Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices For Every Day

In this first episode of a new series on the Ten Commandments, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores Anochi—“I the Eternal am your God”—as the essential ground of being and an invitation to spiritual connection, not just an ancient commandment. Learn how this foundational utterance can help you mindfully move from constriction to spaciousness and cultivate radical acceptance in your daily life. Guided med...

In the finale of the Jewish Ethics series, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself--v’ahavta l’reiakha kamokha. Drawing on personal stories of community during grief, classical commentaries like Ibn Ezra and Ramban, and a guided meditation, this episode reveals how loving others is a mindful practice rooted in seeing every person as created btzelem elohim, i...

In a culture obsessed with youth and novelty, the Torah offers a radically different vision: “Mipnei seivah takum”—rise before the elderly. This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the mitzvah of honoring elders as both an ethical imperative and a powerful opportunity for mindfulness. Drawing on Jewish wisdom, comedy legend Mel Brooks, and spiritual practice, Josh invites us to confront our own di...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Jewish ethical practice of tochacha—offering and receiving rebuke or negative feedback with compassion and clarity. Rooted in Leviticus and echoed by the Rabbis and Proverbs, this "lost art" is reframed as a path to wisdom, humility, and growth. Learn mindful strategies to embrace feedback as a sacred tool for becoming your best self. Be in touch at a new email ad...

In this special wartime episode of Soulful Jewish Living, Rabbi Josh Feigelson offers a heartfelt response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. With compassion for those directly impacted and those watching from afar, Josh leads listeners through a powerful mindfulness and blessing practice rooted in the priestly blessing. Designed to foster inner calm and spiritual connection amids...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Jewish ethical tradition of shemirat hadibbur—guarding one’s speech. In a time when language often feels weaponized or meaningless, Judaism reminds us of the holiness of words. From the Torah’s account of creation to the vows of Yom Kippur, words shape reality. In the latest episode in a series on Jewish ethics, Josh introduces five powerful questions rooted in Bu...

What do missing bunnies, forgotten wallets, and overlooked people have in common? In the latest installment of a series on Jewish ethics, Rabbi Josh Feigelson draws on unexpected wisdom from the beloved children’s book Knuffle Bunny to explore the deeply rooted Jewish mitzvah of hashavat aveidah—returning lost objects. This episode bridges Jewish ethics with practical mindfulness and draws on the...

This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on how his bar mitzvah helped shape his lifelong relationship with tzedakah—Jewish giving. Inspired by tzedakah advocate Danny Siegel, Rabbi Feigelson recounts how choosing generosity over gifts shifted his perspective on possessions, wealth, and happiness. This fifth installment in the “Jewish Ethics” miniseries goes beyond the immediate, face-to-face acts...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson shares a personal story that becomes a powerful lesson in tzedakah, the Jewish ethical obligation to give. Through an unexpected moment outside a Walgreens, Josh explores the deep emotional and spiritual layers that arise when we encounter people in need—and how choosing to act with compassion can reconnect us to our divine purpose. In the latest episode in a series on Jewish...

In this heartwarming episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the timeless Jewish mitzvah of bikkur cholim—visiting the sick. Using the classic film The Princess Bride as a surprising entry point, Rabbi Feigelson reminds us that the story begins not with sword fights or giants, but with an act of love and compassion: a grandfather visiting his ill grandson. The latest episode in a 10-part series on...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim—welcoming guests—as a core element of Jewish ethics and spiritual life. In the second episode in a series on Jewish ethics and mindfulness, Rabbi Feigelson draws from personal Passover memories, teachings from his Hillel rabbi, and Talmudic wisdom. He unpacks how hospitality is more than symbolic—it’s a deeply vulnerable, godly, and spi...

In this powerful new series, Rabbi Josh Feigelson kicks off a 10-part exploration of Jewish ethics by diving into one of Judaism’s most profound teachings: that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. This episode sets the stage for a deeper journey through Jewish ethical mitzvot like hospitality, care for the sick, and mindful speech—grounded in the belief that Jewish mi...

Please subscribe to Jewish History Nerds wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode. Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe on Spotify. Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode. Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David." Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day i...

In this deeply personal pre-Passover episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how the holiday of Pesach is designed to help us feel truly at home—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Discover why the seder is more than just a meal—it’s a mindful container for healing, listening, and growth. From childhood memories of a basement seder to the sacred ritual of opening the door for Elijah, Josh ref...

As we prepare for Passover, Rabbi Josh Feigelson invites listeners to reflect on the deeper spiritual message of the holiday: moving from servitude under Pharaoh to a sacred relationship with the Divine, and recognizing how independence and interdependence are intertwined. With stories from his Detroit roots and a short guided meditation, this episode offers both insight and practice for a meaning...

In this final episode of our 7-part Shabbat rituals miniseries, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the deep spiritual meaning of Havdalah, the ritual that marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. Why do transitions matter so much—emotionally, spiritually, and culturally? From national borders to baseball strike zones, Rabbi Josh reflects on how boundaries shape our lives, and how Havda...

This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the quiet power of one of Judaism’s most familiar yet often overlooked rituals: saying Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Feigelson invites us to reflect on how this simple greeting becomes a meaningful spiritual practice—one that reconnects us with peace, presence, and the divine in each other. In the latest installment of a seven part miniseries on mindfulness and Sha...

This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the ritual of preparing for Shabbat, the weekly day of rest in Jewish tradition. From setting the table to aligning with natural rhythms, he discusses how Shabbat preparation fosters mindfulness, intentionality, and spiritual connection. In the fifth installment in a miniseries on mindfulness and Shabbat, Rabbi Feigelson draws on ancient Jewish wisdom and s...

Are our phones becoming our “precious”? Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how our relationship with technology mirrors Gollum’s obsession with the Ring of Power in the Lord of the Rings Series. Drawing on Jewish wisdom and the spirit of Shabbat, Rabbi Feigelson offers practical steps to reset our digital habits and create a meaningful “tech sabbath.” In the fourth installment of a miniseries on mindfu...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the deep spiritual and practical significance of food on Shabbat—particularly the rituals of washing hands and blessing the challah. In the third episode in a series on Shabbat rituals, discover how a simple act like eating can become an opportunity for mindfulness, gratitude, and connection to Jewish tradition. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day i...

This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson helps transform the Friday night Kiddush into a mindful celebration of life’s blessings and a powerful act of witnessing Shabbat’s sacred energy. In the second part of a series on mindfulness and Shabbat, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the transformative ritual of Friday night Kiddush—a key Shabbat practice that turns an ancient blessing into a living testimony of fa...

Welcome to Soulful Jewish Living and discover how the ancient tradition of Shabbat candle lighting can transform your weekly routine into a moment of mindful spiritual renewal. In the the first episode in a seven-part miniseries on Shabbat, Rabbi Josh Feigelson guides you through a practice of pausing, breathing, and reflecting on gratitude and hope. The series is devoted to making the most out of...

In the final episode of our five-part miniseries on mindful responses to antisemitism, host Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the fine line between vigilance and hypervigilance in Jewish life. Rabbi Feigelon reflects on intergenerational trauma, mindfulness, and resilience. He draws on the Torah to counter anxiety by embracing Jewish identity with strength and presence. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the beauty and joy of Jewish life in the fourth installment in our series on responding mindfully to antisemitism. This episode shifts the focus from pain and trauma to the uplifting aspects of Jewish identity and asks: what do you love about being Jewish? Rabbi Feigelson provides practical journaling exercises and insights from Hasidic teachings. This episode is dedi...

This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the transformative power of creating space in the third installment of a miniseries on mindful responses to antisemitism. In a world that thrives on reactivity and clickbait, this episode offers practical tools to reclaim control, reduce emotional triggers, empower yourself to engage with the world from a place of calm and intention. Soulful Jewish Living:...