A Soul Grows in Israel

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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 ...

Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

Is astrology real according to Judaism? Do zodiac signs affect your life? And if mazal (astrological influence) exists, where does free will fit in? In this episode, Yitzchok Pinkesz, author of Kosher Astrology, explains the Torah perspective on astrology, mazal, and destiny. We discuss what Jewish sources say about the zodiac, whether astrology is permitted or forbidden, and how astrology interacts with emunah (faith) and bechirah chofshit (free will). Topics include: Judaism and astrolo...

Join Nasiyah Israul, a Jewish woman of color, autistic advocate, and musician, as she shares her journey of Jewish identity, West African Jewish roots, and healing. Discover how her music, faith, and creativity intersect with resilience and self-expression. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in autism, Judaism, cultural heritage, neurodiversity, identity, and music as a healing tool. To learn more about Nasiyah's projects you can visit her website: www.nasiyahisraul.com Please do...

In this deeply personal and hopeful episode, I share the story of my son’s 54 foot fall from a cliff and the spiritual awakening that followed. What could have been tragedy became a moment of protection, perspective, and profound growth. We explore faith, resilience, divine timing, and how life changing moments can realign the soul with purpose. This is a story about survival, meaning, and how light can emerge from the most unexpected places. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube ...

Go behind closed doors with us as we keep it real about marriage, love, and navigating low moods. In this raw, honest conversation, we share the struggles, laughter, and intimate moments that come with building a life together. From relationship challenges to emotional highs and lows, discover practical insights on connection even when life feels heavy. Perfect for couples seeking real talk, marriage advice, emotional balance, and strategies to strengthen love and connection. Support the sho...

We are in the midst of two Torah portions that revolve around dreams. In this short thought, Esther explores the idea that galut, exile itself, is a dreamlike state. It’s a reality that feels real, yet is spiritually blurred and disconnected from clarity. Chanukah enters as the moment of awakening within that dream. Listen to this short dvar Torah exploring Chanukah, dreams, and the spiritual meaning of galut. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://...

After learning she carries the BRCA1 gene, Liora Tannenbaum recognized a gap in support for women in Israel. She responded by bringing Sharsheret’s lifesaving resources to the community, listening to what women needed and building a network of guidance, empowerment, and connection. In this episode, Lioraw shares her personal journey, what pushed her to act, and how one person’s determination created a support system for thousands. https://sharsheret.org/israel/ Support the show Follow us on ...

In this episode I sit down with Alexa Eden, a personal branding coach and humane technologist, to explore the intersection of technology AI and Shabbat, our spiritual rest. Alexa is the founder of EDEN, where she helps leaders and creatives align their digital lives with their deepest values. We dive into How Alexa practices Shabbat as a way to reset and resist constant connectivityHer approach to digital wellness, balancing a busy online presence with meaningful restThe role of AI eth...