Wisdom and Wellness for Women

In the 3rd installment of our menopause series, Karen interviews sex therapist Talli Rosenbaum. They discuss the changing nature of intimacy and sexuality as individuals age. Talli raises various factors that can affect a couple's intimate experience during menopause, including a shift away from observance of Taharat Hamisphacha, life after children leave home, and the additional responsibilities many people have towards older parents. The episode concludes with Talli's advice about desire and enjoyment of intimacy during this stage of life. To get your copy of 'Immersed in Menopause,' The Eden Center's new menopause resource and see Talli's article contained inside, go to https://theedencenter.com/menopause-booklet/With great sadness, this episode is dedicated in memory of our slain hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gat, and Almog Sarusi HY'DPlease consider sponsoring a future episode for $36/136nis here. 

In the 2nd episode of our menopause series, Karen speaks to Dr. Mishaela Rubin, an Endocrinologist at Columbia University, focusing on bone health, hormonal changes during menopause, and the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy. They also discuss practical tips for maintaining strong bones, a healthy metabolism, and good hormonal balance.To get your copy of 'Immersed in Menopause,' The Eden Center's new menopause resource, go to If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/136nis here. 

In this episode of Medical Matters, Chana Even-chen and Dr. Sharon Grossman discuss the relevance of weight loss medicines and related health considerations in the context of the country being at war, with a focus on the recent approval of a weight loss medicine in Israel. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of these medications, emphasizing the need for their responsible use and distinguishing between medical and cosmetic purposes. Issues related to self-care, healthy body image, and the restrictions on diet for medical purposes are also discussed, with a particular emphasis on the halakhic perspective. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/136nis here.

For chodesh Tamuz and in honor of the launch of the new Eden Center menopause booklet 'Immersed in Menopause', Karen shares Torah thoughts on transitions and transforming challenges into opportunities. She speaks with Batya Prebor, a midwife, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, about healthy perspectives and practical guidance on the journey toward menopause. To get your copy of 'Immersed in Menopause': go to https://theedencenter.com/menopause-booklet/ To connect with Batya: https://israelwell ness.com/ If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/136nis here.

In this episode Karen talks with Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about her forthcoming book, Uncovered: Women's Roles, Mitzvot, and Sexuality in Jewish Law (Urim Publications), which relates to things not always discussed openly such as intimacy and challenges to keeping hilchot niddah. They highlight the fact that our Sages did not shy away from sensitive topics and often characterized the relationship between God and Israel as a loving couple.Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Iyar is the month when we celebrate the birth of modern-day Israel. And yet, we recognize the need to hold space for those who have experienced personal loss. Guest host, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet, The Eden Center's Executive Director and psychologist Dr. Romy Shulman, who previously served as the Clinical Lead of Chana UK, break the silence around miscarraige, exploring the emotional, practical and mikveh-related aspects of this loss and how to give/get support when the need arises.You can order a free copy of Birkat Emunah or have one sent to a friend experiencing pregnancy loss or infertility at this link: https://theedencenter.com/emuna2021/ Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

For Chodesh Nissan, Karen talks Torah and wellbeing with Dr. Yael Ziegler, Rosh Beit Midrash and Academic Director of Matan. Based on the story of the birth of Moshe and the Jewish nation, they explore meaning and purpose in the story of the Exodus and draw resonance and hope for our time. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Karen and her guest Rachel Sharansky Danziger discuss the resonance of Megillat Esther for Israel and the Jewish world today. They look to Esther and Rachel's parents Avital and Natan Sharansky for inspiration about the plight of the hostages and how to deal with adversity. As we begin Chodesh Adar we pray for a safe return of all the hostages, healing for the injured, and that light and joy return to Am Yisrael in the month of Adar. The Eden Center is currently running a crowdfunding campaign to support our programming. If you've been enjoying and drawing strength from this podcast, we ask that you consider a generous donation in honor of Karen and this podcast: https://www.jgive.com/new/he/ils/donation-targets/123484

For Adar Aleph, Karen explores the messages that arise from the addition of a month to the calendar. She examines the themes of waiting, patience and finding faith through a process in her Torah insights on the book of Shemot and in her interview with Rabbanit Etta Bendavid, who shares her experiences as grief counselor and her own moving personal story of coming to terms with having Alopecia universalis.Etta Bendavid, BCC, SCP-C, MAEd., provides pastoral care and grief counseling at the Center for Loss and Grief in Raanana (www.SpiritualCareIsrael.com), is a certified Morah L'Halacha (Matan) and is Rabbanit of Raanana's Shivtei Yisrael synagogue.Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

In this episode of Women and Wellbeing, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet speaks with Amalia Misul-Jesselson, MSW, Psychotherapist, Couple and sex therapist about the transitions that take place as soldiers come back home, and what can help partners make the adjustment back into 'regular' family life and the marital relationship after time away. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

This month Karen explores the imagery of seeds and planting as a symbol of hope in Talmudic literature. She relates this to the recent wave of volunteering to work the land here in Israel. Then she talks with Tamar Weissman about her family's move to a farm in Northern Israel, the spiritual and Torah dimensions of working the land, and about what working the land does for one's body and soul. This month's podcast is dedicated to the refuah shlemah of Netanel Yaakov ben Yehudit Sarah, who was wounded in Gaza and the health and safety all those injured, all of our soldiers, and those who were kidnapped.

Life is stressful. Unfortunately we are all feeling it now more than ever. In this episode of Medical Matters, Chana and Sharon discuss the medical basis of stress, stress in Halakha and steps we can take to manage it.

This month's Kislev podcast focuses on the challenges the war in Israel poses for couples around taharat hamishpacha, particularly when one or both have been drafted and are trying to keep the light going strong in their relationship. Karen then discusses halakhic and emotional questions that have arisen about taharat hamishpacha and intimacy during wartime with yoetzet halacha and ASSECT certified sexuality counselor Dr. Judith Fogel.The Kislev podcast is sponsored by Erez and Shelly Markowitz in memory of Bella Werthheimer, daughter of Moshe Zvi and Kreindal Mihai, to commemorate 25 years since her passingon Rosh Hodesh Kislev. May her Neshama have an aliyah.לזכרה של בלה ורטהימר בת משה צבי וקריינדל לבית מיהאי Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss what is allowed in the Mikveh, including rules around technology, food, and beverages. Gabrielle also discusses why a certain candy is provided and encouraged by most mikvot... it's most likely not the reason you think! Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

In light of the war in Israel, this month Karen looks to Parshat Noah for Torah thoughts on how to remain optimistic in the face of unbearable loss and destruction. Then, Karen interviews Dr. Bella Schanzer, an experienced psychiatrist, who provides valuable guidance about coping with anxiety brought on by the war in Israel. This includes practical advice about caring for ourselves and our families, as well as specific thoughts directed towards mothers/parents of chayalim. This month's podcast is dedicated to the safe return of our soldiers and prayers for healing of all those wounded or missing. Yet, amid the darkness, we see hope and continuity as soldiers and young couples continue to get married. On that note, this podcast is also sponsored in honor of Lauren Ostrofsky's wedding. May Hashem provide us with strength and bring all of Am Yisrael back to days of joy. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

During Tishrei there is an extra focus on meals and food. This is a good time to think about modeling healthy relationships with food and to raise awareness about eating disorders in the Jewish community. After Karen's Torah thoughts on the physical and spiritual side of sustenance, she interviews psychotherapist Aliza Levitt Gillman about building positive relationships with our bodies and food. This month's podcast was generously sponsored by Esther Tekuzener. Wishing everyone a Shana Tova! Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss some of the most prominent reasons women (and men!) go to the Mikveh. During their conversation, they go beyond the reason of Taharah and Tumah to uncover some less commonly known uses of the Mikveh. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss tips for revisiting the Mikveh after an extended period of time away. Gabrielle also touches on how altered life circumstances may change the way a woman fulfills the mitzvah of Mikveh over time. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Vaping or E-cigarettes have become the new rage among teens and young adults. In this podcast, Chana and Sharon discuss the health and Halachic considerations of these products. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss who typically visits the Mikveh and when the Mikveh can be utilized for purposes beyond Tumah and Taharah. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Avra Friedman discuss fundamental components to consider when choosing what mikveh is right for you and your personal circumstances. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

For chodesh Av, Karen explores the ways Jewish law ritualizes both national and personal mourning, examining customs of the Three Weeks/Tisha B'Av and personal aveilut. She then interviews Dvora Corn, Co-Founder of Life's Door, about how individuals and couples can be better prepared for coping with illness, end of life and loss. The Av podcast is dedicated by Shelly and Erez Markowitz in loving memory of Erez's father Yisrael Yechiel Markowitz and his grandmother Rivka Godinger, who both passed away in the month of Menachem Av. In the merit of our Torah learning may their neshamot have an aliyah.Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss going on vacation without having a mikveh nearby and the alternatives that may be available. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

As Tammuz coincides with the beginning of summer camps, this month's podcast looks at the story in Torah of Am Yisrael's encampment in the desert to explore the value of privacy in the public camp. Then, Karen interviews Rahel Bayar, an expert on creating safe spaces and preventing abuse about how to prepare our children for summer camp and what to do if they encounter uncomfortable or inappropriate behavior.This month's episode is sponsored by Izumi Sato in memory of Rabbi Elliott Marmon on his 2nd yartzeit.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/136NIS at https://theedencenter.com/product/podcast-sponsor/

Gabrielle Hodes and Michal Roness discuss Harkachot and what they mean. Does it matter what I pass to my husband and when? Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Michal Roness discuss what to do if a woman ovulates before she goes to the Mikveh. What can she do? Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

For Rosh Chodesh Sivan, Karen explores the imagery of God and Israel as a marriage relationship in Tanach and midrash. She then speaks with Dr. Hadassah Fromson, psychologist and yoetzet halacha, about her work counseling couples in sexuality and intimacy,  exploring challenges couples commonly face and ways of creating positive intimacy.This episode was sponsored anonymously in appreciation of the important topics and discussions the Women & Wellbeing podcast raises.Dr Hadassah Fromson is a Counselling Psychologist, Yoetzet Halacha and Rebbetzin at Golders Green United Synagogue. Her clinical work and research focuses on sexual-related issues, with a particular emphasis on the Jewish community. She cares deeply about promoting healthy relationships, and facilitates education in these areas for couples, parents, and schools. Originally from Gibraltar, she now lives in London with her husband and four children. Dr. Fromson's thesis can be read here. She highly recommends the book Love Worth Making by Stephen Snyder MD

Gabrielle Hodes and Michal Roness discuss what to do regarding gel nail polish and eyelash extensions when going to the Mikveh. Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss the main differences between consulting with a Rav versus a Yoetzet Halacha. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

As this month we commemorate Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Haatzmaut, the Iyar podcast focuses on women's determination, bravery and faith during times of oppression and hardship. We'll explore the stories of various women's optimism and faith in the future. We'll also hear from Lani Berman about women's lives and commitment to mikveh before the Shoah.This month's podcast is sponsored by Margot and Josh Botwinick as a thank you for all the amazing work of the Eden Center and your uniquely important contributions to the Jewish people! Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss whether or not a woman needs to go alone to the mikveh. Sign up here receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss how to make your Mikveh experience feel special. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

In this month's podcast Karen explores different views about sleep in Jewish thought. She then discusses the latest research on sleep in her conversation with 'sleep doctor' Dr. Debbie Cappell. They explore why different people have such different sleep experiences and how to be creative about potential sleep challenges for couples. Chodesh Tov! This month's podcast is sponsored in memory of Eliyahu Henoch Ben Aharon Shlomo, a devoted and loving husband, father and zayde, by the Feldman, Katz, Karesh, Levine and Whitefield Families. For more resources on improving sleep, here are some links:Sleepeducation.org/patientsAASM.org/clinical-resources/patient-info/ If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 in the link embedded here.

Sharon and Chana discuss the importance of exercise for our health and the place of exercise in Jewish thought and halacha.  What do Jewish leaders and thinkers from different times say about exercise and was it part of their lifestyle? Find out in this episode... Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪136 here.

Gabrielle Hodes discusses what mikveh parties are and bringing family and friends to your immersion. Moderated by Gaby Rahmanfar Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Elana Schefres discuss what to do if someone doesn't feel connected to the mikveh. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

In honor of chodesh Adar, in this episode Karen draws insight from Biblical and Talmudic sources about how laughter can be used negatively and positively. Then, she talks with Julie Rothschild Levi ('Officially Julie' on social media) about her work as a comedian and how laughter has helped her to help others.  This month's podcast is dedicated in memory of Izzy Kaplan, ישראל בן דוד אריה ושרה to mark his 14th yarzheit on כח אדר. Izzy was an Ohev Yisrael and Baal chesed in the truest sense. He had a twinkle in his eye and a sharp sense of humour. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. Watch Julie's mikvah reel and follow her on IG here.

In this episode, Karen shares Torah thoughts on the symbolism of fruit in the midrash, and the various ways one 'bears fruit' in the world. She then interviews fertility specialist Dr. Jordana Hyman about connections between Tu B'Shvat and fertility, lessons on fertility challenges and education and how mikveh can be a source of strength and empowerment.  This month's podcast is sponsored in memory of Estee Mael z'l, whose warmth, sensitivity, wisdom and genuine ability to listen were felt by all who knew her. She took special pride in her beautiful family, planting the seeds of joy and love of Yiddishkeit that nurtured them all. May her Neshama have an aliyah.Sign up here to receive this podcast in an email to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

In honor of Yom HaKadish HaKlali on 10 B'Tevet, Karen Miller Jackson shares Torah thoughts on the nature of Jewish mourning, and interviews Sally Berkovic, author of Death Duties: The Chevra Kadisha Jewish Burial Society, on her experience working for the Chevra Kadisha. They discuss ways that women memorialize their loved ones, highlight Holocaust remembrance on Yom HaKadish HaKlali, and examine parallels between the tahara before death and the nature of tahara in mikveh practice. The Tevet podcast is sponsored by Yaffa Zweig and family. In loving memory of her mother Kaye Zweig (חייה טובה בת ישראל ובתיה) to mark her Yahrzeit on ז' טבת. Sign up here to receive this podcast in an email to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here. Death Duties can be purchased as follows *In the US through ebay - www.ebay.to/3DEkNDG *In Israel, at Pomerantz and Havruta bookstores in Jerusalem *In the UK via Fishburn Books - https://tinyurl.com/42xpatc3

In this episode of Medical Matters, Chana and Sharon discuss how informed scheduling and knowledgeable questions of your health care provider can help avoid niddah complications and delays in mikvah immersion when undergoing medical procedures. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

In this episode, Karen looks at a Talmudic narrative about a sinning rabbi for guidance on how to think/talk about rabbis and leaders who are accused of sexual abuse. She then interviews Nechama Munk, a social worker who specializes in trauma and sexual abuse. They shine a light on the complexities of the process of victims speaking out and in the hopes of bringing about constructive conversations in our communities. The Kislev podcast is sponsored by Eli Mandelbaum and family in loving memory of Rabbi Abraham Mandelbaum (הרב אברהם דוד בן שמואל) on what would have been his 84th birthday. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.

Gabrielle Hodes and Gaby Rahmanfar discuss questions around intimacy on the night of mikveh immersion. Sign up here to receive this podcast to your inbox.If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider sponsoring an episode for $36/₪120 here.