Bodies & Souls Rivky Boyarsky

When Miriam Raskin speaks about her journey, her words carry the weight of lived experience and the lightness of profound healing. Our latest episode is a heartfelt tale of her battle with eating disorders and the spiritual solace she discovered within the teachings of Chassidus. Our guest sheds light on the tightrope walk between maintaining control and succumbing to the chaos of life, which often manifest in one's relationship with food. From the quiet desperation of calorie counting to the academic and social hurdles that accompany such struggles, Miriam shares the details of her daily battles and eventual breakthroughs.

We celebrate as Miriam finds freedom through dance and the profound teachings of Chassidus. This episode isn't merely a conversation; it's an invitation to join a dance of joy and connection, to embrace one's unique journey, and to recognize that amidst the trials of life, there is a pathway to freedom paved with understanding, compassion, and the timeless insights of Torah and Chassidus. Join us and be inspired by Miriam's song of resilience and the harmonious chords of personal growth.

To reach Miriam Raskin, contact her on instagram @freedomdancer.
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Have you ever felt the Pesach prep pressure weighing down on you, transforming what should be a season of spiritual renewal into a marathon of stress? Join Rivky Boyarsky, and the ever-insightful Malki Janowski, as we share stories and strategies for turning the tide and claiming back the joy of Yom Tov in our latest episode. Together, we discuss our attitudes towards holiday preparations, and how these can influence not only our own experiences but also those of the next generation. 

We tackle the real challenges of juggling the demands of Pesach with little ones in tow, and offer support to keep you connected amidst the bustling.  We explore the fine line parents walk when involving teenagers in holiday tasks, balancing the load while instilling a sense of responsibility. And, we acknowledge the beauty in letting go of the perfect Pesach blueprint. Whether you're a mother stepping away from the Seder to tend to a child or have a teenager home and are balancing the expectation of helping out with enjoying vacation, we emphasize the freedom that comes with embracing Pesach as it comes. So, pour a cup of something comforting, settle in, and let's rediscover the heart of Pesach together.


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To sponsor an episode of Bodies & Souls, email us at
info@bodiessouls.com.

Embark on a transformative journey with Manya Lazaroff, a beacon of wisdom in the Jewish educational sphere, as she unfolds the tapestry of gratitude within our daily lives. Together, we unravel the intimate connection between thankfulness and personal fulfillment, traversing the terrain from familial bonds to the very essence of our purpose. Manya, a mother and seasoned shlucha, illuminates our conversation with heartfelt narratives, illustrating the profound shift in perspective that gratitude can engender, especially within the unique challenges of raising children in isolated environments and finding joy in simplicity.

Gratitude extends its roots deep into the human soul, touching upon our innate tendency to dwell on life's hurdles. Manya and I confront the daunting specter of toxic positivity, cutting through the facade to unveil the authenticity of genuine happiness. We dive into the mind's neurological landscape, where the negativity bias resides, and equip you with the tools to cultivate an intentional gratefulness that stands as a bulwark against the tumult of everyday chaos. Our dialogue bridges the gap between enduring Jewish traditions and modern mindfulness practices, fostering a sanctuary of appreciation that can weather any storm.

This episode is not just a mere reflection; it's a call to action, a blueprint for integrating gratitude into the fabric of our existence. Manya shares the subtle yet powerful impact of acknowledging the mundane, transforming routine into ritual and grounding us in the present moment. As we close, our hearts brim with the life-altering potential of these conversations, inviting you to embrace the promise that tomorrow can hold a new dawn of gratitude. Join us on this soul-stirring adventure, where we promise that the seeds of thankfulness we plant today will bloom into a future rich with contentment and grace.
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To sponsor an episode of Bodies & Souls, email us at
info@bodiessouls.com.

In this episode, Rivky Boyarsky's mother, Etti Hahn, a Yemenite Jew, speaks to us about her childhood and the Yemenite community. We discover how an ancient community clung to their identity, and how each household kept their simple Emunah at the forefront of their existance.

The winds of change occurred with Operation Magic Carpet, a mission of both deliverance and upheaval. The journey of nearly 50,000 Yemenite Jews to their new home in Israel, is both a bitter sting of cultural shock and severed family bonds. It's a portrait of resilience too, of women who, though unable to read, were walking repositories of Minhagim and Torah.

While we grapple with the complexities of Operation Magic Carpet,  including the pain of searching for lost relatives, and the challenge of nurturing Torah values in an ever-changing landscape, we also speak about the anticipation for a future era of peace,of the faith we have in the coming of Moshiach.
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To sponsor an episode of Bodies & Souls, email us at
info@bodiessouls.com.

As we sat down with Reut Ben-Ishai, a school counselor from Petuel, we were struck by the palpable strength in her voice. With her husband and brother serving in the IDF, she embodies the spirit of an entire community living under the shadow of conflict, yet she shines with faith in Hashem and living for a purpose. 

In this episode, we explore the struggles of the wives of Israeli soldiers who light Shabbat candles with trembling hands, as they pray for the soldier's safety. As Reut shares, the individual stories of struggle are interwoven with a larger narrative of unity and hope. Join us as we embrace these lessons of unity and Emunah and the strong spirit of the Jewish nation striving toward Moshiach.
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To sponsor an episode of Bodies & Souls, email us at
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Imagine a time when the world you know crumbles overnight, and you're thrust into an unknown future. This is the narrative of Chemda Jacobs, a Persian Jew and the driving force behind Torah Nursery in Cleveland, Ohia.  Chemda's childhood under the Shah's tranquil reign in Iran, the shattering revolution of 1978, and  how Rabbi Illulian, Rabbi Shea Hecht and Rabbi JJ Hecht of the NCFJE spearheaded the brave exodus of Jewish youth, offers a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

 As Chemda draws parallels between her past and the challenges Jews face in Western societies today, we're reminded of how belief in Hashem and the power of Torah are the only things constant in our lives. Chemda's perspective is not just a reflection of a historical truth, but also a reminder for women all over the world to access our Bitachon deep within ourselves.
Support the show
To sponsor an episode of Bodies & Souls, email us at
info@bodiessouls.com.