The Eden Center Podcast

This episode offers a deeply personal and professional look at a day that can feel overwhelming for many in our community. We are joined by three incredible women who bring a wealth of experience and heart to this conversation: Gila Block (Executive Director of Yesh Tikva), Hadassah Hazan, MSW, and Shayna Abramson. Together, they bridge the gap between professional expertise and lived experience,...

On Purim, we’re told to drink until we “can’t tell the difference” between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordechai—but are we in fact obligated to do so? Does this apply to everybody? What about women and children? In this episode, Dr.  Sharon Grossman  and Chana Even-Chen  explore what the halakhic texts say about getting drunk on Purim and whether 'L'Chaim!' is for all. If you are enjoyed this...

Tishrei 5785: Pregnant with Possibility  https://jewishpodcasts.fm/edencenter/88672 As we approach the new year, Karen discusses the ideas of hope and rebirth, using the analogy of birth to think through themes at this time in the calendar. She interviews Dr. Shira Fishman, OBGYN and high risk pregnancy specialist, to discuss the role of doctors in preventing pregnancy problems, and the chall...

With great sadness, this podcast episode is dedicated in memory of our slain hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi HY'D In this, the 3rd installment of our menopause series, Karen interviews sex therapist Talli Rosenbaum. They discuss the changing nature of intimacy and sexuality as individuals age. Talli raises various factors that...

In the 2nd episode of our menopause series, for Chodesh Av Karen speaks to Dr. Mishaela Rubin, an Endocrinologist at Columbia University, focusing on bone health, hormonal changes during menopause, and the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy. They also discuss practical tips for maintaining strong bones, a healthy metabolism, and good hormonal balance. To get your copy of '...

In this episode of Medical Matters , Chana Even-chen and Dr. Sharon Grossman discuss the relevance of weight loss medicines and related health considerations in the context of the country being at war, with a focus on the recent approval of a weight loss medicine in Israel. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of these medications, emphasizing the need for their responsible use and di...

For chodesh Tamuz and in honor of the launch of the new Eden Center menopause booklet 'Immersed in Menopause', Karen shares Torah thoughts on transitions and transforming challenges into opportunities. She speaks with Batya Prebor, a midwife, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, about healthy perspectives and practical guidance on the journey toward menopause. To get your copy of 'Immersed in Meno...

In this episode Karen talks with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about her forthcoming book, Uncovered: Women's Roles, Mitzvot, and Sexuality in Jewish Law (Urim Publications), which relates to things not always discussed openly such as intimacy and challenges to keeping hilchot niddah . They highlight the fact that our Sages did not shy away from sensitive topics and often characterized the relat...

Iyar is the month when we celebrate the birth of modern-day Israel. And yet, we recognize the need to hold space for those who have experienced personal loss. Guest host, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet , The Eden Center's Executive Director and psychologist Dr. Romy Shulman , who previously served as the Clinical Lead of Chana UK , break the silence around miscarraige, exploring the emotional, practical...

For Chodesh Nissan, Karen talks Torah and wellbeing with Dr. Yael Ziegler, Rosh Beit Midrash and Academic Director of Matan . Based on the story of the birth of Moshe and the Jewish nation, they explore meaning and purpose in the story of the Exodus and draw resonance and hope for our time. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponso...

Karen and her guest Rachel Sharansky Danziger discuss the resonance of Megillat Esther for Israel and the Jewish world today. They look to Esther and Rachel's parents Avital and Natan Sharansky for inspiration about the plight of the hostages and how to deal with adversity. As we begin Chodesh Adar we pray for a safe return of all the hostages, healing for the injured, and that light and joy retur...

For Adar Aleph, Karen explores the messages that arise from the addition of a month to the calendar. She examines the themes of waiting, patience and finding faith through a process in her Torah insights on the book of Shemot and in her interview with Rabbanit Etta Bendavid, who shares her experiences as grief counselor and her own moving personal story of coming to terms with having Alopecia univ...

In this episode of Women and Wellbeing, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet speaks with Amalia Misul-Jesselson, MSW, Psychotherapist, Couple and sex therapist about the transitions that take place as soldiers come back home, and what can help partners make the adjustment back into 'regular' family life and the marital relationship after time away. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are...

This month Karen explores the imagery of seeds and planting as a symbol of hope in Talmudic literature. She relates this to the recent wave of volunteering to work the land here in Israel. Then she talks with Tamar Weissman about her family’s move to a farm in Northern Israel, the spiritual and Torah dimensions of working the land, and about what working the land does for one’s body and soul. This...

Life is stressful. Unfortunately we are all feeling it now more than ever. In this episode of Medical Matters , Chana and Sharon discuss the medical basis of stress, stress in Halakha and steps we can take to manage it.

This month's Kislev podcast focuses on the challenges the war in Israel poses for couples around taharat hamishpacha, particularly when one or both have been drafted and are trying to keep the light going strong in their relationship. Karen then discusses halakhic and emotional questions that have arisen about taharat hamishpacha and intimacy during wartime with yoetzet halacha and ASSECT certifie...

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss what is allowed in the Mikveh, including rules around technology, food, and beverages. Gabrielle also discusses why a certain candy is provided and encouraged by most mikvot... it's most likely not the reason you think!  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/...

In light of the war in Israel, this month Karen looks to Parshat Noah for Torah thoughts on how to remain optimistic in the face of unbearable loss and destruction. Then, Karen interviews Dr. Bella Schanzer, an experienced psychiatrist, who provides valuable guidance about coping with anxiety brought on by the war in Israel. This includes practical advice about caring for ourselves and our familie...

During Tishrei there is an extra focus on meals and food. This is a good time to think about modeling healthy relationships with food and to raise awareness about eating disorders in the Jewish community. After Karen’s Torah thoughts on the physical and spiritual side of sustenance, she interviews psychotherapist Aliza Levitt Gillman about building positive relationships with our bodies and food....

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss some of the most prominent reasons women (and men!) go to the Mikveh. During their conversation, they go beyond the reason of Taharah and Tumah to uncover some less commonly known uses of the Mikveh. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136  here .  

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss tips for revisiting the Mikveh after an extended period of time away. Gabrielle also touches on how altered life circumstances may change the way a woman fulfills the mitzvah of Mikveh over time.  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136  here .  

Vaping or E-cigarettes have become the new rage among teens and young adults.  In this podcast, Chana and Sharon discuss the health and Halachic considerations of these products. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136  here .  

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss who typically visits the Mikveh and when the Mikveh can be utilized for purposes beyond Tumah and Taharah.  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136  here .  

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss fundamental components to consider when choosing what mikveh is right for you and your personal circumstances.  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136  here .

For chodesh Av, Karen explores the ways Jewish law ritualizes both national and personal mourning, examining customs of the Three Weeks/Tisha B'Av and personal aveilut. She then interviews Dvora Corn, Co-Founder of Life's Door, about how individuals and couples can be better prepared for coping with illness, end of life and loss. The Av podcast is dedicated by Shelly and Erez Markowitz in loving m...