Torah of Life

Welcome back, friends. Thanks for tuning in to the Torah of Life podcast. In this episode, I recap my January adventures and teaching opportunities and share some of the key highlights I learned along the way. It's beautiful to be a part of recovery conversations in so many places. Where will I go next? Stay tuned!   If you'd like to know more, join the Our Jewish Recovery group on facebook - it's free to join, and all are welcome. www.facebook.com/groups/OurJewishRecovery - please answer the questions that pop up when you ask to join.   To see more about the inspiring work of Anne Marie Zanfagna and Angels of Addictions, click here: https://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/post/portraits-heartbreak-and-hope-mother-paints-raise-awareness-about-opioid-use-disorder and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuX8i6cUqvY   Thanks again for listening! Have a comment, a question, or a thought about today's episode? Be in touch - I'd love to hear from you. You can find me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com   I'll be back soon with the next episode. In the meantime, let's keep adding happiness, holiness, and healing to the world.   Blessings!

A short bit of wisdom for you... It's amazing what lessons you can learn just from opening your eyes and paying attention. Yesterday the leaves taught me something, and I hope they'll teach you as well.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast. May you be blessed with Happiness, Holiness, and Healing.   Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back my friends to the Torah of Life podcast. So glad to be back with you. It's been too long! In this episode, I share with you where I've been, what I've been up to, and what I'm hoping to do going forward with this show. There are good things in store for this show in 2020 and beyond. I shared a quote from Bahya ibn Pakuda, taken from Alan Morinis's Everyday Holiness, the Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar (page 5): I knew many good ideas were rejected because of fear, that dread causes a lot of damage, and I recalled the expression, "Be careful not to be too careful!" I realized that if everyone who ever resolved to do something good or instruct others in the path of righteousness kept still until he himself could accomplish everything he set out to, that nothing would have been said since the days of the prophets." Ain't that the truth? Down with fear, up with changing the world! Great to be back, have a listen to the show, and I'll see you again soon!   Happy New Year, Rabbi Ilan

Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast. Sorry for the post so quick to Shabbat (on the East coast anyway). Here's a quick teaching about why life sometimes feels so hard. Why do we get all these tests anyway? Shouldn't life be easier? Torah seems to be clear that when we find God, and surrender ourselves into God's will, the tests become obstacles for continued growth. Perhaps the tests are the way forward to the next stage of our evolution. (Or perhaps not. What do you think?)   Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Freedom! Finally, after generations of slavery, the Israelites leave Egypt, cross the sea, and escape the shackles of tyranny that had been binding them. Their freedom is hard-earned, and almost didn't happen. A clever marketing trick by the Holy One kept them from being scared and wanting to turn back to Egypt (at least in this instance!). What was that secret and how can it help you in your own business? Listen to this episode to find out! "The Long Way Home" by Roger Hodgson and Richard Davies of Supertramp. No copyright infringement intended.   Thanks for listening. If you like the show, please leave a rating and review on itunes or your favorite podcast platform. Wishing us all a Shabbat of peace - like our ancestors, it may take a long way home to get there, but it almost always feels good when we arrive. Shabbat Shalom.

Friends, What do we do when darkness surrounds us? When we can't find a way forward, we can feel paralyzed, stuck, stranded on a deserted island of complicated choices and realties. How can we find our way out of the darkness? A surprising comment by Zev Wolf of Zhitomir on this week's Torah reading offers insight as to why the darkness surrounded the Egyptians for three days, and why it didn't affect the Israelites. That same insight can help us find our way out of darkness as well. May it be so for us all! Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast. Like what you hear? Let me know! Hate what you hear? Let me know that too! We've got more special guests lined up for the near future. Want to share your story and wisdom on air? Be in touch - rabbiilan@torahoflife.com As always, reviews and ratings of the podcast are especially appreciated. Thanks for being on this journey with me - you're the best, and I'm very grateful. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Here we are, it's 2019, and the Torah of Life podcast is back and better than ever! Why have I been silent since Thanksgiving? Listen to this episode for an update on the book I've been writing! (OMG, I wrote a book!) You can preorder it here: https://www.amazon.com/God-Created-Recovery-Addiction-Unleash-ebook/dp/B07K91J9C2 I've missed you since Thanksgiving and am so glad to be back and sharing inspiration for our better future. I believe that each of us has miracles inside waiting to be born. I believe that we are all gifts sent here by God to help perfect the world in some way. I believe that we are all beautiful, wonderful, amazing beings of light and wisdom, AND that the world is a hard place to live, and all too often we forget the greatness inside. How do we reclaim our hope for a better year? How do we find wisdom and strength to keep on keepin' on, even when the outside world looks so grim? How do we choose a better future when all that we know tells us just to hold on to the present? I think you'll be surprised by the wisdom of this week's Torah reading, which challenges us to find our way with the help of angels sent to help us on our journeys. When we step into our greatness, magical things will happen. Our troubles won't disappear, but new seeds of wonder and joy will seep through and gradually rewrite our hardwiring. My plan is to keep working on mine and make 2019 the best year I've ever had. I hope it is for you as well. Thanks so much for listening to the Torah of Life podcast. Like what you hear? Email me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com and let me know, or leave a rating and review on iTunes and spread the word. We are back, with lots of great content coming your way in 2019. May this be a year of blessing and joy for us all. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan    

Happy Thanksgiving! What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Food? Football? Family and friends? Getting ready for Black Friday? Whatever your traditions are, I hope it's a wonderful day for you. Didn't you always want to know why Thanksgiving is on Thursday? And who started Thanksgiving in America anyway? Listen to today's episode to find out!   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Happy Thanksgiving, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. The unspeakable tragedy in Pittsburgh last Shabbat left so many at a loss for words. How could this happen? Will it happen again? Are we safe in America? What has become of the freedom for everyone to worship and live in peace? And how can or should we respond to the tragedy? These questions aren't easy, and there is no one right answer. Interestingly, death is a central character in this week's Torah reading, which begins with Sarah's death and burial, and continues with Avraham and Ishmael dying. Isaac gets married to Rebekah and the story will continue. Even amidst the death of his mother, Isaac found a will to go on. Perhaps we can as well. This week's episode is dedicated to the eleven souls who dies in synagogue last week, the injured, the brave police offers who responded to the shooting, and to all who are working to brighten the world with acts of kindness. May the memories of the departed be for a blessing.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. In this episode I share a commentary which talks about the destruction of Sodom and Amorah can teach us about the people who live there, and about the effects that living in a culture of violence and sin might have upon the inhabitants of the city then, and on us today. I share a findings of a few scientific studies that show how closely connected we are to the friends we keep, which means that we have to make sure we are keeping the right company. Are your friends, colleagues, and loved ones supportive of your growth? Is it time for some new friends to come in to your life? Today's podcast tells you why that just might be necessary. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Over there, it'll be better over there! All I have to do is sign on the dotted line and all will be well, right? How often have we convinced ourselves that the key to getting all we want lies in a purchase? How often have we tried to know that one more thing is the answer to our prayers? Shiny object syndrome has been around as long as humans have walked the face of the earth. In this week's Torah reading, Lot, Avram's nephew, sees only that the land for his cattle is fertile. He doesn't see that it's located in a terrible place to live, from which he would soon need rescuing. Why do we chase shiny objects? How do we avoid it? Listen to today's episode for some biblical clues...   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. As I was reading the story of Noah today, I realized something I'd never seen before. Ever since I was young I was told the story of Noah and how he saves the world by building an ark and bringing all the animals on board. What I didn't notice until today is that Noah doesn't speak! God comes to him and asks him to save the world and he just does exactly what God wants, no questions asked. The Torah describes Noah as righteous in his generation. The Rabbis contrast him with Avraham, who argues and pushes back against God when God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah accepts his divine mission and fulfills it immediately. Avraham pushes back against his. Moses fights his tooth and nail. There is a simplicity and a surrender to Noah that I think we can all emulate. What kind of tzaddik are you? Should you be more like Noah or more like Avraham? Listen to the episode to find out...   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com Want to step more into your divinely-ordained mission? Want to reach your goals with clarity and ease? I'm offering listeners a free, hourlong session where we discuss your future and how we can work together to help you have the life you're looking for. Email me today for a free consultation. I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Congratulations on making it through another High Holiday season! Now we've made it into 5779, and we begin the Torah with fresh eyes. The beginning chapters of the Torah describe the lushness of the garden and God's desire to create life. Adam and Eve come along and promptly get themselves kicked out of the garden for not following the rules. Why don't they do as God told them? On this episode I offer a slightly heretical view that maybe they were SUPPOSED to get kicked out of the garden, in order to set off on grand new adventures and learn what it means to be human. Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know! As mentioned on the podcast, I'd love to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. If you're looking for practical coaching techniques, spiritual wisdom, and a healthy dose of humor to inspire you to achieve new heights, please let me know and we can see if working together might be a good fit. I know that 5779 has great things in store, if we're brave enough to claim them. Email me for a free, no strings attached consultation where we can begin helping you create the life you've wanted and get closer to your goals. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Wait, there are MORE Jewish holidays this week? Really? Haven't we had enough? Well, just a few more days, but don't skip over these last days! Shemini Atzeret is, according to today's guest Kohenet Sarah Chandler, the pinnacle of the High Holiday season. Given that few Jews have heard of Shemini Atzeret that sounds crazy. And yet, she may very well be right. You've heard of Rosh Hashanah. You've heard of Yom Kippur. You're probably familiar with Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. Shemini Atzeret? That's what I thought, my friends, that we should just relegate this holiday to the dustbin of Jewish history and put us out of our holiday misery. And then I read Sarah's piece about Shemini Atzeret a few years back and it stuck with me ever since. Listen to today's interview so you can understand why this might just be the most important Jewish holiday, and what it can teach us about what's really important, and needed, today. (And then go have lots of fun on Simchat Torah too!). To hear more about Sarah's work, visit her and read more of her writings at: https://www.facebook.com/shamirpowerproductions/ https://groknation.com/soul/spiritual-practices-urban-dwellers/ https://groknation.com/health/mobile-games-meditation/ https://www.jta.org/2015/10/01/life-religion/why-shemini-atzeret-is-the-pinnacle-of-the-high-holidays-season-2 The Geshem prayer Sarah referenced can be found here: http://www.neohasid.org/resources/geshem/ Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Thanks again to those of you who've been listening for the last year. As I shared in the last podcast, it's been a topsy-turvy journey learning about podcasting, life, and Torah. Thanks for being on the journey with me! Today I share a few thoughts about Sukkot. What on earth is this harvest holiday for? Why does it always rain when we're supposed to be celebrating outside? (Why is there so much rain in my soup?!? I'm trying to be one with the earth over here!) I think Sukkot reminds of the fragility of life - we've just been through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we let go (hopefully) of a lot of sins and excess baggage, and then we need to think about our physical space in the world. What do we need inside our house? What does living in the outdoors for a week call upon us to think and do? Listen in as I share some insights and a brief teaching from Or HaEmet, a book of teachings by Dov Baer Friedman, the Maggid of Miedzyrzec. You can find that teaching on page 185 of Speaking Torah: Spiritual Teachings from around the Maggid's Table by Rabbis Art Green, Ebn Leader, Ariel Evan Mayse, and Or Rose. This 2-volume set is highly recommended! What do you think is the message of Sukkot today? What does it call upon you to do? Let me know what you think! Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Holy moly, we've reached the 1st birthday of the Torah of Life podcast! What an amazing year of learning and growth it has been as we continue growing this podcast and making it even more amazing than it is. In this episode, I take a walk down memory lane and share a few of the lessons I've learned over the last year of this adventure. If you've ever tried to do something for the first time, or if you're thinking about moving in a new direction, I think these lessons will resonate with you. My thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday yesterday. How did I get to be 39? This past year has been an amazing ride, with the high of marrying and living life with Sherri and the low of burying my father, and everything in-between. Thank you for all your support and encouragement this year. It has meant more than I can possibly convey. If you haven't yet subscribed to the show, please do. I also really appreciate those who've left 5-star ratings and reviews of the podcast, which helps more listeners find the show. If you haven't done so, can you take a minute and do that for me? Thanks so much. I'm excited for the next year of the Torah of Life podcast, and I hope you are as well. We've got great things in store, so buckle up, and get ready for even more adventure! Who would you like to hear on the podcast? What topics would you like to hear about? Where do you find meaning in the world? Let me know - I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com Wishing us all a wonderful year ahead - may 5779 be holier and happier than 5778, and may we all find more wisdom, inspiration, healing, and hope in the year ahead. Happy New Year, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan  

How do we forgive others for the harm they've done to us? What about those terrible actions that are truly unforgivable? How do we let go of those, or at least learn to carry them differently? I was honored to chat last week with my friend and fellow transformation coach Taylor Tagg, who is also a forgiveness expert. Taylor gives us concrete actions we can take to forgive others, so we can find the peace we're looking for.   Taylor offers workshops in Memphis and speaks widely. You can see more of his work at www.forgiveandfindpeace.com I encourage you all to visit his website, order his books, and forgive others. As Taylor wisely says, "life gets better when you let go of the bitter." The Ted talk by Sarah Montana which Taylor mentions can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEK2pIiZ2I0 As we get close to Yom Kippur, I encourage us all to find ways to let go of the old wounds that no longer serve us, and to write new endings to the stories of hurt we've carried for too long. May we all be blessed to forgive others, to be forgiven, and to find peace.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shanah Tova. May 5779 be a wonderful year for us all. Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. What gets us through the difficult times? Our Torah and Haftarah readings imply that when we surrender ourselves to God, and believe that God is with us, then God will fight our battles with us, walk alongside us, and give us direction, guidance, and strength for the road ahead. As we get closer to Yom Kippur, that's a message I can believe. It's not always easy to believe that God is with us. Sometimes we may not even want God to be so close. And yet, I believe that belief in God and God's support allows us to feel that we're never alone in the world, and that no matter how bad things might be, they can get better with God's help, if we're willing to do the work needed to be God's partner in the world. Do you agree? Does God help us when we need or is that just a story we tell ourselves? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Shabbat Shalom, and Shanah Tovah - may it be a good year for us all. Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. When a holiday comes, we are often happy to celebrate it with family and friends. What happens when we our family or friends have died and they can't be with us anymore? How do we celebrate the holidays while holding the loss of our beloveds? Can we still enjoy the holidays without them? Can we still be at peace on our own? Today I share some wisdom from my dad, Rabbi Mel Glazer, who died in April. He was a grief specialist, and his words of wisdom are giving me solace as I mourn him on this first Rosh Hashanah without him. The blog post of his that I reference can be found here: https://vapresspass.com/2016/04/15/the-empty-chair-around-the-holiday-table-by-rabbi-mel-glazer/ May the memories of all we mourn be for a blessing, and may we hold the pain of their loss and still find comfort and meaning in all who we can still celebrate with. Shanah Tova.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

If we feel we have gone astray from God, or from being who we want to be in the world, how do we return? If our life circumstances have taken us down a road which doesn't support us, how can we come back? It is not in the heavens, says Moses to the Israelites, and it is not across the ocean. It is right here, in front of us, today, that we have a choice to make. Will we choose life? I believe that choice has to be made each and every day. That's often hard to do. Thankfully, the rewards make the journey worthwhile, and life worth living. May we say yes and choose life today and every day! Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Shabbat Shalom, and Shana tova, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. In these weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, many Jews focus on our tradition's call for teshuvah, which asks us to examine our lives, identify our shortcomings, and return to our best selves. We often think of this as an individual exercise, yet our guest today shares some wisdom from Rav Kook, who says that when we do teshuvah, we bring new light into the world that brings us closer to the coming of the Messiah. Rabbi Avraham Itzchak HaCohen Kook was the first Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel, a poet, a mystic, a seeker, and a visionary who sought to bring the lights of Jewish wisdom to the modern state of Israel, along with all who lived there. My guest today is my friend and teacher Rabbi Itzhak Marmorstein, who has spent years learning Rav Kook's holy words, learning and praying in Rav Kook's Bet Midrash, and setting Rav Kook's poetry to beautiful music. More information about Rav Kook can be found at: https://haorotlightsofravkook.wordpress.com/ https://soundcloud.com/haorotravkook youtube.com/haorotravkook www.facebook.com/haorotlightsofravkook/?ref=br_rs www.ravkooktorah.org and in these (and other) books: https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Among-Men-Impressions-Yitzchak/dp/9657108535/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1536196668&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=A+Giant+Among+Men+Kook https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Isaac-Kook-Principles-Spirituality/dp/080912159X/ref=pd_sbs_14_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=080912159X&pd_rd_r=b0337330-b172-11e8-ad5d-f9d1f1abea37&pd_rd_w=NkKR0&pd_rd_wg=lrKQ9&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=0bb14103-7f67-4c21-9b0b-31f42dc047e7&pf_rd_r=FFD5SDQKC0W8WFT7CD4Q&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=FFD5SDQKC0W8WFT7CD4Q May our journeys of return be illuminated by these teachings, and may our journeys light the way for others as well. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Here's a question, since Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are coming: If I follow all the rules of public ritual and community, can I do whatever I want inside my own house? How good do I have to be inside my own home? This week's Torah reading, Ki Tavo, has some timely wisdom to help us answer those questions, and get us ready for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Moses instructs the people to ritualize their entry into the land of Israel, and to proclaim their allegiance to God's teachings. If they do, they will receive many blessings. If they don't, unfortunately, there will be many curses coming their way. As it turns out, we can't only be good publicly, we have to walk with God privately as well. That may not always be easy; hopefully it is always personally rewarding. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Yesterday was Chai Elul, an auspicious day on the Jewish calendar. The 18th of the month of Elul is the birthday of Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, the Baal Shem Tov, who was the founder of hasidism. His birthday is celebrated every year, and given that his birthday is always very close to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it's always nice to return to his teachings to help us prepare ourselves for the holidays. My guests today are Maggidim Yitzhak Buxbaum and Carole Forman, both masterful teachers and storytellers. I had the great privilege to be ordained by Yitzhak as a Maggid after an intensive two-year course of study. Yitzhak has helped me and so many others learn the light and fire of hasidic stories and spirituality, and I'm so glad to be have a chance to talk with Yitzhak and Carol today. I had hoped to release this episode on Chai Elul itself - we had some technical difficulties that didn't allow us to do so. Nevertheless, I'm sure you'll enjoy learning with Yitzhak and Carol. I encourage everyone to listen to the show, and then visit www.jewishspirit.com to read more about Yitzhak and his magnificent books. For anyone wishing to grow spiritually, his Jewish Spiritual Practices is a must-read, and his other works are all on my bookshelves as well. Yitzhak and Carol also put on wonderful storytelling programs for children and adults of all ages. Please connect with them to bring them to your synagogue, school, or community. You won't regret it! Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

If you want to get ahead in life, you have to learn from those who've already succeeded. Last Wednesday, I was privileged to learn from Gary V and Tony Robbins at Success Resources's National Achievers Congress. I've been a fan and student of Tony's for many years, and I've heard a few interviews with Gary Vaynerchuk as well, so I was excited to hear them live for the first time. They didn't disappoint (the other speakers, including Robert Herjavec from Shark Tank, were also good). On this episode I share a few nuggets of inspiration that are already helping me prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and for 5779, which I know can be even bigger and better than 5778! I hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. This week's Torah reading talks about a whole host of issues, including what happens when we make a vow to God. Simply put, the Torah says that if we make a vow to God, we absolutely, 100%, must honor it. What if we made a vow we didn't mean to make? Is there any way around it? Isn't there a way to get out of fulfilling our vows? What if they become too hard? Can we get credit just for trying? And do the same rules apply to promises we make to others as well? What about those promises we make to ourselves? Listen now for some answers to these questions, which will serve us well as we get closer to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Have you been enjoying these interviews? I've loved spending time with great Jewish thinkers and activists. I learn so much from them each week. If you haven't listened to the previous interviews with Rabbi Ari Saks, Rabbi Moshe Givental, Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, and Dr. Dan Unowsky, check them out for some great inspiration. Today's interview is with my friend Chava Gal-Or, who survived Hurricane Harvey in Houston and founded an organization called Door L'Door, whose mission is to help bring new mezuzzot and Jewish ritual objects to families who've lost their homes to hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency named Door L'Door's founding one of the seven most heartwarming stories of 2017. I'm honored to talk with Chava about Hurricane Harvey and its impact on the Houston Jewish community, and hear her inspiring story of using her experience to help others rebuild. For more information about Chava's work with Door L'Door, please visit www.door-ldoor.org I encourage everyone to watch the video found on her website about the hurricane, and join me in donating whatever you can to help continue this wonderful project. Chava can be reached at MezuzotProject@gmail.com Chava's blog can be found at https://lightwavejourney.wordpress.com Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. Some days we just don't have the energy to face life as we normally want. Some days we get behind on the bills and the to-do lists, and somedays we're in bed with the flu, a fever, a difficult diagnosis, or some other germs that have us down. How to we respond when life gets the better of us? How do we stay inspired when we'd rather be under the covers? Here's a little advice to brighten our lives even when we don't want to face the world. The article I referenced is here: http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/freshliving/2009/04/10-ways-to-stay-positive-when-youre-sick.html And a few of the quotes I shared are in this list: http://www.beliefnet.com/wellness/health/8-inspiring-quotes-for-the-sick.aspx   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. This week we read Parshat Shoftim, which focuses on judges and an orderly rule of law. It happens to be the 26th anniversary of my Bar Mitzvah, and I will hopefully always remember the wise words of the Torah reading: Justice, justice, you shall pursue. (My mother liked that verse so much she embroidered it on the tallit she made for me). Reading the parasha today, I was struck by the instructions not to offer any less-than-perfect animals as sacrifices to God. Why does God care what the animals look like? And does the same law apply to our prayers today? Is it better not to pray than to offer impure prayers? What do we do with our wandering thoughts when we're trying to pray? Does it matter where we pray and what clothes we where? Can those become impure and if so, can we still pray there? What does God really want from our prayer anyway? Tune in for wisdom about all of the above! You can find some of the sources I referenced here: https://islamqa.info/en/125879 https://www.yeshiva.co/midrash/shiur.asp?id=10573 Thanks again for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Welcome back to the Torah of Life podcast. Thanks for listening. This week's interview is with Dr. Daniel Unowsky, who teaches at the University of Memphis. Professor Unowsky's latest work, The Plunder, examines several months of anti-Jewish violence in Hapsburg in 1898. After protesting the Unite the Right rally in Washington, I was especially intrigued by the rise and fall of nationalist movements. When do they arise? Why do they happen? How do or should Jewish communities respond? What lessons can we learn from the terrible violence of 1898, and how can we use that learning to ensure a better 2018 and beyond?   For more information and to purchase copies of The Plunder, visit: https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=25946 or https://www.amazon.com/Plunder-Anti-Jewish-Habsburg-Galicia-Stanford/dp/0804799822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534131337&sr=8-1&keywords=unowsky To connect with Dr. Unowsky, or to see his other works, visit: http://www.memphis.edu/history/faculty/faculty/daniel-unowsky.php   Thanks again for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please share the episode with your friends, subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

How should we respond when hate comes to town, when people question our very right to exist? Yesterday was the "Unite the Right 2" rally in Washington, DC. Its organizers wanted to promote their toxic worldview which speaks for the rights of white people to live as they wish in the United States. Unfortunately, their viewpoints are often condoning racism, anti-semitism, and hatred of immigrants and anyone who doesn't look like them. Sherri and I felt it was our civic and Jewish duty to participate in the counter-protest, along with several thousand others. I'm glad we went, glad those who came to spread hate were vastly outnumbered, and I hope that those who came to protest them will not just yell slogans but also work hard to make peace. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please subscribe to the podcast, and then leave a rating and review on iTunes, which helps others find the podcast. Have a comment, question, disagreements or appreciation for something I shared? Great - be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back on Wednesday with an interview with Professor Daniel Unowsky, who will share with us about another lesser-known time in history when anti-Jewish violence reared its ugly head. You won't want to miss his words of wisdom, and his thoughts on what we need to learn so we can spread peace today. Blessings, Rabbi Ilan

This week's Torah reading says that all will be well once we enter the promised land and build God's house. Today, when there is no central location of the Jewish people, where is God to be found? How can we connect to God in a world of turmoil and violence? How do we plug God into our GPS and our daily life? The answer may be simpler than you think... Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please take a minute and subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. My guest this week is Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, who is recently ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Rabbi Lauren is the first blind woman rabbi in history, and as such her path to the rabbinate is uniquely compelling. After you listen to the interview, you can find more of Rabbi Tuchman's teachings here: www.rabbituchman.com https://www.ritualwell.org/blog/building-sanctuary-inclusion https://www.ritualwell.org/blog/pokeakh-ivrim-opening-our-minds-new-forms-inclusion https://elitalks.org/we-were-all-sinai-transformative-power-inclusive-torah   Like what you hear? Please share this episode with friends and subscribe to the show for more interviews and inspiration each week. Thanks to all who leave this show a rating and review on iTunes. Have something to say about what you heard today? Want to be a guest yourself or know someone who you'd like to hear from? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Why are we so hard on ourselves when things don't go exactly the way we think they should? Why are we so willing to be hard on ourselves in ways we wouldn't be to anyone else? Can we find the strength to have compassion on ourselves when Mr. Murphy comes to visit? (Murphy's law - what can go wrong, will go wrong). Here's hope we can identify the ways in which we're less than kind to ourselves and replace our negativity with kindness and compassion instead. Your future self will thank you if you do!   Since I've been traveling, today's podcast was recorded on my mobile podcasting platform (aka my cell phone). I don;t think it sounds that much different from the normal episodes, though I'll be back to my regular mic later today.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please take a minute and subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Rules. There are so many of them. Shouldn't life be easier and without so many rules? Shouldn't religion be easier without so many rules? Why is it so hard to know which rules to follow and which ones to change? And why do we even need rules to begin with. In Ekev, this week's Torah reading, Moses tells the people that if they just follow God's commandments, all will be well for them. Was that really true? And can it still be true today? Listen to today's episode and tell me what you think. Is it enough to follow the rules or do we need to do more than that to be on God's good side? And is that even a question that matters anymore today? Thanks for listening. Like what you hear? Please take a minute and subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Ilan

Greetings, friends, My friend and teacher Rabbi Moshe Givental heard the call and is on an inspiring journey from Boston to Detroit. In today's interview he shares why he's on the move, and why we all need to commit to raising awareness of environmental issues, and living more gently and harmoniously on this beautiful planet we live in. I caught up with Moshe last week, and it was an honor to talk with him along a small part of his journey. I encourage you to check out Moshe's website - www.moshegivental.com where you can learn more about Moshe and read his writings. If you know of connections for him (personally or professionally) in the Detroit area, please be in touch with Moshe via his website, or contact me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com As Moshe was walking outside during this interview, you will hear sounds of cars in the background. I've edited out what I could. Please stick with it - Moshe's Torah is worth hearing - and it's interesting to think about the sounds of the outdoors and how often cars and truck sounds are a part of that. Moshe heard the call and is taking significant action. What call do you hear? What action is calling you forward? Here is one of Moshe's favorite teachings, taken from his website. "God speaks to each of us as he makes us,then walks with us silently out of the night. These are the words we dimly hear: You, sent out beyond your recall,go to the limits of your longing.Embody me. Flare up like a flameand make big shadows I can move in. Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.Just keep going. No feeling is final.Don’t let yourself lose me. Nearby is the country they call life.You will know it by its seriousness. Give me your hand. - Rainer Maria Rilke in Book of Hours, I 59   Thanks again for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please take a minute and subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan

Thanks for listening to today's episode of the Torah of Life podcast. Every Monday I'll be releasing a short motivational snippet for you to think about as you begin your week. Each Wednesday an interview will release, and every Friday I'll share a few insights from the Torah reading to inspire us. Here's today's Motivational Monday Message...   Do you have a Can-Do attitude? Do you have big goals that you are reaching for? Does the idea of success motivate you or make you feel afraid that you'll fail? During WWII, the Seabees were the Can-Do builders and protectors of many American military bases. When the job was tough, when others thought it impossible, they said, Can Do!   In fact, the Seabees are still going. You can read about them here: http://www.public.navy.mil/seabee/Pages/default.aspx and here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seabee Saying yes to opportunities isn't always easy. Let's learn and be inspired by the Seabees Can Do attitude!   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please take a minute and subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. Have something to say about what you heard today? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'll be back again soon with the next episode. Many blessings, Rabbi Ilan  

Today is the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Av, sometimes known as Jewish Valentine's Day. Where does Tu B'Av come from and what is it about? It's all about love! Love, however, isn't easy to come by or to maintain. Thankfully God (via Moses) has something to say about that. Reb Zalman did too. Listen in for one of my favorite Reb Zalman teachings, and let us live from a place of love. The world needs more love. Let it begin with us on this day of love.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformation from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please take a minute to subscribe to the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes, or your favorite podcast player. Have something to say about what you heard? Great! Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com Happy Tu B'Av, and Shabbat Shalom!        

Thanks for tuning in to the Torah of Life podcast. I'm excited to bring you our first (of many!) interviews, with my friend and teacher Rabbi Ari Saks. Rabbi Ari shares his wisdom about how we can find our calling in today's world. How do we know what work we are meant to do? How do we know what God wants from us in the world? Our Christian friends often speak of finding their calling. Do Jews ever hear a call? What does that look like and how do we access it? Listen in for Rabbi Ari's wisdom, and stay tuned for regular interviews with Jewish artists, healers, clergy, musicians, artists, and others who have a unique lens on the Jewish world. Connect with Rabbi Ari at facebook.com/rabbiarisaks or at the Huntington Jewish Center - www.hjcny.org   Do you have a calling? Are you, like the Blues Brothers used to say, "on a mission from God?" Let me know what you're up to, and any thoughts you might have on today's conversation with Rabbi Ari. Be in touch at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com   Thanks for listening. Please subscribe to the Torah of Life podcast, and leave a rating and review so others can find it. I welcome any feedback you may have. Be in touch!   I'll be back soon with the next episode. Many blessings.

Tisha B'Av is the saddest day of the Jewish year. The Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, our people were exiled, and several calamities befell the Jewish people on Tisha B'Av. What can we learn from it? Should we even still observe the fast when Jerusalem has been rebuilt? Is there a kernel of hope to be found within the depths of despair? What does Tisha B'Av call upon us to do so that such terrible tragedies don't happen again?   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformation from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please rate and review the podcast so others can find it. Connect with me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com and on facebook and linkedin. I'll be back with another episode very soon.   Here's the text I discussed on today's podcast. It's taken from the Babylonian Talmud Gittin 55b.   Because of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, Jerusalem was destroyed. It happened this way: A certain man had a friend named Kamtza and an enemy called Bar Kamtza. He once made a party and said to his servant, “Go and bring Kamtza.” The man went and brought Bar Kamtza. When the man who gave the party found Bar Kamtza there he said, “See, you are my enemy; what are you doing here? Get out!” Said the other: “Since I am already here, let me stay, and I will pay you for whatever I eat and drink.” Said the host: “Absolutely not.” “Then let me give you half the cost of the party.” The host refused. “Then let me pay for the whole party.” Still the host refused, and took him by the hand and threw him out. Said Bar Kamtza, “Since the Rabbis were sitting there and did not stop him, this shows that they agreed with him. I will go and inform against them to the government.” He went and said to the emperor, “The Jews are rebelling against you.” Said the emperor, “How can I know that this is true?” “Send them an offering,” said Bar Kamtza, “and see whether they will offer it on the altar.” So he sent with him a fine calf. While on the way he made a blemish on its upper lip (or as some say, on the white of its eye)—in a place where we count it a blemish but they do not. The rabbis were inclined to offer it in order not to offend the government. Said Rabbi Zechariah ben Avkulas to them: “People will say that blemished animals are offered on the altar.” They then proposed to kill Bar Kamtza so that he should not go and inform against them, but Rabbi Zechariah ben Avkulas said to them, “Is one who makes a blemish on consecrated animals to be put to death?” Rabbi Yochanan thereupon remarked: “Because of the scrupulousness of Rabbi Zechariah ben Avkulas our House has been destroyed, our Temple burnt, and we ourselves exiled from our land.”

We all get stuck. We all want to stay in our safe, happy places. And yet, when we stay too long, we lose out on the opportunities we're waiting for. This week's torah reading has a challenge for us. Will we answer it?   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformation from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Disagree? Email me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com - I'd love to hear from you! Please subscribe to the podcast and give it a rating and review on iTunes, as that will help others find the show. We'll be in touch soon with the next episode!   Shabbat Shalom!

How do we balance our individual needs with those of the communities we belong to? What happens when our communities desires and ours don't match? Do we have to go along to get along or can we find a middle ground to honor our needs along with those of society? Listen to this week's episode for an example of how we might balance our own needs with that of our communities. As always, Torah has some wisdom to help us live a good life.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star rating and review, which helps other listeners find us. Like what you hear? Disagree strenuously (or non-strenuously)? Let us know. Email me at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com I'd love to hear from you.   Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Ilan    

Jewish law is filled with teachings about how to mourn. We cover the mirrors, we eat round foods at shiva, we don't wear new clothes, we avoid social gatherings, we sit on low stools, we say kaddish, and much more. Amidst all of the rituals, though, is a message about how we are supposed to feel when we are in mourning. What is that message, and are we allowed to mourn differently? Should we all mourn in the same ways? What happens when traditional mourning practices and our own desires conflict? Can we, and should we, individualize the mourning process? Listen in as Rabbi Ilan shares some traditional sources and his own views about how to make the most of the tensions inherent in the mourning process. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Please give us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes, so more people can find the show. Rabbi Ilan would love to hear from you. Email him at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for another episode coming to you real soon!

Are we sinners or are we saints? Are we heroes or villains in the story of life, and does it even matter? How is it that sometimes the animals can see what's right in front of us, that we're too blind to notice? In a world of labels and boxes, is there still room for us to find ourselves without labels? Can we still find blessings even if we're not sure what we're seeking is pure? Listen to this week's episode for answers to those questions - sometimes a talking donkey (and his owner) reveal the answers to the deeper questions...   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformation from a Jewish lens. Like what you hear? Can't wait to share a different opinion? Email Rabbi Ilan at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com We'll be back soon with another episode. Shabbat Shalom  

Why do we rebel against that which is good for us? We sign up for courses and don't do the reading. We join a gym and then never go. We tell our loved ones we'll spend more time with them and we don't. We say we'll get more involved with schools, religion, politics, etc and we forget or run out of time or come up with a thousand excuses for why we don't. In our Torah reading, Korach leads the ultimate rebellion again Moses's leadership. The people also rebel against Moses and Aaron. God gets mighty steamed about all this kvetching. How does Moses respond? How should we respond when our own self-sabotaging ways come calling? Listen in...the answers might surprise you. Here's the article I mention in the podcast: http://drmondo.org/weight-loss/why-we-rebel-against/ Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformation from a Jewish lens. Please leave us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes so others can find the show. Like what you hear? Want to debate and share a different viewpoint? Email Rabbi Ilan at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com Stay tuned, we'll be back before you know it with the next episode. Shabbat Shalom.

On this podcast, I share with you where I've been and why I've been absent these last six weeks. Unfortunately, my father Rabbi Melvin Glazer died on April 22nd, and it's been a whirlwind since then. I'm so glad to be back with you now. On this podcast I talk about what's been happening over the last two months and share some reflections about our Torah reading, and the unfortunate culture of complaint which arises in the Book of Numbers. If (like me!) you ever find yourself complaining, this podcast has some guidance for you. Thanks to all of you who have reached out over the last weeks and months to ask about how I'm doing. Your support is very much appreciated. Stay tuned for a lot more coming your way on the Torah of Life podcast.   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Please leave us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening. We'll be back again with the next episode very soon. Shabbat Shalom.  

How do we get to the Promised Land? What does Passover mean for us today? What does Moses have to tell the Israelites about Passover as they set out for a new land? Do they need Passover as they start anew? Do we?   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformation from a Jewish lens. Please leave us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening. We'll be back again with the next episode very soon. Happy Passover and Shabbat Shalom!

Are you bringing yesterday's offerings into today's times? Are you trying to move forward but always looking in the rearview mirror? I think Torah has a message for us all about why looking forward, with new identities and states of mind is better than looking behind us. Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know your thoughts at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a five-star rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform so others can find us. Well be back with the next episode very soon. Shabbat Shalom.

The great Roger Bannister died this weekend at the age of 88. Why was he important? How did he change the world? What can we learn from him? Listen in and hear about his story, and how it can inspire us to go for our goals and accomplish all that we set out to do. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. If you like what you've heard, please give us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. Have a comment or response to the show? Let us know! Email Rabbi Ilan at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com with your thoughts! Thanks for listening. We'll be back with next episode before you know it!

How should we think about taking on new challenges? What do we need to be successful? In this week's Torah reading we discover a Biblical recipe for taking on new endeavors. God appoints Bezalel to be the master architect of the tabernacle, and all the holy furnishings used inside it. Why was he chosen? What did God give him, which enabled him to accomplish his task? What can we learn from him that will inspire us to accomplish our tasks today?   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. If you like what you've heard, please give us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. Have a comment or response to the show? Let us know! Email Rabbi Ilan at rabbiilan@torahoflife.com with your thoughts! Thanks for listening. We'll be back with next episode before you know it!

What do we do when the enemy comes looking for us? Why do we remember the difficulties of our ancestors even now? This Shabbat is Shabbat Zachor, a Shabbat of Remembering. What do we remember, and why?   Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. We'll be back very soon with the next episode! Shabbat Shalom!  

When faced with tragedy, how do we respond? What does God want from us today? How do we make the world into a dwelling place for holiness? Parshat Terumah has some wisdom for us. Shabbat Shalom. Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. If you like what you've heard, please give us a 5-star rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening. We'll be back with the next episode before you know it!