A Soul Grows in Israel
A Soul Grows in Israel
Esther Malka
Welcome to A Soul Grows in Israel, a podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets the modern world. We explore spirituality, self-growth, Judaism and life in Israel. Hosted by a woman, this show features soul-o episodes, interviews with Jewish thinkers, Rabbis, of course my husband, and everyday souls.Join us  as we bridge the gap between the spiritual and the practical, offering insights on personal growth, mindfulness, Jewish mysticism, unity, and modern-day living. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, looking to deepen your connection to your Jewish heritage, or simply keep it light and fun, this podcast will inspire and remind you that every journey matters.Subscribe now and start your own journey of growth. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and grow together.
Yakira Apfel: What It Means to Live Honestly Part 2
In part two, Yakira Apfel returns for a deeper conversation on what it actually means to be fully yourself. We talk about health beyond trends, the nuance that often gets lost in simple advice, and the ongoing work of staying honest with yourself even when it is uncomfortable. This is not about perfection or performance, but about paying attention to what is real and what is not. We also touch on life in Israel, not as the focus, but as part of the broader conversation around environment, id...
May 4
54 min
Yakira Apfel on Confidence, Insecurity, and Her Life Journey: Part 1
In this first part, Yakira Apfel from Fit Studio and The Yard joins us for a conversation about confidence, insecurity, and the unfolding of her life's journey. We explore how confidence is built, shaped, and sometimes questioned, what insecurity really looks like beneath the surface, and how personal history and lived experience influence the way someone shows up in the world. This is an honest and grounded conversation about identity, perception, and the tension between how we feel inside ...
Apr 27
58 min
I Never Got Tanya Until Now
In this soul-o episode, I share something very real. I was in the middle of a conflict and needed something to hold onto, so I went back to my favorite lines from the Tanya, a foundational text from Chabad on the inner life, the mind, and the soul. What I found wasn’t abstract. It was immediate. I gathered quotes that speak directly to sadness, joy, and the power of our thoughts, and tried to actually apply them in real time. Not as an idea, but as a way to move through something difficult. ...
Apr 20
36 min
Tzniut: Objections and Honest Questions with Shira Melamed of MTC
In this episode I sit down with Shira Melamed for an honest and thoughtful conversation about tzniut, Jewish modesty, and what it really means to walk humbly with Hashem in the modern world. I play devil’s advocate and bring the questions many women quietly think about but rarely say out loud. Why do the laws of modesty sometimes feel challenging. What are the common objections people have to tzniut today. And how can we understand the deeper purpose behind these halachic guidelines. Togethe...
Apr 13
40 min
Throwback episode: Passover, Freedom and Prayer with Rabbi David Aaron
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Rabbi David Aaron to explore the deeper meanings of Pesach (Passover) and what true freedom really means. We dive into the profound spiritual significance of the holiday and how it connects to the power of prayer (Tefillah) in our lives. Rabbi Aaron also takes us on a journey into the roots of many key concepts found in Jewish tradition, shedding light on how understanding the ancient Hebrew language unlocks layers of wisdom that have been passe...
Apr 6
43 min
Bonus Episode: Pesach and the Rebirth of the Soul. The Deeper Meaning of Passover
In this bonus Soul-o episode of A Soul Grows in Israel, I explore a deeper way of understanding Pesach. Beyond the preparations, the Seder, and the traditions, Pesach carries a powerful idea that speaks to the inner life of the soul. We often think of the story of the Exodus as something that happened long ago. But the message of Pesach is also about personal renewal, letting go of what holds us back, and stepping into a new version of ourselves. In this episode I reflect on the idea of the ...
Mar 29
21 min
Planning Our Pesach Seder: Two Very Different Perspectives on Life and Torah
In this episode my speical guest is my husband. We explore the Pesach Seder through the lens of personal reflection and shared experience. We discuss how we each engage with the Haggadah and with life so differently. We talk about the Four Sons, and the expectations of family and tradition. We dive into the deeper practice of letting go of control, of expectations, and of the ways we hold onto the past while experiencing the Seder together. Join us for an honest and thoughtful conversa...
Mar 22
35 min
Two Weeks at War in Israel: My Experience and Reflections
In this Soul-o episode, I share my personal experience and reflections after two weeks at war in Israel during the conflict with Iran. I speak about what it feels like to live under uncertainty the emotional impact on our people and the ways faith in ourselves as a nation and in Hashem help us endure. This episode is a personal journey into fear, resilience ,and connection to the land and the people of Israel. It is about navigating extraordinary times and finding our strength in the midst o...
Mar 16
21 min
A Hero Named Natan: Faith, Loss, and Strength in a Time of War in Israel
In this episode we sit down with the Rosenfeld parents to share the story of their son Natan who was killed in battle in Gaza. We explore the courage he showed, the values he lived by, and the way his family continues to honor his memory through faith, resilience, and love. This conversation is about more than loss. It is about the everyday heroism of soldiers in Israel, the strength of Jewish families in times of war, and the lessons of hope and perseverance that emerge even in the darkest ...
Mar 9
51 min
Queen Esther, Purim and the Strength of Jewish Women: Lessons from my Grandmother
In this episode I explore the deeper themes of Purim through the lens of femininity, hidden strength, and the ability to transcend the illusion of what appears on the surface. Esther’s name comes from hiddenness. The miracles of Purim are concealed within ordinary events. And yet behind the veil there is Divine orchestration, faith, and moral clarity. I share the lessons I learned from my Bobby, a woman whose life embodied true faith, steady courage, and unconditional love. She taught me tha...
Mar 1
35 min
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