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If you are like me, a secular Jew who is starting to observe mitzvahs, this episode is for you!

In Shabbat 101, you will hear about the primary steps to observing Shabbat - candle lighting, kiddush, hand washing and challah - and hopefully you will learn from my mistakes! I share very interesting historical and traditional information, as well, and explanation for why we observe commandments the way we do.

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Mitzvahs: Candle lighting, kiddush, hand washing, challah

baal teshuvah (master of return)

Song “The Shabbat Queen” by Ḥayyim Naḥman Bialik

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In the past, I attended synagogue services and events only on High Holidays, thinking that those were the only special days in the Jewish calendar. But now that I am becoming more and more observant, I am learning that there are many more important dates in Jewish tradition that I had no idea about. One of them is TishaB'av, which is considered the saddest day for Jews.

This year, I decided that it was essential I learn more about this holy day (not holiday). In this episode, you will learn about my first experience observing TishaB'av at Chabad - what the day entails, what me must do and not do on this special day, and why it is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar.

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I attended a very interesting book signing of Rabbi Levi Y. Shmotkin, who recently edited and published "Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe".

Shmotkin spoke on various topics, presenting examples from individuals he himself interviewed that had received letters from the Rebbe. Shmotkin spent years reading and researching the Rebbe’s correspondence and archives. The common denominator he identified was the Rebbe’s advice and teachings on coping with the inevitable challenges that threaten our peace of mind.

The Rebbe was the one that brought Torah wisdom down to earth and made it accessible for all. His teachings and guidance evident in the many thousands of letters he personally answered are inspiring and life-changing.

In this episode, I share what touched me the most and what all people can apply to everyday life to achieve emotional wellbeing.

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Book - "Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe"

The Rebbe - Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson

Levi Y. Shmotkin - author and editor

Psalm 23

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Every time I volunteer at my synagogue, I learn a ton. This time was not exception. I helped the summer camp put on a kids play, which turned out to be a highly educational and gratifying experience for me.

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Baruch Hashem - B''H

Frozen - Disney movie

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After promising myself that I would not become a pet owner because family life is already hectic enough, and also to avoid heartbreak due to the eventual pet's illness and death (my in law's pet had recently passed away), my husband and I gave into our son's plea for a dog. Even though we agreed on a specific breed and size, we ended up re-homing a dog that was nothing like we what we had envisioned or hoped for. Such is the irony of life!

In this episode, I also share inspirational quotes from Torah and psalms that have the power to develop in us a greater trust in G-d and the plans He has for us - plans, which more often than not do not coincide with our human, limited-vision intentions.

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Corsican dog - cursinu

My dog's probable breed - Mountain Cur

Norse mythology

Loki - God of mischief

Quote from outorah.org by Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

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In this episode, I recount my visit to one of the most magical, spiritual, holy places in the world - the Ohel - the burial site of the Rebbe in Queens, New York.

You will find out how to prepare for a visit, what to expect and what to do step-by-step once you get there, as well as what makes this place a holy site for Jews all over the world.

You don't have to be Jewish to visit the Ohel, which is open 24/7 and welcomes people regardless of their religion and from all walks of life.

You will learn about prayers and psalms recited at the burial site, and various Jewish customs.

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Ohel Chabad Lubavitch

The Rebbe - Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Tanya - book that is composed of five sections that define Hasidic mystical psychology and theology as a handbook for daily spiritual life in Jewish observance.

Psalm 39 - a psalm of David expressing themes of mortality, suffering, and the brevity of life

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The adventure continues to Norway. Hear about my experience as a Jew in Bergen and Oslo, as well as Norway's natural beauty, and peculiar art scene.

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Bergen - port city

Fjords - long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea with steep sides formed by glacial erosion

Mount Floyen in Bergen and the Troll Forest

Oslo - capital

Quote by the Rebbe - Menachem Mendel Schneerson

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The Jewish adventure continues in Sweden. In this episode, I recount my family's visit to the Great Synagogue of Stockholm and the Jewish museum. I comment on the liberal nature of Stockholm's Jewish community and express my opinion on the importance of tradition, which is what keeps the Jews strong and able to withstand any challenges.

Mentions:

The Great Synagogue of Stockholm

Aron Isak - a German seal engraver, was the first Jewish person to receive permission to live in Sweden

Judiska Museet - Jewish Museum

Scandic hotels - my recommendation

Quote from musical “Fiddler on the roof”

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