Bodies & Souls

How have women shaped the landscape of Torah learning throughout Jewish history? As Shavuos approaches, get ready to be inspired as we welcome Tzivi Greenbaum to share her historical insights on the profound impact women have had in Jewish learning and leadership. Throughout our conversation, we journey through the lives of significant yet often overlooked female figures in Jewish history. We brin...

Have you ever considered that your greatest talents could be your most profound responsibilities? This thought-provoking idea is just one of the many insights shared by our guest, Esti Hecht. Esti sheds new light on humility, not as self-deprecation but as a recognition of our gifts destined for a higher purpose, and how this understanding can transform parenting, dating, and our everyday exchange...

Rivky Boyarsky and Dr. Sarah Markowitz, co-author of "Kosher ADHD," sit down for a heart-to-heart on the community-specific details of managing ADHD within the framework of our frum lifestyle. This episode blends personal narratives and professional insight, this episode gives individuals, parents, and educators tools and insight to navigate ADHD while embracing Torah values and hashkafi...

When Hadassah Zirkind, founder of A Drop of Light, shared her story with us, the conversation was charged with a raw, transformative energy that only true vulnerability unleashes. We journeyed together through her experiences with self-harm, suicide, and the relentless grip of mental illness—unveiling her unspoken battles with anxiety and depression, magnified by the trials of prenatal and postpar...

Unlock the secrets to cultivating profound relationships and personal growth as we welcome Gila Ross, a dynamic Jewish educator and leader, to share her transformative insights from Pirkei Avos. Our engaging conversation delves into the essence of Pirkei Avos as a guiding force for nurturing meaningful connections, the core of Gila's book "Living Beautifully" and her podcast "P...

When Miriam Raskin speaks about her journey, her words carry the weight of lived experience and the lightness of profound healing. Our latest episode is a heartfelt tale of her battle with eating disorders and the spiritual solace she discovered within the teachings of Chassidus. Our guest sheds light on the tightrope walk between maintaining control and succumbing to the chaos of life, which ofte...

Have you ever felt the Pesach prep pressure weighing down on you, transforming what should be a season of spiritual renewal into a marathon of stress? Join Rivky Boyarsky, and the ever-insightful Malki Janowski, as we share stories and strategies for turning the tide and claiming back the joy of Yom Tov in our latest episode. Together, we discuss our attitudes towards holiday preparations, and how...

Embark on a transformative journey with Manya Lazaroff, a beacon of wisdom in the Jewish educational sphere, as she unfolds the tapestry of gratitude within our daily lives. Together, we unravel the intimate connection between thankfulness and personal fulfillment, traversing the terrain from familial bonds to the very essence of our purpose. Manya, a mother and seasoned shlucha, illuminates our c...

In this episode, Rivky Boyarsky's mother, Etti Hahn, a Yemenite Jew, speaks to us about her childhood and the Yemenite community. We discover how an ancient community clung to their identity, and how each household kept their simple Emunah at the forefront of their existance. The winds of change occurred with Operation Magic Carpet, a mission of both deliverance and upheaval. The journey of n...

As we sat down with Reut Ben-Ishai, a school counselor from Petuel, we were struck by the palpable strength in her voice. With her husband and brother serving in the IDF, she embodies the spirit of an entire community living under the shadow of conflict, yet she shines with faith in Hashem and living for a purpose.  In this episode, we explore the struggles of the wives of Israeli soldiers who lig...

Imagine a time when the world you know crumbles overnight, and you're thrust into an unknown future. This is the narrative of Chemda Jacobs, a Persian Jew and the driving force behind Torah Nursery in Cleveland, Ohia.  Chemda's childhood under the Shah's tranquil reign in Iran, the shattering revolution of 1978, and  how Rabbi Illulian, Rabbi Shea Hecht and Rabbi JJ Hecht of the NCF...

Imagine living a life where every step outside your door, every word spoken, could be a risk to your freedom, even your life. Rivka Sirota, who grew up as a Jewish girl in communist Russia, courageously opens up about this stark reality in our latest episode.  This episode goes beyond Rivka's personal saga to touch on our own stories, where anti-semitism and hate is mired in our world today....

 Is Zionism and Israeli identity a burning question in your mind? You're not alone--and we're here to navigate these waters together. Join us as we engage in a conversation with Esther Piekarski. Esther, a Shlucha in Tel-Aviv, shares her experiences in spreading the Rebbe's message about our approach to Israel and Zionism, and clearly delineates what the message should be. As we tra...

Are you having a challenging time coping lately, as the war in Israel rages on? Join me as I converse with Briana Goldberg, a seasoned psychotherapist, and clinical director of Better Days Therapy. Briana draws on her own experience as a Frum mother, coupled with her expertise, and guides us on a path of self-care and compassion—crucial elements in cultivating healthy coping mechanisms. She emphas...

Ever struggled to catch those elusive Z's, tossed and turned in anxiety, or woken up abruptly in the dead of the night? The ineffable Devorah, from sunny Florida, joins us to soothe your frazzled nerves and help you find tranquillity. As an inner guided meditation coach and the host of the popular podcast 'Desire to Be', Devorah shares her insights into three areas of release. Learn...

What if we told you that the Mitzvah of hair covering for Jewish women isn't simply about modesty, but is a powerful Mitzvah sparking a deeper connection to Hashem? Fayge Lieberman from England, a passionate educator and advocate of this Mitzvah, reveals how covering our hair ties back to the story of Adam and Chavah. We journey across Jewish communities worldwide to understand the different...

Does stress and anxiety often feel overwhelming? Desire to Be podcast host, Devora Goldberg, reveals her golden secret on managing these emotions and finding inner tranquility through mindful meditation. Stepping into a world of calm and serenity, Davora guides us with her insights, transforming her own journey of self-improvement into an enlightening roadmap for our listeners. From soothing the f...

Our inspiring guest, Nechama Laber, dedicates her life to helping Jewish women unearth their inner light and embrace their unique mission in the world. Ready to journey through an illuminating discussion on the power and significance of lighting Shabbos candles?  Together, we'll explore the profound symbolism of this mitzvah, representing our soul and the gifts bequeathed to us by Hashem, and...

Miriam Lipskier is an internationally renown speaker, and as the Chabad Shlucha at Emory University, has taught Torah to thousands of students.  In this episode, we discuss the second of the three mitzvos gifted to women.  Miriam WOWS us with her thoughtful, funny, to the point, and uplifting insights on Taharas HaMishpacha.  In her trademark authentic style, Miram shares practical and relevant ob...

Rochie Pinson, a rebbetzin, mother, artist, author and passionate challah baker,  brings the practice of challah, both the making of the bread itself, and the mitzvah of the dough separation to a whole new level of joy, fun and spiritual significance! If you are wondering how to contribute to the Israel war effort, look no further! This episode will help you strengthen yourself in the Mitzvah of C...

Rivky Boyarsky, our beloved podcaster, speaks to us about the tragedy and horrors unfolding in Israel. Rivky was IN Israel during the brutal terrorist attacks, and  experienced a harrowing return back home. How?! How can such a monstrous and barbaric attack have happened? And most importantly, what should our response be? Based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rivky directs our grief to a To...

Tallie is a beloved wife, mother, momtrepeneur, and active community member. This episode is a wonderful listen, where you will hear about personal growth and emotional cleansing in a practical and relevant way.  Tallie Rabin empowers others to live a meaningful life. For years she accomplished that goal by coaching people in the most important areas of their lives, including guiding people throug...

Mushky Zaltzman, a middle school teacher and Mechaneches, speaks to us about Tefilah and its role in connecting us to Hashem. Mushky shares riveting personal examples and anecdotes, detailing how we, as women, can fulfill our responsibility and obligation to daven and turn it into a unique privilege in developing our relationship with Hashem. Mushky shares a beautiful and meaningful song with us t...

Shifrah Sharfstein, Campus Shlucha in Atlanta, Georgia and speaker and writer speaks with us about pressing questions surrounding children, husbands and Tefilah. Should we force our children to daven? How do we ensure our children's Tefilos are inspired? What about our husband's? How does influence those around them? How do women balance child-rearing and Davening? This is a timely and e...

Shifrah Sharfstein, Campus Shlucha in Atlanta, Georgia and speaker and writer speaks with us about pressing questions surrounding women and Tefilah. Do women need to Daven? Should it be inspired? Structured? How does one make space for Tefilah? Why the need for Tefilah? This is a timely and excellent episode, coming right before Rosh Hashanah and Yom KIppur. There is a follow up part 2 to this epi...