Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of the Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an accomplished scholar, author, and speaker on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership, and communication skills. She passionately discusses the role of women in leadership and education within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting female leaders and mentors. Focusing on the transformative impact of figures like Sarah Schneirer and the Bais Yaakov movement, which provided Jewish girls with education and a sense of spiritual identity, Leslie emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another and foster inclusivity and acceptance within the community.In addressing today’s challenges in Jewish education, including school rejections, inclusivity, and balancing home and school in teaching Jewish values, Leslie advocates for moving beyond performative education. She calls for internalized spiritual growth rather than surface-level conformity. Sensitive topics such as dress codes, hair covering, and the devaluation of teachers are tackled, with a strong appeal to prioritize respect and fair pay for educators. Leslie and Matana underscore the importance of ensuring meaningful, inclusive education for all children and strengthening the role of women in shaping the community.Dr. Klein earned her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women, and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children.Connect with Leslie:Website: lesliegklein.comEmail: [email protected]:@leslie_g_kleinLeslie's Book: Sarah Builds a SchoolJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom...

Liel Alter went on a transformative journey from a secular upbringing to embracing God, Judaism and spirituality. From the profound impact of her mother's illness and passing had, to her search for meaning, and how she found faith through community and personal exploration, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the role of supportive parenting, and the power of choice in personal growth. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of resilience, faith, and the essence of living a meaningful life.Liel and Matana explore the profound impact of gratitude, spirituality, personal well-being and how gratitude is not just a feeling but a choice that can transform one's perspective, especially during hardships. This concept is woven into the significance of Chanuka, a time to reflect on gratitude, the miracles in our lives and emphasizing that true happiness comes from recognizing and appreciating what we already have.Liel's message is compelling and has attracted thousands on her popular social media accounts, ripe with relevant content and inspiration, where she shares thoughts gleaned along her journey.Connect with Liel:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emunahashemYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emunahashemWhatsApp group for daily inspiration: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GurRSu29bY31axv0xydOpsJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANAMaxifyz.comMaxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep.Get 10% off your order...

Author Moriel Bareli explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having moved to Israel and learned Arabic, he gained insights from conversations with Arabs. Moriel shares the historical narratives presented in the Quran, the misunderstandings surrounding Jewish sovereignty, and the need for education to bridge cultural gaps. The significance of reclaiming national identity are crucial in understanding the deeper issues at play in the ongoing conflict. Moriel delves into the significance of Eretz Israel in Judaism, discusses the historical and spiritual connections that bind the Jewish people to the land, the challenges faced by Jews living outside of Israel and the importance of returning to their roots. Moriel emphasizes the need for unity among Jews, the role of education in fostering understanding and peace with the Muslim world, the necessity of self-reflection and living with passion and truth to fulfill their purpose as a nation.Moriel was born and raised in New York but at the age of 18 decided to make Aliyah to Israel. He now lives in Samaria with his wife and 2 children, teaches Arabic, gives lectures about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is the author of “When a Jew and a Muslim Talk”.His passion for the Arabic language began while he was studying in a Yeshiva that bordered the Christian and Muslim quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. He embarked on a journey to study the language, religion and culture of those surrounding him, eventually leading him to hundreds of conversations with Muslims from all over the Middle East.Connect with Moriel:[email protected]://moriel-bareli.co.il/en/book-eng/Amazon BookJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or...

Galya Falkson, a sex and relationship coach, is dedicated to providing sex education and breaking down taboos, especially within religious communities. She began her journey after studying halachah and recognizing the need for open discussions around sex and intimacy. Galya believes shame and taboo arise from a lack of education and stresses the importance of normalizing conversations about sex, pleasure, and intimacy from a young age. She encourages couples to communicate openly about desires, expectations, and experiences to build fulfilling relationships. In this conversation, Galya addresses the myths and pressures surrounding sex, particularly within marriage, advocating for a realistic, compassionate, and open approach to intimacy.Connect with Galya:[email protected]://www.instagram.com/galyafalksonJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANAMaxifyz.comMaxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep.Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

Ellie Levi is an Orthodox Jewish woman who chose to become a single mother. In this episode, she and Matana discuss the journey and challenges of single motherhood, including the stigma around the term "single mom by choice" and the various paths women take to reach this decision.Ellie shares her personal experience with egg freezing and fertility treatments, highlighting the importance of a supportive network during the emotional ups and downs of the process. She reflects on her family's reactions and the halachic complexities, urging women to pursue their dreams without seeking others’ permission.Chapters:02:16 Understanding Single Motherhood11:32 The Journey of Egg Freezing12:14 Navigating Fertility Treatments16:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood30:25 Coping with Societal Expectations36.42 The Halachic Perspective on Single Motherhood44:27 The Selfless Act of Motherhood46:14 Navigating Reactions to Single Motherhood49:38 Overcoming Naysayers and Embracing Support57:38 The Complex Relationship with God01:07:44 Fertility Organizations and Their Limitations01:21:34 Reflections on Regrets and Surprises in the JourneyConnect with Ellie:[email protected]:Single Mothers By ChoiceOrthodox Jewish Single Moms by ChoiceIVF/IUI Single Moms By Choicehttps://www.singlemothersbychoice.org/Join us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code...

Omar Pinto is a spiritual guide whose unconventional journey from addiction to enlightenment has resonated profoundly within orthodox Jewish communities. Omar's clients, predominantly orthodox Jews grappling with spiritual disillusionment and personal crises, seek his guidance to rediscover faith and inner peace.Against the backdrop of orthodox Jewish traditions, Omar candidly shares his own struggles and spiritual awakening, including his unorthodox use of plant medicine as a catalyst for healing. His clients, facing challenges ranging from religious conformity to personal crises, find solace and transformation through Omar's compassionate and unconventional approach to spirituality. Omar advocates for a personal, authentic approach to spirituality. He encourages listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, emphasizing that true connection with the divine lies in embracing one's unique path rather than conforming to societal or religious expectations.With Matana's thought provoking questions, Omar explores resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and a compelling narrative of transformation and optimism that offer profound insights into finding inner peace and spiritual awakening amidst life's challenges.Connect with Omar:[email protected]://www.omarpinto.comJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANAMaxifyz.comMaxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep.Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

As a thinker, scholar and author of 2 acclaimed books, Judaism Reclaimed and Talmud Reclaimed, Rabbi Shmuel Phillips dives into the pivotal role of morality within Judaism and how Jewish teachings define concepts of Olam Haba, Geyhinom from biblical narratives and rabbinic literature and explores the complexities of ethical decision-making in Jewish life.While Teshuvah (repentance) and Hoda'ah (acknowledgment) foster spiritual growth and strengthen one's connection with God, perspectives from historical narratives and philosophical insights illustrate the dynamic interplay between morality and Jewish identity and how historical figures grappled with moral challenges and emerged as enduring role models of resilience and introspection and emphasize the universal lessons that can be gleaned from Jewish teachings on morality.The timeless wisdom of Jewish tradition offer a compelling perspective on how Judaism continues to inspire moral integrity and ethical responsibility in an ever-changing world.Rabbi Phillips was born and raised in England, has spent almost two decades studying in Yeshiva and Kollel in Israel and has also completed a law degree from the University of London.Connect with Rabbi Phillips:https://www.talmudreclaimed.comJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANAMaxifyz.comMaxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep.Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

Rob Moore, is a single father, a proud Israeli-American, a creative producer and the filmmaker behind "Echoes of Loss: Eight Days in Israel", a powerful feature length documentary shows the world that the grief and loss of the people of Israel should not be politicized or discarded, and that these voices matter.Rob delves into various themes surrounding grief, loss, faith, and resilience. Rob shares personal experiences of navigating grief, including the profound impact of environment on triggering emotions and the importance of community and support for those experiencing loss, highlighting the strength found in unity.Rob reflects on the ongoing conflict in Israel and his journey through grief being the inspiration behind his documentary that provides valuable insights into the human experience of tragedy and the search for healing and meaning.Connect with Rob:https://www.robmor.com@iamrobmor@echoesoflossdoc Youtube: Echoes of Loss: Eight Days in IsraelJoin us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected]Sponsored by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANAMaxifyz.comMaxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep.Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

Meir Kay joins us to explore themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the human experience within the complexities of faith, identity, and personal growth, while navigating life's uncertainties. He discusses the importance of embracing change, overcoming fear, and finding meaning in life's most difficult moments and reflects on the role of religion and tradition in shaping individual beliefs and values.&nbsp;Despite the tension between spiritual orthodoxy and personal autonomy, it is important to question and evolve one's faith in pursuit of authenticity and fulfillment while still staying focusing on the power of love, compassion, and connection in transcending boundaries and bridging divides and harness the transformative potential of vulnerability, empathy, and forgiveness in fostering deeper understanding and unity within ourselves and our communities.This conversation is a transformative journey of introspection, inspiration, and healing, serving as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human spirit and the profound power of love to illuminate even the darkest of times.About Meir: Meir Kay is a breathwork facilitator, Co-founder of Ahdama, a Jewish Men’s Retreat and creator of the Kids Show “Mak and Friendz” and is on a mission to connect people with their hearts through various somatic and embodiment practices. Meir travels the world facilitating breathwork and ecstatic dance workshops. In 2023 Meir partnered up with Eli Nash to create the Ahdama Remembrance- a Jewish Men’s retreat, where a safe space is created for men to stretch past their limiting beliefs, remember who they are and connect with brothers who are on a similar path.Connect with Meir:https://meirkay.com/Join us on Whatsapp:Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4Listen to us:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TAItunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630Comments or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you:[email protected] by:SwagMyGear.comGet your custom printed &amp; promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar &amp; Bat Mitzvas, business&amp; corporate, family gatherings &amp; events, all printed with your logo or message.Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANAMaxifyz.com<a href="https://maxifyz.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...