 2024

45:14

Let's take a look at what happens after death, in the second episode of our soul's journey. Any questions reach out to [email protected] Use AVOT25 to save 25% at gilaross.com/book

69

What is Our Soul Doing Here?

May 9, 2024

37:31

In this new series we're going to learn about our soul's journey! Why do we need a soul and why does the soul need to be in this world? -- Use code AVOT25 to save 25% on my new book Living Beautifully- how to bring meaning, joy and life into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot at gilaross.com/book

70

Pesach & Giving from Abundance

Apr 19, 2024

36:47

A fascinating look at the mitzvot of the Pascal Lamb and how it teaches us about the structure of the Jewish people, building community and giving from an abundance mindset. -- For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my new book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq

71

Pesach & how to navigate life's ups and downs

Apr 15, 2024

36:45

I was talking to a friend the other day about when life just feels hard and progress is slow, minimal or seemingly non-existent... interestingly enough there are deep roots for why it has to be this way -- and rhe first time we see this is in the strange way the pesach story happened. Listen for this important idea that has the potential to change how you view life's ups and downs. -- For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my new book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq

72

What's Does Living Authentically Have to do with G-d?

Apr 2, 2024

31:51

How do we have the courage to show up as our authentic selves? The surprising answer comes from developing true yirat shamayim - becoming G-d-fearing. Invest in yourself and listen to this episode!! -- Check out the Strength in Dark Times Summit - April 2-9! Join at gilaross.com/strength -- For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my new book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq

73

Purim Miracles & The Nuremberg Trials

Mar 21, 2024

27:45

There's a fascinating and chilling link between the purim story and the Nuremberg trials. Together with Rabbi Ross we look at the deeper miracles of the purim story, what triggered the salvation and the chilling link to the Nuremberg trials

74

Living Mindfully - Fearing G-d

Mar 12, 2024

38:24

Let's talk about the thing we don't want to talk about fear of G-d... Should we fear G-d? If G-d loves us and we are supposed to love G-d, why should we fear G-d and what does it even mean to fear G-d? If you have any questions or to sponsor an episode email [email protected]. For more insights check our my new book Living Beautifully- how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on timeless Jewish wisdom. Www.gilaross.com/book or https://amzn.to/3wIKXUA ---

75

BONUS: Loving G-d Q&A

Mar 7, 2024

9:34

Bonus episode: the last episode on loving G-d sparked some great questions, so here's a bonus episode. If you have any questions email [email protected]. For more insights check our my new book Living Beautifully- how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on timeless Jewish wisdom. Www.gilaross.com/book or https://amzn.to/3wIKXUA

76

Living Mindfully: Loving G-d - Loving Life

Mar 5, 2024

52:36

Loving God, Loving Life... these aren't easy topics to discuss and that's exactly what we do in this episode. In this episode of the living mindfully series we're moving from internal mindsets to relationships!! We look at our emotions, can we and if so how do we influence them? -The tricky subject of love. What is it? - and then Loving God. Is it possible? And can we love God through tough times? For more insights check our my new book Living Beautifully- how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on timeless Jewish wisdom. Www.gilaross.com/book or https://amzn.to/3wIKXUA

77

Living Mindfully- When life pulls you all over the place!

Feb 26, 2024

32:51

Ever feel like life pulls you in a million different directions? In this episode we look at why this happens and how to develop peace of mind when it happens. A must listen! For more life changing ideas, check out my new book Living Beautifully- How to bring meaning joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot- https://amzn.to/47HsRyN To get in touch with Gila email [email protected]

78

Living Mindfully: with Focus

Feb 13, 2024

55:08

What becomes possible when we can live with focus? What distracts us and why is it a problem? In this second in our series of living mindfully we take a deep dive into living focused lives and learn how we can bring focus into our lives. If you enjoy this podcast, you'll love my new book Living Beautifully https://amzn.to/47HsRyN

79

Living Mindfully- with Purpose!

Feb 6, 2024

47:54

Welcome to our series on Living Mindfully! In the next 6 episodes we're going to explore some powerful and practical ideas on how to live with more Purpose, joy and intention and less stress and anxiety. This week we look at how to ride lifes waves with more serenity and acceptance, how to bridge the gap between our mind and our heart and some easy practices to start living more purposefully. To bring more meaning joy and love into your life, check out my new book Living Beautifully- https://amzn.to/47HsRyN

80

Tu B'Shvat & the Secret to Success!

Jan 24, 2024

20:42

If you were going to fix the new year for trees, which time of the year would you choose? Spring? When the fruits are growing? Why is Tu B'shvat - the new year for trees celebrated in the dead of winter? It's not a mistake - but it teaches us the secret to success and achieving our goals. Lots more insights in my new book, Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot. https://amzn.to/47HsRyN

81

Does G-d want you to fight??

Jan 23, 2024

41:25

When things are hard, like really hard what does God want us to do? Does God want us to argue with Him or just accept? Is it OK to argue and is there any value to arguing. In this valuable episode we break it all down. Listen now! You can purchase Living Beautifully at https://amzn.to/47HsRyN

82

G-d, What Do You Want From Me?

Jan 15, 2024

46:56

Sometimes we want to know "God what do you want from me?" as a question to find meaning, to bring our part into the world. Sometimes, though we ask from a place of my life or the world has gone crazy! God, what do you want from me? Sometimes we know what God wants and it's just too hard. How do we deal with that? In this episode We're going to discuss the answer! You can get Gilas new book Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot here - https://amzn.to/47HsRyN

83

Time Mastery Workshop

Jan 9, 2024

51:58

For a short time only you can listen to the time mastery workshop!

84

Overcoming the Impossible: Challenges, Miracles + Triumphs

Jan 9, 2024

41:38

Join us on this episode as we get personal and unravel the two-step journey to conquering life's challenges. From navigating the depths of adversity to embracing the miracles that pave the way, discover the transformative power within you and uncover the roadmap to overcoming the seemingly impossible.

85

It's 2024! Is Fear Destructive?

Jan 1, 2024

36:31

Can you believe it's 2024!?! Let's talk about fear. What drives our fear? Is it good or bad? How do we respond to it? How does it impact our path in life? For more insights to bring meaning joy and love into your life check our my new book Living Beautifully 💫

86

Of Mindfulness, Miracles & Seeing Beyond the Ordinary

Dec 21, 2023

45:43

The Curious Case of Leah giving birth at an advanced age teaches us a lot about the natural and the wonderous

87

Faith During Challenging Times + Q&A

Oct 20, 2023

41:00

The past week and a half has been extremely difficult. What does it mean to have faith during difficult times? What does faith even look like at times like these? And how can we lean into faith? Followed by a question and answer session. Check out my new book Living Beautifully, available in good Jewish bookstores, on Amazon or www.subscribepage.com/livingb. To get in touch with Gila email [email protected].

88

Responding to Israel, Tragedy and Your Choice

Oct 11, 2023

24:02

In our conversation with Rabbi Asher Resnick, bereaved father and author of Pain is a Reality, Suffering is a Choice we look at what things are like right now in Israel and what the helpful questions are to ask under these sort of circumstances. Using his experiences of his daughter's illness and death, he shares with us some of the principles that helped him go through his situation and how he has used that to teach others about suffering and challenges. He shares with us the difference in response between being in the trauma and being post-trauma. We also look at what comfort means and how a person can be comforted. This uplifting and empowering conversation is a must-listen to. You can find Rabbi Resnick's book and articles on www.jewishclarity.com. To get in touch with Gila email [email protected].

89

Delusional? or Dreamer? - Sukkot Edition

Sep 29, 2023

7:48

A friend shared their dream with me and, unfortunately, the cynical part of me raised its ugly head 🙈 ) which got me thinking about dreaming and being delusional and the difference between the two. Surprisingly sukkot taught me the difference. Share your feedback via WhatsApp +447990-333-946 or on Instagram @gilaross

90

Delusional? or Dreamer? - Sukkot Edition

Sep 29, 2023

7:48

A friend shared their dream with me and, unfortunately, the cynical part of me raised its ugly head 🙈 ) which got me thinking about dreaming and being delusional and the difference between the two. Surprisingly sukkot taught me the difference. Share your feedback via WhatsApp +447990-333-946 or on Instagram @gilaross

91

Religious Hypocrisy? Ha'azinu

Sep 21, 2023

5:06

As a rebbetzin I get a lot of questions... one of the harder ones is why some religious people do bad things... in this episode we explore this issue.

92

The 2 Things You Need to Know Before Rosh Hashana

Sep 13, 2023

23:03

Yesterday someone said to me, "I have always had this feeling that if you don't do the High Holidays right, then catastrophic things are going to happen." Well, it didn't exactly inspire him to approach the High Holidays confidently and to make the most out of these days! Is there a better way to head into Rosh Hashana? Yes! Rosh Hashana is the beginning of the Jewish year, and beginnings have a lot of energy. Start something well and you are on a roll, it is much easier to build on that momentum. If something starts on the wrong track, it is much harder to bring it back to where we want to take it. So, we definitely want to tap into Rosh Hashana and start the year off well. To do that, you need to know these 2 things! To get my new book, Living Beautifully - How to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - www.subscribepage.com/livingb To book a 121 session: [email protected]

93

Is there Value in Thoughts without Action!?! Vayelech

Sep 7, 2023

5:47

If you've ever been told that it's in your head you'll know it's usually said to diminish an experience. But what is the value of our thoughts. Here's some stunning insights.

94

The Curse of Dependency - Ki Tavo

Aug 31, 2023

8:21

Can Independence help you live a happier life and make more confident decisions? Is the ideal to be completely self-sufficient? Is it a curse to be dependent?

95

A Little Update, the Queen & Knowing Someone Cares - Ki Tetzei

Aug 25, 2023

8:43

Bear with me for a little update! Plus One of my earliest childhood memories is of meeting the queen. Some reflections on that memory, a strange mitzvah and the power of waiting in our life... You can order my book www.subscribepage.com/livingb or get in touch [email protected]

96

You Don't Need More Knowledge- Shoftim

Aug 18, 2023

6:25

I had a fascinating conversation with my coach, she showed me how knowledge isnt what you need. So what is it? Listen to this episode to find out

97

Is Judaism a Religion of Fear or Joy?? Re'eh

Aug 11, 2023

8:12

Must listen!!! Is Judaism filled with restrictions and fear? Is there any fun in Judaism? Is there any joy??

98

The Personal Relevance of a Mass Revelation- Vaeschanan

Jul 28, 2023

5:54

We might know an old Jewish story but does it have anything to do with you? In this episode we look at the way G-d gave the Jews the torah and explore how it impacts your daily life.

99

Why You Should Plan To Fail - Devarim

Jul 21, 2023

6:34

Is a positive attitude a hindrance? Listen to this controversial episode to hear why you should plan to fail. Any questions? [email protected]

100

Can You Make Peace when Someone Hurts You? Maasei

Jul 13, 2023

6:27

When someone hurts you, the feelings run deep. Can you make peace with what happened? We look at an ancient city of refuge for a clue to bringing peace into our life. To get in touch email [email protected]

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