A Soul Grows in Israel

Esther Malka
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Judaism
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to A Soul Grows in Israel, a podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets the modern world. We explore spirituality, self-growth, Judaism and life in Israel. Hosted by a woman, this show features soul-o episodes, interviews with Jewish thinkers, Rabbis, of course my husband, and everyday souls. Join us  as we bridge the gap between the spiritual and the practical, offering insights on personal growth, mindfulness, Jewish mysticism, unity, and modern-day living. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, looking to deepen your connection to your Jewish heritage, or simply keep it light and fun, this podcast will inspire and remind you that every journey matters. Subscribe now and start your own journey of growth. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and grow together.

  1. 1d ago

    Marrying Off My Child Taught Me How to Let Go, Ancient Jewish Wisdom for Every Transition

    Marrying off a child cracks something open. In the middle of the joy there's a quieter truth: you are being asked to let go. This episode is about that, and about what ancient Jewish wisdom teaches all of us about moving through the transitions we never feel ready for. The wedding is the doorway, but the subject is bigger than any one simcha. Every life is a series of thresholds we have to cross with open hands: children growing up and leaving, seasons ending, roles we held tightly slipping into something new. Drawing on Torah, the prayers, and generations of Jewish teaching, we look at why letting go is a skill rather than a weakness, how perspective changes everything about a transition, and the real power we hold even in the moments that feel entirely out of our control. Whether or not you're standing under a chuppah anytime soon, these are lessons for anyone facing change. In this episode: Why letting go is something we learn, not something we're born knowingWhat marrying off a child reveals about every transition we faceHow the prayers reframe our sense of control and surrenderThe power that stays in our hands even when everything is shiftingFinding perspective in the thresholds we never felt ready to crossHowever life is asking you to grow right now, may you cross the threshold with steadier hands. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts  🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Jewish wisdom, Torah, and the inner life #JewishWisdom #LettingGo #Torah #Transitions #Judaism #Spirituality #Prayer #LifeLessons #Simcha #Growth #JewishThought #Perspective Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  2. Sep 6

    What Is Teshuva? Rabbi David Aaron on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the High Holidays

    What does teshuva really mean? Not punishment, not self reproach, but return, coming home to who you actually are. Rabbi David Aaron reframes Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the whole arc of the High Holidays as an invitation rather than a verdict. We tend to translate teshuva as "repentance," a word heavy with judgment. Rabbi David Aaron opens it back up to its literal meaning, return. In this conversation we talk about why Rosh Hashanah is a beginning and not a sentencing, what these days are really inviting us toward, and how Yom Kippur can be the most freeing day of the year rather than the most fearful. In this episode: Rosh Hashanah as coronation and new beginning, not judgment day What the Days of Awe are actually asking of us How to approach Yom Kippur? A practical way to enter the High Holidays with honesty and openness Rabbi David Aaron is the author of several books on Jewish spirituality and the founder of Isralight, known for making Kabbalah and Torah accessible and deeply personal. The Jewish year 5787 begins at sundown on September 11, 2026, with Yom Kippur following on September 20 to 21. However you come to these days, may they be a genuine homecoming. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Jewish thought, Torah, and the inner life #RoshHashanah #YomKippur #Teshuva #HighHolidays #DavidAaron #JewishWisdom #Torah #Kabbalah #DaysOfAwe #Repentance #JewishNewYear #Teshuvah Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  3. Aug 23

    Judaism, Torah, and the Temple Mount, With a Friend Who Actually Thinks

    New studio, same old questions. My husband and I sat down with our friend Robert Blum, a man who actually thinks and never gives us the easy answer, for a wide-ranging conversation on Jewish values, making Aliyah to Israel, the Torah, Navi, and the Temple Mount. No script, no easy conclusions, just an honest talk between people who've known each other long enough to agree, push back, and dig deeply into Judaism, Israel, and how we live out those values today. If you want more from Robert Blum on Jewish parenting, Israel, and Torah, find him at jewishparenting.substack.com. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  4. Aug 9

    Living Out Loud in Israel: The Truth About Aliyah with Marc Rosenberg of Nefesh B'Nefesh

    What is it really like to make aliyah? Is moving to Israel everything people imagine—or are there challenges no one talks about? In this episode of A Soul Grows in Israel, Esther Farkovits sits down with Marc Rosenberg, Vice President of Diaspora Partnerships at Nefesh B'Nefesh, for an honest conversation about making aliyah, building a life in Israel, and discovering what it truly means to live with purpose in the Jewish homeland. Marc believes that in Israel, we're "living out loud"—where Jewish history, identity, and values are woven into everyday life. Whether you're seriously considering aliyah, dreaming about moving to Israel one day, or simply want to deepen your connection to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, this conversation offers practical insight, inspiration, and heartfelt honesty. In this episode, we discuss: • What inspires people to make aliyah. • The biggest fears and challenges before moving to Israel. • What Nefesh B'Nefesh does to help new olim succeed. • The realities of building a new life in Israel. • Raising a family, finding community, and creating a meaningful future. • Why so many Jews continue to choose Israel as home. If you've ever searched for making aliyah, moving to Israel, living in Israel, Nefesh B'Nefesh, aliyah from America, or Jewish life in Israel, this episode is for you. Subscribe to A Soul Grows in Israel for inspiring conversations on Israel, Jewish spirituality, aliyah, Torah, Jewish identity, and living a life of meaning. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  5. Jul 26

    From the Kindertransport to Israel: Paul Alexander's Extraordinary Journey

    What was it like to escape Nazi Europe as a child? How did one life, shaped by the Kindertransport and the horrors of World War II, lead to a future in the State of Israel? In this episode of A Soul Grows in Israel, Esther Farkovits sits down with Paul Alexander to hear his remarkable firsthand story of survival, resilience, and hope. Paul shares his memories of leaving Europe through the Kindertransport, the difficult and often unlikely path that followed, and how those experiences ultimately led him to build a life in Israel. His story is a powerful reminder of courage, faith, perseverance, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people. This conversation explores: The Kindertransport and the rescue of nearly 10,000 Jewish children before World War II.Growing up during the Holocaust.Life after the war and rebuilding from unimaginable loss.The journey to Israel.The resilience of the Jewish people across generations.Lessons of hope, identity, and survival that remain deeply relevant today.Whether you're interested in Holocaust history, Jewish history, Israel, World War II, family stories, or the resilience of the human spirit, this episode offers an unforgettable personal testimony. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  6. Jul 13

    Why Humility Changes Everything: A Jewish Perspective

    What is humility according to Judaism? Is humility thinking less of yourself, or is it seeing yourself more truthfully? In this episode of A Soul Grows in Israel, Esther Farkovits explores one of the most misunderstood ideas in Jewish spirituality: anavah (humility). Drawing on Torah, Chassidut, Kabbalah, and timeless Jewish wisdom, she explains why humility is not weakness, low self-esteem, or self-erasure. Instead, it is one of the deepest spiritual laws governing personal growth and the Jewish soul. Discover why Moses, the greatest leader in Jewish history, was also called the most humble person on earth, and how humility transforms our relationships, strengthens our connection with God, quiets the ego, and helps us live with greater purpose, clarity, and inner peace. If you've ever wondered how the universe really works from a Torah perspective, this episode offers a profound look at why humility may be the foundation for spiritual growth and authentic confidence. you'll discover: What humility (anavah) really means in Judaism.Why humility is different from low self-esteem.The relationship between humility, ego, and the Jewish soul.What Torah and Kabbalah teach about spiritual growth.Why Moses is the ultimate model of humility.Practical ways to cultivate humility in everyday life.If you enjoy conversations about Jewish spirituality, Kabbalah, Chassidut, Torah wisdom, the Jewish soul, personal growth, and living a meaningful life, subscribe and share this episode. #Judaism #JewishSpirituality #Humility #Torah #Kabbalah #Chassidut #JewishSoul #Middot #PersonalGrowth #Moses #Israel #Faith #SpiritualGrowth Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  7. Jun 29

    Pens for Swords

    Founded by Faye, Pens for Swords is a grassroots advocacy movement dedicated to combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, and advancing public awareness through civic engagement. The organization mobilizes volunteers worldwide to participate in petitions, educational initiatives, letter writing campaigns, and advocacy efforts that promote solidarity with Israel, support hostages, and counter misinformation. Pens for Swords empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact through collective action and community driven advocacy. The movement also highlights the importance of defending democratic and Western values, including freedom of speech, religious liberty, human rights, pluralism, and the rule of law. Pens for Swords encourages people of all backgrounds to stand against antisemitism and extremism, recognizing that attacks on these principles affect not only the Jewish community but all societies that value freedom, tolerance, and democracy. Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

  8. Jun 22

    Why Fitness Is a Spiritual Practice: Shuli Goldstein of Studio Soul

    What does fitness have to do with spirituality? In this conversation, I sit down with Shuli Goldstein, founder of Studio Soul, to explore the connection between physical movement, emotional well-being, personal growth, and spiritual life. We discuss why exercise can be more than a tool for weight loss or appearance, how movement affects our mindset and sense of self, the relationship between body and soul, and what it means to approach fitness as a spiritual practice. Together, we explore discipline, self-respect, presence, resilience, health, and the ways that caring for the body can deepen our connection to ourselves and the world around us. Whether you're passionate about fitness, interested in spirituality, or simply looking for a healthier relationship with your body, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on movement, meaning, and personal transformation. Topics discussed: • Fitness and spirituality • Mind-body connection • Emotional wellness • Personal growth • Healthy habits • Self-care and self-respect • Mindfulness and movement • Building resilience • Wellness and holistic health • Studio Soul Support the show Follow us on Instagram, Youtube and tiktok for more. https://linktr.ee/asoulgrowsinisraelpodcast

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to A Soul Grows in Israel, a podcast where ancient Jewish wisdom meets the modern world. We explore spirituality, self-growth, Judaism and life in Israel. Hosted by a woman, this show features soul-o episodes, interviews with Jewish thinkers, Rabbis, of course my husband, and everyday souls. Join us  as we bridge the gap between the spiritual and the practical, offering insights on personal growth, mindfulness, Jewish mysticism, unity, and modern-day living. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, looking to deepen your connection to your Jewish heritage, or simply keep it light and fun, this podcast will inspire and remind you that every journey matters. Subscribe now and start your own journey of growth. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and grow together.

Information

  • Creator
    Esther Malka
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Soul Grows in Israel
  • Show Website
    A Soul Grows in Israel

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