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This week I have one long story for you. It's about Reb Adam Baal Shem of Ropshitz — one of the most powerful hidden masters of the generation before the Baal Shem Tov — and what he did when the king of Prague issued harsh decrees against the Jews. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Link to Two Cups of Tea, my first story video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d48AFirymU Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/we-are-not-helpless To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
In 2017, former Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak delivered a speech that now deserves renewed attention.Years before the judicial reform protests, Barak described a scenario in which senior military and intelligence figures would resist a democratically elected right-wing government, the Supreme Court would block its agenda, and mass protests would physically obstruct the will of Israeli voters.Today, Israel is experiencing a political and social crisis that makes those words impossible to ignore.The public debate is focused on the Ultra-Orthodox draft law, IDF service, and the deep frustration felt by many Israelis carrying the burden of reserve duty during wartime. It is a real issue. But it may also be serving as a distraction from a larger struggle over Israel's identity, sovereignty, military readiness, and democratic future.In this video, Avi Abelow examines what he calls the progressive left's political “magic trick”: creating maximum division inside Israel's national camp while shifting attention away from policies and institutions that deserve far greater scrutiny.We discuss the impact of judicial activism, the Attorney General's role, the Supreme Court, the media, and ongoing debates over mixed-gender combat units and military policy. We also address the concern among many national-religious Israelis that ideological priorities inside the IDF are affecting motivated soldiers and weakening national unity at a critical time.The central question is not whether Israel should debate the draft, military service, or the role of religion in public life. Of course it should.The question is whether Israelis are being pushed into fighting one another while powerful institutions and political movements avoid accountability for decisions that have shaped Israel's security failures and internal divisions.Israel faces enemies on every border. The Jewish people cannot afford to lose sight of the bigger picture.Watch, share, and join the conversation.Join Our Whatsapp Channel: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GkavRznXy731nxxRyptCMvFollow us on Twitter: https://x.com/AviAbelowJoin our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/aviabelowpulseFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulse_of_israel/?hl=enPulse of Israel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsraelVideoNetworkVisit Our Website - https://pulseofisrael.com/Donate to Pulse of Israel: https://pulseofisrael.com/boost-this-video/
Sunday Sermon 6/14/26 - Elder Steve Clarke
In this message, Adrian Rogers shares four reasons why even the stars sided with Barak and fought to bring him the victory. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29?v=20251111
This week I have three stories for you for Gimel Tamuz, the yahrtzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The first is about an unexpected encounter between Rabbi Tuvia Bolton and a traffic policeman. The second is about a Jewish soldier in the Korean War and the Lubavitcher Rebbe's tefillin. And the third is about a woman in Meah Shearim who couldn't stop smoking on Shabbos. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/smoking-on-shabbos To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
In this message, Adrian Rogers shares four reasons why even the stars sided with Barak and fought to bring him the victory. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29?v=20251111
Fewer than 40% of people with PTSD respond to standard care. For the intrusive symptoms at the core of the disorder, response rates may be lower than 15%. So what options remain for patients who have not responded to existing treatments?Dr. Keren Doenyas-Barak, director of the PTSD program at the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research and a faculty member at Tel Aviv University, has treated close to 1,000 civilian and military patients and led sham-controlled trials that are helping reshape how hyperbaric medicine is studied.She walks host Dr. Dominic D'Agostino through the protocol her clinic uses—60 sessions over 12 weeks, with oxygen cycled at two atmospheres—the 35% CAPS-score improvement associated with continued progress after treatment ends, and the reported two-year outcomes, including improved occupational function, roughly double the proportion of patients living with a partner, and sharp drops in benzodiazepine and cannabis use. She also details the convincing sham control her team engineered after concluding that earlier placebo arms may have delivered a physiologically active dose.Questions Answered in This Episode:What hyperbaric protocol is best supported for treatment-resistant PTSD?What does a 35% reduction in CAPS score predict about long-term recovery?Which outcomes beyond symptom scores changed most for patients?How did the team build a hyperbaric sham that patients genuinely could not detect?Which safety measures are non-negotiable in a hyperbaric PTSD clinic?Does a patient's baseline metabolic fitness predict their response to HBOT, and can the treatment affect cardiometabolic risk?A rigorous, frontline examination of what responsible hyperbaric medicine actually requires, led by a clinician helping to build its evidence base.Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:✅ Toups and Co – Get 15% off your first order with code METABOLIC here.✅ iRestore – Get a huge discount on the Elite and the Illumina bundle with the code LINK here.✅ MudWtr – Get up to 43% off + free shipping and a free rechargeable frother with code METABOLICLINK here.In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.
Membre du fameux collectif marseillais Maraboutage depuis 2019, Barak aka Scorpio Qveen, a autant de casquettes que de cordes à son arc créatif. Hyperactive, l'artiste est à la fois coach sportif, danseuse, chorégraphe, chanteuse, musicienne, performeuse et DJ.©Mael Chery Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.
Membre du fameux collectif marseillais Maraboutage depuis 2019, Barak aka Scorpio Qveen, a autant de casquettes que de cordes à son arc créatif. Hyperactive, l'artiste est à la fois coach sportif, danseuse, chorégraphe, chanteuse, musicienne, performeuse et DJ. ©Mael Chery
Portugal Club quiz, Portugal news & Portugal peeves! Good Morning Portugal!
ScriptureI could speak more of faith; I could talk until time itself ran out. If I continued, I could speak of the examples of Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah, of David and Samuel and all the prophets. 33 I could give accounts of people alive with faith who conquered kingdoms, brought justice, obtained promises, and closed the mouths of hungry lions. 34 I could tell you how people of faith doused raging fires, escaped the edge of the sword, made the weak strong, and—stoking great valor among the champions of God—sent opposing armies into panicked flight. Hebrews 11:32-34 (VOICE)The GistNo, it isn't a typo. We didn't mean Rise and Shine, we really meant Rise and Found! After reading once again about all the unexpected Heroes of Faith or Champions of God, we were reminded of how none of them felt capable, prepared, or strong enough. BUT God chose them and equipped them. The phrase: Found strength rising out of weakness stood out. This episode, Allison & Melissa talk unscripted about which word stood out, drew them in, and what God revealed. You won't want to miss what they discovered and share in this episode. Melissa: FoundAllison: RisingDigging DeeperFound strength rising out of weakness. What world draws your attention? Found? Strength? Rising? Weakness?Find a quiet spot, sit, and linger with this question and see what God reveals to you. Be sure to share with a friend.
This week I have three stories for you. The first is about Reb Menachem Mendel of Kosov, who stops a wealthy traveler on the road and asks him for money — not for himself, but for reasons the traveler doesn't yet understand. The second is about the Trisker Maggid, whose chassidim knew he never really slept — and about a skeptic who decided to find out the truth for himself. The third is about Rabbi Reuven Grozovsky, a great Rosh Yeshivah who had one lifelong practice he never broke — until the morning a young, embarrassed student came to help him. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/no-one-knows-what-tomorrow-may-bring To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
Judges 4:1–24 with Pastor David Maestas In Judges 4, Israel once again finds itself trapped in the familiar cycle of rebellion, oppression, and desperation. After turning away from the Lord, they spend twenty years under the harsh rule of King Jabin and the military oppression of Sisera. But in the midst of fear and uncertainty, God raises up an unlikely leader: Deborah. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah stands as a powerful example of wisdom, courage, and faithfulness. Through her leadership, God calls Barak to step forward and lead Israel into battle. Yet Barak hesitates. Though God had already given clear direction, fear causes him to seek reassurance before obeying. This chapter reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is choosing obedience despite it. Throughout Judges 4, we see God accomplish His purposes through unexpected people and unlikely circumstances. Deborah leads. Barak follows. Jael enters the story in a surprising way. And ultimately, the victory belongs not to human strength, military strategy, or personal courage, but to the Lord. One of the central themes of Judges 4 is that God often works through people who are simply willing to say yes. The heroes of this chapter are not perfect. They wrestle with fear, uncertainty, and limitations. Yet God uses them anyway. This passage also challenges us to consider how often we delay obedience while waiting for perfect confidence. Like Barak, many of us know what God is asking us to do, but we hesitate because we want more certainty, more guarantees, or someone else to go with us. Meanwhile, Deborah's example reminds us what it looks like to trust God enough to step into difficult assignments with confidence in Him rather than confidence in ourselves. Judges 4 invites us to reflect on several important questions: Where is fear keeping me from obeying God? Am I waiting for certainty when God is asking for faith? Have I underestimated how God might use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? Am I trusting in my own strength, or am I depending on the Lord?
In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak respond to God's mighty deliverance with a song of praise, celebrating the Lord's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. In this message, Pastor Jim Schultz walks through this powerful chapter, showing how the song highlights both God's sovereign power and the willing obedience of those who answered His call.Along the way, we see the contrast between those who stepped forward in faith and those who stayed on the sidelines, offering timely lessons for believers today. What keeps us from obeying God? Fear, inconvenience, distraction, or something else?This sermon also explores how Christians should understand themes of battle and victory in light of the New Testament. Drawing from Ephesians 6, Pastor Jim explains how believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare through faith, prayer, standing firm in God's truth, and boldly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.Join us as we learn to praise God for His victories, trust His leadership, and faithfully follow His call.
Ontdek hoe Debora een bijzondere rol speelt in de strijd voor vrijheid. Barak accepteert zijn taak, zelfs zonder roem. Laat je inspireren door moedige keuzes.
It's time for the concluding episode in a three-part series on Deborah, one of the most remarkable leaders in the book of Judges. In a time of spiritual decline, political oppression, and widespread fear, God raised up a woman to judge Israel, speak His word, and lead His people toward deliverance. In this final episode, Kyle and Jonathan discuss some of the beautiful connections to Deborah and Barak's struggle and how they overcame. They also discuss some of the leadership qualities that Deborah possessed and how we can strive to be like her.
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Pastor Jesse continues walking us through the book of Judges. This week we are introduced to 3 different people, each of whom can connect with us in some way. Deborah teaches us to continue to be faithful where we are at. Barak teaches us to trust God without conditions. Jael teaches us to take hold [...]
www.michaelbasham.com Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2 For by [faith—[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. 4 [Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking. 5 Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been satisfactory to God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. 7 [Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness ([c]that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith). 8 [Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. 11 Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word. 12 So from one man, though he was physically as good as dead, there have sprung descendants whose number is as the stars of heaven and as countless as the innumerable sands on the seashore. 13 These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God's] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth. 14 Now those people who talk as they did show plainly that they are in search of a fatherland (their own country). 15 If they had been thinking with [homesick] remembrance of that country from which they were emigrants, they would have found constant opportunity to return to it. 16 But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was [d]still in progress], [e]had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son, 18 Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned. 19 For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead. 20 [With eyes of] faith Isaac, looking far into the future, invoked blessings upon Jacob and Esau. 21 [Prompted] by faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in prayer over the top of his staff. 22 [Actuated] by faith Joseph, when nearing the end of his life, referred to [the promise of God for] the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his own bones. 23 [Prompted] by faith Moses, after his birth, was kept concealed for three months by his parents, because they saw how comely the child was; and they were not overawed and terrified by the king's decree. 24 [Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and [f]become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life. 26 He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense). 27 [Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible. 28 By faith (simple trust and confidence in God) he instituted and carried out the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn (the angel) might not touch those [of the children of Israel]. 29 [Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do the same thing they were swallowed up [by the sea]. 30 Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites]. 31 [Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity]. 32 And what shall I say further? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 Who by [the help of] faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions, 34 Extinguished the power of raging fire, escaped the devourings of the sword, out of frailty and weakness won strength and became stalwart, even mighty and resistless in battle, routing alien hosts. 35 [Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured [g]to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. 36 Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith]; they were sawn asunder; they were slaughtered by the sword; [while they were alive] they had to go about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated— 38 [Men] of whom the world was not worthy—roaming over the desolate places and the mountains, and [living] in caves and caverns and holes of the earth. 39 And all of these, though they won divine approval by [means of] their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised, 40 Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they [these heroes and heroines of faith] should not come to perfection apart from us [before we could join them].
In this episode, we explore Judges chapter 4 and uncover what it means to lead when you don't feel ready. Through the lessons of Deborah, Barak, and God's calling, we discuss how leadership is not about being fully prepared—it's about being willing. Join us as we talk about faith, partnership, purpose, and why God often uses unlikely people to accomplish extraordinary things. If you've ever doubted yourself or questioned your ability to lead, this episode is for you.
This week I have three stories for you. The first is about Moishe Dovid, a simple Jew who saves five hundred rubles over years of sacrifice and arrives at the door of the heilige Chernovitzer on a Friday afternoon. The second is about an elderly patient who asks Rabbi Shmuel HaLevi Wosner whether he can still recite the blessing "Who has provided me with all my needs." The third is about Reb Itche Masmid, a chassid in Lubavitch who stands alone in the freezing cold on the last night of the month, begging God to let him see the moon. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/the-one-thing-i-can-still-give To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
In this message from Judges 4, Pastor Jim Schultz explores the account of Deborah and Barak and the powerful call to boldly obey the Lord. While God clearly commanded Barak to lead Israel against Sisera, his hesitation serves as both a warning and a lesson for believers today. Through this remarkable story, we see God's faithfulness, His discipline, His grace, and His power to accomplish His purposes through those who trust Him.This sermon reminds us that bold obedience is not confidence in ourselves but confidence in God's Word, God's presence, and God's promises. As Deborah encouraged Barak, we are called to follow the Lord without fear, excuses, or conditions, trusting that God goes before His people and works through their faithful obedience.Whether you are facing uncertainty, fear, or a difficult decision, this study of Judges 4 will encourage you to trust God, stand firm in faith, and boldly follow where He leads.
FEATURING: Barak Strickland ORGANIZATION: Refire Nation What happens when you change one letter in a word? You get Barak Strickland’s “retire to refire” God-given mission. After retiring from a 40-year career in the Air Force, Barak thought he was entering a quieter season of life. Instead, God used unexpected transitions to spark something entirely new: Refire Nation – a community helping retirees rediscover meaning, service, and spiritual flourishing. Barak shares how retirees at his local church went from uncertainty and frustration to renewed joy and clarity through the “Flourish” experience, rooted in Psalm 92 and focused on helping people bear fruit in every season of life. The conversation is filled with encouragement for anyone wondering if their most impactful years may still be ahead. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Barak believes “retirement is temporary, but refirement is forevermore” How God used unexpected life changes to open new ministry opportunities The powerful transformation happening through the Flourish groups Why retirees are wired for purpose, not perpetual leisure How Refire Nation is helping people connect, learn, and serve Details about the national neighborhood picnic challenge Opportunities to get involved with Refire Nation You’ll also hear Jim launch the iRetire4Him Summer Picnic Initiative: a simple but powerful challenge to invite neighbors over, build real relationships, and create community right where you live. Listeners are encouraged to host a neighborhood picnic this summer, take a picture, and send it to jim@iwork4him.com for a chance to win the grand prize. Whether you’re retired, approaching retirement, or simply asking God what’s next, this episode is a reminder that if you still have breath, you still have purpose! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week I have three stories for you. The first is about Rabbi Eliezer Gordon, the founder of the Telz Yeshivah, who traveled to London on what appeared to be a fundraising mission. The second is about Michel Weiss, an assimilated French politician who encountered a Chabad mitzvah tank on a Manhattan street corner. The third is about a letter that ended up in unexpected hands. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/not-by-chance To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
After the conquest of the Promised Land, Israel moves into the time of Judges. The book begins with the aftermath of Joshua's death and we see the people fall into a cycle of falling away from God, being subject to another nation, crying out to God for deliverance, a judge being raised, and then peace for a period of time before the cycle starts again. A word of warning: Judges can be a violent and often disturbing book. It is an example of how people act when they try to live apart from God and it is not pretty.If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 star rating and review. If you want to contact the show, the e-mail address is given in the episode. Find Bible Backdrop on Apple, Spotify or wherever podcasts are shown.
In today's conversation, Heather and coach Michele Reyes explore the repeating cycles found in the book of Judges and how they mirror the emotional and spiritual patterns we experience in our own lives. Together, they unpack concepts like thought work, overwhelm, imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, nervous system protection, and stepping into divine potential. Through stories of Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Samson, they reveal how awareness, compassion, and intentional thinking can help us stop repeating unhealthy cycles and move toward growth, healing, and deeper faith. For more information about Michele and for links to access all she has to offer, please click HERE! View on YouTube, go HERE. For more information and available downloads, go to: https://ldslifecoaches.com/ All content is copyrighted to Heather Rackham and featured coaches. Do not use without permission.
The studies and articles aren't new. In fact, the first workplace gender research started in the 1960s and 1970s. Men and Women in the Corporation by Rosabeth Moss Kanter was considered one of the first academic studies on gender differences in work behavior and opportunity, and this was in 1977. This conversation is as old as me, but I would like to remind you that women at work is not a construct of the early world wars and industrial revolutions as you may have been taught. Women and men working together started with creation in Genesis 1. Men and women were created to work together. In Genesis 1:26-27, we see the beautiful work of unity in creation. Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and every other creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. When we read the verses about creating man, he created both male and female in his own image. Not men exalted above women or women above men, but creation in his image, in unity. If we don't look to the beginning, it is easy to look at the ways that culture and society have created norms about work. The reality is these are not God's norms for men and women. The next verses in Genesis 1: 28-29 further frame God's plans for man and woman: And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.' God gave man and woman an equal command to work in unity. You already know that once sin crept in, this unity was forever broken. Sin impacts this sacred creation in every way, and our cultural norms which have been forming since the 70s continue to impact how men and women work together. What does this sin look like within the context of work? What is causing the continued gender bias issues for women? The answer doesn't start with work; it really begins outside of the office and is part of the cultural and societal brokenness between men and women that has systematically and year after year found its way into our work. With my aim being unity between men and women as advocates to solve this issue, I wondered, who were the leading male voices for gender equality at work. One name that came up was Tony Porter. Tony is the founder and CEO of A Call to Men. He seeks to teach systemic change for between men and women in society. In an article published on his website, “Is your Organization Unintentionally Reinforcing Gender Bias at Work,” Tony states this, “…the workplace is a microcosm of society—a society where men and boys are collectively socialized to view women as objects, as property and as having less value than men.”[1] This blanket statement is not felt by all women, of course, but as a whole, it sums up that sin and the brokenness of not seeing men and women created equally in the image of God is at the root of the issues still facing women today. Fortunately and unfortunately, the Bible is full of cultural examples of both unity and brokenness between men and women. If we look at the Word of God, we will all struggle to understand some of the terrible injustices women faced including being taken by force into marriage, raped, and being cast out of society. Again, at the moment of the fall, the unity and sacred relationship between men and women fell, and it fell hard. But, for every hard-to-read passage of Scripture about injustices for women, there are beautiful examples of how God used women and work for the glory of his kingdom. Women played an important role in the formation of the early church where they not only served the disciples with hospitality but also provided money for the ministry and teaching of the good news to their families. The grandmother and mother of the disciple, Timothy, are mentioned by Paul. 2 Timothy 1:5 reads, I am reminded of your sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Today we live in a culture not so different than biblical times. Women around the world still face terrible injustices, not only at work, but in society. Harassment, gender pay gaps, interviews and promotion biases all still exist, but there are people trying to drive change. Another name that came up as an advocate for women at work is the former CEO of Unilever, Paul Polman. He spoke about visiting a tea plantation where female workers were being abused or sexually harassed. When policies failed, he put female supervisors in place so that the women no longer needed to go to an unsafe work environment. This was within the last 5 years. What are some of the more nuanced impacts women face at work? In a Forbes Women article from May 15, 2025, by Eva Epker the continued gaps between men and women at work are highlighted. With parenting and caregiving still being a primary responsibility of the mother, a study found that three years after childbirth, 90% of fathers were in full-time work, versus only 27.8% of new moms. Another study noted 41% of female participants experience discrimination in a hiring process including gender-biased and inappropriate questions. Mental health and the lack of mentorship opportunities for women, continue to be part of this conversation.[2] These examples remind me of some data from the 2023 McKinsey study on “Women in the Workplace” that discussed the large impact microaggressions can have on women at work.[3] Microaggressions are defined as demeaning or dismissing comments or actions rooted in bias, directed at a person because of their gender, race, or other aspects of their identity. Women experience these more than men. For example, a woman is two times more likely to be interrupted in a meeting and spoken over than a male counterpart. We keep having the same conversations, and the results of the studies improve but not in a significant enough way to truly make change. One of my observations is that both secular and faith-based organizations often take a one-gender approach to gender biases. More specifically, women are talking to women about the lasting issues and implications about gender bias at work, and men are rarely part of this conversation. Working women, and more narrowly, Christian working women aren't having the conversations needed to redeem this sacred unity at work, and they aren't having them at church either. I have been to women's leadership conferences, both secular and faith based, and at only one was there a focus on women in the workplace where men were part of the discussion and workshops. This was a faith-based conference. I was able to find one opinion article in Time from July 18, 2023, titled “Modern Gender Equality Must Include Men.” The lead heading “Gender equality can only happen when women and men are advancing toward that goal together.”[4] Shelley Zalis conducted online research about men's attitudes and the results showed that 53% of men believe that workplaces in the US should be doing more to eliminate bias in the workplace. I agree that we need unity between men and women that lead to solutions. As Christian leaders, how do we work on this unity while at the same time navigate the current brokenness in the workplace for women, Christian or not? First, we need to remember we are called to address the issues of the poor and oppressed; we should not turn a blind eye to this matter. Isaiah 58:6-7 exhorts: Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Are you hiding yourself by simply being unaware? We are called to care. What are some of the ways we can continue this conversation? Perhaps shining a light on the benefits of women at work can be a start. Companies with gender-diverse leadership show an increase in average revenue. The McKinsey study notes that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams are 25 percent more likely to have above average profitability. Women have always been wise, and, as Christian leaders, we should tell these Bible stories about the working women God used for his kingdom. Perhaps these examples can inspire and show God's plans for women and work to others. And we can see how women and men worked together through their examples. Deborah was a judge and a leader. She worked in unity with Barak to go into war for Israel (Judges 4 & 5). Miriam was a leader of worship and worked in unity with Moses and Aaron to lead the people of Israel during the Exodus (Exodus 15). The Proverbs 31 woman embodies a long list of attributes that benefit her husband including: rising while it is still night to provide for her family, investing wisely, dressing well, being confident in her merchandise, caring for the poor, and being strong and wise. Mary was the first to see the resurrected Jesus and bring word to the male disciples (John 20). Lydia, in Acts chapter 16, was a seller of purple cloth and worked in unity with Paul to help the early church. This is not an exhaustive list! Women have always worked, and they have done so alongside men. I know most of you may not be in a place to share these examples of Bible stories as inspiration at work, but you can start this change within Christian spaces. Men and women can lead by sharing these examples of unity in God's plan with other Christians. We need to start having more conversations about how God used men and women in our faith-based spaces. We can explore these issues together to find ways to lean into and lead the change in our workplaces. Even if we cannot share the stories, we can share facts, and choose to engage: First, pay attention to the data and actually care about the data! All these studies include a what can we do about it section, and the advice centers around providing women resources to engage with including development, mentoring, counseling for stress, benefits that support caregiving, and more. Next, think about how you may be contributing to this issue as a man or a woman. Are you engaging in behavior that may be considered microaggression? Did you know that simply commenting on what another woman is wearing to work can impact her? Or assuming a female colleague's mental state or home situation? If we are honest, as women, we have absolutely contributed to our own issues with gender equality at work simply by tearing each other down. Most importantly, lead with love! As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are called to love our neighbors, and an easy love checklist is found in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Both women and men can act on this! For the women, engage in a conversation with men about this topic. For men, engage in a conversation with a woman on this topic. Let's lead by the biblical examples of unity! — [1] Kay, M. (2020, August 17). Is Your Organization Unintentionally Reinforcing Gender Bias at Work? A Call to Men. https://www.acalltomen.org/is-your-organization-unintentionally-reinforcing-gender-bias-at-work/ [2] Epker, E. (2025, May 14). What's Holding Back Working Women In 2025? Same Obstacles, More Anxiety. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/evaepker/2025/05/14/whats-holding-back-working-women-same-obstacles-more-anxiety/ [3] Mckinsey & Company. (2024). Women in the Workplace. McKinsey; McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace [4] Zalis, S. (2023, July 18). Modern Gender Equality Must Include Men. Time. https://time.com/6295453/modern-gender-equality-must-include-men/
We hear a lot about the prophets, but what about prophetesses? Women worked alongside men in the Old Testament, even as prophetesses of the Lord. Although the Old Testament text has a lot less to say about these women, we read that they were respected and sought after for their specific wisdom. The history in the Bible would surely not be the same without unity between these women and the men they served with and for. Why don't we see these stories as powerful movements for the kingdom of God? We have examined the unity God created men and women in and the unity of work he created us for. And we also examined how sin broke this sacred unity. This is the underlying why. Culture and sin both play an unintentional and sometimes intentional role in us not hearing more about these female prophets. You could probably tell me a lot about Moses and Aaron, but what about their sister? Her name was Miriam, and she was also a prophet of the Lord. If I think about this trio more, I wish I could have heard more about their unity and the dynamics of their work together! Miriam is one of the earliest leaders of worship! In Exodus 15:20-21 we see her leading other women in song and dance after they crossed the Red Sea. The timing of the text suggests she may have been the first to lead a victory celebration of the exodus from Egypt! Miriam was noted as one of God's chosen leaders of the exodus in Micah 6:4. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam (Micah 6:4). She was “joined as a whole” in unity with her brothers in this work. Deborah, too, was a powerful prophetess. She is described in Scripture as a judge, military strategist, warrior, and mother in Israel. No, she was not an actual mom, but rather she was a leader of Israel. In Judges, we see Deborah working, first as a judge and then as the one who leads Israel to war. Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided (Judges 4:4-5). Men and women sought her counsel. In the next verse we see Deborah sends for and summons Barak. Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go” (Judges 4:8). You can read more about this in Judges chapters 4 and 5, but again we see God using men and women—in unity— to complete work. How do you see examples of Miriam and Deborah and their unity with the men around them in your work today?
This week I have four stories for you. The first is about a young chassid who abandons his wagon in a forest to spend Shavuos with the Alter Rebbe. The second is about a woman who walks into Rabbi Moshe Feller's Chabad house wanting to convert — and takes Judaism more seriously than the Jewish man she came with. The third is about Miri Gabay, who visited Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach after ten years of marriage with no children. And lastly, Reb Baruch of Mezhibuzh, the Baal Shem Tov's grandson, who made two trips to his grandfather's grave — and what he asked for each time. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/why-arent-we-screaming To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
A response to the recent interview with Stephen Colbert, where former President Barack Obama said, “I'm worried about the Republican Party. … I'd love a loyal opposition. I'd love a Republican Party that is conservative in some ways, that didn't agree with me on a whole bunch of stuff but believed in [the] rule of law, judicial independence and empirical evidence and science. …"
This week I have three stories for you. The first is about an Israeli Air Force officer who had a private audience with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and only understood what happened fifteen years later. The second is about one of the Alter Rebbe's closest disciples and what true humility looks like. The third is about Rav Yehuda Amital, a sick cow, and what Reb Shlomo Carlebach once heard in a honking horn on a Friday night in Manhattan. If you're enjoying these Chassidic stories, please take a quick moment to buy me a coffee. https://ko-fi.com/barakhullman Thank you! I deeply appreciate your support! Also available at https://soundcloud.com/barak-hullman/im-jewish-and-i-dont-keep-shabbos To become a part of this project or sponsor an episode please go to https://hasidicstory.com/be-a-supporter. Hear all of the stories at https://hasidicstory.com. Go here to hear my other podcast https://jewishpeopleideas.com or https://soundcloud.com/jewishpeopleideas. Find my books, Figure It Out When You Get There: A Memoir of Stories About Living Life First and Watching How Everything Falls Into Place and A Shtikel Sholom: A Student, His Mentor and Their Unconventional Conversations on Amazon by going to https://bit.ly/barakhullman. My classes in Breslov Chassidus, Likutey Moharan, can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@barakhullman/videos I also have a YouTube channel of ceramics which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@thejerusalempotter
We're continuing our Daughters Series with the story of Deborah — a fearless judge, prophetess, and leader who heard God's voice clearly and walked in radical obedience. We talk about what it actually looks like to hear from God in everyday life, why obedience isn't about getting recognition, and how God often uses the unseen and overlooked moments to shape us most deeply. Through Deborah's story, we're reminded that when God is on our side, we truly have nothing to fear — even when the odds feel impossible. This convo is full of honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone longing to hear God more clearly and trust Him more boldly in this season. In This Episode [02:00] Who Was Deborah? Judge, Prophetess & Leader [04:00] Hearing God's Voice Clearly and Specifically [05:45] What Does It Mean to Be Prophetic? [07:00] Learning to Ask God Good Questions [09:00] How God Speaks Through Other People [11:00] Obedience Isn't About Getting the Glory [12:00] Deborah, Barak & Jael's Unexpected Victory [15:00] Humility, Intimacy & Being Seen by God [17:00] There's Nothing to Fear When God Is On Your Side [18:00] The Miracle of the Storm + God Fighting for Israel [19:00] Going to God First Before Fear Takes Over ORDER OUR NEW STUDY! This seven-week, verse-by-verse study through the book of Acts invites you to embrace the unpredictable, sometimes challenging adventure of Spirit-led living that characterized the early church. Delight Ministries Looking for a Delight Chapter near you? Check out Delightministries.com to find one. If there's not one near you, and you want to help start one, let us know! We would love to talk. Get on the list for updates on Kenz's new venture Plenty Nutrition! Thanks to Our Sponsors Winshape: Learn more or submit your application today! If you'd like to partner with For The Girl as a sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form! Follow us!