Rabbi Ayala Deckel shares her remarkable journey of spiritual transformation and her current role as a spiritual leader during one of Israel's most challenging times. From her Orthodox upbringing to becoming a progressive rabbi, her story intersects with some of the most pressing issues facing Israeli society today.

Key Topics Discussed

Personal Journey

• Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish home
• Childhood memories of accompanying her father to siyum celebrations marking the completion of Talmud tractates
• The complexity of her marriage: an Orthodox woman married to an initially unorthodox man who later became observant
• Her own path away from strict halachic observance and the call to become a rabbi
• Finding her unique rabbinic and spiritual mission

Motherhood During War

• The challenges of raising children while fathers are serving in the military
• Helping children process the loss of their classmate's father in the war
• Strategies for discussing war and loss with children at their developmental level
• Building resilience and emotional maturity in young people during crisis

Leadership at Hostage Square

• Her emergence as the de facto rabbi of Kikar Hahatufim (Hostage Square) in Tel Aviv
• The role of prayer and ritual in supporting families of hostages
• Creating and maintaining community during prolonged crisis
• The importance of spiritual leadership in times of national trauma

Show Notes

This episode explores themes of spiritual evolution, communal responsibility, and finding meaning during times of crisis. Rabbi Deckel's personal journey from Orthodox Judaism to progressive rabbinical leadership provides a unique lens through which to examine contemporary Jewish identity and the role of religious leadership during national crisis.

Her work at Hostage Square demonstrates how traditional Jewish practices can be adapted to meet the urgent spiritual needs of a community in crisis, while her approach to parenting during wartime offers valuable insights for families facing similar challenges.

This Podcast was produced and edited by thepodwaves.com

In this deeply moving episode, Bill sits down with Rabbi Chananel Rosen, son of Rabbi Micky Rosen z"l, founder of the renowned YaKar communities in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Their conversation weaves through generations of Jewish leadership and explores the delicate balance of tradition and innovation in modern Jewish life.

Key Topics:

• The rich legacy of the Rosen family's multi-generational commitment to Jewish education and leadership
• Rabbi Chananel's personal journey to the rabbinate and his unique perspective on integrating Jewish life with arts and broader culture
• The profound experience of joining his father in leading the YaKar community
• A touching discussion about loss, mourning (אבילות), and the transformative experience of losing a parent
• The continuing mission of YaKar and its vital role as a spiritual home for diverse Israeli Jews
• Building inclusive Jewish communities where people can grow authentically together

About YaKar: The YaKar community, established by Rabbi Micky Rosen z"l, stands as a beacon of inclusive Judaism in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, creating spaces where all Jews can find their place in Jewish tradition and community life.

Send us your thoughts at bill@honeyfoundationforisrael.org

visit us at:
https://honeyfoundationforisrael.org/

This podcast was produced and edited by thepodwaves.com

Rabbi Tamar shares her transformative journey from a traditional Sephardic background to becoming a rabbi, sparked by her grandfather Saba Yaish's (Grandpa Hope's) profound words. In this intimate conversation, she explores how having supporters who truly believed in her potential gave her the courage to pursue an unconventional path.

Key Topics:
- The power of trust within religious communities and leadership
- How courage and authentic support shape our life choices
- The impact of Saba Yaish's legacy and wisdom
- Breaking cultural barriers in rabbinic leadership
- The essential role of trust in building and sustaining communities
- Finding strength through people who believe in our potential
- Building resilient Jewish communities through mutual support
- Balancing tradition with contemporary religious leadership
- Finding hope and healing through communal support
- The significance of community during times of celebration and sorrow
- The courage required to step into leadership roles
- How trust enables community transformation

Send us your thoughts at bill@honeyfoundationforisrael.org

visit us at:
https://honeyfoundationforisrael.org/

This podcast was produced and edited by thepodwaves.com