Insights & Inspiration

The Blog

Thoughts on marriage, self-growth, Torah wisdom, and living with intention.

Chanukah

Did you know that the windows of the Holy Temple, the Beit Hamikdash, had a unique design? Unlike ordinary windows, which are built to let light in, the Temple’s windows were…

Jewish Year 4 min

The Mystical Power of Chanukah

Chanukah is a celebration of light, warmth, and miracles. It’s known for glowing menorahs, family gatherings, delicious donuts and other fried treats, and the tradition of…

Parenting 4 min

Advantages to modern parenting

If you're like most people, you've probably heard your parents or grandparents reminiscing about the good old days—when kids spent their afternoons roaming the neighborhood on…

Wellness 3 min

Pleasure for the Soul

How Rabbi Noah Weinberg’s five levels of pleasure correspond to the five levels of the soul.

Wellness 3 min

Think Better, Feel Better

In a world that pushes us to do more, be more, and excel in every role, self-criticism can feel like an unavoidable companion. But by harnessing the power of your mind, you can…

Self-Growth 2 min

Simcha

Are you happy? Many people today search for an elusive “happiness” that feels out of reach. Judaism offers a more meaningful concept: simcha. Rabbi Yussi Zakutinsky teaches…

Jewish Year 4 min

Being a Jew

What does it mean to be called a “Jew”? Being a Jew—being part of the people who descend from Judah—is much more than just a label; it’s a powerful statement of identity,…

Marriage 5 min

The Mirror of Marriage

What if every little irritation or joy in your relationship wasn’t about your partner, but about you? Think of your relationship as a mirror that reflects both your best self…

Wellness 3 min

Are my emotions a spiritual signal?

Are emotions just random waves that toss us around — or something deeper, maybe even sacred? In Jewish thought, emotions aren’t a side note. They’re central to who we are and…

Wellness 4 min

Three exercises to calm

Anxiety. If you’ve experienced it, you know just how overwhelming and unpleasant it can be. When anxiety rears its ugly head, you need relief—and you need it fast. Sure, there…

Wellness 4 min

Anger

“One who is slow to anger is better than a mighty warrior, and one who rules his spirit is better than one who captures a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

Self-Growth 3 min

Loving Kindness

Do you love to do acts of kindness? Whether it’s a group of women organizing a bake sale, a rabbi visiting the geriatric ward, or a selfless individual donating a kidney, Jews…

Self-Growth 6 min

Dual Acceptance

Life’s daily challenges—whether in relationships, work, or personal growth—can feel relentless. In these moments, a practice I call Dual Acceptance can offer us a way to manage…

Self-Growth 4 min

Ditch the Guilt

Guilt is a feeling most of us know too well. It shows up when we feel we've fallen short, maybe by making a choice we wish we hadn’t or by missing an opportunity to do better.…

Marriage 5 min

Respect

Aretha Franklin was onto something when she sang "Respect”! We all want a marriage that’s full of closeness, comfort, laughter, and affection—but what if respect is actually…

Wellness 5 min

Resilience

Life is a journey marked by ups and downs, moments of joy, and times of struggle. At times, it can feel overwhelmingly painful, and you may wonder how you’ll find the strength…

Jewish Year 4 min

Finding Gd in the Safe Room

By Devora Levy

Wellness 5 min

Mindfulness

In today’s fast-paced world, mindfulness has become a popular tool for grounding ourselves in the present. But did you know that mindfulness has roots in Jewish tradition?…

Jewish Year 5 min

What is Sukkot all about?

by Devora Levy

Jewish Year 5 min

The Seven Ushpizin

by Devora Levy

Jewish Year 4 min

The Four Species

by Devora Levy

Jewish Year 4 min

Purim

As we usher in the joyous month of Adar, a time traditionally associated with increasing happiness, we reflect on the profound message carried within these days. The great…

Self-Growth 4 min

Illuminating Balance

In relationships, as in life, we often yearn for balance between strength and gentleness, independence and connection, logic and emotion. The sun and moon—two great luminaries…

Self-Growth 4 min

Forgiveness

In the Torah, we are commanded not to take revenge and not to bear a grudge. This is a tall order! The natural human response to being hurt is often to hold onto anger, to let…

Self-Growth 1 min

6 Perks of Forgiveness

In the Torah, we are commanded not to take revenge and not to bear a grudge. This is a tall order! The natural human response to being hurt is often to hold onto anger, to let…

Jewish Year 3 min

Sukkot; embracing the unknown

Sukkot arrives on the heels of the Days of Awe, marking a profound shift in how we experience our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with the world around us. Whereas…

Wellness 3 min

Health Benefits

How classic simanim support spiritual intention and physical well-being.

Marriage 4 min

10 Reasons Why Joyful People make Better Partners in a Relationship

A joyful marriage is the key to lasting happiness and deep connection. When both partners prioritize joy, they not only become more likeable to one another but also create a…

Marriage 3 min

Control vs Influence

In relationships, we often face the temptation to control—thinking if we could only steer our partner’s behavior, everything would be perfect. But control, as appealing as it…

Marriage 3 min

Overcoming defensive

As a relationship coach, I've seen firsthand how even the strongest couples can fall into cycles of blame and criticism. These patterns often stem from deep-seated feelings of…

Jewish Year 5 min

The Powerful month of Elul

We are entering the powerful and spiritually enriching month of Elul.

Marriage 3 min

The Intimate Marriage

Marriage is often described as a journey—a path filled with moments of joy, discovery, and love. Yet, this journey also demands that we navigate the challenging terrain between…

Self-Growth 5 min

On Guilt

In our journey as Jewish women, we often strive to connect deeply with ourselves and with God, finding meaning in our everyday lives. A powerful teaching from Rabbi YY Jacobson…

Wellness 5 min

Got Wrinkles?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Who is this person staring back at me?” As we journey through life, reaching milestones like 35, 45, 65, and beyond, it’s…

Self-Growth 6 min

Soul Searching

We all have traits that we don't love—traits that might even embarrass us. Whether it's a quick temper, a tendency to procrastinate, or a habit of being overly critical, these…

Jewish Year 4 min

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year, a time rich with significance and spiritual opportunity. It’s not just the start of a new calendar year, but a moment to…

Self-Growth 6 min

Affirmations

Rosh Hashanah is more than just a celebration of the Jewish New Year—it's a time of reflection, renewal, and a powerful opportunity to realign with your higher self. For a…

Jewish Year 5 min

Are Jews Superstitious

Superstition is often defined as a belief or practice resulting from ignorance or fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance. It involves the notion that certain actions,…

Jewish Year 5 min

Pesach

Based on teachings by Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi

Wellness 4 min

19 Tips

Finding joy can sometimes feel elusive, but joy is something we can intentionally create and nurture.