Listening to Understand

Explore how faith and questioning can coexist after tragedy. Rabbi David Aaron shares how to connect with God through pain, showing that true faith isn’t about having all the answers but about sensing divine presence through love and kindness. The conversation highlights why questioning suffering can reflect faith, how to hold space for grief while still embracing joy, and the challenge of reconci...

This episode explores what it really means to “listen to understand” — especially when conversations are difficult, emotional, or deeply tied to identity and belief. Through a powerful discussion with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the conversation challenges the instinct to prove we’re right and instead invites a shift toward curiosity, openness, and growth. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is a bestselling author and a...

In this enlightening conversation, Matana and Yitzchok A. Pinkesz delve into the world of astrology from a Jewish perspective, exploring the significance of kosher astrology, the interplay of free will, and the cosmic energies that shape our personalities. They discuss the importance of understanding astrological cycles, the role of healing in personal growth, and how astrology can guide relations...

What happens when a grieving mother, a Jewish podcaster, and a Delta airline pilot cross paths by “chance” at an airport security line? In this unforgettable episode, Matana introduces Yuko Query, the Delta pilot who stopped to comfort Einav Danino, mother of murdered hostage Ori Danino, and ended up flying her safely to New York. What began as a simple act of compassion became a powerful story of...

In this deeply moving and raw episode, Matana sits down with writer and founder of Awake Jewish Women, Rea Bochner, for a powerful conversation on addiction, recovery, faith, and awakening. Rea shares her personal journey through food addiction, her 20+ years in 12-step recovery, and how spirituality—not religion—became the anchor that saved her life. Together, they explore the shame around addict...

Rabbanit Rachel Weinstein lives in Tekoa with her husband and eight children. She studied at Migdal Oz, graduated from the Nishmat Yoetzet Halacha program, and completed the Matan Hilcheta program. She has been serving as a Yoetzet Halacha for the past 18 years. Rachel has taught in various women's Torah study programs and currently works at MMY, Lapidot, and Ma'ale. Join us on Whatsapp: ⁠...

Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of the Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an accomplished scholar, author, and speaker on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership, and communication skills. She passionately discusses the role of women in leadership and education within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting female leaders and m...

Liel Alter went on a transformative journey from a secular upbringing to embracing God, Judaism and spirituality. From the profound impact of her mother's illness and passing had, to her search for meaning, and how she found faith through community and personal exploration, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the role of supportive parenting, and the power of choice in personal growth....

Author Moriel Bareli explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having moved to Israel and learned Arabic, he gained insights from conversations with Arabs. Moriel shares the historical narratives presented in the Quran, the misunderstandings surrounding Jewish sovereignty, and the need for education to bridge cultural gaps. The significance of reclaiming...

Galya Falkson, a sex and relationship coach, is dedicated to providing sex education and breaking down taboos, especially within religious communities. She began her journey after studying halachah and recognizing the need for open discussions around sex and intimacy. Galya believes shame and taboo arise from a lack of education and stresses the importance of normalizing conversations about sex, p...

Ellie Levi is an Orthodox Jewish woman who chose to become a single mother. In this episode, she and Matana discuss the journey and challenges of single motherhood, including the stigma around the term "single mom by choice" and the various paths women take to reach this decision. Ellie shares her personal experience with egg freezing and fertility treatments, highlighting the importance...

Omar Pinto is a spiritual guide whose unconventional journey from addiction to enlightenment has resonated profoundly within orthodox Jewish communities. Omar's clients, predominantly orthodox Jews grappling with spiritual disillusionment and personal crises, seek his guidance to rediscover faith and inner peace. Against the backdrop of orthodox Jewish traditions, Omar candidly shares his own...

As a thinker, scholar and author of 2 acclaimed books, Judaism Reclaimed and Talmud Reclaimed, Rabbi Shmuel Phillips dives into the pivotal role of morality within Judaism and how Jewish teachings define concepts of Olam Haba, Geyhinom from biblical narratives and rabbinic literature and explores the complexities of ethical decision-making in Jewish life. While Teshuvah (repentance) and Hoda'a...

Rob Moore, is a single father, a proud Israeli-American, a creative producer and the filmmaker behind "Echoes of Loss: Eight Days in Israel", a powerful feature length documentary shows the world that the grief and loss of the people of Israel should not be politicized or discarded, and that these voices matter. Rob delves into various themes surrounding grief, loss, faith, and resilienc...

Meir Kay joins us to explore themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the human experience within the complexities of faith, identity, and personal growth, while navigating life's uncertainties. He discusses the importance of embracing change, overcoming fear, and finding meaning in life's most difficult moments and reflects on the role of religion and tradition in shaping individual be...

Binyamin Airley, OB"M, was an IDF soldier who devoted his life to protect Israel and the citizen of Israel. You can join his parent's efforts in continuing his legacy by helping to support a healing home for those suffered trauma and loss and for those who need healing after October 7th by clicking here: https://causematch.com/BeitBinyamin Join us on Whatsapp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to join...

Shabbos Kestenbaum is a graduate student at Harvard University, researching the intersections between between public policy and contemporary Jewish life in the United States. Shabbos is the lead plaintiff against Harvard University alleging pervasive and systemic antisemitism. Shabbos appears regularly on CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times, and has testified in front of the United States Congre...

Arky Staiman is a solider in the IDF, tour guide in Israel, husband, father and an independent social media voice of optimism from the battlefield. His talent lay in the healing power of storytelling and connection with the land of Israel and discusses his role in the army, where he works in a specially trained unit, to retrieve soldiers fallen behind enemy lines. His message is clear and powerful...

Avigail Staiman is a warrior, whose journey is intricately woven with the unwavering support and love of her husband, Arky. Arky's impactful video gained viral attention during the intense conflict in Gaza and garnered support and concern from individuals spanning decades of connections, including long-lost friends and acquaintances. This unexpected surge of outreach served as a testament to t...

JJ Kimche, a PhD candidate at Harvard University, has been involved in studying and teaching Jewish ideas and has taught Western and Jewish ideas at Harvard, Brandeis, MIT, Gratz College and other institutions. His writings and articles have been published in the Wall Street Journal, First Things, and City Journal and other publications and is the editor of his first academic book, Letters on Kabb...

Kayla Haber-Goldstein addresses the issue of Agunot, women trapped in marriages due to their husbands' refusal to grant a Get (Jewish divorce). Kayla organized an Asifa, a gathering of Rabbonim, to educate them on the complexities of get refusal and encourage them to take action within their communities. She is pioneering a movement to emphasize the critical importance of this issue with Rabbi...

Is public alcohol abuse out of control at Kiddushim and Shul? Should communities and Rabbonim set alcohol boundaries in shul at Kiddushim? Should we accept poor behavior? Are we role modeling good behavior for our children? Do we understand the difference between using alcohol responsibly and irresponsibly in Judaism?  Menachem Poznanski is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in addicti...

Listen to Understand: The Ripple Effect of Secrecy on Identity and Relationships Mordechai Salzberg, LCSW, is a sexual addiction therapist who works primarily with Chasidic Jews. After his first episode on the Hope to Recharge podcast last January 2022 titled “ The Fatal Price of Sexual Shame and Secrecy ,” he joins us this time, armed with the courage to tell his own story. The goal of this episo...

Rabbi Johnny Solomon, a virtual rabbi based in Israel, delves into the depths of the concept of Emuna (faith) and addresses common misconceptions of Emuna, particularly during challenging times. Sharing insights from his personal journey, he emphasized the crucial role of individualized religious guidance. Topics include challenging the commandments, how a combination of humility and unwavering fa...

Addressing the sensitive and multifaceted topic of Tzniut/Tznius (modesty) within the Orthodox Jewish community, Matana sits down with Bracha Poliakoff, Co author of the "Reclaiming dignity" - a guide for Tzniut/Tznius for men and women.  Bracha highlights personal experiences, communal norms, and Halakhic interpretations and the challenges that arise from the complexity of the subject,...