Modern Jewish Girl: Recent Episodes
Jenna Maio
Welcome to the Modern Jewish Girl Podcast, where Jenna Maio shares eternal Jewish wisdom and applies it to our everyday lives. Jenna earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Emory University and a J.D. and a Masters in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. She fell in love with Torah learning on her first trip to Jerusalem over ten years ago and has been learning ever since. If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and to her newsletter at modernjewishgirl.com.
Join my close friend Gitty Layosh and I in the first of a three-part mini-series on the women's mitzvot! First up: challah. We talk about the beauty of the mitzvah, the symbolism of each ingredient, how to do the mitzvah, ridding ourselves of guilt if we can't make challah right now, and much more! We also discuss the connection between challah and the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana.
More on the mitzvah of challah: https://www.modernjewishgirl.com/post/challah-what-we-knead-to-know
Gitty's Challah Recipe:
1 cup warm water
3 tablespoon yeast
Sprinkle of sugar
Mix the yeast water and sugar and let bubble for a few minutes.
In another large bowl, mix:
3 tablespoons of salt and 5 pounds of flour
1/2 cup of sugar
Mix
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 eggs
Mix
Pour in the yeast and add 4 cups warm water (2 cold and 2 hot)
Knead the dough; fold press and turn
Cover with two dish towels and let it rise for an hour/45 min
Take the challah and make the blessing (see below)
Bake at 325 when it starts to brown switch to 350- in total about 30 minutes
The Blessing on Separating Challah
In this amazing episode, I speak with Mrs. Devorah Kigel, a dating coach and mentor who has helped hundreds of women "marry a mensch." We speak about Mrs. Kigel's new book, "Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today's Single Woman." Mrs. Kigel tells us about her Jewish Journey and how she became a dating coach. She shares her relationship and dating wisdom, both from the Torah and her own life experiences, in hopes that Jewish women can find their mensch with more clarity and ease.
Some topics we cover:
- How the Hollywood view of dating differs from the Jewish approach
- How to work on self-esteem in dating
- How to make a dealbreaker list
- Whether to continue dating if the attraction is neutral
- Touch in dating
- and much more!
This was one of my favorite episodes on the Podcast- fun and filled with wisdom- you don't want to miss it!
More about Mrs. Devorah Kigel:
As a professional Dating Coach, Mrs. Devorah Kigel has helped well over 300 women get clarity in their dating life and marry their bashert. She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. She has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant. Devorah and her husband, Reuven, who is the Campus Director for Emet Outreach, host Shabbos guests most weeks. Using humor and honesty, Devorah shares the entertaining personal journey that led her to develop powerful tools to have the relationships you desire. Devorah’s first book, “Marry a Mensch: timeless Jewish wisdom for today’s single woman “ was released on September 3rd by Gefen Publishing.
Connect with Mrs. Devorah Kigel:
- Her Website
- Her Instagram
I am very excited to present my conversation with Chava Green, a women's studies scholar and a Chassidic Jew. Chava's dissertation, “the Hasidic face of feminism," explores how the idea of feminism expresses itself in the Chabad community, both through the Rebbe's teachings and in the lives of Chabad women.
In our conversation, Chava and I define feminism and discuss this seemingly paradoxical idea of a "Chasidic Feminist." We hear about her journey to becoming a Chasidic feminist, and dive a bit deeper into her research. We touch on some common struggles that many Jewish women face and how the Rebbe spoke to those challenges. We also speak about sheitels (wigs) and cleaning help, among other things-this is a must-listen!
A bit more about Chava:
Chava Green received her PhD in Religious Studies from Emory University in May 2024. She has a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In between her undergraduate and graduate work, she lived in Israel for two years studying Judaism in Jerusalem and Tzfat (Safed). Chava lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children. This coming year she will be a visiting scholar at UPenn in the Jewish Studies department while also teaching classes in the Chabad girl’s high school. Chava is passionate about bridging her academic work to the Jewish community and to a popular audience. Her writings can be found on TheJewishWoman.org.
To contact Chava: Chavagreen7@gmail.com
Nishmat Online Beit Midrash Program Fall 2024
Modern Jewish Girl Website
I was surprised to learn that the Three Weeks, when we mourn the loss of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, is actually filled with the greatest light. Drawing on teachings from the Nesivos Shalom and Rav Shimshon Pincus, join me as I explore why our Sages tell us that TshB'Av, the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, is actually the "greatest festival" and what this means for us.
Modern Jewish Girl Website
Sources:
https://torah.org/torah-portion/ravfrand-5780-terumah/
Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus, Moadei Hashanah: Exile and Consolation - The Three Weeks and Tishah b'Av
Gems from the Nesivos Sholom-Three Weeks and the Holocaust, Hashem’s Love Revealed at the Time of Destruction, p. 59
Join me as I speak again with my close friend, teacher, and mentor, Yael (Seruya) Zdanowitz, who co-founded Chamal Har Nof, an emergency relief organization that helps displaced families, army bases, and wives of soldiers in Israel. Yael gives us an update on how Chamal Har Nof has shifted its focus to match the changing needs in Israel. She highlights two crucial initiatives they are working on right now: 1. To raise money for displaced and special needs children to attend camp this summer and 2. To supply the army with much-needed sources of protein. We speak about donor fatigue and how we can continue to help support our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
Click here to donate to Chamal Har Nof
(Tax receipts are available in the US, UK, Canada and Israel)
Join me as I chat with one of my Torah teachers, Faigy Blumstein. We talk about Faigy's Jewish background, how she started teaching Torah, how she began davening at the Ohel- the Lubavitcher Rebbe's resting place, how she began teaching Tanya (Chabad Chassidus), what we can learn from Tanya in our lives, her family's involvement in the Thank You Hashem movement, connecting to Chassidus, and more! This was a fun one filled with nuggets of wisdom, great stories, and lots of laughs.
More About Faigy:
Faigy has been working with Olami Manhattan for 13 years now! Although born and bred in Brooklyn, she is currently a “Real House Wife” of Long Island. She is married to the entrepreneur Elimelech Blumstein and has a boatload of kids (6 to be exact). She spent 4 years living in Israel while attending College abroad. After receiving her Masters in Psychology, she works as a school psychologist for the Board of Education.
She teaches Torah on Monday evenings at Olami Manhattan and hosts the "Ignite" program for women. Faigy is known as a “Mystic Millenial” and teaches Chassidus to the masses, specifically through her Tanya with Faigy class. Along with learning one-on-one with students, she spends time with brides and teaches them the secrets behind the beauty of a Jewish Marriage. Her favorite things are manicures, running, and Starbucks. She prides herself on trying out new recipes and loves hosting for Shabbat.
Resources:
Learn Tanya with Faigy
Follow Faigy on Instagram
Olami Manhattan
Thank You Hashem
Modern Jewish Girl
In this Pesach minisode, I speak about the process of liberation we can experience on Pesach. Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, I discuss our obligation to feel as if we were freed from Egypt every day and how to view the marror, or bitterness, in our lives.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
References:
The Kol Menachem Haggadah
From Bondage to Freedom
Join me as I speak with life coach Erika Needleman. Erika shares her beautiful Jewish journey and talks about her coaching practice- Adulting with Erika. Why is adulting so hard for our generation? What can we do to make it easier? Erika is filled with Torah-based wisdom, which infuses her coaching practice and gives women the tools they need to stop resisting, reacting, and distracting, and start loving their (imperfect) lives.
About Erika Needleman :
Erika is a Life Coach for Women who loves to help her clients learn to love themselves and their lives, even if they aren't perfect...or even close to it. She sees the connection between women's relationship with Hashem and their relationship with themselves and helps them work on the deeply practical as well as the emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives. She loves fusing modern coaching tools and techniques with the infinite well of wisdom that is the Torah.
She is a mother of four, a doula, an amateur potter, and a Torah educator for Jewish Women's Connection of Atlanta.
Connect with Erika:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
Purim is an especially auspicious time for destroying evil, as the Jews defeated Haman, a descendent of the evil nation Amalek, at that time. Based on the teachings of the Nesivos Shalom, Jenna shares a spiritual recipe for defeating evil in our times, both on a national and personal scale.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
References:
Gems From the Nesivos Shalom: Purim by Rabbi S. Binyomin Ginsberg
Jenna speaks with her close friend, teacher, and mentor, Yael (Seruya) Zdanowitz, who co-founded Chamal Har Nof, an emergency relief organization that helps displaced families, army bases, and wives of soldiers in Israel. Yael gives us a glimpse into the reality on the ground in Israel since October 7th. She describes the incredible work her organization is doing and how we can get involved.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
Click here to donate to Chamal Har Nof
(Tax receipts are available in the US, UK, Canada and Israel)
Jenna speaks with Jackie Glaser- a life mentor, Torah teacher, and friend who guided Jenna on her Jewish journey for many years. Jackie, a former Today Show psychologist in Australia, combines her knowledge of Torah and psychology to help others gain a deep, real, and lasting clarity in dating and life. Jackie speaks about her personal dating journey, how she transitioned into coaching, the biggest obstacles in dating, client success stories, what to do if you are trying to find "the one," and much more.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
References:Connect with Jackie
Souled Podcast
Jenna shares a piece of Torah from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov on the battle of light and darkness within ourselves and how we can work to overcome it so that we can truly light up the world. She shares a personal example of a powerful mind-shift.
*CORRECTION- Amalek attacked the Jewish nation after we left Egypt, before we received the Torah.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
Sources:
- Crossing the Narrow Bridge: A Practical Guide to Rebbe Nachman’s Teachings
- Scrolls of Poetry by Cipi Schecter
The terror attack in Israel on October 7th, 2023 sent shock waves through the Jewish world and beyond. The immensity of the horror and evil is almost impossible to comprehend. How do we navigate through the most intense tragedy our people have faced since the Holocaust? What is our place in this conflict? What can we do if we are not in the IDF? How do we ensure that never again means NEVER AGAIN?
Jenna speaks with Cynthia Hannah, an expert on the Middle East conflict. They discuss the political, historical, and spiritual context of the Israel-Hamas war and our place in it.
EDUCATE
- STAND WITH US
DONATE
- ONE FAMILY FUND
- THANK ISRAELI SOLDIERS
- To help displaced families and soldiers to have hot meals, please contact Jenna directly.
PRAY
- Tehillim (Psalms of David)
ABOUT CYNTHIA
- FACEBOOK PAGE
- WEBSITE
Join Jenna as she speaks with Rabbi Moshe Gersht, author of the Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestseller, It's All The Same To Me.
After performing for nearly a decade as a popular Los Angeles-based musician, Rabbi Gersht moved to Jerusalem, where he has spent the last fifteen years immersed in the wellsprings of Talmud, Chassidus, and Kabbalah.
Jenna and Rabbi Gersht speak about his Jewish journey, his spiritual struggles and breakthroughs, achieving true inner peace and happiness, trusting in our dreams, the power of quiet, and much more. Enjoy!
To learn more about Rabbi Moshe Gersht, click here.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
Jenna speaks with Emory Chabad Rebbetzin Miriam Lipskier in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's 29th yahrtzeit. They speak about the Rebbe's greatness, what it is like to run a Chabad house on a college campus, how we can live out the Rebbe's legacy, and much more.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
The Modern Jewish Girl Podcast has had a facelift! We hope you like it!
In This Episode:
Jenna discusses the theme of Jewish unity as it relates to Shavuos and our own lives.
Key Takeaway:The Jewish people stood at Mt. Sinai like "one man with one heart." This is because we united in our ratzon (will) to receive the Torah for the greater good. (The heart is the place of free will, where our true inner will lies). This unity enabled us to receive the greatest blessing: the Torah. It is easier to unite and make peace with each other when we realize that we are all connected. This is not always easy, but doing so brings blessings into our lives.
Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!
Sources:
- The Midrash Says on Shemos
- The Three Festivals: Ideas and Insights of the Sfas Emes on Pesach, Shavuos, and Succos
- https://rabbidunner.com/like-one-man-with-one-heart/
*New website & artwork by Renina Lifshitz
Why do we count the days between Pesach and Shavuos? Jenna explores what this process teaches us about our own growth.
Dedicated to Rebbetzin Sharon Shenker a"h, Shayna Lia bas Yehuda Zerach
Dedicated to Lucy, Maia, and Rena Dee a"h
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
Gems from the Nesivos Shalom on Sefirat HaOmer by Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg
Sparks From the Fire by Rav Moshe Weinberger
Join Jenna as she discusses why Pesach is the Rosh Hashanah of Emunah (Faith).
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
Gems from the Nesivos Shalom on Pesach by Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg,
Hadar Iokheles, Living on Purpose Women's Chabura, Nissan
Emunah Resources:
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Living with Emunah Classes
Rabbi David Ashear, Living Emunah Podcast
Mordechai refused to bow down to Haman, putting the Jews in grave danger. How could he do this? We explore this question and more to make this Purim meaningful and personal!
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Source: Gems from the Nesivos Shalom on Purim by Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg
Jenna shares a life-changing tool for reflecting on the past year and planning for the next. In doing so, she sheds light on some fundamental ideas going into Rosh Hashanah.
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Jenna shares a personal story about a painting she discovered from her grandma, along with some ideas about the Hebrew month of Elul and the process of teshuva (repentance).
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
References:
· Lamed Vav, a collection of favorite stories of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach ztz”l, p. 123
· The Psychology of Teshuvah by Rabbi Tzvi Rubin and Yosef Venokur
To view the painting, visit @modernjewishgirl on Instagram
On Shavuos, the holiday when we celebrate receiving the Torah, we read Megillas Ruth, the book of Ruth. What is the connection here? Jenna offers an explanation and in doing so, speaks about the role of kindness in Judaism and how we can receive the gift of the Torah in our own lives.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
References:
Seed of Redemption by Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky
This week Jenna features a friend on the Podcast, Sarah Pachter. Sarah is the author of the new book, Is it Ever Enough? A Journey Toward Joyful Living,published by Feldheim. Sarah and Jenna speak about Sarah's unique Jewish background, her career as a speaker and now writer while raising 5 kids (!) and of course, her newest book. In doing so, they uncover some insights into how we can live a bit more joyfully from a Jewish perspective.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
References:
https://sarahpachterspeaks.com
Bracha Goetz is a Harvard-educated author of 40 books that help children's souls shine and the author of a candid memoir about overcoming food addictions joyfully on her journey in Judaism.
Bracha shares a bit about her work as a children's author and her Jewish journey. Jenna and Bracha discuss how we can access the true pleasures of this world and allow our souls to shine.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
References:
www.goetzbookshop.com
The Five Levels of Pleasure
Jenna & Miriam discuss the ideas of shalva (serenity), self-wholeness, emotional well-being, and holistic healing from a Jewish perspective.
Miriam Gitlin is a certified life coach and creator of The Shalva Shift coaching program. She is also an artist, a wife and mother of 7 fabulous children, k”ah, former kallah (bride) teacher and marriage educator, and a writer, with two published books and over 100 stories and articles that have been printed in Binah, Hamodia, Ami, Mishpacha, and more. Miriam is passionate about helping Jewish women who are struggling with challenging situations to achieve serenity and fulfillment in their lives and relationships.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
References:
https://miriamgitlin.com
https://miriamgitlin.com/steps - The Free 5 Step Path from "Too Much" to Serenity
There is an incredible amount of light, understanding, and freedom available to us on Pesach, but we must prepare ourselves to be able to receive it. What is the freedom that we can access on Pesach? Based on Rav Moshe Weinberger's new Haggadah, In the Heart of the Fire, Jenna explores this question, focusing on the freedom of emunah (faith) and the freedom to be our true selves.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Reference:
In The Heart of the Fire: Rav Moshe Weinberger on the Haggadah
Trouble ahead, trouble behind...Jenna further explores what it means to be a "grateful Jew" and how we can get there, not in spite of, but through our challenges.
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References:
Gedale Fenster, "Complainers Never Win."
Partners in Torah, Parsha Perspectives by Rabbi Ozer Alport
What was it about the miracle of Purim that led to the Jews' re-acceptance of the Torah? Jenna delves into this question, revealing fundamental insights on the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
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References:
Purim: Removing the Mask by Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein
More on Purim
Jenna speaks with Aleeza Ben Shalom about achieving soulmate clarity. Aleeza explains the concept of a soulmate from a Jewish perspective and shares guidance on how to actually find your soulmate.
A bit more about Aleeza: Aleeza Ben Shalom is a professional dating coach, sought-after speaker, expert, author, and founder of the company Marriage Minded Mentor. Aleeza and her team guide singles through the steps to become engaged—regardless of age, affiliation, or stage in life (they work with everyone- Jewish or not). Aleeza's relationship advice has appeared in many places, from the BBC World News, to NPR to Aish.com. She trains dating coaches and matchmakers and has helped hundreds of singles manifest their soulmate. Aleeza is a dedicated wife and loving mother of 5 children, now living in Israel.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
References:
Marriage Minded Mentor
Jenna and Yael speak about all things money from a Jewish perspective. Specifically, they discuss how to shift our stories around money, increase our trust in Hashem in this area, and move from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Yael also shares practical tips for managing money based on Jewish wisdom.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish GirlReferences:
https://jewishlatinprincess.com/
Jewish Money Matters Podcast
Jewish Money Matters Private Facebook Group
Jenna discusses what real spirituality is from a Jewish perspective. She shares a personal example and offers practical tools for infusing more spirituality into our lives.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish GirlReferences:
- Living Emunah on the Parashah, Rabbi David Ashear
- Yehudis Golshevsky, Zohar on the Parsha, Shiviti
- Gateway to Happiness, Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
- EMMETT, Miriam Adahan
We all go through challenges. I’ve been going through a several-year challenge and when I came upon a recent Torah teaching, it gave me a lot of comfort. Then it seemed like everywhere I turned, I was learning new insights into how to grow through pain and suffering. I share these lessons on the Podcast today, through the lens of my own challenges, in hopes that it will inspire you to grow through your pain.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish GirlReferences:
· Living Emunah on the Parashah, Rabbi David Ashear (Parsha Vayechi)
· Yehudis Golshevsky, Zohar on the Parsha, Shiviti
Jenna speaks with Dovi Halpern, a Jew on a journey, about what inspired him to create Jewish metal music under the name “Hashem’s Warrior.” As a disconnected child of baalei teshuva (people who chose a more observant lifestyle), Dovi shares how he made Judaism his own. Jenna and Dovi speak about the role of music in Judaism, suffering and the human condition, mental health through spiritual growth, what it means to be a warrior for Hashem, and much more.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish GirlReferences:Hashem’s Warrior Website
Hashem's Warrior Instagram
Hashem’s Warrior on Spotify & YouTube
https://jewishinreach.com/
Sinai Speak
While working at her dream job at Seventeen Magazine, Alex found herself on a Jewish journey. Join Jenna and Alex as they schmooze about Alex's journey from New York to Israel to Moscow (!) Jenna and Alex discuss all facets of navigating life, both professionally and personally, while growing Jewishly. Alex also tells us about her new, beautiful online magazine for Jewish women, Chai on Life.
About Alex: Alex Segal is an editor, writer, and content creator. Most recently, she launched a website called Chai on Life to profile and highlight inspirational Jewish women. Previously, she served as the editor-in-chief of 2.0 — a business magazine from Mishpacha, news editor at People Style, and assistant editor at Seventeen. Her work has appeared on POPSUGAR.com, People.com and Time.com. She is a graduate of Binghamton University with a degree in English. Alex currently lives in Moscow, Russia with her husband and son.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl References:https://chaionlifemag.com
@chaionlifemag
Jenna speaks with her Torah teacher in Israel, Rebbetzin Yehudis Golshevsky.
Rebbetzin Yehudis Golshevsky has been a well-known Torah educator in Jerusalem and abroad for twenty-five years, with students all over the world. She is a published author, editor, and translator... but teaching Torah is her first love.
Rebbetzin Yehudis is now the director of SHIVITI, a Torah school for women, which offers a variety of Torah classes in person and on zoom.
In this episode, Rebbetzin Yehudis and Jenna talk about the evolution of SHIVITI and why it adds something special to the Jewish world. Along the way, Rebbetzin Yehudis shares pearls of wisdom about what it means to live and learn as a Jewish woman.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Reference:Shiviti
Based on the Torah of the Nesivos Sholom, Jenna discusses the miracle of the Menorah lights that we celebrate on Chanukah and their deeper, eternal meaning.
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Sources:Gems From the Nesivos Shalom
The Sisters of Auschwitz
Kayla tells the story behind her popular podcast, How To Glow (formerly First Year Married) and how she became a life and marriage coach. Kayla and Jenna chat about how Kayla helps anxious and insecure newly married (and not so newly married) women become confident and connected through her coaching work. In doing so, they uncover some universal truths about living a happy and fulfilling married life.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:https://firstyearmarried.com/
@firstyearmarried
Jenna discusses "shidduch dating," which is the process of dating for marriage in the observant Jewish world. She gives insights into dating for marriage as well as building a lasting marriage based on Jewish wisdom and her own experience.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
I Only Want To Get Married Once
Devorah Kigel's Dating & Marriage Resources
Jenna looks at the test of "lech lecha" that Avraham went through, where Hashem told him to "Go from your land, from your birthplace and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.” She explains how this test applies to us today in the journey of our own lives.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
Creating a Life That Matters by Rabbi Manis Friedman
Gateway to Happiness by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
Inspired by HaRav HaGaon Yaakov Moshe Katz, shlita, of Mir Yerushalayim in his talk on Parshas Lech Lecha
Jenna and "The Manifestation Mentor" Ayelet Polonsky unpack the powerful idea of manifestation from a Jewish perspective. Join them for a deep and engaging conversation filled with incredible personal stories.
Ayelet lived in India for a large chunk of six years and learned Visualization and Meditation under some of the greatest Enlightened Masters, until she arrived in Israel five years ago, where she's been a student and teacher of Mysticism and Manifestation under great mystics & rabbis.
Ayelet Polonsky aka "The Manifestation Mentor" is now an Inspirational Speaker, Life Coach, and Therapist. Ayelet is trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative Therapy & EFT. Her work has been featured in Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, Glamor Magazine, Fox News, NBC, and CBS News.
Ayelet is in the transformation business, both personally and professionally. She lives to help herself and others break through their blockages so that they can unlock miracles… actually! More about how in this episode.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:www.TheManifestationMindset.co
This week Jenna speaks with her friend and filmmaker, Becky Tahel. Becky is the creator of the new and internationally acclaimed documentary, American Birthright.
When Becky's sister becomes engaged to a non-Jew, something is sparked within her. She decides to create a film exploring intermarriage, but along the way, she realizes that she needs to explore her own realtionship to Judaism. In doing so, we get to ride along with Becky as she speaks with many of the teachers who inspired Jenna's Jewish journey as well.
Becky and Jenna talk about the film, creating positive Jewish content, how their Jewish journeys have evolved, and so much more!
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:American Birthright Film Becky Tahel
Jenna explores the special mitzvah of joy, which we have every day and especially on Sukkot, the "time of our rejoicing." She explains why happiness is an obligation we owe to ourselves, others, and G-d. Jenna shares the "happiness formula" given by our Torah sages and applies it to everyday life.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
Gateway to Happiness by R' Zelig Pliskin
It's All The Same To Me by R' Moshe Gersht
Jenna gives a brief overview of the purpose of Yom Kippur in relation to Rosh Hashanah. She delves into some foundational ideas of "teshuva" or returning to our best selves, through the prism of her own recent revelations.
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Sources:
Balanced Teshuva by Jenny Serle
We all want to live lives of vitality and meaning. Rosh Hashanah and the holidays that follow carve out time at the beginning of the year so we can reset our goals and re-route to get there.
It's not about becoming someone new. It's about becoming the person we truly are inside. It's about coming home. Returning. Teshuva.
In returning to ourselves, we return to Hashem, because He is at the center of it all...More on this week's Podcast.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
Shiviti
The Story Of Our Lives, Yaakov Klein (currently unavailable online, but available in some local Jewish bookstores)
Jenna discusses the Jewish perspective on physicality and materialism. She shares ideals to strive for and pitfalls to watch out for. In doing so, she unpacks the idea of the "yetzer hara," the evil inclination, within all of us. Jenna also tells stories from her own life and from Rebbe Nachman to illustrate her points.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:Parsha Eikev
Shiviti
Root Connections in the Torah
Strive For Truth
In this casual episode, Jenna discusses her reflections after Tisha B'Av (the Jewish day of mourning), the potential of the current period on the Jewish calendar, and the Netflix show My Unorthodox Life.
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Source:Charlie Harary
Jenna shares personal stories of Divine Providence. In doing so, she shows how stories can strengthen our roots of emunah (faith) and bring light into this dark world.
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Sources:Shiviti
Rebbe Nachman's Stories, Preface by Rabbi Chaim Kramer
Inspired by the "covenant of peace," awarded to Pinchas in this week's parashah, Jenna discusses why we cannot experience true peace and serenity, personally or collectively, at this point in history. Drawing on the Jewish calendar and the wisdom of our Sages, she delves deeper into what we can do to bring about a time of true peace.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:Orchard of Delights by Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman
Root Connections in the Torah by Rabbi Tzvi Matisyahu Abrahams
Hold On! Surviving the Days Before Moshiach by Roy S. Neuberger
Notes:The episode is dedicated to the victims of the Surfside tragedy.
Jenna discusses two wives in the Torah: Korach's wife and the wife of "On ben Pelet." The former caused her husband's death, while the latter saved her husband's life. What can we learn from these two very different women? Jenna explores this question, sharing her own insights from her participation in the Kesher Wife Club with Sara Yoheved Rigler.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:Two Women
Shira Smiles
Kesher Wife Club
Hashem tells the Jewish people they can enter the land of Israel....and then everything goes haywire. What happened? Jenna explains how the sin of the spies is a paradigm for our own lives, namely, a choice between fear and faith. She discusses her own fears in coming to Israel.
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Sources:Judaism's Life-Changing Ideas by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l
In response to the increased anti-semitism around the world, Jenna shares a piece of Torah that was written in the early 1900's, but speaks exactly to what is going on today. In doing so, she explains the spiritual reality behind anti-semitism and something positive we can do about it right now.
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Sources:
Seed of Redemption: An Adaptation of Nachalas Yosef on Megillas Rus by Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky
Living Emunah on The Parashah with Rabbi David Ashear
In light of the upcoming holiday of Shavuos, Jenna shares a bit about the story of Ruth, which we read on Shavuos, as well as the way in which the Jews accepted the Torah upon themselves at Mt. Sinai. Through these two experiences, as well as her own, she discusses what we can learn about our own emunah (faith), especially in times of uncertainty.
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Sources:
The Story of Ruth
We Will Do & We Will Hear
Yael Dworkin
Jenna discusses how we can respond to the tragedy that took place in Meron on Lag B'Omer. She shares her connection to the widespread mourning in Israel, and what we can learn going forward.
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Sources:
Charlie Harary Video
On Lag B'Omer, over half a million people travel to Meron in northern Israel to celebrate by the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the "father of Kabbalah." What are they celebrating? And how does it relate to us? Jenna explores these questions and more, touching on topics of Jewish history, unity, and resilience.
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Sources:
Lag B'Omer and Striving for Spiritual Perfection
Akiva by Marcus Lehmann
What does it mean to be holy, from a Jewish point of view? And how does it apply to us? Jenna explores the idea of kedusha, or holiness, why it is important, and what it means for us.
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Sources:
Yehudis Golshevsky, Shiviti
Jenna discusses the period of the Omer, when we count each day between Pesach and Shavuos. She gives a brief explanation of the Sefirot, a Kabbalistic concept that goes in tandem with this time period. Then she focuses on the two sefirot Chessed and Gevruah, loosely translated as giving and restraint, respectively. She explores these two opposing forces and how we can balance them in our lives and our relationships.
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Sources:
The Omer and Sefirot
What Is Kabbalah
Jenna explores the deep connection between speech and Pesach, allowing us to gain more insight into the holiday and how we can make it real for ourselves.
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Sources:
Yael Dworkin of Shiviti
Netivot Shalom: Insights on the Holidays and Avoda Based on the Writings of the Slonimer Rebbe by Yitzchok Adlerstein
Books on Proper Speech
As we begin to prepare for Pesach, Jenna discusses how we can try to reframe our perspective from one of anxiety and distress to one of joy and calm. Toward this end, she shares practical prep tools as well as her favorite old and new Haggadahs.
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Sources & Haggadahs:
The Emuna Haggadah: Teaching Emunah at the Seder by Levi Felsenthal The Gutnick Lubavitch Haggadah
From Bondage to Freedom by Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski
The Breslov Haggadah
Gems from the Nesivos Shalom Haggadah
Elie Wiesel Haggadah
We are all broken in some form. How should we view our brokenness? How do we live, and thrive, with it? Jenna explores these questions from a Torah perspective.
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Sources:
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Rav Itamar Schwartz
Jenna delves into the holiday of Purim. She begins with a quick summary of the Purim story, followed by some deeper lessons conveyed. In doing so, Jenna sheds light on the meaning behind the customs of Purim and how we can get the most out of this very holy day.
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Sources:
https://modernjewishgirl.com/trump-a-modern-day-purim-story-nothing-is-random/
Purim: Removing The Mask by Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein
Purim article by Shira Smiles
All Things Purim by Chabad
Purim Poetry Slam by Ari Lesser
In the spirit of the Hebrew month of Adar, when it is a mitzvah to be happy, Jenna continues to explore the Jewish definition of happiness. Based on this definition, she shares a few more ways we can be happy right now. :)
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Sources:
A Little Girl's Room: A Special Purim Lesson on Happiness (Must Watch!)
The Nine Happiness Habits
The Jewish Vision of Happiness
With the Hebrew month of Adar upon us, we actually have a mitzvah to be happy. This means we can, in fact, increase our happiness. Jenna discusses the Jewish perspective on happiness and gives a few quick tips for feeling happier now!
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Sources:
The Nine Happiness Habits
Rabbi Tatz on Happiness
The Partners in Torah Happiness Challenge (registration for the challenge has closed but you can still sign up to learn about happiness from a Jewish perspective -or any other Jewish topic- with a study partner!)
Jenna explores the cycle of closeness and distance we go through in our relationship with G-d and how we can encourage ourselves in times of distance.
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Sources:
From Behind the Curtain: A Chassidic Guide to Finding Hashem by Akiva Bruck
Tallis & Tefillin, Bagels & Lox by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD
Correction: Rabbi Twerski was a psychiatrist, not a psychologist.
Our Sages teach that “in every generation, and every day, a Jew must see himself as if he had that day been liberated from Egypt.” How do we do this? Jenna attempts an answer, explaining what Egypt may represent in our own lives. In doing so, she presents food for thought on getting "unstuck" and achieving our potential.
Click here for all things Modern Jewish Girl
Sources:
https://modernjewishgirl.com/pesach-the-time-of-our-personal-freedom/
https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/151036/jewish/The-Exodus-An-Experience-of-the-Present-As-Well-As-the-Past.htm
https://www.ou.org/holidays/as-if-a-pnimiut-hatorah-look-at-jewish-identity-redemption-and-the-seder-night/
This week, Jenna shares her experience of having COVID and how she encourages herself in this dark time.
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Sources:
The Meaning Behind the Plagues
Tu B'Shevat
Jenna sets the scene for the Exodus in the Torah, focusing on the famous encounter between Hashem and Moshe at the burning bush. In doing so, she addresses questions such as: What is the symbolism of the burning bush? Why did Hashem decide to redeem the Jewish people from slavery? And why did Hashem use His name meaning "I Shall Be As I Shall Be?" The answers Jenna poses to these questions may help us understand how we can transcend anger and criticism and believe more in ourselves and each other.
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Sources:
The Midrash Says: The Book of Shemos
From Behind the Curtain: A Chassidic Guide to Finding Hashem by Akiva Bruck
Shiviti: Women’s Torah Learning Program
The Month of Tevet and Anger
In this casual, fun episode, Jenna tells the story behind her new book, Princess Without A Crown: Returning to My Jewish Roots. She talks about the process of writing the book, why she wrote it, and the meaning behind the title. Jenna reads a short (yet loaded) chapter from the book and gives background commentary.
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REFERENCES:
Princess Without A Crown: Returning to My Jewish Roots
The Power of Tranquility by Rabbi Meyer Yedid
Jenna discusses how we can reframe any situation to make it easier to forgive, as inspired by how Joseph forgives his brothers who sold him into slavery. To forgive can be really hard, but as we will see through two amazing true stories that Jenna shares, we are the ones that ultimately benefit in ways beyond our imagination.
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REFERENCES:
Kesher Wife Webinar with Sara Yoheved Rigler
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1619314/jewish/The-Art-of-Forgiveness.htm
No matter how dark life may get, we can still be a force of light and positivity. We learn how from the amazing story of Joseph, which we read in this week's Parsha. Join Jenna as she tells Joseph's story and discusses key takeaways for our own lives.
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REFERENCE:
The Midrash Says
CORRECTIONS:
- Joseph had 11, not 10 brothers. However, only his 10 half-brothers were involved in the plot to kill him and his sale. Joseph and his 11 brothers make up the 12 tribes.
- The word for “miss the mark” in Hebrew is “chet.” “Avera” means “to cross over” meaning to cross a moral boundary. Both words are used to mean transgressions or sins.
What was the miracle of Chanukah? What are we really celebrating? How does it apply to us? Join Jenna as she offers some insights on Chanukah and how we can get the most out of it. Happy Chanukah!
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REFERENCES:
https://modernjewishgirl.com/the-hanukah-lights-and-reclaiming-our-jewish-identity/
https://modernjewishgirl.com/real-miracle-hanukah/
Chanukah history
Join Jenna on this special Podcast featuring her close friend, Cynthia Hannah, as they tell the incredible story of Divine Providence that brought them together on the path of Jewish growth in Israel, which Jenna writes about in her book Princess Without a Crown. Cynthia shares the inspiration behind her awesome and beautiful new book, Miracles from Israel: Biblical Promises Fulfilled. There's something special about two old friends discussing their favorite things. Enjoy!
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REFERENCES:
Princess Without a Crown
Miracles in Israel: Biblical Promises Fulfilled
With Thanksgiving coming up, Jenna explores the source for a thanksgiving meal in Judaism and delves into the idea of gratitude. She discusses why being grateful is the essence of being a Jew, and how we can incorporate gratitude into our lives.
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REFERENCES:
Prayer of Thanks
Thank You Hashem Store
https://modernjewishgirl.com/jews-celebrate-thanksgiving/
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/680369/jewish/What-Is-the-Source-for-the-Custom-of-Making-a-Thanksgiving-Feast.htm
http://www.aish.com/sp/ph/48955566.html
https://modernjewishgirl.com/noahs-flood-nature-miracles/
Inspired by the symbol of Jacob's ladder, Jenna speaks about the process of sustainable spiritual growth. Specifically, she addresses how we can deal with setbacks and failure and stay inspired to keep climbing our own ladders.
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REFERENCES:
Princess Without a Crown: Returning To My Jewish Roots
Jenna and Rabbi Dr. Yosef Lynn chat about making marriage great, which is the foundation of his co-authored book, Not A Partnership: Why We Keep Getting Marriage Wrong & How We Can Get It Right. With a background in Torah and Positive Psychology, Rabbi Lynn explains what the goal of marriage should be and a bit about how we can get there. While the conversation focuses on marriage, Rabbi Lynn's insights are relevant for all of our relationships, including (and especially) the one we have with ourselves.
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REFERENCES:
Not A Partnership: Why We Keep Getting Marriage Wrong & How We Can Get It Right
Wouldn't it be amazing if we could just look into the future and find out who the presidential nominee is, like, now? Astrology is tempting for many reasons, but it is forbidden for Jews. Why? Jenna explores the Jewish view on astrology and discusses the meaning of "mazel' in our lives. Enjoy!
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REFERENCES:
https://modernjewishgirl.com/stars-jewish-view-astrology/
Rabbi Akiva Tatz, Living Inspired
Rabbi Akiva Tatz, Idolatry and Astrology (audio)
In honor of Parsha Lech Lecha, Jenna discussess what it means for a Jew to be on a journey in life, based on her own journey of growth and self-discovery.
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REFERENCES:
Rabbi Baruch Gartner, Living Aligned
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, "Miles To Go Before I Sleep"
This episode is in the merit of a full and speedy recovery for Rabbi Sacks, HaRav Ya'akov Zvi ben Liba
In this week’s podcast, Jenna explores why G-d brought the flood and wiped out most of life so soon after He created it. In answering this question, she shares a bit about her background as an environmentalist and how her thinking about our relationship to the environment changed when she became an observant Jew. Although sometimes it may feel like we are just watching the world fall apart and there’s not much we can do about it, Noah's flood teaches us that we have so much power to elevate and sustain the world.
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REFERENCES:
Synagogue Edition Lubavitch Chumash
Rabbi Yonatan Neril, Countering Destruction: Lessons from Noach, Canfei Nesharim
We are back to "In the beginning..." as we begin another cycle of Torah reading. Now is a great time to take a step back and ask, What is the Torah? And why should we study it? After attempting to answer these lofty questions, Jenna delves into the story of Adam and Eve, one of the deepest and most misunderstood in the Torah. In doing so, she sheds some light on their eating from the tree and how it is relevant to our own lives.
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REFERENCES:
Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz
Synagogue Edition Lubavitch Chumash
A great book that goes deeper into the Adam and Eve episode: The Beast That Crouches At the Door, by Rabbi David Fohrman
This episode is dedicated to the yahrtzeit of my grandpa Henry.
One Sukkot, Jenna found herself lost in an Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem holding a lulav...Join her as she tells this story of Divine Protection and how it relates to Sukkot, one of the lesser understood holidays on the Jewish calendar. Sukkot is called "the time of our joy." Why? What is Sukkot really about? There are many answers to these questions, but Jenna provides some insight to help us connect to this special time. Chag Sameach!
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Note: The Clouds of Glory represented the Divine Presence, which protected us and kept us comfortable in the desert.
For a beautiful, timely article on how Sukkot represents the courage of the Jewish people in times of uncertainty, and how this relates to joy, please see: https://rabbisacks.org/festival-insecurity-message-sukkot/
Jenna considers herself a bad faster, so it's no wonder she would dread Yom Kippur each year. Thankfully, she has learned several tips that have improved her fasting experience immensely. She shares those here so that we can get the most out of the day. Once the physical is taken care of, we can focus on the spiritual. :) Jenna tells the story of her first Yom Kippur at Aish Kodesh and how she realized this day is actually one of the most joyful on the Jewish calendar. Join Jenna as she unpacks Yom Kippur and discusses how we can get the most out of it!
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REFERENCES:
Fasting Pills
Post-Yom Kippur Celebration at Aish Kodesh
Yearning to Return: Reflections on Yom Kippur by Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi
The Power of Tranquility by Rabbi Meyer Yedid
Netivot Shalom by Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
Rebbetzin Yehudis Golshevsky
*Correction: My great-great-grandfather was a Torah scribe
This week we are talking all things Rosh Hashanah. How do we prepare for the high holidays and the year ahead? What is the focus of Rosh Hasnahah? Should we ask for personal requests? If everything is determined on Rosh Hashanah, what part do we play in writing the story of our lives? (Spoiler alert: We play a big role!) Perhaps, if we each do our part, we can merit a brighter year for all of us.
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REFERENCE: Judaism's Life-Changing Ideas by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
In this very special episode, Jenna speaks with longtime family friend Wendy about her amazing Divine encounter with Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis a"h, first through the Rebbetzin's book Life is a Test and then in person, and how it changed her life forever. This episode is in memory of the Rebbetzin, whose fourth yahrtzeit was this week.
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REFERENCES:
Life Is A Test by Rebbetzin Jungreis
The Rebbetzin: The Story of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis Her Life, Vision, Legacy by Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
The Rebbetzin's classes on Torah Anytime
Jenna speaks about fear and uncertainty in today's world and a remedy for our own lives.
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REFERENCES:
Rav Avigdor Miller on Emunah and Bitachon (Trust and Faith)
The Call of the Torah by Rabbi Eli Munk
The Jews are currently in exile because of a lack of unity. During this time of mourning our current state, Jenna discusses how we can bridge the divide between religious and secular Jews. As someone who grew up secular in the Five Towns and became religious, she feels uniquely poised to speak on this topic. Jenna also speaks about how we can feel more connected to those closest to us, which sometimes can be the most challenging.
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Unfortunately, we are seeing another wave of anti-Semitism around the world. Anti-Semitism takes many forms, but its spiritual root is the same. Join Jenna as she explains the real reason behind anti-Semitism and what we can do about it.
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REFERENCES:
The Spiritual Roots of Anti-Semitism by Sara Yoheved Rigler
Jenna continues to share Torah teachings that will hopefully empower and inspire us during these three weeks of mourning the loss of the Temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, she explains how we can begin to make our homes into dwelling places for Hashem, which is a key step in rebuilding the Temple. In doing so, she answers some important questions, like where is the center of Jewish life? Whose role is more important in Judaism, that of the man or the woman? And what is a mitzvah, really? Enjoy!
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REFERENCES:
Ascending Jacob's Ladder by Rav Yaakov Hillel
Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh: Building A Sanctuary In The Heart
This week marks the beginning of “The Three Weeks” on the Jewish Calendar. During this time, we mourn the destruction of our Temple, which can feel dark and heavy. However, in this week’s podcast, Jenna shares a beautiful piece of Torah from the Slonimer Rebbe, who teaches how our mourning is both constructive and relevant for our own lives.
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REFERENCE:
Gems from the Nesivos Shalom
CORRECTION:
The 17th of Tammuz commemorates, among other tragedies, the Romans' breaching of the city walls prior to the destruction of the Second Temple, not the First Temple.
Resort here when feeling sad, disappointed, angry, jealous, resentful...you get the idea. Jenna discusses how she tries to combat these negative emotions. Based on the book Battle Plans: How To Fight the Yetzer Hara. She hopes this class will help uplift you and show you a way forward in times of darkness!
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REFERENCE:
Battle Plans: How To Fight the Yetzer Hara
This week, Jenna discusses the quality of an ayin tov, a good eye. This class is in honor of the Yahrtzeit of the late Lubavitcher (Chabad) Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who saw G-d and the good in everyone and everything. Join Jenna as she speaks about a good eye vs. an evil eye, the amazing benefits of having a good eye, and how we can develop one!
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REFERENCES:
Positivity Bias by Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson
AWARENESS by Miriam Adahan
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger
Holy Woman by Sara Yoheved Rigler
Join Jenna as she speaks with one of her teachers, Rabbi Gartner, about how we can view current events from a spiritual perspective. Specifically, Rabbi Gartner explains how we can access positivity and connection during this trying time.
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CONNECT with Rabbi Gartner:
Website: https://www.rabbigartner.com/
Living Aligned Book: https://amzn.to/3hhSRbh
What's App Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DIuK1bZ78bA...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-753620600
As we see now so clearly, we can't totally rely on anything or anyone. (An unsettling thought!) We can really only rely on Hashem. The good news is He can do anything and He loves us! Join Jenna as she discusses what it means to trust Hashem, how to balance trust and effort, and how trusting Hashem changed her life.
SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and the newsletter: http://modernjewishgirl.com/
REFERENCES:
Rav Dessler's Strive For Truth: https://amzn.to/3fd372H
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis Biography: https://amzn.to/3dPQPNn
Most things in life are out of our control, but now this fact is even more obvious. So what can we control? Join Jenna as she discusses how we can use our free will to achieve more inner peace and happiness, especially during challenging times.
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REFERENCES:
Sara Yoheved Rigler: https://sararigler.com/
Rabbi Baruch Gartner: https://www.rabbigartner.com/
Rav Avigdor Miller on Emuna (Faith) and Bitachon (Trust): https://amzn.to/2MqjXP0
The Artist's Way: https://amzn.to/2Ayj18K
In this week's episode, we talk about the upcoming holiday of Shavuos. Join Jenna as she unpacks the Mt. Sinai experience and discusses why humility is the prerequisite to spiritual growth.
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FOLLOW @modernjewishgirl
REFERENCES:
The Rational Approach to the Torah's Divine Origin: https://www.simpletoremember.com/authors/a/rabbi-lawrence-kelemen/
Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau on Ethics of Our Fathers: https://amzn.to/2B5fE9E
Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau's Autobiography, Out of the Depths: https://amzn.to/2LZVr7j
Forever in Awe, Rachel Weiss: https://amzn.to/2TEJLuM
In the first episode of the Modern Jewish Girl Podcast, I briefly introduce myself and then delve into learning about Loshon Hara (Gossip) as well as Shabbos and how it relates to higher consciousness. I share a practical tool for obtaining higher consciousness that I have been working on with one of my teachers, Rabbi Gartner. Enjoy!
SUBSCRIBE to the Modern Jewish Girl newsletter here: http://modernjewishgirl.com/
The lesson on Loshon Hara is based on the book Master Your Words, Master Your Life: https://amzn.to/3bTazxQ
The lesson on Higher Consciousness is based on Rabbi Gartner's book Living Aligned: https://amzn.to/3c3ShKi