Chai on Life

Alex Segal
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Chai on Life is a podcast for passionate Jewish women. We speak about all things that go into living an observant lifestyle in a way that's real and welcoming. Come learn from so many inspiring women out there!

  1. 4 HRS AGO

    68. The Mitzvah of Challah, Reimagined: Joy, Emunah & Everyday Holiness with the Challah Mom, Anat Ishai

    Today, I’m speaking with Anat Ishai, otherwise known as the Challah Mom on Instagram. Anat is known for her challah dance parties both in her kitchen and on tours with communities around the world. Whether you are reveling in challah again after Pesach, are looking for inspiration to get back into the mitzvah, or just are learning about it for the first time, this episode is for you. You will not look at the mitzvah of challah the same way after hearing Anat speak. I completely fell in love with her in this episode — she is so well spoken and articulate and as you will hear, I was continuously blown away by her wisdom. In our conversation, we speak about: -Why she feels so connected to the mitzvah of challah and where it all began -How to reframe happiness as a goal in life and have a new perspective on what that word even means -Her journey making Aliyah and how her relationship with Hashem evolved through the process -How the act of making challah mimics reality — what we can learn from the entire experience and how we can bring more of ourselves into that experience -Messages to carry you from Pesach through the transition back into bread and the year ahead — not sure about you but it’s always so weird to me to go from completely banning chametz to fully making challah again. Lots of beautiful gems here -How she models strength and perseverance in her home and connects with her children through mitzvot in a way that is authentic and doesn’t wear her out …and SO much more. To get more from the Challah Mom, visit her below: @challah.mom on Instagram Anat Ishai on Facebook thechallahmom.com

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 30

    [REPLAY] Make Pesach Fun Again with Chanie Apfelbaum of Busy in Brooklyn

    This episode originally aired on March 24, 2025 — but it's still just as relevant today! I am so excited about today’s guest because it is Chanie Apfelbaum of Busy in Brooklyn. If you are not already familiar, Chanie is a food writer and photographer who has a really unique way of blending traditional Jewish foods with modern flavors. She started her blog, Busy in Brooklyn, in 2011 so it’s been giving us delicious recipe ideas for all occasions for nearly 15 years now. She is also the author of two cookbooks, Millennial Kosher and Totally Kosher where you can get even more recipe ideas from Chanie as well as tons of tips about cooking, how to stock your kitchen, plan a meal and more. As we all know, Pesach is a stressful time on the Jewish calendar, but the more I get into making and hosting Pesach, the more I’m determined to take the stress out of the process. This episode with Chanie will do that for you. It’s genuinely fun. I felt lighter and excited after recording it and had that same feeling after listening through again and editing it. It just got me actually excited to cook for Pesach and feeling blessed for the opportunity to do so versus overburdened with chores.  In the episode, we talk a bit about: -Chanie’s background and how her spirituality has evolved over the years especially throughout various challenges she has gone through -Then, about halfway through, the ideas start FLOWING when it comes to easy foods you can make this Pesach mainly out of fruits, vegetables nuts and seeds and it is both mouth-watering and easier than you think. -She also shares tips that can help you in the kitchen and streamline your cooking experience. -We go through how to plan a meal — whether it’s seder night or a third day lunch and it’s just so awesome to see how her brain works in that way. Her ideas are simplified yet do not skimp on the flavor. In fact, they are bursting with flavor and because so many of the ingredients are just fruits and vegetables or repurposing something you have, you will be saving tons of money not having to buy all the processed pantry products and too many extras because as we all know Pesach can get really expensive really quickly. To help you out further, I made a companion document where I typed up all the ideas for easy access — view it here! Wishing all of you a beautiful Pesach.

    1h 3m

  3. MAR 23

    67. Sharing Pesach Secrets with Batya Kahan of Batya's Kitchen

    Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I’m Alex Segal, and today I’m speaking with Batya Kahan, founder of Batya’s Kitchen. Batya’s Kitchen is a full scale catering business that delivers home-cooked kosher food to Jews all over the country. Started in 2007, Batya has become well known for her delicious Pesach cuisine and so many order from her whether they’re traveling for the holiday and need food or just want some help at home. She has become a true expert on Pesach cooking, freezing food before Pesach and how to defrost and reheat it to retain its flavor, the halachos in the kitchen and more. This year, Batya has created a stunning cookbook called Pesach Secrets that everyone is talking about. I had to get it and am so excited to dive in as I’m cooking for Pesach this year. In the book, she not only has tons of mouth-watering recipes, but she also goes through all the elements of the seder plate with information on how to put it together and tips to keep everything fresh. There is information on checking vegetables, hechsherim to pay close attention to so you don’t accidentally buy kitniyot for example, advice on how to prep for Pesach so  you don’t get so completely overwhelmed and so much more. It is so comprehensive and you can really utilize the recipes all year round. In our conversation, Batya speaks about: -How she got into this work and built Batya’s Kitchen into what it is today -What her own memories of Pesach look like and and how that plays into her work and family life -How to have a positive mindset about Pesach and a calming approach if you’re feeling overwhelmed -How to approach a big book of recipes also without getting overwhelmed and feeling like you need to make everything -Her approach to planning a menu -Her number one tip to staying focused and being most efficient in the kitchen -How to get kids involved …and so much more! If there is someone you want to see on The Chai on Life Podcast, email me at alex@chaionlifemag.com or send me a DM @chaionlifemag. Chag sameach everyone!

    38 min

  4. MAR 16

    66. Are We Really Free? Rethinking Pesach, Mitzvot and the Meaning of Freedom — with Powerhouse Educator Rivky Slonim

    Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I’m Alex Segal and today, I am speaking with Rebbetzin Rivky Slonim. Rivky is the Associate Director at the Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University. An internationally known teacher, lecturer, and activist, she travels widely, addressing the intersection of traditional Jewish observance and contemporary life, with a special focus on Jewish women in Jewish law and life. She is the author of the book, Holy Intimacy: The Heart and Soul of Jewish Marriage and editor of Total Immersion: A Mikvah Anthology as well as Bread and Fire; Jewish Women find God in the Everyday. She is also the mother of nine children. Rivky is also someone very special to me. When I was just beginning my Jewish journey at Binghamton University, she was my personal teacher, role model and guide as I moved through the early stages of learning more about Judaism. I still remember the taste of her challah on Friday nights, the way she commanded a room of hundreds each week and how she really found love for every student that walked through her doors.  When thinking about who to interview for a Pesach episode, she just felt like such a powerful choice. In this episode, we get into it and speak about: -How she ended up at Binghamton University on shlichus -How to reframe your mindset on Pesach so you don’t feel so overburdened and stressed out -What the true definition of freedom is according to the Rebbe and how that manifests in everyday life -Why the book of Shemos where we learn about Yetziyas Mitzrayim is such a feminine book of the Torah -How a woman who is so forward facing and such a doer can then become a receiver, or mekabel in marriage -A new approach if you’re not feeling so inspired by the mikvah experience, and how we can bring that mindset through all of the mitzvot we do -The difference between spirituality and having a relationship with Hashem -The most important thing to teach our children today …and soooo much more. As I said, Rivky is a powerhouse and this episode really delivers. I am so grateful she took the time to speak with us before Pesach and I hope this conversation gives you insights to bring with you throughout the holiday and beyond.

    1h 4m

  5. MAR 11

    65. How this Haredi Executive and Mom of 11 "Does It All" with Gvira Milworm, CEO of Temech

    Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I’m Alex Segal and today, I am speaking with Gvira Milworm. Gvira is the CEO of Temech, a Jerusalem-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women from Israel’s Haredi community advance professionally while protecting and honoring Jewish values. Gvira was born in the Bronx and made aliya with her parents from Peoria, Illinois, and then was raised in Jerusalem’s Haredi center. She built a 25-year career as a trailblazing woman in technology across the government and private sectors, including 15 years in systems analysis and project management and over a decade as the founder of GMP Start, an international technology consulting business. She became the CEO of Temech in 2019 and in that role, is passionate about helping Jewish women build meaningful, sustainable careers without compromising their values. Also, she’s the mother of 11 children, so she’s running quite a crew at home as well. Gvira is a fascinating person and we had such a wonderful conversation. We speak about: -Her career and how she got to become the powerhouse leader that she is -How young girls today can become more assertive in asking for what they want and receiving it -What she did when life got honestly too overwhelming — how she got herself back and the routines and strategies she put in place to manage her big and beautiful life and make time for herself within that -How her relationship with Hashem has evolved over the years and how she connects now -The difference between resilience and strength -The power of imperfection …and so much more! To get in touch with Gvira, you can reach out at Gviram@temech.org. To learn more about what she does, visit Temech.org.

    1h 2m

  6. MAR 2

    [Replay] Redefine Happiness this Purim and SO much more with Educator Rivka Lerner

    This episode originally aired on March 10, 2025 — but is just as relevant today! Hope you enjoy :) -- Hi everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I’m Alex Segal and today, I am speaking with Rivka Lerner. Originally from Switzerland, she works as a software developer and coach as well as a kallah teacher, but her love is in teaching and discussing profound ideas with Jews from all walks of life.  After teaching with her husband Rabbi Simi Lerner in London for a few years, Rivka came back to Israel long term, and is now an educator in Tel Aviv for the anglo community, as well as in Midreshet Rachel V’Chaya. Above all else, a mother to her awesome four boys. I love this episode so much. We are really going deep into Purim. While Jews have never really had it “easy” this is a particularly tough time for the Jewish people everywhere and it feels a bit strange to be focused on joy when there is so much devastation around us. We talk about that. We speak about what happiness really means, how you can redefine it for yourself and how you can truly feel it this Purim. We also speak really practically about what Purim can look like for you. Is it super overwhelming? Do you not really like it as much as you feel like you “should”? Do you feel like you’re missing out on that joy? We speak about ways you can access it and how you can transform your preparation and day even in just a few conversations that can be really life-changing. We talk about the megillah, parts of the megillah you may not have noticed before and intentions about the megillah that can change your experience while listening to it. At the end we speak about the comparison between Purim and Yom Kippur, or Yom HaKipppurim and what it really means that Yom Kippur is a day “like” Purim.  There is so much depth in this episode, it is so rich with meaning and wisdom and profound takeaways and I am so excited for you to hear it and G-d willing for it to enrich your holiday this year in new ways. If there is someone you want to see on The Chai on Life Podcast, email me at ⁠alex@chaionlifemag.com⁠ or send me a DM @chaionlifemag. Thanks again, see you next week!

    1h 3m

  7. FEB 23

    64. Finding Power in Purim with Rebbetzin Lisa Babich

    Hi everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I’m Alex Segal, and today I am speaking with Rebbetzin Lisa Babich all about Purim. Lisa is a Queens-raised New Yorker, full-time Rebbetzin, and licensed speech and language pathologist. She has been involved in Jewish education and outreach since the age of 19, teaching at TBY, EMETT Russian outreach, the Jewish Enrichment Center in the West Village, and now Fifth Avenue Synagogue alongside her husband, Rabbi Eli Babich who is the Rabbi there. She was also very vocal during the NYC mayoral election this past year when unfortunately, Mamdani was elected. Lisa was instrumental in trying to unite the Jewish people in prayer to attempt to stop his win yet even when he did, she did not let the news get her down. She is a strong advocate for the Jewish people and has really become a source of chizzuk, or strength for me, when it comes to the day-to-day issues we’re facing these days.  Plus, the whole experience with Mamdani has eerie parallels to the Purim story. He really feels like a modern day Haman and I knew I wanted to speak with Lisa around this time to give us insight into how we can use this experience to connect even more to Purim and Hashem, as the ultimate goal. And she really delivered. She shares sooo much wisdom in this podcast episode and I’m so glad we talked it all through. In our conversation, we speak about: -How to see Hashem in this hidden world -What the lessons in the Torah can teach us about the times we’re living in now -How she’s already seeing Hashem’s Hand through Mamdani’s election and why she’s not scared -Why unity is one of the most important things we need to be focused on and how to work at it in your own life when you feel helpless -Her thoughts on if we should all be moving to Israel right now -How she personally connects more deeply to Hashem and how to work to make it more of a relationship vs just a give and take  -What it means to be a strong Jewish woman ...and so much more! Connect with Lisa on Instagram at @lisababich9 or via email at lisababich9@gmail.com.

    59 min

  8. FEB 9

    63. Becoming a Vessel for Abundance with Author & Podcaster Cathy Heller

    Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast! I’m Alex Segal and today, I’m speaking with Cathy Heller, podcaster, author and speaker. Cathy is a renowned teacher, top ranked podcaster and bestselling author. She hosts one of the top spiritual podcasts, The Cathy Heller Podcast, which has been downloaded over 45 million times, and she’s the author of the USA Today bestselling book, Abundant Ever After: Tools for Creating a Life of Prosperity and Ease. She’s a practitioner of the law of reception, and has a deep understanding of the universal principles of manifestation. Cathy guides individuals on a transformative journey towards unlocking their highest potential. Drawing from the wisdom of Jewish mysticism and ancient teachings, Cathy illuminates the path to spiritual growth and abundance. Through her unique approach, Cathy empowers students to embrace their innate ability to receive and manifest their desires effortlessly with a focus on meditation and mindfulness practices. --->>>> To join Cathy's Abundant Life Program (as mentioned in the intro) click here! You can do a trial week for just $1. With that, you get a daily meditation and journaling exercise sent to you every morning, live calls with Cathy, a private Facebook community, replays and teachings of all her other work and more. Click the link to get all of the details and to sign up. We recorded this while I was on maternity leave but it’s just as relevant now. It actually feels like the perfect time to put it out as we are about halfway through the Jewish year. It’s a really great time to check in with yourself, see where you’re at when it comes to the goals you set, refresh and refocus as we head into a new season. In the episode we speak about: -How Cathy got started with her own podcast and business she built -Why she feels it’s way more to focus on “pro-semitism” instead of antisemitism. -How to become the vessel to draw in the life you want -The guilt people may feel around having "too much" -Why so many people feel shame around prosperity and how to transcend that -Getting closer to Hashem through abundance …and SO MUCH MORE. If there is someone you want to see on The Chai on Life Podcast, email me at alex@chaionlifemag.com or send me a DM @chaionlifemag. Thanks again, see you next week!

    58 min
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About

Chai on Life is a podcast for passionate Jewish women. We speak about all things that go into living an observant lifestyle in a way that's real and welcoming. Come learn from so many inspiring women out there!

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Segal
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alex Segal
  • Show Website
    Chai on Life

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