Jewish Teen Talk

Questions explored in this episode:1. Is it okay if I don't always agree what Israel does? (00:57) 2. What if I want to keep halacha but my family isn't so strict. Who do I follow? (05:47)3. Why can't we use our phones on Shabbos if it helps us feel less lonely? (13:40)Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode:1.  I developed an addiction as a result of abuse. What can I do to stop it? (see Episode 60 & 64)2. My school discourages going to college or university. How do I support my family? (02:01)3. Why do people pretend that everyone is happy being frum? (13:48)Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode:1. I am in shidduchim and very afraid that I will not find a wife, because my sister is openly transgender. Please advise!2. I'm struggling with watching movies after seminary. Should I start shidduchim?Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode:1. I overthink conversations and obsess about relationships. How can I work on this?2. My friend overdosed. How do I process this?Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode:1. I feel left out from girls in my class planning to go away together for the summer. Please can you help me? (02:51)2. I have many symptoms that point to sexual or non sexual trauma, but I can't recall anything. Please guide me... (10:41)3. My father talks badly about my mother and my mother tries to prove her herself to me. It makes me very uncomfortable. What should I do? (21:03)

Questions explored in this episode:1. I'm horrified and terrified by the idea of being with my husband when the time comes. What am I supposed to do about that because it's an important part of marriage? (01:02)2. Sometimes I have trouble getting up in the morning because I go to sleep really late. Why can't I just get my act together? (08:45)3. I have a teacher who gets into my personal space and talks to me much too friendly. What can I do and who can I talk to about this? (15:00)4. I recently started taking meds for my mental illness. What do I do with people telling me I could do whatever I set my mind to? (19:13)Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode:1. I have no interest in boys. I'm worried that this will be an issue when I am ready to date. Is this normal for someone my age to be thinking about this and is it something I should be worried about? (02:25)2. How can I not be embarrassed being seen in public with my non-religious relatives? (08:31)3. How do people have so many children? Some kids will inevitably end up being neglected... (13:23)4. My parents are constantly fighting and putting each other down. I'm afraid to bring my friends over in case my parents explode at each other. What can I do? (17:21)Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode:1. Is it normal to imagine how people would look without clothing on? (01:24)2. My parents are separated and my dad showed up at school to give me money. It feels like taking sides by taking the money. What do I do? (11:23)3. All my friends are applying to sleepover camp. My parents can't afford to send me. How do I convince them to send me? (18:32)4. Why do teachers use codewords to talk about topics that we will anyways find out later? (26:06)5. I feel like being held back from buying non-tznius clothes is crushing my identity and self expression. How do I handle this? (32:24)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. My friends are doing whatever they want hiding and are being accepted to top seminaries. I'm working on myself but don't look the part. How can we change the system? (01:10) 2. Where do I draw the line between a mentor and a therapist? (17:45) 3. I'm a frum girl and I know it's bad to masturbate but I masturbate and I don't know how to stop. Please help me! (22:54)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I get very frustrated when people throw around terms like "depression" and "suicide" and "bipolar". How do we create an awareness about this? (02:55) 2. I have really strong feelings of love towards other girls. Will this affect marriage in the future? (10:16) 3. I think about boys a lot. How can I stop thinking about them so much? (20:60) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I'm having a really hard time in school academically and socially. I feel depressed, can you help me? (00:36) 2. Please can you talk about self harm? I think people don't understand how it helps someone deal with emotional pain... (10:04) 3. My friend confides only in me about her family situation. How can I be there for her? (29:46) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Reach out to us at teentalkqanda@gmail.com for additional resources.

Questions explored in this episode: 1. What should I think about when I'm davening? (00:36) 2. How can I not be jealous of my friend? (08:50) 3. A girl in my class says toxic things and curses a lot. There's not much I can do, any advice? (12:52) 4. I go to an extremely small school but I want ‘the' high school experience. How can I get through this? (17:41) 5. Ever since I was little I have felt like a boy. I have a girl's body, but it doesn't feel right. What does this mean, and is it bad? (21:27)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Is it wrong to have a close friend who I don't share with about personal issues? (02:21) 2. How can getting bad marks on so many tests be part of Hashems plan? (08:46) How do I deal with being excluded from friendship in seminary? (16:15) 4. How do I become more confident and less awkward while talking to my mashpia (spiritual mentor)? (24:34) 5. I feel like sibling exploration that I had as a child may have gone too far. Should I speak to someone? (27:05) Feedback from Episode 55! (37:12) Submit your anonymous questions or feedback at www.jewishteentalk.com! We will be happy to hear from you :)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. How can I not be rude with boys when I have to stay away from them? (01:25) 2. Every time I think about Moshiach I get really nervous. This world is so comfortable how it is.  How could I change my perspective? (19:48) 3. I literally hate when people smoke. What do I do and do I accept it? (29:13) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I'm broken, depressed and suicidal. suicide! Why am I different than everyone? (01:26) 2. I'm afraid of not getting a good shidduch because my family is so messed up. Help! (14:21) 2. How do I transition into my "own" life from teenager to adult? (22:31) 3. How can I overcome a porn addiction with no support system? (28:26) 4. How can I be so selfish to bring children into this horrible world of suffering?? Please guide me. (35:36) Resource for suicide prevention: www.thelongshortroad.com Resource for porn addiction: www.guardyoureyes.com Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I'm a Chassidish boy and I think that I need a girlfriend or wife who can understand my feelings. What do I do? (01:38) 2. I am not skinny and worried about getting a shidduch with an overweight boy with problems. How do I approach this? (08:07) 3. I have a Mashpia but I am embarrassed to ask her some questions. Any tips? (19:58) 4. How can a gay person be happy in a heterosexual marriage? (25:56) 5. I'm always telling off my siblings in matters of Torah. How can I stop this? (31:13) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Thank you to our sponsors, Chava and Rivka for your support!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I sometimes wish bad things on people. How do I still look at myself as a good person? (01:20) 2. I am constantly telling off my siblings. How can I stop this? (09:51) 3. I recently heard that sexual abuse is common and present in the frum community. How can I keep myself safe and trust anyone? (16:14) 4. How is Judaism not being all or nothing different than the Reform choosing what to observe? (27:11) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com.

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Why is it bad to listen to non Jewish podcasts and YouTubers? (03:02) 2. Hashem is always testing me. Does He want me to stay religious? (09:15) 3. Am I getting depressed or is it just stress from exams? (14:40)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I really struggle with procrastination? What can I do? (02:16) 2. Is it normal to so badly want to get married and have a baby? (09:39) 3. Why is everyone so fake? (15:37) 4. How do I bring my religiosity to the next level? (16:11) 5. How can I stay religious in this generation? (21:04)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. What is wrong with having a boyfriend? (01:35) 2. Any advice for staying strong about being Tznius? (01:59) 3. I want to hang out with boys and talk to them. What can I do? (02:28) 4. I never talk with my mom about boys or drama. Many of my friends do and it's upsetting at times. What can I do? (02:58) 5. My brother is taking drugs, getting drunk and selling drugs. Please help me! (08:57) 6. I have a sister who's becoming anorexic. What can I do for myself and for her? (21:39) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Partner with Jewish Teen Talk by sponsoring an episode at https://bit.ly/3SYdFsI.

Questions explored in this episode: 1. How do I dress Tznius when others around me don't? (02:48) 2. How do I stay frum but still make friends as a Chabad frum girl in a non-Jewish co-ed school? (06:24) 3. I have a Jewish mom and Christian father. How can I be a better Jew and get closer to G-d? (14:13) 4. My parents won't let me get social media and it's frustrating. What can I do? (22:58) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Partner with Jewish Teen Talk by sponsoring an episode at https://bit.ly/3SYdFsI.

Questions explored in this episode: 1. How much physical touch is okay between girls? (01:44) 2. I feel like a hypocrite. What can I do about this? (06:25) 3. I wish I had more of a social life with frum people. What can I do? (15:00) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I have a fear of death. I'm scared out of my wits. Can you talk about it? (00:41) 2. School is so hard. How do I encourage myself not to drop out? (12:08) 3. I am always comparing myself to girls around me who are skinny and look good. How do I become more confident with myself the way Hashem made me? (20:00) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I am going to a very small high school and I don't see myself becoming close friends with any of the girls. Any tips on what I can do? (01:11) 2. My father has bipolar and there is constant physical, emotional and verbal abuse in our home. I always need to pretend that my life and family is perfect. Please help me. (07:00) 3. I know I'm supposed to love Shabbos, but I just don't. How can I learn to love Shabbos? (17:57) 4. What is a real friend? (25:22) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Sponsor a future episode on our website :)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Why am I so interested in romance novels? (01:55) 2. Do I have to be tznius (modest) when saying shema? (12:50) 3. My friends are always together without me. What do I do? (15:57) 4. I know that sexual relationships are prohibited, but how about masturbating? (23:35) 5. How can I push away people's mean comments? (28:50) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Sponsor a future episode on our website :)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I overthink relationships. What is a healthier way of going about it? (01:00) 2. How do we have a healthy body image? (10:30) 3. How can I show my parents that I'm trying to change? (24:12) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com

Questions explored in this episode: 1. How do I know who are my true friends? (01:26) 2. How do you know for real that Hashem created the world and we did not create Hashem? (06:02) 3. Could you explain the concept of limitless or infinite? (15:26) Send in your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. What exactly is marriage and why get married? (01:53) 2. I got a mashpia and then fired her. What do I do now? (05:16) 3. How can I deal with cliques in a small class? (15:19) 4. How do I make conversations less awkward? (21:33) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Thank you so much for bringing up this complicated topic (SSA) because it happens a lot in frum schools. How can we deal with friends with same sex attraction when we see them doing things with other girls in our class? (03:19) 2. Is attraction between a brother and sister a common thing and is it something that is natural or does it need to be taken care of? (24:14) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com! Sponsor a future episode by contacting us through our website :)

Sponsor a future episode at www.jewishteentalk.com! Questions explored in this episode: I want to go a specific seminary, but my mom thinks it's too modern. How could I explain to my momther that her viewpoints do not align with mine? (01:32)  Is it appropriate to have a crush and to talk about it with friends? (11:33) Is it normal to want to have some kind of relationship with boys (ie, your crush) even if there is no physical contact? (17:15) What's the difference between self-esteem and confidence? (32:38)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. How can I do kiruv on my non-religious relatives without feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable if they reject it? (02:18) 2. How do I stop myself from always thinking the worst? (09:00) 3. What do I do if I feel like my friends are ignoring me? (18:18) 4. I keep getting farther and farther off the derech. How do I stay religious? (22:44) 5. What do I do if I have a friend who's been through something traumatic but she won't tell other people what happened? (30:29) 6. I really think I need a therapist, but I don't know how to ask my parents. What should I do? (34:42) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1- I have really bad FOMO. What can I do about it? (03:43) 2- Will tests from Hashem be harder each time because we pass the previous ones? (07:47) 3- How do I deal with my sister who criticizes me all the time? (17:03) 4- I don't really have any friends. Can I thrive without them? (22:17) 5- Can my parents be my mashpia? (27:41) 6- Are girls allowed to kiss the Torah when they have their period? (32:14) 7- I am depressed and have suicidal thoughts. I do not want to go to therapy. How can I help myself? (38:44) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I don't trust Hashem after Oct. 7th. What should I do? (02:03) 2. I really think I need a therapist, but I don't know how to ask my parents. (11:33) 3. I have anxiety because of the war in Israel. Is there any way to get over it without going to therapy? (15:04) 4. I feel like my friends think I'm too good for them. What am I supposed to do? (25:11) 5. How do I act with friends who are disrespectful and very talkative? (28:48) 6. Can you please talk all about marriage? (see episode 21) 7. Help me love every Jew. How do I not judge people? (33:49) 8. How am I supposed to love every Jew as I love myself if I don't even love myself? (33:49) 9. Why are so many people rejected by their communities if you are supposed to love every Jew? (40:00)

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Im having a seminary interview and I'm not sure how to represent myself. How can I make this easier? (2:25) 2. My parents aren't getting along so well. It's really unsettling and painful. Do you have any tips? (11:27) 3. I'm starting to dislike being a religious Jew. What should I do? (19:33) 4. I am a fully religious Jew but I have an addiction to sexual content. How can I get over it? (27:01) 5. What's the issue with going to college? (37:10) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. How can I overcome my social anxiety and nervousness when I'm with friends? (00:25) 2. Can I daven without a skirt in private? (09:23) 3. Are religious boys thinking of girls often? (19:55) 4. Is it bad to read and watch romance novels or movies? (26:33) 5. Why are my parents so strict with me hanging out with boys? (31:15) 6. My best friend told me she's been diagnosed with depression, but doesn't want me to share with anyone. How do I support her? (38:01) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Please explain a bit more about how music affects us. (00:16) How can you dress frum when you're around lots of people who judge you for that? (05:33) Do the laws of shomer negiya apply to same sex attraction? (08:37) How can I help people in my class that become modern. Is it wrong that I feel hopeless for them? (15:47) My parents aren't open minded and there is no way I can speak to them about these things. What should I do? (21:44) Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1- I struggle with intense anxiety. Can I heal myself without a therapist? 2- Do we actually have free choice? 3- I've stopped davenning. I'm scared I will stop to do more things. What do I do? 4- My friends feel that I'm too good for them. They are annoyed with the things I say and do. What should I do? 5- Any ideas what hachlata I could do in honour of my birthday? Submit your questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I've heard that Hashem doesn't give people a challenge that they can't handle but if that's true then why do some people commit suicide? 2. I feel like I want to give up. How do I feel more empowered to get through this? What should I do when I want to commit suicide but I know I can't because Hashem doesn't let?

Questions explored in this episode: 1. Can you please explain psychological warfare? 2. The world is doing so much kindness during these days! How do we know Moshiach is actually coming? 3. Ever since the war I have a strong desire to join the army. Is it worth spending 3 years of my life? 4. I have a friend who is trying to distance herself from me because I'm too skinny and pretty and I'm going to give her an eating disorder. What do I do? 5. Why are some people just careless about people's feeling or just about anything?

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I'm addicted to watching movies. How do I stop? 2. Can I respect my relatives if I don't agree with their religious opinions? 3. It feels weird to dress modest when my friends aren't. What should I do? 4. How do I deal with being suicidal in high school? 5. Why is being a teenager so hard? Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: 1. I feel numb when I hear news of Israel. Should I be feeling more pain? 2. I don't want Moshiach to come. I'm happy with life as is. What do I do? 3. I can't stop thinking about boys. How can I stop? 4. Why do I have to dress modest for men? Submit your anonymous question at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions in this episode: 1- What to do when I see that my friend is going through pain? 2- What can I do for my sister who has some friends that are not a good influence? 3- Why is it that religious kids are picked on by friends and teachers? 4- Is there an inherent problem with talking/hanging out with girls and vice versa? Submit your anonymous questions or comments at www.jewishteentalk.com! Sponsor an episode on our website :)

Questions in this episode: How can I be real even in the presence of people who intimidate me? It's hard and I really want to be myself no matter when and who I'm with (1:20) How do I make everyday activities meaningful? (21:39)

Question 1: What do I do with this terrible news in Israel? (00:38) Question 2: I can't sleep at night and feel so scared from everything I've seen on TikTok. What can I do to calm myself down? (09:21) Question 3: How do I eat, sleep, learn and go about my day as regular when so many people are grieving and suffering? (17:12)

Questions explored in this episode: My older brother dropped out of Yeshiva and is now working. He went off the derech (way). What do I do and say? (00:57) I've been told that everyone has a talent that Hashem gave them. I feel like I don't have any talents. How can this be? (09:26) There is someone who is always putting me down. How am I supposed to act back? (28:27) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: Is it that bad to listen to non jewish music, watch movies, hang out with boys, wear non tznius clothes? I just want to explore life! (00:51) There is someone that always makes me feel horrible, as if I'm lower than them. What am I supposed to say or do? (22:56)  Is it fine for me to like a religious boy and want to have a relationship with him even though I know I'm not going to because I know it's wrong? (37:02)

Questions explored in this episode: What is the deeper meaning of a mashpia? (01:00)  Why is it important for followers of Chabad to not shave their beard? (09:52) I have a good friend who started behaving in ways that make me feel uncomfortable. What do I do and how do I help? (29:32)

Questions explored in this episode: At what point should I “let go and let God” (01:54) How do you know if you really are going through something or have anxiety (21:06) How is it that so many frum people and even people on shlichus are going so low? In school, I very often see people going lower and lower and I always wonder how Hashem lets this happen... (35:56) Submit your anonymous questions at jewishteentalk.com!

Questions in this episode: Why get married and have kids? (01:08) What should a teen do with sexual energy? (23:20) Submit your anonymous question or sponsor an episode at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: The guys in my class are constantly getting high. I was always told that drugs are the worst thing in the world. Now that I think about it though, marijuana is much less harmful for the body than alcohol is and marijuana is now legal, so why not use weed? (00:45) School is always hard and I just don't know what to do. I used to be more of a louder student but this year I decided I wanted to do really well. Some teachers pick on me and it really bothers me when I know I'm not doing anything. What should I do? (28:34) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!

Questions explored in this episode: My parents are always telling me that whatever I do will give me a reputation and will affect my shidduch later on in life. I don't really care about that, I just want to breathe and live without worrying or caring about this… (00:49) Why are Jews so sheltered? (10:17) I know the rules about having boyfriends (as in dating), but what about just guy friends? (20:18) Submit your anonymous questions at www.jewishteentalk.com!