Torah of Life
76 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratingsWisdom & Inspiration for the Journey Ahead
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Episodes
Our Jewish Recovery on the Road!
February 14, 2020 04:35 - 28.7 MBWelcome 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 an...
Let the Leaves Go!
January 09, 2020 00:37 - 12.6 MBA 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
Beginning Again!
January 01, 2020 22:16 - 18.4 MBWelcome 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...
Find God and Do Not Fear
January 25, 2019 21:10 - 9.5 MBThanks 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?...
Take the Long Way Home (to Freedom)
January 18, 2019 14:58 - 9.35 MBFreedom! 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 Richa...
When There is Only Darkness
January 11, 2019 03:14 - 7.22 MBFriends, 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...
Your Freedom is Calling - Will You Claim It?
January 04, 2019 00:03 - 19.5 MBHere 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 b...
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2018 17:50 - 10.2 MBHappy 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...
When Death Surrounds Us
November 02, 2018 18:09 - 18.5 MBWelcome 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 begin...
We Are the Company We Keep...So Choose Your Friends Wisely!
October 26, 2018 19:47 - 14.4 MBWelcome 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 keep...
Location, location, location!
October 19, 2018 19:56 - 13.6 MBWelcome 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 nep...
What Kind of Tzaddik (Righteous Person) Are You?
October 12, 2018 20:35 - 15.2 MBWelcome 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 righte...
Back to the Garden in 5779!
October 05, 2018 21:18 - 16.5 MBWelcome 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...
Shemini Atzeret is More Important Than Ever with Kohenet Sarah Chandler
September 30, 2018 14:09 - 35 MBWelcome 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...
Building a Shelter of Peace
September 28, 2018 19:46 - 18.2 MBWelcome 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...
Happy Podcast-i-versary!
September 21, 2018 17:07 - 22.5 MBHoly 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 yo...
Forgive and Find Peace
September 16, 2018 20:15 - 35.9 MBHow 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 ...
Surrender, and Be Free
September 14, 2018 20:36 - 10.5 MBWelcome 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 Go...
The Empty Chair at our Holiday Tables
September 09, 2018 12:07 - 7.65 MBWelcome 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, ...
Choose Life - today, and every day!
September 07, 2018 20:54 - 12 MBIf 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 ...
The Lights of Teshuvah with Rabbi Itzchak Marmorstein
September 06, 2018 01:26 - 36.2 MBWelcome 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...
Are My Private Sins Important?
August 31, 2018 17:54 - 13.1 MBWelcome 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 o...
The Light and Fire of Holiness with Maggidim Yitzhak Buxbaum and Carole Forman
August 30, 2018 04:16 - 35 MBWelcome 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 Magg...
My Afternoon with Tony Robbins and Gary V
August 27, 2018 22:44 - 14.7 MBIf 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 e...
Promises to God, and Each Other...
August 24, 2018 20:09 - 14.7 MBWelcome 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 t...
Door L'Door with Chava Gal-Or
August 22, 2018 23:00 - 41 MBWelcome 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 a...
When You Feel Sickly...
August 20, 2018 18:53 - 8.54 MBWelcome 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...
Praying with Our Impure Selves
August 17, 2018 17:03 - 18.1 MBWelcome 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-...
The Plunder with Dr. Daniel Unowsky
August 16, 2018 14:39 - 53.7 MBWelcome 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 le...
When Hatred Comes to Town
August 13, 2018 22:27 - 10.6 MBHow 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 part...
Where Did God's House Go?
August 10, 2018 18:03 - 15.9 MBThis 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 t...
The Torah of Inclusion with Rabbi Lauren Tuchman
August 08, 2018 16:35 - 48.8 MBThanks 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/build...
Do You Think You're a Moron?
August 06, 2018 15:57 - 4.45 MBWhy 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 ...
Follow the Rules?
August 03, 2018 14:00 - 13.3 MBThanks 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 the...
Walking to Listen with Rabbi Moshe Givental
August 01, 2018 16:45 - 30.6 MBGreetings, 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 - w...
Do You Have a "Can Do" Attitude?
July 30, 2018 20:35 - 4.41 MBThanks 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...
Let Love Win!
July 27, 2018 18:54 - 18 MBToday 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...
Finding Our Calling with Rabbi Ari Saks
July 25, 2018 17:00 - 31.2 MBThanks 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'...
From Destruction and Despair to Healing and Hope
July 23, 2018 15:32 - 19.1 MBTisha 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, y...
Enough! Move forward...
July 20, 2018 16:55 - 14.4 MBWe 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 [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you! Please subscribe to the podcast and give it a rating and review on iTune...
Honoring Our Communal, and Individual, Stories
July 13, 2018 21:20 - 16.4 MBHow 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, ...
How Should a Mourner Feel?
July 03, 2018 14:00 - 15.8 MBJewish 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 con...
Angels and Donkeys, Sinners and Saints
June 29, 2018 16:40 - 14.7 MBAre 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) re...
We're Not Gonna Take It!
June 15, 2018 19:10 - 21.9 MBWhy 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 ge...
When it All Falls Apart
June 08, 2018 20:07 - 22.8 MBOn 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, ...
4 New Questions for Passover Freedom
April 05, 2018 23:16 - 6.09 MBHow 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 Pas...
Get Your Ashes Out of Here!
March 23, 2018 19:33 - 16 MBAre 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 [email protected] Thanks for listening to the Torah of Life podcast, your home for transformational wisdom from a Jewish lens. Please subscribe to the pod...
What's Your 4-Minute Mile?
March 04, 2018 18:37 - 10.8 MBThe 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. ...
Recipe for Building Holiness
March 04, 2018 18:34 - 11.9 MBHow 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 L...
Remember Amalek and Be Free
February 23, 2018 19:58 - 12.4 MBWhat 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!