2 Paleys on a Pod: Recent Episodes
Briyah
A father and daughter discuss a wide range of topics, focused on growth and spirituality. Rabbi Michael Paley lives in Budapest and Brooklyn. He is retired. Briyah Paley lives in Queens and is a writer, Airbnb Host and mental health advocate.
It's a new year and also the lunar eclipse and energy is MOVING! This episode has some tense moments and you may feel uncomfortable at times. We certainly did. But that's OK. Growth requires change and change is not easy or comfortable.
Still, we hope you get something out of this episode.
Shana Tovah to you, dear listener!
We discuss blessings and curses in our lives and in this parsha. We didn't mention the fruit offerings, but Briyah's favorite fruit is passion fruit.
Life is full of passion at the moment! How are you landing during this sacred time on earth?
It's the 60th anniversary of Michael's bar mitzvah! We discuss what this parsha means to him. We also discuss how Briyah has been doing in the UK and an update on her love life.
Sorry for the lateness!
Cheers
This week is Parshat Shoftim, which contains instructions for establishing a just society, including laws for judges, law enforcement, kings, and warfare. It makes me think of the laws we currently have for our society and I wonder how practical they are. Where do we go from here? What should change and what should remain the same?
Thanks for being on this journey with us!
“See,” says Moses to the people of Israel, “I place before you today a blessing and a curse”—the blessing that will come when they fulfill G‑d’s commandments, and the curse if they abandon them.
We break it down for you this week! Enjoy and shabbat shalom from Edinburgh and Hull, MA.
Who could use a second chance?
This parsha follows Moses and he continues his closing address to the children of Israel, promising them that if they will fulfill the commandments of the Torah, they will prosper in the Land they are about to conquer and settle in keeping with Hashem's promise to their forefathers.
Shabbat shalom!
This Parsha includes a repetition of the Ten Commandments as well as the verses of the Shema. Va'etchanan means "I pleaded," and Moses is pleading with Hashem to be let into the Land of Israel.
This is also the holiday of Tu B'Av, where singles traditionally wear white and gather in the town square to look for their intended. It's a very romantic time and Briyah is feeling loved! Baruch hashem!
Follow @briyah for more updates
We're back with the start of a new book of Torah--Devarim, a series of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before his death and their entry into the Promised Land, acting as a repetition of the law and a renewal of the covenant.
How does this relate to us today and are we doing what is asked of us?
We are deeply troubled by the mass shooting in NYC this week, which also directly impacted our Jewish community with the tragic loss of two Jewish women. May their memories be a blessing.
Briyah is in Edinburgh for the month for the annual Fringe Festival. Follow along on her adventures @briyah.
Well, it was a hard week. People are suffering on both sides of the conflict and it's certainly heart wrenching to see what is happening in Gaza. This parsha deals with themes of genocide. It's heavy, but it's appropriate for the time we are in.
Shabbat shalom
I can't tell about this Pinchas character. He seems shady to me.
What do you think of inheritance? Leadership? This parsha has it all, and then some, and then some I still don't understand...
Sorry for the abrupt ending, but we ran into technical difficulties. Have a good shabbos and see you next week!
It's Briyah's birthday!
This episode covers Parshat Balak, which has all sorts of craziness, like a talking donkey, and a king who wants to curse the Israelites. But God won't hear of it!
We hope you enjoy this video episode. Coming soon to YouTube!
It's parshat Chukat! A few important people die and we learn about purity. There's more, but just listen :)
Happy 4th of July, if that means something to you!
Shabbat shalom
If you'd like to attend Briyah's birthday show next Thursday in Queens, you can book your ticket here:
https://qedastoria.com/products/psych-ward-pajamas?srsltid=AfmBOopryY_BlsmoHhnPN34t2dZe9a5VCLv1-TjEp1XqasA2LmGunivW
Briyah is back from the Peruvian Jungle and Michael is back from Africa! This week we are discussing Parshat Korach and the consequences of rebellion and challenging divinely appointed leadership. It all ties perfectly into Briyah's recent ayahuasca experience. Listen to find out more.
Shabbat shalom and may you be blessed with good health, happiness and a loving, supportive family.
This week Briyah is in Peru for what will likely be another transformative experience! As usual, the Parsha and this new book of Numbers, correlates. The Jews are entering into their 40 years in the desert and each tribe is counted. This is an essential part of the journey from slavery to freedom. And isn’t that where we are now, in this current war and struggle?
We hope you enjoy this episode. Shavuot is in a few days and we didn’t get to speak about it specifically but this whole podcast is about receiving the Torah!
Briyah did this episode entirely on her phone but alas, wasn’t able to add the intro and outro music!
This week we discuss this double Parsha and what it means to us. It covers the laws of the Sabbatical year (Shemitah) and the Jubilee (Yovel), as well as the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's commandments.
Briyah is heading to Peru so potentially there will be no new episodes for the next few weeks.
Leave us a (nice) review!
Shabbat shalom and may we know no more sorrow.
Hello friends!
It's that time again. This Parsha, Emor, is about Priests and death and mourning and holidays. Rabbi Michael tells a few stories and Briyah talks about her healing journey. The usual. But...is it? Listen and find out! Enjoy the video if you're using Spotify. I wore my llama onesie just for you!
Shabbat shalom
It's a solo episode with Briyah! She discusses her take on the Parsha and how it relates to her life in this moment!
The Parsha begins with the command, "You shall be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy".
The parsha emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior as a path to holiness, highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and their responsibility to create a just and compassionate society.
Thank you for listening. Michael will be back next week.
This week, Rabbi Michael and Briyah talk about skin disease in the Parsha. Was it connected to a person's sins? Is obsessive skin picking a spiritual malady?
Tune in for Briyah's intermittent harmonica playing and saucy bits of information.
If you need help with skin picking, check out https://www.osparecovery.org/
It's our 3 year anniversary of the Podcast! We are so grateful to be able to share our conversations with you each week.
This week we talk about Shir Hashirim, a love song celebrating our desire for intimacy. This leads us into a conversation about dating where Briyah spills the tea from this week's shenanigans.
This episode might make you blush at times, but that's what being alive is about! Enjoy!
We messed up and forgot it was the Passover Parsha this week! Apologies.
Instead we are talking about next week’s Parsha, Shemini.
Did Nadav and Avihu have a psychedelic experience by trying to get too close to Hashem? How do you regulate yourself?
What does food and kashrut have to do with it?
We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to subscribe and review!
Passover is here again and we are discussing the second part of the Haggadah and how we connect it to our Podcast theme of Recovery.
Are we really free? What does that mean? What is the purpose of the Seder? What do we hope to experience?
We even manage to connect it to this season's The White Lotus TV series (spoiler alert)!
Wherever you are and whomever you're with, we wish you a Chag Kasher v'Sameach. Have a Happy Passover and let us know how it went!
This week's Parsha is Vayikra, but it's mainly about animal sacrifice. We decided to focus on the upcoming holiday of Passover and how we interpret the first part of the Haggadah. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Briyah is on Instagram @briyah
I'll be honest, I really wasn't feeling it this week. I nearly skipped it. But this Podcast is a practice for me in showing up and doing the thing even when you don't want to. This episode gets raw and emotional at times, which I know listeners have come to expect. I've read reviews that mention how narcissistic I am, how mean I am to my father, and how my siblings are right to stay away from me.
Thanks! Seriously, thank you. It's refreshing to know that people are listening to me and having a reaction. I have never been a people pleaser. I am true to myself and I, like all of us, am flawed. I do answer to Hashem and I feel held in that connection, regardless of what others say about me.
This episode is called Pekudei, which means accounting. No, not like tax season exactly, but more of an inventory. This is the end of Exodus. So, how did we do? What did we learn? Where do we go from here? Did we try our best? Did things get messy? Did we play it safe? Did we hurt others with our actions and words? If we did, we can acknowledge it and move forward.
That is what I am doing here. Sharing my process with all of you. It is real and honest and unfiltered and at times I expect it to make you CRINGE. Life is a bit cringe, isn't it? Do we always get what we want? No.
But...holy crap, we are ALIVE.
Thanks for spending time with me on here. Whether you love me, hate me, or love to hate me, I am grateful for the opportunity to share.
If you feel moved, please leave a review. Any kind of review you'd like!
--Briyah
This week's Parsha seems a bit repetitive, but we learn about those who actually made the Tabernacle, according to Hashem's plan. B'nai Yisrael has been forgiven since building the Golden Calf (which Michael thinks was more like a "Summer Art Project") and now they must step up to build a beautiful place where Hashem may dwell among them. Let's dive in!
We're back from Purim with Parshat Ki Tisa, this being Michael's very favorite (IYKYK).
While Moses is with God for 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites get worried he's not coming back, so they build a Golden Calf. God is pissed, but forgives them.
We are in Boston this weekend for a family Bar Mitzvah.
Mazal Tov, Theo Klots!
Please enjoy this offering! If you feel called to contribute, you can send Briyah a Venmo @briyah-paley
Happy Purim! In this special bonus episode, you'll hear our thoughts on Megillat Esther, the scroll that we read each year on Purim. It's nice to have a holiday with a heroine, using her feminine wiles to save our people.
Have a joyous, festive Purim, even in these troubling times!
Our friend Jonathan Ornstein, CEO of the Jewish Community Center of Krakow, joins us this week to discuss leadership, Zelensky, King Charles, Auschwitz, and of course, the Parsha, Tetzaveh! This one is full of details like how to adorn the High Priest's breast plate and kill the sacrificial ram.
Plus, find out what Jonathan really thought of the award-winning film, "A Real Pain," which took place in Poland.
We recorded in a high rise Manhattan apartment and some sirens can be heard, adding to the dramatic landscape of our city.
For more information on JCC Krakow, please visit: friendsofjcckrakow.org
Briyah is in Queens and Michael is in Mexico. Sounds about right! Mexico is full of pyramids and magnificent colors.
This week's Parsha is Terumah, in which Hashem tells Moses to gather donated materials from the Israelites so that they may build a Mishkan, a dwelling place for Hashem. At first, it seems this parsha is a bit boring because of all the details instruction. But actually it is filled with beauty and gemstones. Hashem adores us so much and knows we need this for ourselves so that we may learn to give from our entire beings.
Thank you, Hashem! And thank you for listening to our Podcast.
Shabbat Shalom
The Torah takes a turn this week because Hashem gives us many laws to follow! Laws about slaves, festivals, treating strangers with kindness, and sacrificial offerings. It's all in here. Do you hate your in-laws? There's probably a law for that too. Come along for the ride as Michael and Briyah break down some of these mishpatim and why they matter.
Also, check out Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. It's...killer.
Briyah is back from Ceremony and she crossed the Red Sea! Michael explains another favorite parsha, Yitro, where the 10 Commandments are given to the Israelites.
How does this play into our lives?
This is a very special episode and please watch the video if you can!
Blessings, Briyah and Michael
Briyah is getting ready to leave her new favorite place, Hollywood, Florida, and return to NYC. Michael is still in Budapest, with one good hip.
What lessons does this parsha have for us?
Why do some people want to stay enslaved as opposed to becoming free?
Please enjoy this episode and there may even be a song in here!
It's Parshat Bo and Briyah and Michael are discussing darkness, surrender, trauma (of course) and other applicable themes. Pharaoh is back with his hardened heart and more plagues are underway.
Thank you to a generous listener for sponsoring the podcast.
If you're interested in being a sponsor, email briyahp@gmail.com.
Hashem tells Moses that he will take the Israelites out of Egypt. We learn of the first plagues, including blood and the frogs! How much can we take? Hostages, terrorism, natural disasters...but we have to be patient and trust that we will be taken out of Galus when the time is right. Briyah recommends looking into Family Constellations Therapy in order to heal what has been passed down through generations. It is life changing. Thanks for listening to our weekly episodes.
We are now in the book of Exodus as we make our way through the Parshas. Much has happened in our story as well as in real life. Will we have a hostage deal this week? Was it a sign that Briyah unexpectedly ran into her only relative in Sydney? We discuss. Thank you for listening!
In this parsha, the last in the book of Genesis, we say goodbye to our patriarch, Jacob. He makes his son Joseph vow not to let him be buried in Egypt because he wants to return to his homeland of Canaan.
This week we have seen fires devastate homes and landmarks in California. The world feels like it's changing rapidly.
We hope you enjoy this episode, which Michael recorded from the airport in Tel Aviv. We've included some wisdom from Rabbi Aron Moss, as well.
Have an easy fast and a good shabbos.
This week's parsha, Vayigash (and he drew near), begins with a passionate exchange between two bothers, Joseph and Judah. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after trying to forget his ancestral home. Briyah is currently in her ancestral home of Melbourne, Australia. It is a complex place for her and her time began with a rocky start, but she felt guided to return and face whatever comes her way, with the support of the Merkos Women's program, where she is spending time learning Torah and other Chassidus.
Briyah and Michael discuss the weekly parsha in this series of the Podcast. Thank you for listening!
What pit are you still trapped in? This Parsha is full of questions to reflect upon as we continue to follow Joseph on his journey. Now he's high up in Egypt as a result of his God-given ability to interpret dreams correctly. His own brothers don't even recognize him when they come to get food during the famine. If you listen until the end, you'll get a special Chanukah song from us! May your light shine brightly this holiday. Amen.
We are back with this week's Torah portion, Vayeshev. Joseph is having all sorts of dreams and his perceived arrogance along with their father's favoritism of him infuriates his siblings who sell him into slavery. We talk about the implications of sibling rivalry and what we can learn from and about this story.
This week we are talking about the parsha, Vayishlach, which means "he sent." There's more turmoil for Jacob as he returns to Canaan and has to face his twin brother Esau for the first time in 20 years. He is so scared of Esau that he sends messengers to find out what's going on over there. Then Jacob wrestles with an angel and is transformed by it. We hope you enjoy this episode and thanks for listening!
What an interesting parsha! Full of deceit, tests of loyalty, marrying the wrong daughter, stealing of idols, sister rivalry and a lot of biblical names that Briyah would like to see make a comeback. Zebulun, anyone? What else did we think? Tune in to find out.
In this week's Torah Portion, Toledot (Generations), Rebekah commits "relationship arson" when she tells her son Jacob to steal the first born blessing from his twin brother Esau. Jacob lies to his father Isaac by pretending to be Esau. He ends up being one of our great forefathers while we know little of Esau. What does all this mean? Was Rebekah acting on divine prophecy from God, or did she meddle and play favorites? It's Thanksgiving in the USA, but Briyah is in Auckland, New Zealand, and Michael is eating fish in some country called Malta. Maybe next year we will be reunited as a family, but if the Torah has taught us anything, well, only God knows. We also talk about the brilliant new documentary, Sabbath Queen, which Briyah was fortunate to see. If it’s playing near you, don’t miss it.
Enjoy your leftover turkey with a side of Toledot!
This week, Briyah and Michael discuss the Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, about the life of our matriarch who lived until age 127 and gave birth to her son Isaac at 90. So at 41, Briyah is still very much in the game! Michael is back in Budapest after a visit to Poland and Briyah is soon off to New Zealand (said with a Kiwi accent) and then Australia (pronounced 'Straya with an Aussie accent). Happy Thanksgiving to all!
We talk to our longtime friend, Jay Michaelson, who wears many hats as a writer, journalist, lawyer, professor and rabbi. He was Michael’s student at Columbia University in the late 80s and Briyah’s Hebrew School teacher in the late 90s. We hope you enjoy this riveting, fast paced conversation about the recent election, the rise of nationalism, and yes, psychedelics.
Jay will lead a Jewish meditation retreat December 23-27 at Isabella Freedman in the Berkshires. Check out his Substack, Both/And with Jay Michaelson.
This week, Briyah and Michael discuss the film, "A Real Pain," which they found very relatable. The story follows two cousins who go to Poland to learn more about their family history. But they really learn about each other. How does this connect to this week's parsha, Lech Lecha? The name means to "go forth" and that's what these cousins do. Today is election day and we both pray our nation finds peace and unity, no matter what the outcome is.
Briyah and Michael reflect on their Yom Kippur experiences as they prepare for Sukkot. What are we dreaming of for this new year? Michael wants a home in the Berkshires and Briyah wants a seat at the table with the visionaries of her generation. And a house on the ocean. And a life partner. If you speak it, Hashem will hear it! We also talk about what it means to have a "fawn" response to trauma and is that what is happening now as we navigate what it means to be Jewish in our current society? We hope you enjoy this episode and please rate and review.
On this first anniversary of October 7th, Briyah and Michael sit with difficult uncertainties for our people. In these days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we ask, what have we learned this year? Briyah attended an interfaith event and shares parts of the moving stories she heard. Michael is recovering well from his hip surgery in a high rise Manhattan apartment and we were grateful to record this in that space.
Briyah just returned from the fantastic Green Shoe Foundation in Oklahoma. Bad news is her rental car was plummeted by hail. Good news is she received incredible healing and will now totally be able to re-parent herself after all the Mother Hunger (read the book)! Briyah and Michael talk about what this all has to do with teshuvah (repentance) and the New Year. Chag Sameach to everyone and we wish you a meaningful holiday. Hopefully we have given you some themes to keep in mind.
In this episode we discuss working! We talk about some of the jobs we've had and Briyah talks about the work challenges she has experienced. We even dive into our family history to look at what patterns have arisen in terms of work ethic. We come from a family of Bosses (as direct descendants of the Vilna Gaon, we're no shleppers). After a long hiatus, Briyah's back to Airbnb hosting and the allure of consistent income. Come on this journey with us—we think you'll love this episode! Please also rate and review us (Briyah needs the validation).
Michael and Briyah went to New Hampshire to visit Interlocken (now called Windsor Mountain), for a summer camp reunion. It was a special and meaningful weekend, full of memories, the waterfront, camp food, camp songs, and old and new friends. We were honored to invited there by the current camp owners, Kerry and Jake Labovitz. We reflect on the camp that our dear friend Richard Herman started in 1961 and Michael's experience going on the first ever Crossroads trip to Scandanavia in 1967. We also connect the camp's values to how we're coping during the war in the Middle East. We hope you enjoy this episode.
We just celebrated the lesser known Jewish holiday of Tu B'Av, otherwise known as the day of love, or even Jewish Valentines Day. In the old days, Jewish singles would wear white and gather in the main square, looking for a match. In this episode, we discuss modern dating, including what "ghosting" really means. Briyah, still looking for her soul mate, mentions some matchmakers whose advice has implemented. We recorded this in the dining room of our family's beach house in Hull, Massachusetts, a place we both love dearly and where we are spending the week together.
We have just started the month of Av, where Jews remember the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem. This is a time of mourning that is followed by a celebration of love (Tu b’Av). Rosh Chodesh (the first day) Av was Briyah’s 41st Hebrew birthday! We discuss Briyah’s recent ayahuasca ceremonies in the Catskills where she faced herself and received deep healing. With a heart full of gratitude for the Divine, we’ll see what comes next on this great journey! Thank you for listening.
Hi from sunny Portugal! I’m in the town of Monchique and felt like a solo episode. It was my birthday this past week and I wanted to reflect on what I’ve learned over these last 12 months. Today is my nephew Isaac’s 6th birthday and it’s also Bastille Day! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Lots of love! Thank you as always for listening. And to the new followers, welcome! Thank you also to Pedro and Sara at Hostel Douro Backpackers for making my birthday so special.
What an adventure we had! We recap the last few weeks as travel companions, from Hungary to Israel to Poland. We learned so much and we are taking much with us. The main takeaway is that there is still Jewish life in Poland, despite all that was taken from us. We are survivors and we will always survive. Thank you for listening and sharing!
Briyah and Michael are in Poland for a Mission trip with UJA-Federation of New York. We took the opportunity to record the wonderful conversation between Michael and his long time friend, Helise Lieberman, Director of the Taube Center for Jewish Life and Learning. Helise is an American Jew who moved to Warsaw years ago and has much to say about life in Poland. We hope you enjoy this episode and please excuse any background noise.
We came to Israel for a few days because Michael had a conference with JDC and Briyah wanted to join for some time in Tel Aviv and one day in Jerusalem. We reflect on what this moment here feels like. We hope you enjoy listening to this heartfelt episode that explores the complexities of being American Jews who love Israel.
Briyah and Michael are together in Budapest, looking out onto the Danube. They talk about success and what it means. Who has it, how do you get it, and how do you keep it? How important is it? Is life still good without measurable success? We also talk about the past and how success has affected our family. Thanks for listening and please rate and review!
In this episode, we talk about the upcoming holiday of Shavuot and how it relates to love. Briyah reflects on her recent Dance Meets Tantra workshop in the Berkshires as well as her psychedelic medicine journeys and what it has taught her about loving herself and others. We really love this episode and hope that you do too. Shabbat shalom and chag sameach.
Hello from Amagansett! I was lucky enough to come here on my own for a few days. The house I’m staying in faces the ocean and I couldn’t be happier. I’m taking some time here to walk on the beach, rest, process and take care of myself. And that includes this update for all of you! Please reach out about anything I’ve shared. I’d love to hear from our listeners! My dad and I will be back with another episode soon. Thank you and G-d bless you!
We’re back with some Omer content. What is the Omer? What does it give us? How does it relate to our daily life? We answer these questions and more in another thought provoking episode. Briyah forgot to mention the generous woman who held her in the bathroom while she cried during the intermission of “Merrily We Roll Along” on Broadway. Thank you Laura, for your kindness. That show brought up a lot of feelings.
Briyah and Reb Michael are back to wish everyone a peaceful Passover holiday. We talk about what we’ve been up to (one of us went to a naked dinner party) and reflect on some parts of the Seder. We won’t be celebrating together this year, but hopefully we will reunite soon. We will be leaving an empty chair at our Seders to remember the hostages who cannot be with their families for yet another holiday. If you enjoy our podcast, please share, rate and review us. Chag sameach!
Briyah goes to Coogee Beach to talk to Judy Banki, a 96 year old who isn’t slowing down. They discuss Judy’s fascinating history that spans the globe from Flatbush to Israel, Budapest and the Hamptons. And now it includes Australia to visit her daughter and grandkids. What a privilege this interview was and Briyah hopes to see Judy back in NYC!
Briyah is in Sydney, Australia! She talks to Michael about what it’s like to be back there after 7 years away.
Briyah is back with a solo episode. She’s procrastinating getting ready for her trip to the Bahamas tomorrow. She hasn’t been on a plane since March, so keep her in your thoughts as she embarks on another solo adventure! In this episode, she gives an update on what’s been going on in the Life Of Briyah (LOB).
My gorgeous friend Libby Malcolm joins me as this episode’s special guest. We met while I was studying abroad in Paris in 2005, and Libby is still there! We talk about our parallel life journeys and Libby reflects on raising her son in a culture very different from where she is from in Alabama. She has so much insight and hope as well as the most charming accent. I hope you enjoy this episode!
It’s just Briyah on this episode! A bit of a lighthearted one to send you off into the Thanksgiving long weekend. Michael is traveling and also, things have been awkward since the last episode when we threw some shade on the family. But you can’t please everyone! Much love and peace to everyone listening to our little podcast project. I pray my dad will join me once again.
Ah, family! What would we do without them? Briyah is finding out during her estrangement from everyone but Rabbi Michael (we have to do the podcast, after all). We talk about estrangement within the Jewish origin story and we even air some “dirty laundry” about our own family. Even the current war in Gaza sort of feels like an estrangement between cousins. We hope you get something from this episode.
Micha Odenheimer, a rabbi, journalist and social entrepreneur, joins the Paleys to talk about the recent terror attack in Israel. Based in Jerusalem, he offers a unique perspective on what it’s been like there. We hope you enjoy the thought provoking conversation.
In this very special episode we bring on our very first guest! Our longtime friend, Michalya Schonwald Moss, joins us from Johannesburg to speak on what she discovered about her family’s tragic past in the Holocaust and the profound impact it has had on her. She and Briyah discuss what it means to be 3Gers, or third generation survivors. Michael shares stories of living abroad and what it means to be a Jew no matter where “home” is. Sadly, Michalya’s recently discovered relative, Alice, passed away the day after this was recorded. Our thoughts are with the Schonwald family as they mourn this loss.
We are in the days of awe and it’s about to be Yom Kippur. Michael and Briyah discuss how this time has impacted them and how they’re finding meaning in it. G’mar Tov!
August 31st is Paley Day for us because it’s Grandpa’s birthday and the day he married Grandma in 1949. Briyah and Michael talk all things family and the challenges of not living nearby. The summer is coming to a close and who knows what’s next for this father-daughter duo!
This week we had a funeral for our beloved cousin, Rafi. Rafi took his own life last week. Briyah and Michael talk about the magnitude of the loss as well as how it coincides with the new month of Elul. The episode heavily deals with suicide, so please be aware of that before you listen.
We talk about the holiday of Tisha B’Av, also known as the saddest day of the Jewish year. But what if you’re sad a lot, like Briyah? Will things go up from here? Is there a second chance? There’s a special guest at the end, too!
We’re back again! Michael and Briyah catch up on the last few months. Briyah left Austen Riggs and returned to NYC. Michael taught in Europe and joined the Ride for the Living. We also discuss the importance of this three week period in Judaism during the months of Tammuz and Av.
Briyah is having a really hard time getting treatment at Berkshires Mental Hospital, Austen Riggs. Will she stick it out a few more weeks? She thinks it's making her more traumatized. Who ever heard of patient led groups?
Michael talks about counting the omer some more, and starting the Bronfman Youth Fellowships 36 years ago.
Count the Omer with us from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Briyah has had some more setbacks and changes of plans, but what else is there to do but move forward? Michael went to Japan, Briyah came back from LA, sent her car back and forth...OY, the drama.
Michael is traveling and Tod, Briyah's old friend, is taking care of her in LA, so he stepped in to record this episode. There's a lot of psychiatric bashing and a bit about our friendship. More to come. Also, Briyah has to make some big decisions about treatment centers and can barely decide what to eat every day, so this is an uphill battle. Please God, help her find her life purpose and a way to serve others. Is it through this podcast?
The journey continues with Briyah being helped by an unconditionally loving and supportive friend in LA. Michael talks about Passover and the weekly Parsha and how it inevitably connects to Briyah's situation. There's even some singing. Onwards!
The Heroine's Journey continues and Briyah is now trying out LA, but finds that her problems do indeed follow her everywhere. Michael is supportive as always, and even flew with her to LA. What a hero! The episode might seem dark because Briyah is working on deep aspects of her soul and facing herself in a way that feels uncomfortable. But she is here to share the journey, hoping her pain will help others. No easy answers here. No shortcuts or quick fixes. Just staying present with what is. Thank you for listening.
An important part of the journey is surrendering. It's uncomfortable, but necessary. Briyah is praying for the willingness to surrender, so her life can really begin, at 40! Also, what does it mean to surrender? Can Briyah do it? How do we ask God for help? Briyah and Michael talk about the repercussions of "being in love with anger."
Briyah went to the Psych Ward and all she got from it were a pair of pajamas that were then disposed of by her mother. She provides an update on her latest life drama and Michael adds intellectual and empathic commentary.
An update: Briyah is in NYC, being taken care of by her parents. It's been a hard time. She's working on getting more intensive care. She and Michael talk about what it means to face our demons and get through periods of struggle.
This is a tough one...Briyah was told to leave Esalen after a month. She is still grieving the loss of her job and explains what she think happened and where she is now. Michael brings in Jewish text, perspective, and as always, a lot of love. The journey to enlightenment and the quest to feel at "home" continues. Apologies for the audio not being so clear this time.
Briyah talks about her nearly completed cross country road trip, taken during the Jewish holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Rabbi Michael talks about the significance of the timing, as well as lessons from the Zohar and the Torah. They both get vulnerable about letting go and taking risks.
In this episode, Briyah and Michael discuss some of the Jewish Holidays and what they represent in our everyday lives. Why are they in this order? Yom Kippur is supposed to feel like death. But what about love? What do the two have to do with each other? I'm proud of this episode and the connection my dad and I share. He has such a powerful ability to break down Jewish rituals and concepts.
Shana Tovah U'metukah! A happy Jewish New Year to all who celebrate. In this episode we discuss the important and challenging process of forgiveness. But aside from that, what if we choose to simply forget how we've been wronged by others? How does that work and what does the Torah say about it? Since our last episode, Michael turned 70 and reflects on how he feels about it.
What does it feel like to be lonely? What can you do to feel better? In this episode, Briyah and Michael talk about widespread loneliness in today's world. You are not alone if you feel lonely.
In this episode we discuss the role of teachers in our lives, as well as challenges we've both faced when it comes to learning.
How do we learn and grow? Why is it so painful at times? What does success look like? Why did my Dad leave his job at Columbia in the 90s? These are some of the questions we discuss in this episode. Also, did you know we are descendants of the Vilna Gaon?
What is prayer? Why do we do it? Is it the only way to connect to God? In this episode, my dad and I discuss the role of prayer in our lives.
We are a father and daughter who will explore all of life's issues in our podcast. This episode is about who we are and what we plan to do.
Talking about the journeys we've been on, and working on feeling better after a few spiritual retreats. Where is God? What's the meaning in this?