Episodes
For Chodesh Nissan, Karen talks Torah and wellbeing with Dr. Yael Ziegler, Rosh Beit Midrash and Academic Director of Matan. Based on the story of the birth of Moshe and the Jewish nation, they explore meaning and purpose in the story of the Exodus and draw resonance and hope for our time. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 04/09/24
Published 04/09/24
Karen and her guest Rachel Sharansky Danziger discuss the resonance of Megillat Esther for Israel and the Jewish world today. They look to Esther and Rachel's parents Avital and Natan Sharansky for inspiration about the plight of the hostages and how to deal with adversity. As we begin Chodesh Adar we pray for a safe return of all the hostages, healing for the injured, and that light and joy return to Am Yisrael in the month of Adar. The Eden Center is currently running a crowdfunding...
Published 03/10/24
For Adar Aleph, Karen explores the messages that arise from the addition of a month to the calendar. She examines the themes of waiting, patience and finding faith through a process in her Torah insights on the book of Shemot and in her interview with Rabbanit Etta Bendavid, who shares her experiences as grief counselor and her own moving personal story of coming to terms with having Alopecia universalis.Etta Bendavid, BCC, SCP-C, MAEd., provides pastoral care and grief counseling at the...
Published 02/08/24
In this episode of Women and Wellbeing, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet speaks with Amalia Misul-Jesselson, MSW, Psychotherapist, Couple and sex therapist about the transitions that take place as soldiers come back home, and what can help partners make the adjustment back into 'regular' family life and the marital relationship after time away. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 01/15/24
This month Karen explores the imagery of seeds and planting as a symbol of hope in Talmudic literature. She relates this to the recent wave of volunteering to work the land here in Israel. Then she talks with Tamar Weissman about her family’s move to a farm in Northern Israel, the spiritual and Torah dimensions of working the land, and about what working the land does for one’s body and soul. This month’s podcast is dedicated to the refuah shlemah of Netanel Yaakov ben Yehudit Sarah, who was...
Published 12/12/23
Life is stressful. Unfortunately we are all feeling it now more than ever. In this episode of Medical Matters, Chana and Sharon discuss the medical basis of stress, stress in Halakha and steps we can take to manage it.
Published 12/12/23
This month's Kislev podcast focuses on the challenges the war in Israel poses for couples around taharat hamishpacha, particularly when one or both have been drafted and are trying to keep the light going strong in their relationship. Karen then discusses halakhic and emotional questions that have arisen about taharat hamishpacha and intimacy during wartime with yoetzet halacha and ASSECT certified sexuality counselor Dr. Judith Fogel.The Kislev podcast is sponsored by Erez and Shelly...
Published 11/13/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss what is allowed in the Mikveh, including rules around technology, food, and beverages. Gabrielle also discusses why a certain candy is provided and encouraged by most mikvot... it's most likely not the reason you think!  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 10/30/23
In light of the war in Israel, this month Karen looks to Parshat Noah for Torah thoughts on how to remain optimistic in the face of unbearable loss and destruction. Then, Karen interviews Dr. Bella Schanzer, an experienced psychiatrist, who provides valuable guidance about coping with anxiety brought on by the war in Israel. This includes practical advice about caring for ourselves and our families, as well as specific thoughts directed towards mothers/parents of chayalim. This month's...
Published 10/15/23
During Tishrei there is an extra focus on meals and food. This is a good time to think about modeling healthy relationships with food and to raise awareness about eating disorders in the Jewish community. After Karen’s Torah thoughts on the physical and spiritual side of sustenance, she interviews psychotherapist Aliza Levitt Gillman about building positive relationships with our bodies and food. This month's podcast was generously sponsored by Esther Tekuzener. Wishing everyone a Shana...
Published 09/14/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss some of the most prominent reasons women (and men!) go to the Mikveh. During their conversation, they go beyond the reason of Taharah and Tumah to uncover some less commonly known uses of the Mikveh. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 09/06/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss tips for revisiting the Mikveh after an extended period of time away. Gabrielle also touches on how altered life circumstances may change the way a woman fulfills the mitzvah of Mikveh over time.  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 08/23/23
Vaping or E-cigarettes have become the new rage among teens and young adults.  In this podcast, Chana and Sharon discuss the health and Halachic considerations of these products. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 08/23/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss who typically visits the Mikveh and when the Mikveh can be utilized for purposes beyond Tumah and Taharah.  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here. 
Published 08/09/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss fundamental components to consider when choosing what mikveh is right for you and your personal circumstances.  Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.
Published 07/26/23
For chodesh Av, Karen explores the ways Jewish law ritualizes both national and personal mourning, examining customs of the Three Weeks/Tisha B'Av and personal aveilut. She then interviews Dvora Corn, Co-Founder of Life's Door, about how individuals and couples can be better prepared for coping with illness, end of life and loss. The Av podcast is dedicated by Shelly and Erez Markowitz in loving memory of Erez’s father Yisrael Yechiel Markowitz and his grandmother Rivka Godinger, who both...
Published 07/18/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss going on vacation without having a mikveh nearby and the alternatives that may be available. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. 
Published 06/26/23
As Tammuz coincides with the beginning of summer camps, this month's podcast looks at the story in Torah of Am Yisrael's encampment in the desert to explore the value of privacy in the public camp. Then, Karen interviews Rahel Bayar, an expert on creating safe spaces and preventing abuse about how to prepare our children for summer camp and what to do if they encounter uncomfortable or inappropriate behavior.This month's episode is sponsored by Izumi Sato in memory of Rabbi Elliott Marmon on...
Published 06/18/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Michal Roness discuss Harchakot and what they mean. Does it matter what I pass to my husband and when? Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. 
Published 06/12/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Michal Roness discuss what to do if a woman ovulates before she goes to the Mikveh. What can she do? Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. 
Published 05/29/23
For Rosh Chodesh Sivan, Karen explores the imagery of God and Israel as a marriage relationship in Tanach and midrash. She then speaks with Dr. Hadassah Fromson, psychologist and yoetzet halacha, about her work counseling couples in sexuality and intimacy,  exploring challenges couples commonly face and ways of creating positive intimacy.This episode was sponsored anonymously in appreciation of the important topics and discussions the Women & Wellbeing podcast raises.Dr Hadassah Fromson...
Published 05/21/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Michal Roness discuss what to do regarding gel nail polish and eyelash extensions when going to the Mikveh. Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. 
Published 05/15/23
Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss the main differences between consulting with a Rav versus a Yoetzet Halacha. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. 
Published 05/01/23
As this month we commemorate Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Haatzmaut, the Iyar podcast focuses on women's determination, bravery and faith during times of oppression and hardship. We'll explore the stories of various women's optimism and faith in the future. We'll also hear from Lani Berman about women's lives and commitment to mikveh before the Shoah.This month's podcast is sponsored by Margot and Josh Botwinick as a thank you for all the amazing work of the Eden Center and...
Published 04/19/23