2 Paleys on a Pod

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!