Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices For Every Day

In the second episode in a five-part series exploring antisemitism and mindfulness, Rabbi Josh Feigelson delves into the concept of being "triggered." He shares a personal story of emotional triggering during a European trip in his twenties—a moment rooted in intergenerational Jewish trauma. Rabbi Feigelson invites listeners to recognize and observe moments when antisemitic experiences or cultural...

In the first episode of a five-part miniseries on using mindfulness to respond to antisemitism, Rabbi Josh Feigelson shares a deeply personal story that touches on intergenerational trauma. Rabbi Feigelson invites listeners to explore how the enduring impact of antisemitism influences behaviors and perspective and offers tools to cultivate awareness and resilience. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful P...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson delves into the unexpected connection between road rage, the historical struggles of the Maccabees, and the deeper meaning of Hanukkah. In the re-release of this unique Hanukkah episode of Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day, discover how the fiery emotions that drive us—whether on the road or in life—can be transformed into sources of light and wisdom throu...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the profound lessons of Hanukkah, shares personal stories, and a meaningful meditative practice to deepen your connection to the festival of lights. Discover how Hanukkah is not just about miracles and gifts; it's about dedication, perseverance, and spreading light in a fragile yet powerful world.  Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah and its deep personal significance. Rabbi Feigelson encourages listeners to embrace the spiritual light of Hanukkah as a source of strength and renewal in a meditation on Jewish pride, resilience, and gratitude, Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the I...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson wraps up his series on daily Jewish mindfulness and what it really means to have a practice. Rabbi Feigelson reflects on how ordinary daily routines can shape a more intentional, spiritually grounded life. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was...

In the final episode in a mini-series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on insomnia and modern sleep challenges. He explores how ancient Jewish wisdom offers solace and practical guidance for ending the day with mindfulness and gratitude and introduces the Jewish bedtime practice of reciting the Shema. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked...

Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the practice of mindfulness through the lens of transitions in the next installment in a miniseries on daily rituals. Rabbi Feigelson connects the universal experience of leaving and arriving to Jewish rituals and traditions, particularly the act of interacting with a mezuzah. He reflects on how often we physically and mentally transition between spaces and how these...

In the latest episode in a series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the idea of "microdosing Shabbat." Rabbi Feigelson discusses the stresses of constant motion—physical and digital—and offers a practical, mindful approach to staying focused and present. ---- Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day, is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Inst...

In the latest episode in a mini-series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the concept of mindful eating. He addresses the common tendency to eat while distracted by screens or other activities, acknowledging that he too struggles with this habit. Recognizing that eating is an essential daily practice, Rabbi Feigelson encourages listeners to embrace mindful awareness in their relations...

In the third episode in a mini-series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson dives into the significance of getting dressed and how it symbolizes freedom and mindfulness. He reflects on how even a small article of clothing can carry profound meaning. Rabbi Feigelson suggests slowing down and being present when choosing and putting on clothes, viewing it as a moment to appreciate the freedom to cho...

In the second part of a mini series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson delves into a subject that might make you giggle a little bit-- ways to incorporate mindfulness into the experience of using the bathroom. Rabbi Feigelson reflects on how deeply personal topics, such as bodily functions, can foster meaningful connection. The episode highlights the Jewish tradition of expressing gratitude fo...

In the first episode of a series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the significance of daily rituals, starting with the act of waking up. Drawing from a memorable scene in Groundhog Day, Rabbi Feigelson connects the film's themes to the Jewish practice of beginning the day with gratitude. Rabbi Feigelson offers a mindful morning practice, encouraging listeners to savor the moment bet...

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. Drawing from personal experiences, Jewish tradition, and teachings from thinkers like Dr. Lisa Miller, he explores how being at home—whether through relationships, rituals, or moments of awe—enables us to feel connected, at ease, and f...

In this heartfelt episode, Rabbi Feigelson reflects on the power of compassion, particularly in the context of Yom Kippur, a time of reflection, repentance, and connection. Drawing from personal experiences and Talmudic stories, including that of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, he discusses the dangers of judgmentalism and the transformative potential of a more compassionate worldview. Tune i...

In this episode of Soulful Jewish Living, Rabbi Josh Feigelson returns for Season 3 with a heartfelt reflection on the themes of Rosh Hashanah. Drawing inspiration from poet David Whyte and the sound of the shofar, Rabbi Josh explores the balance between wholeness and brokenness, grief and solace. Through a mindful meditation practice, he invites us to embrace both the whole and the broken notes o...

Soulful Jewish Living is taking a short one-week hiatus to give Rabbi Josh some time to recharge before the High Holidays. We’ll be back next week with more content to help you prepare for Rosh Hashanah. In the meantime, feel free to reach out at josh@jewishunpacked.com. See you soon! ~~~~ Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Med...

In this episode, Rabbi Feigelson discusses the importance of friendship and teamwork, drawing comparisons between famous fictional characters like Hermione Granger and Buzz Lightyear. These characters symbolize the idea of friends as true teammates — people who help us accomplish things we never thought possible. He then reflects on how these friendships relate to Parker Palmer’s fifth habit of th...

In this fourth episode of our five-part special series leading up to the U.S. election, Rabbi Feigelson explores the importance of finding "A Sense of Personal Voice and Agency," one of the "habits of the heart" outlined by Parker Palmer. Through a whimsical yet profound story involving the Muppets' rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the episode illustrates how using even the smallest...

In the third episode of our five-part series leading up to the U.S. elections, Rabbi Feigelson delves into a crucial aspect of living in a multicultural democracy — the art of holding tension in life-giving ways. Drawing inspiration from Parker Palmer and the biblical narrative of King Solomon, he explores how embracing the inevitable tensions in our lives can foster growth, deepen our understandi...

In the second episode of our five-part series leading up to the U.S. elections, Rabbi Feigelson explores "habits of the heart," offering spiritual insights on living harmoniously in a multicultural democracy. Drawing from Parker Palmer’s Healing the Heart of Democracy, he delves into the second habit: "An Appreciation of the Value of Otherness," and connects it to the Jewish priestly blessing as a...

With election season approaching, emotions often run high. In this episode, Rabbi Feigelson explores the emotional and mental challenges that come with this time, discussing how constant news updates, social media, and everyday conversations can become overwhelming. Drawing from Jewish teachings and Parker Palmer’s book, “Healing the Heart of Democracy,” he delves into the first of five key princi...

In these difficult times, some may have a hard time finding hope. In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Feigelson discusses the value in not giving up and how to find inner strength and hope. He explores the themes of Tisha B'av and the Jewish people's history of spirituality and resilience. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of...

Ever made a promise you can't keep? In this week's episode, Rabbi Feigelson discusses the concept of promises in Parshat Matot and why our words and commitments matter more than we may think. He encourages listeners to practice 'mindful speech' and explores the profound impact of staying true to our word. ~~~~   Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a...

In this weeks episode, Rabbi Feigelson delves into the concept of awe in Judaism and bringing awesomeness into our every day life, inspired by Dacher Keltner's book "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life." Discover how awe manifests in nature, music, and spiritual experiences, and how Jewish traditions provide opportunities to experience this profound emotion....