Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices For Every Day

Rabbi Josh Feigelson revisits how to incorporate "yes moments" into our lives, in order to open ourselves to positivity.  Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other p...

Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: ⁠⁠⁠https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025⁠ In this special re-release, Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on the profound impact of blessings and the impact a blessing can have on various aspects of daily life. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: Th...

Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: ⁠⁠https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025⁠ In the final episode of the Family miniseries, Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on family, ancestry, and legacy through the Jewish image of a tree planted by a river, drawing on his own family’s genealogy, stories of loss and recovery after the Shoah, and the Hebrew ideas of nachal (str...

Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: ⁠⁠https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025⁠ Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the idea of family beyond biology—the “refrigerator friends” and chosen family who nourish our lives with love, care, and belonging. In part nine of the Family miniseries, Josh invites listeners to expand their definition of family. Drawing on Jewish tex...

Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: ⁠⁠https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025⁠ In the latest episode on family, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Jewish practice of apology and forgiveness—why it matters so deeply in family life and how we can approach it with compassion, humility, and intention. Through a personal story and a guided mindfulness exercise, Josh...

What does it mean to age, remember, and let go through the lens of Jewish mindfulness? The 7th episode in a series on family explore this question. Inspired by childhood memories of tying knots with his father—and the phrase “may their soul be bound in the bonds of life”—Rabbi Josh Feigelson unpacks how the ties that connect us to loved ones both tighten and loosen as we confront aging and mortali...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson unpacks a puzzling bar/bat mitzvah blessing that thanks God for releasing parents from responsibility—and reveals the deep wisdom behind it. What sounds harsh becomes a lens into the lifelong dance of holding on and letting go as kids grow into independence. With Jewish teachings, real family dynamics, and a nod to Kenny Rogers, Josh explores how parents and children evolve to...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how mindful communication can transform family relationships, even when tensions run high. Through a candid story about navigating a tough parenting moment, he shows how slowing down, listening with empathy, and grounding conversations in love can make even difficult moments more meaningful. In the fifth episode in the family series, Josh draws on the V’ahavta prayer,...

In this deeply personal episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson shares the story of his mother—known to all as “Happy”—whose unshakable joy and unconditional love continue to inspire even as she lives with Alzheimer’s. Through her example, and guided by Jewish teachings on ahava, Josh explores love not just as emotion but as mindful practice—a way to stay present, connected, and grounded in what truly matte...

In part 3 of a miniseries on family, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the deep connection between time, intention, and family—and how Jewish wisdom invites us to align our schedules with our values. He shares a laugh-and-learn story from his early days as a campus rabbi and offers a simple weekly reflection to help you slow down, realign, and make time for what (and who) really matters. Be in touch a...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores what Jewish tradition calls brit — a covenantal partnership built on commitment, choice, and renewal in part 2 of a miniseries on family. Drawing on Torah and mindfulness practice, Josh reflects on how sacred relationships help us “hold and be held,” and offers a short meditation to experience that balance of choosing and being chosen in everyday family life. Be in to...

In the Season 5 premiere, Rabbi Josh Feigelson kicks off a new miniseries on family—how it shapes who we are and how we can engage with it more mindfully. Drawing on Torah stories from Genesis and insights from family-systems pioneer Salvador Minuchin, Josh explores how family is both something we inherit and something we create. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful P...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on the ancient Jewish phrase “Gam zeh ya’avor” – “This too shall pass.” Drawing wisdom from his friend Marvin, the festival of Sukkot, and the anniversary of October 7, Josh explores how Jewish mindfulness teaches us to live with impermanence while holding onto hope. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a produc...

Have you ever thought about the definition of Spirituality? In this episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson ponders the meaning of spirituality through the holiday of Sukkot. Whether you're sitting in a sukkah or simply taking a moment to breathe, this episode encourages you to reflect on your sense of belonging and the spiritual connections that make us feel truly at home. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.medi...

What if Yom Kippur wasn’t about deprivation, but about presence? In this re-release, Rabbi Josh Feigelson draws inspiration from Carole King’s timeless lyrics in You’ve Got a Friend to uncover a mindful practice for experiencing love, forgiveness, and renewal. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, an OpenDor Media br...

In this closing episode of the Ten Commandments series, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the final commandment: Do not covet. He reflects on envy, desire, and Ibn Ezra’s teaching that all mitzvot aim to straighten the heart—reminding us to live with gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion as we enter a new year. You can find a link to Nava Tehillah's song here: https://open.spotify.com/track/72ZUsmkOI...

Why does Judaism place so much weight on telling the truth? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how Jewish wisdom links truth to the very foundations of society. The Ninth Commandment warns against bearing false witness, reminding us that justice and trust collapse when lies prevail. But the teaching goes further—beyond courtrooms to everyday life—condemning gossip, slander, and false rumors...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson unpacks the 8th Commandment — “Don’t Steal.” At first glance, it seems simple: don’t take what isn’t yours. But the Torah and Talmud reveal a deeper wisdom, connecting theft not only to property but to kidnapping, jealousy, and unchecked desire. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, an OpenDor Me...

What does “Don’t commit adultery” really mean—and how can it shape our daily mindfulness? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Seventh Commandment as more than just a rule about fidelity. From Don Draper’s complicated story in Mad Men to the Torah’s vision of holiness, Josh explains how saying “no” to certain impulses allows us to say a deeper “yes” to love, truth, and sacred commitments....

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Sixth Commandment—“Lo Tirtzach: Don’t Murder”—and why it’s far more than a prohibition against taking a life. Rabbi Feigelson reveals how the commandment extends beyond literal murder to include gossip, false testimony, harmful advice, or withholding life-saving information. Through mindfulness practice, he shows how recognizing the unique, infinite, and equal val...

What does it mean to honor parents in the 21st century — especially if the relationship is complex? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson dives into the Fifth Commandment and the idea that honoring parents is a core Jewish value with deep spiritual meaning. Listen for a simple, mindful practice you can do at home to connect with your family’s story and pass on its values for generations to come. Be in t...

Is Shabbat just about Friday night dinner—or is it the most powerful spiritual technology in Jewish life? Rabbi Josh Feigelson dives into the Fourth Commandment—Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy—and reveals how Shabbat isn’t just a ritual, but a radical mindset shift that can bring you peace, presence, and purpose every day of the week. Featuring Mel Brooks, Moses, a simple but transformati...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Fourth Commandment—“Do not take God’s name in vain”—and what it teaches us about speech, truth, and mindful living. From his days as a Boy Scout to Jewish mystical practices, Josh connects personal stories with ancient wisdom to help us speak with more clarity, compassion, and Divine purpose. You’ll also learn a unique mindfulness exercise inspired by the shofar t...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Third Commandment and how its warning against idolatry offers a profound lesson in mindfulness. From childhood posters to spiritual projections, we often cling to permanence in a world of constant change. Through a grounding meditation on breath, Josh helps us soften the grip on our inner idols and embrace the ever-unfolding nature of life. Be in touch at josh@unp...

What do Instagram, your phone, and ancient idols have in common? This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Second Commandment—"You shall have no other gods"—as a deep call to mindful living. He shares how distraction can become a modern form of idolatry and guides listeners through a meditation practice rooted in the mystical verse Shiviti Hashem l’negdi tamid. In the second episode in a series...