Bodies & Souls

Rivky Boyarsky helps us frame Tisha B'Av through her Torah thoughts and reflections. This class is based on a class by Rabbi Nissen Mangel. In this episode we explore the life lessons that are found in the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza in a way that is meaningful and relevant to us today. Listen to this episode, and you will walk away uplifted, not just getting by the fast day, but utilizing...

Listen to Rishe Majeski, master Mechaneches, as she skillfully speaks about the duty teachers have to maintain Chinuch standards, and at the same time, act with sensitivity to students who are undergoing emotional, mental, or psychological challenges.  Rishe Majeski is a high school principal, working for well over 25 years, and brings her knowledge, experience, and lived expertise to this convers...

Dr. Ivy Branin lives in Crown Heights and works as a naturopathic doctor in NYC. Ivy does not approach disease with a “one-size fits all” perspective, but rather sees each patient as an individual with their own potential for optimal health.  She supports people in their desire to feel good and good about themselves using the naturopathic principles of dietary and lifestyle management, and has a h...

Bassie Shemtov, Executive Director of the flagship Friendship Circle and its many divisions in Michigan, speaks to us about what motivates her, how her organization got off the ground, and how she fuses together her life, family, shlichus, and devotion to the Rebbe throughout her day to day life. Listen to this episode; you will walk around invigorated to get involved in helping people, and will f...

Chaya Raichik and ShifrahTauber discuss  their work promoting Taharas HaMishpacha. Both are involved in pioneering organizations that help Jewish women feel comfortable and positive with the concepts of Mikvah and Niddah. Chaya, through her book, and Shifrah, through her instagram account are determined to share inspirational, motivational, and relatable content that portrays Taharas HaMishpacha i...

Masha Konikov is a Momtrepreneur who is determined to help as many people in the world as possible run successful businesses! Masha is the director of operation of YEDI - York Entrepeneurship Development Institute, and in her role has helped thousands of people worldwide start their own companies. Listen to this episode, hear Masha's words of encouragement, and hopefully she will light the fi...

Yael Trusch MBA is an influencer, podcast host, speaker, and content creator of  Jewish Money Makeover. She inspires women around the world to take control of their finances through a paradigm shift combining Jewish wisdom with sound financial advice. Listen to how Yael speaks about her personal story regarding money,  especially how every interaction she has with her bank account is seeped with h...

Come join our very own Rivky Boyarsky as she explores self confidence through the lense of Torah and Chassidus. This talk is based on a talk she was asked to give to CTeens for the international CTeens Shabbaton.    To reach out to Rivky for questions or speaking engagements, please message her @rivkyboyarsky or rivky66@gmail.com Support the show To sponsor an episode of Bodies & Souls, email...

Chani Gryn is a mother to four beautiful children, including Levi, who is a child with special needs. Chani speaks to us about the lessons she has learned over the years, and how Levi has not only brought joy to her life, but to the community at large. Listen to this episode whether or not you have a child with special needs...you will grow as a person, and come away with renewed strength to navig...

Chava Erlanger grew up as a Charedi girl in Israel. Decades later, she is a world famous artist living in the UK, and uses her talents to help the people in her community heal through different traumas, including world disasters and displacement.  Chava's art is magnificent; her work evokes strong feelings and demands one to reach deep within to process and channel one's feelings and sen...

Goldie Plotkin, dynamic Rebbitzen of Chabad Markham and Director of Torah Tots and Tamim Academy of YR, is an international speaker on the topic of marriage, relationships, and dating. Goldie speaks to us about how we set the tone for the 'temperature of the home', tips on how to navigate challenges, and speaks from personal experience about the importance of a rock solid marriage when d...

Meet Rivka Caroline. In this episode we take apart all things organization. Rivka Caroline is the author of ‘ From Frazzled to Focused’ which was listed on the New York Times parenting blog @Motherlode as a Top Ten ‘must read’ for parents. She also created the ‘Focus Finder’ ™ planner pad. Since earning her double Masters in Psychology Rivka has taught hundreds of the busiest people in the univers...

Aviva Yoselis, CEO of Health Advize, lives in Israel with her family. She runs a successful  medical advocacy company and is also in charge of her aging mother's care. Her mother moved from New Jersey to Aviva's Yishuv, residing in a special designed addition that is part of Aviva's house. Aviva speaks candidly with us about the lessons she has learned as her mother's primary c...

Mushka Gopin M.Ed is a mother of three little boys and a former high school educator. She teaches mothers to parent intentionally in the early years so their child gets the best head start and can feel confident knowing what they’re doing. Mushka’s unique approach weaves together Montessori and other educational philosophies with developmental science, attachment theory, and Torah values in a prac...

The Challah Mom (AKA Anat Ishai)  speaks candidly about moving to Israel for the year with her husband and four kids. The love and joy Anat has for the land of Israel and the Jewish people is palpable, as is her fun energy (yes, Anat dances around her table every week holding fresh Challot, with a contagious smile on her face!) As a Baalat Teshuvah, Anat offers keen insight on what every Jewish pe...

Blimie Heller is all about trust, respect, and a deep connection....and there is a reason Blimie is such a sought after parenting coach: She is genuine and honest in her own struggles too! Blimie has answers to your many questions, including questions about how to unlearn parenting techniques that simply don't work. Blimie dispels many myths that you may have been carrying around with you vis...

Dina Gorkin is the founder and principal of the Bnos Chomesh Academy High School for girls, and lectures extensivley on the topics of education and parenting. Listen to this episode and hear the insights Dina shares about education and parenting - specifically with teenagers - and you will come away inspired and eager to try out her recommendations. Dina's soft spoken approach and sensitivity...

Malka Shaw, LCSW, is a talented and experienced psychotherapist. Malka is  down-to-earth, warm, and caring. She has vast experience in her field, and while we discuss maternal health with Malka, the talk is peppered with parenting, struggling teens, relationships and marriage, due to the gamut of counselling experiences Malka holds. As a new or more experienced mother, we think this episode is wel...

Sarah Benhammou Amram lives in an RV with her family. She also runs a fascinating 'Unschooling' program for her children. While her life may sound far removed from yours (and mine!), there are surprising similarities and lessons to be learned. As a homeschool mom for the past five years, Sarah inspires and helps caregivers and teachers with activities and other ideas to optimize learning...

Miriam Racquel Feldman is a somatic healer and clarity coach. She writes extensively for Chabad.org, and is the author of God Said What?! #MyOrthodoxLife, which is the winner of the GOLD award from the Nonfiction Book Awards! Miriam Racquel speaks to us about trauma and healing through using the mind - body - soul connection. Listen to this episode, as you will come away with important tools that...

Dr. Rebbitzen Masha Posen is an extraordinary occupational therapist. She works as an O.T. consultant for the Ministry of Health in Ontario and lectures at the University of Toronto and Talpiot College. She works with a span of ages, from young children to geriatrics, and is unbelievably creative in her approach to the therapeutic interventions she employs. Listen to this episode...this will help...

Kayla Levin runs a coaching company that helps Jewish women build their marriages from the very beginning. Kayla has a very popular podcast,  has developed online courses (some free of charge!) and coaches married Jewish women to create a foundation of confidence, love, and connection. Kayla's company, 'How to Glow' helps women to build the marriage of their dreams. Listen to this e...

Hadassah believes in women learning Torah. She co-founded Batsheva Learning Center in 2015 and continues to shape the organization’s vision and direct its ongoing activities. She is passionate about education and excited about creating innovative learning opportunities for women. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children where she teaches Gemara to high school girls. Hadassah no...

Rachel Tuchman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 15 years of experience. Rachel is a HAES (Health At Every Size) aligned clinician and dedicates a lot of her time out of the office to educating parents and kids on the importance of body respect and the behaviors that truly honor our health.  Listen to this episode and you will come to think critically about the effects of stigma an...

Nechama Huber takes pride in her roles as a mother and wife. She uses her G-d-given talents as an artist and owns a business called The Pop Cakery in Pittsburg where she uses her artistic ability to produce edible art.  As a certified Kallah teacher, she loves to empower women to own their connection to HaShem within their intimate relationship. She runs a Jewish intimacy group on Facebook where w...