Modern Jewish Girl

Join me in this very special episode as I speak with one of my Torah teachers, Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler, about her book Holy Woman: The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer. In honor of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer's yahrtzeit, on the 3rd of Sivan (which begins on the evening of May 29th), we discuss the life and legacy of this true tzedekes (righteous woman) and what we can learn from her. Rebbetzin Rigler shares amazing stories and powerful tools for growth, including Rebbetzin Chaya Sara's four-step recipe for happiness. This is an episode you don't want to miss!  About Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler: Sara Yoheved Rigler is the author of seven books on Jewish spirituality: Holy Woman; Lights from Jerusalem; Battle Plans: How to Fight the Yetzer Hara (with Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller); G-d Winked: Tales and Lessons from My Spiritual Adventures; Heavenprints; and Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup: The Story of Rebbetzin Henny Machlis, the Brooklyn-born Girl who became a Jerusalem Legend. Her newest book, I’ve Been Here Before: When Souls of the Holocaust Return, is the product of 8 years of research into reincarnated souls from the Holocaust. She gives a weekly Marriage Webinar for Jewish women on a spiritual approach to marriage, with hundreds of members throughout the world. She lives in Jerusalem. Her website is: sararigler.com. Her YouTube channel is "From Within the Walls of Jerusalem," where she relates stories, presents gems of Jewish wisdom, and teaches practical life tools. Sponsor: Nishmat In our post-October 7 world, are you seeking to connect more deeply with your Jewish heritage? Are you a mom with kids at camp, looking to spend a week—or even three—immersed in Torah? A Torah teacher seeking a summer of in-depth learning in Yerushalayim? Or maybe an entrepreneur eager to explore the Jewish laws of business in detail? No matter your stage of life, Nishmat's Summer Beit Midrash is the place for you. This program offers transformative Torah learning for women of all backgrounds, in the heart of Jerusalem. Visit nishmat.net/summer-beit-midrash to learn more and sign up! Sources: Holy Woman: The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer Sara Rigler's website Modern Jewish Girl Website

Join me as I discuss the connection between Purim and Bitachon- trust in G-d.  The Nesivos Shalom explains that Purim is not just a historical account of what happened to the Jewish people when we avoided near annihilation in ancient Persia; it is a primer in how to effect these types of yeshuos- salvations. The key is bitachon- trust in G-d. What is bitachon? How does it work? What are the spiritual and material benefits of trusting in G-d? How can we achieve personal and national salvation through bitachon? Join me as I speak about this and more.  Modern Jewish Girl Website Sponsor: Nishmat In our post-October 7 world, are you seeking to connect more deeply with your Jewish heritage? Are you a mom with kids at camp, looking to spend a week—or even three—immersed in Torah? A Torah teacher seeking a summer of in-depth learning in Yerushalayim? Or maybe an entrepreneur eager to explore the Jewish laws of business in detail? No matter your stage of life, Nishmat's Summer Beit Midrash is the place for you. This program offers transformative Torah learning for women of all backgrounds, in the heart of Jerusalem. Visit nishmat.net/summer-beit-midrash to learn more and sign up! Sources:  Gems From the Nesivos Shalom, Purim The Concise Shaar HaBitachon of Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart)

Gitty Layosh and I explore the women's mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles in the last part of this three-part series. We discuss the practical aspects of the mitzvah and its deeper significance. We share inspirational stories related to the mitzvah of candle-lighting and we talk about the connection between Shabbos and Chanukah candles. Episode Sponsor: Nishmat Are you a post-high school young woman looking to spend a meaningful time in seminary next year? Are you looking to have a year of high-level Torah learning, fun activities, discover Eretz Yisrael and meet Israeli students? Look no further! Liba at Nishmat is for you. For more information and to apply, go to: nishmat.net/liba More Resources: Candle lighting blessing and prayer for righteous children Modern Jewish Girl Website  

Join my close friend Gitty Layosh and I as we dive in (pun intended) to the second episode of a three-part mini-series on the women's mitzvot: mikvah. We talk about what a mikvah is, why men and particularly women use the mikvah, the spiritual depth of immersing the mikvah, as well as the connection of water to the current Hebrew month of Cheshvan. We also share stories of Jews throughout history who sacrificed to be able to use the mikvah, and much more! Episode Sponsor: Nishmat Are you a post-high school young woman looking to spend a meaningful time in seminary next year? Are you looking to have a year of high-level Torah learning, fun activities, discover Eretz Yisrael and meet Israeli students? Look no further! Liba at Nishmat is for you. For more information and to apply, go to: nishmat.net/liba  More Resources: Mikvah.org The Secret of Jewish Femininity by Tehilla Abramov Mikvah on the Mountain: One Woman's Miracle Modern Jewish Girl Website 

Join my close friend Gitty Layosh and I in the first of a three-part mini-series on the women's mitzvot! First up: challah. We talk about the beauty of the mitzvah, the symbolism of each ingredient, how to do the mitzvah, ridding ourselves of guilt if we can't make challah right now, and much more! We also discuss the connection between challah and the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana. More on the mitzvah of challah: https://www.modernjewishgirl.com/post/challah-what-we-knead-to-know Gitty's Challah Recipe: 1 cup warm water 3 tablespoon yeast Sprinkle of sugar Mix the yeast water and sugar and let bubble for a few minutes.  In another large bowl, mix: 3 tablespoons of salt and 5 pounds of flour 1/2 cup of sugar Mix 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 eggs Mix Pour in the yeast and add 4 cups warm water (2 cold and 2 hot) Knead the dough; fold press and turn Cover with two dish towels and let it rise for an hour/45 min Take the challah and make the blessing (see below) Bake at 325 when it starts to brown switch to 350- in total about 30 minutes The Blessing on Separating Challah 

In this amazing episode, I speak with Mrs. Devorah Kigel, a dating coach and mentor who has helped hundreds of women "marry a mensch." We speak about Mrs. Kigel's new book, "Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today's Single Woman." Mrs. Kigel tells us about her Jewish Journey and how she became a dating coach. She shares her relationship and dating wisdom, both from the Torah and her own life experiences, in hopes that Jewish women can find their mensch with more clarity and ease.  Some topics we cover: How the Hollywood view of dating differs from the Jewish approach How to work on self-esteem in dating How to make a dealbreaker list Whether to continue dating if the attraction is neutral  Touch in dating  and much more! This was one of my favorite episodes on the Podcast- fun and filled with wisdom- you don't want to miss it!  More about Mrs. Devorah Kigel:  As a professional Dating Coach, Mrs. Devorah Kigel has helped well over 300 women get clarity in their dating life and marry their bashert.  She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. She has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant. Devorah and her husband, Reuven, who is the Campus Director for Emet Outreach, host Shabbos guests most weeks. Using humor and honesty, Devorah shares the entertaining personal journey that led her to develop powerful tools to have the relationships you desire. Devorah’s first book, “Marry a Mensch: timeless Jewish wisdom for today’s single woman “ was released on September 3rd by Gefen Publishing. Connect with Rebbetzin Devorah Kigel: Her Website Her Instagram

I am very excited to present my conversation with Chava Green, a women's studies scholar and a Chassidic Jew. Chava's dissertation, “the Hasidic face of feminism," explores how the idea of feminism expresses itself in the Chabad community, both through the Rebbe's teachings and in the lives of Chabad women. In our conversation, Chava and I define feminism and discuss this seemingly paradoxical idea of a "Chasidic Feminist." We hear about her journey to becoming a Chasidic feminist, and dive a bit deeper into her research. We touch on some common struggles that many Jewish women face and how the Rebbe spoke to those challenges. We also speak about sheitels (wigs) and cleaning help, among other things-this is a must-listen! A bit more about Chava: Chava Green received her PhD in Religious Studies from Emory University in May 2024. She has a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In between her undergraduate and graduate work, she lived in Israel for two years studying Judaism in Jerusalem and Tzfat (Safed).  Chava lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children. This coming year she will be a visiting scholar at UPenn in the Jewish Studies department while also teaching classes in the Chabad girl’s high school. Chava is passionate about bridging her academic work to the Jewish community and to a popular audience. Her writings can be found on TheJewishWoman.org. To contact Chava: Chavagreen7@gmail.com   Nishmat Online Beit Midrash Program Fall 2024 Modern Jewish Girl Website

I was surprised to learn that the Three Weeks, when we mourn the loss of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, is actually filled with the greatest light. Drawing on teachings from the Nesivos Shalom and Rav Shimshon Pincus, join me as I explore why our Sages tell us that TshB'Av, the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, is actually the "greatest festival" and what this means for us.  Modern Jewish Girl Website Sources: https://torah.org/torah-portion/ravfrand-5780-terumah/ Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus, Moadei Hashanah: Exile and Consolation - The Three Weeks and Tishah b'Av Gems from the Nesivos Sholom-Three Weeks and the Holocaust, Hashem’s Love Revealed at the Time of Destruction, p. 59 

Join me as I speak again with my close friend, teacher, and mentor, Yael (Seruya) Zdanowitz, who co-founded Chamal Har Nof, an emergency relief organization that helps displaced families, army bases, and wives of soldiers in Israel. Yael gives us an update on how Chamal Har Nof has shifted its focus to match the changing needs in Israel.  She highlights two crucial initiatives they are working on right now: 1. To raise money for displaced and special needs children to attend camp this summer and 2. To supply the army with much-needed sources of protein. We speak about donor fatigue and how we can continue to help support our brothers and sisters in Israel.  Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! Click here to donate to Chamal Har Nof (Tax receipts are available in the US, UK, Canada and Israel) 

Join me as I chat with one of my Torah teachers, Faigy Blumstein. We talk about Faigy's Jewish background, how she started teaching Torah, how she began davening at the Ohel- the Lubavitcher Rebbe's resting place,  how she began teaching Tanya (Chabad Chassidus), what we can learn from Tanya in our lives, her family's involvement in the Thank You Hashem movement, connecting to Chassidus, and more! This was a fun one filled with nuggets of wisdom, great stories, and lots of laughs.  More About Faigy: Faigy has been working with Olami Manhattan for 13 years now! Although born and bred in Brooklyn, she is currently a “Real House Wife” of Long Island. She is married to the entrepreneur Elimelech Blumstein and has a boatload of kids (6 to be exact). She spent 4 years living in Israel while attending College abroad. After receiving her Masters in Psychology, she works as a school psychologist for the Board of Education.  She teaches Torah on Monday evenings at Olami Manhattan and hosts the "Ignite" program for women. Faigy is known as a “Mystic Millenial” and teaches Chassidus to the masses, specifically through her Tanya with Faigy class.  Along with learning one-on-one with students, she spends time with brides and teaches them the secrets behind the beauty of a Jewish Marriage. Her favorite things are manicures, running, and Starbucks. She prides herself on trying out new recipes and loves hosting for Shabbat. Resources: Learn Tanya with Faigy Follow Faigy on Instagram Olami Manhattan Thank You Hashem Modern Jewish Girl

In this Pesach minisode, I speak about the process of liberation we can experience on Pesach. Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, I discuss our obligation to feel as if we were freed from Egypt every day and how to view the marror, or bitterness, in our lives.  Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! References: The Kol Menachem Haggadah From Bondage to Freedom

Join me as I speak with life coach Erika Needleman. Erika shares her beautiful Jewish journey and talks about her coaching practice- Adulting with Erika. Why is adulting so hard for our generation? What can we do to make it easier? Erika is filled with Torah-based wisdom, which infuses her coaching practice and gives women the tools they need to stop resisting, reacting, and distracting, and start loving their (imperfect) lives.  About Erika Needleman : Erika is a Life Coach for Women who loves to help her clients learn to love themselves and their lives, even if they aren't perfect...or even close to it. She sees the connection between women's relationship with Hashem and their relationship with themselves and helps them work on the deeply practical as well as the emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives. She loves fusing modern coaching tools and techniques with the infinite well of wisdom that is the Torah.    She is a mother of four, a doula, an amateur potter, and a Torah educator for Jewish Women's Connection of Atlanta. Connect with Erika: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! 

Purim is an especially auspicious time for destroying evil, as the Jews defeated Haman, a descendent of the evil nation Amalek, at that time. Based on the teachings of the Nesivos Shalom, Jenna shares a spiritual recipe for defeating evil in our times, both on a national and personal scale.  Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! References: Gems From the Nesivos Shalom: Purim by Rabbi S. Binyomin Ginsberg 

Jenna speaks with her close friend, teacher, and mentor, Yael (Seruya) Zdanowitz, who co-founded Chamal Har Nof, an emergency relief organization that helps displaced families, army bases, and wives of soldiers in Israel. Yael gives us a glimpse into the reality on the ground in Israel since October 7th. She describes the incredible work her organization is doing and how we can get involved. Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! Click here to donate to Chamal Har Nof (Tax receipts are available in the US, UK, Canada and Israel) 

Jenna speaks with Jackie Glaser- a life mentor, Torah teacher, and friend who guided Jenna on her Jewish journey for many years. Jackie, a former Today Show psychologist in Australia, combines her knowledge of Torah and psychology to help others gain a deep, real, and lasting clarity in dating and life. Jackie speaks about her personal dating journey, how she transitioned into coaching, the biggest obstacles in dating, client success stories, what to do if you are trying to find "the one," and much more. Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! References: Connect with Jackie Souled Podcast

Jenna shares a piece of Torah from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov on the battle of light and darkness within ourselves and how we can work to overcome it so that we can truly light up the world.  She shares a personal example of a powerful mind-shift. Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! Sources: Crossing the Narrow Bridge: A Practical Guide to Rebbe Nachman’s Teachings Scrolls of Poetry by Cipi Schecter 

The terror attack on October 7th, 2023 sent shock waves through the Jewish world and beyond. The immensity of the horror and evil is almost impossible to comprehend. How do we navigate through the most intense tragedy our people have faced since the Holocaust? What is our place in this conflict? What can we do if we are not in the IDF? How do we ensure that never again means NEVER AGAIN? Jenna speaks with Cynthia Hannah, an expert on the Middle East conflict. They discuss the political, historical, and spiritual context of the Israel-Hamas war and our place in it. EDUCATE  STAND WITH US DONATE  ONE FAMILY FUND THANK ISRAELI SOLDIERS To help displaced families and soldiers to have hot meals, please contact Jenna directly. PRAY Tehillim (Psalms of David)

Join Jenna as she speaks with Rabbi Moshe Gersht, author of the Wall Street Journal & USA Today  Bestseller, It's All The Same To Me. After performing for nearly a decade as a popular Los Angeles-based musician, Rabbi Gersht moved to Jerusalem, where he has spent the last fifteen years immersed in the wellsprings of Talmud, Chassidus, and Kabbalah. Jenna and Rabbi Gersht speak about his Jewish journey, his spiritual struggles and breakthroughs, achieving true inner peace and happiness, trusting in our dreams, the power of quiet, and much more. Enjoy! To learn more about Rabbi Moshe Gersht, click here. Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!

Jenna speaks with Emory Chabad Rebbetzin Miriam Lipskier in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's 29th yahrtzeit. They speak about the Rebbe's greatness, what it is like to run a Chabad house on a college campus, how we can live out the Rebbe's legacy, and much more.  Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website!

Why was Jewish unity a prerequisite for receiving the Torah? Jenna discusses this and more insights into Jewish unity and how it relates to our lives.   Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! Sources:  The Midrash Says on Shemos The Three Festivals, Ideas, and Insights of the Sfas Emes on Pesach, Shavuos, and Succos  https://rabbidunner.com/like-one-man-with-one-heart/ *New website & artwork by Renina Lifshitz