Listening to Understand

Matana Jacobs
  • 5.0 (8)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to 'Listening to Understand, where sensitive Jewish truth-seekers gather in a safe place for candid conversations on challenging topics. When we listen to truly understand - and not to respond - we can replace judgment with curiosity and open our hearts to every Jew, regardless of their personal choices.

  1. Einav Danino and the Angels Along Her Journey (Yuko Query)

    08/19/2025

    Einav Danino and the Angels Along Her Journey (Yuko Query)

    What happens when a grieving mother, a Jewish podcaster, and a Delta airline pilot cross paths by “chance” at an airport security line? In this unforgettable episode, Matana introduces Yuko Query, the Delta pilot who stopped to comfort Einav Danino, mother of murdered hostage Ori Danino, and ended up flying her safely to New York. What began as a simple act of compassion became a powerful story of faith, divine timing, and unlikely friendship. Called an “angel” by Matana, Yuko shares her journey of prayer, courage, and devotion, reminding us how one small moment can change everything. Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message. Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANA

    1h 15m
  2. A Jewish Woman’s Journey from Addiction to Faith (Rea Bochner)

    06/30/2025

    A Jewish Woman’s Journey from Addiction to Faith (Rea Bochner)

    In this deeply moving and raw episode, Matana sits down with writer and founder of Awake Jewish Women, Rea Bochner, for a powerful conversation on addiction, recovery, faith, and awakening. Rea shares her personal journey through food addiction, her 20+ years in 12-step recovery, and how spirituality—not religion—became the anchor that saved her life. Together, they explore the shame around addiction in the Jewish world, the difference between fitting in and belonging, and the power of owning your truth. A must-listen for anyone craving authenticity, connection, and healing. Connect with Rea: AwakeJewishWomen.com IG: @awakejewishwomen email: Awakejewishwomen@gmail.com Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message. Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANA Maxifyz.com Maxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep. Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

    1h 35m
  3. Understanding the Significance of a Yoetzet Halacha (Rachel Weinstein)

    03/26/2025

    Understanding the Significance of a Yoetzet Halacha (Rachel Weinstein)

    Rabbanit Rachel Weinstein lives in Tekoa with her husband and eight children. She studied at Migdal Oz, graduated from the Nishmat Yoetzet Halacha program, and completed the Matan Hilcheta program. She has been serving as a Yoetzet Halacha for the past 18 years. Rachel has taught in various women's Torah study programs and currently works at MMY, Lapidot, and Ma'ale. Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message. Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANA Maxifyz.com Maxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep. Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

    1h 47m
  4. The Unspoken Revolution Behind Orthodox Jewish Women's Education & Leadership (Leslie Ginsparg Klein)

    01/10/2025

    The Unspoken Revolution Behind Orthodox Jewish Women's Education & Leadership (Leslie Ginsparg Klein)

    Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of the Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an accomplished scholar, author, and speaker on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership, and communication skills. She passionately discusses the role of women in leadership and education within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting female leaders and mentors. Focusing on the transformative impact of figures like Sarah Schneirer and the Bais Yaakov movement, which provided Jewish girls with education and a sense of spiritual identity, Leslie emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another and foster inclusivity and acceptance within the community. In addressing today’s challenges in Jewish education, including school rejections, inclusivity, and balancing home and school in teaching Jewish values, Leslie advocates for moving beyond performative education. She calls for internalized spiritual growth rather than surface-level conformity. Sensitive topics such as dress codes, hair covering, and the devaluation of teachers are tackled, with a strong appeal to prioritize respect and fair pay for educators. Leslie and Matana underscore the importance of ensuring meaningful, inclusive education for all children and strengthening the role of women in shaping the community. Dr. Klein earned her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women, and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children. Connect with Leslie: Website: lesliegklein.com Email: lmgklein@gmail.com Instagram:@leslie_g_klein Leslie's Book: Sarah Builds a School Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom...

    1h 14m
  5. The Hidden Power That Turns Pain Into Purpose יהודי = הודיה (Liel Alter)

    12/31/2024

    The Hidden Power That Turns Pain Into Purpose יהודי = הודיה (Liel Alter)

    Liel Alter went on a transformative journey from a secular upbringing to embracing God, Judaism and spirituality. From the profound impact of her mother's illness and passing had, to her search for meaning, and how she found faith through community and personal exploration, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the role of supportive parenting, and the power of choice in personal growth. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of resilience, faith, and the essence of living a meaningful life. Liel and Matana explore the profound impact of gratitude, spirituality, personal well-being and how gratitude is not just a feeling but a choice that can transform one's perspective, especially during hardships. This concept is woven into the significance of Chanuka, a time to reflect on gratitude, the miracles in our lives and emphasizing that true happiness comes from recognizing and appreciating what we already have. Liel's message is compelling and has attracted thousands on her popular social media accounts, ripe with relevant content and inspiration, where she shares thoughts gleaned along her journey. Connect with Liel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emunahashem YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emunahashem WhatsApp group for daily inspiration: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GurRSu29bY31axv0xydOps Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message. Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANA Maxifyz.com Maxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep. Get 10% off your order...

    47 min
  6. When a Jew and a Muslim Talk ושבו בנים לגבולם (Moriel Bareli)

    12/09/2024

    When a Jew and a Muslim Talk ושבו בנים לגבולם (Moriel Bareli)

    Author Moriel Bareli explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having moved to Israel and learned Arabic, he gained insights from conversations with Arabs. Moriel shares the historical narratives presented in the Quran, the misunderstandings surrounding Jewish sovereignty, and the need for education to bridge cultural gaps. The significance of reclaiming national identity are crucial in understanding the deeper issues at play in the ongoing conflict. Moriel delves into the significance of Eretz Israel in Judaism, discusses the historical and spiritual connections that bind the Jewish people to the land, the challenges faced by Jews living outside of Israel and the importance of returning to their roots. Moriel emphasizes the need for unity among Jews, the role of education in fostering understanding and peace with the Muslim world, the necessity of self-reflection and living with passion and truth to fulfill their purpose as a nation. Moriel was born and raised in New York but at the age of 18 decided to make Aliyah to Israel. He now lives in Samaria with his wife and 2 children, teaches Arabic, gives lectures about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is the author of “When a Jew and a Muslim Talk”. His passion for the Arabic language began while he was studying in a Yeshiva that bordered the Christian and Muslim quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. He embarked on a journey to study the language, religion and culture of those surrounding him, eventually leading him to hundreds of conversations with Muslims from all over the Middle East. Connect with Moriel: mobareli100@gmail.com https://moriel-bareli.co.il/en/book-eng/ Amazon Book Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or...

    1h 19m
  7. Breaking Taboos Around Sex, Pleasure and Intimacy in Religious Communities (Galya Falkson)

    11/16/2024

    Breaking Taboos Around Sex, Pleasure and Intimacy in Religious Communities (Galya Falkson)

    Galya Falkson, a sex and relationship coach, is dedicated to providing sex education and breaking down taboos, especially within religious communities. She began her journey after studying halachah and recognizing the need for open discussions around sex and intimacy. Galya believes shame and taboo arise from a lack of education and stresses the importance of normalizing conversations about sex, pleasure, and intimacy from a young age. She encourages couples to communicate openly about desires, expectations, and experiences to build fulfilling relationships. In this conversation, Galya addresses the myths and pressures surrounding sex, particularly within marriage, advocating for a realistic, compassionate, and open approach to intimacy. Connect with Galya: galyafalkson@gmail.com www.galyafalkson.com https://www.instagram.com/galyafalkson Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message. Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code MATANA Maxifyz.com Maxifyz.com provides doctor formulated, lab certified, USA grown high quality CBD oils, tinctures and 100% legal Hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress, provide muscle relaxation and help to get a better night’s sleep. Get 10% off your order plus free shipping with coupon code HOPE

    54 min
  8. Choosing Motherhood as a Single Orthodox Woman (Ellie Levi)

    11/10/2024

    Choosing Motherhood as a Single Orthodox Woman (Ellie Levi)

    Ellie Levi is an Orthodox Jewish woman who chose to become a single mother. In this episode, she and Matana discuss the journey and challenges of single motherhood, including the stigma around the term "single mom by choice" and the various paths women take to reach this decision. Ellie shares her personal experience with egg freezing and fertility treatments, highlighting the importance of a supportive network during the emotional ups and downs of the process. She reflects on her family's reactions and the halachic complexities, urging women to pursue their dreams without seeking others’ permission. Chapters: 02:16 Understanding Single Motherhood 11:32 The Journey of Egg Freezing 12:14 Navigating Fertility Treatments 16:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood 30:25 Coping with Societal Expectations 36.42 The Halachic Perspective on Single Motherhood 44:27 The Selfless Act of Motherhood 46:14 Navigating Reactions to Single Motherhood 49:38 Overcoming Naysayers and Embracing Support 57:38 The Complex Relationship with God 01:07:44 Fertility Organizations and Their Limitations 01:21:34 Reflections on Regrets and Surprises in the Journey Connect with Ellie: ellie.levi@gmail.com Resources: Single Mothers By Choice Orthodox Jewish Single Moms by Choice IVF/IUI Single Moms By Choice https://www.singlemothersbychoice.org/ Join us on Whatsapp: Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️ https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4 Listen to us: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630 Comments or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you: listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com  Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or message. Get $55.00 off your order today with coupon code...

    1h 29m
See All (24)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to 'Listening to Understand, where sensitive Jewish truth-seekers gather in a safe place for candid conversations on challenging topics. When we listen to truly understand - and not to respond - we can replace judgment with curiosity and open our hearts to every Jew, regardless of their personal choices.

Information

  • Creator
    Matana Jacobs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Matana Jacobs
  • Show Website
    Listening to Understand