Modern Jewish Girl

Jenna Maio
  • 4.8 (40)
  • JUDAISM
Modern Jewish Girl

Welcome to the Modern Jewish Girl Podcast, where Jenna Maio shares eternal Jewish wisdom and applies it to our everyday lives. Jenna earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Emory University and a J.D. and a Masters in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. She fell in love with Torah learning on her first trip to Jerusalem over ten years ago and has been learning ever since. If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and to her newsletter at modernjewishgirl.com.

  1. MAY 21

    Life Lessons From the Holy Woman Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer with Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler

    Join me in this very special episode as I speak with one of my Torah teachers, Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler, about her book Holy Woman: The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer. In honor of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer's yahrtzeit, on the 3rd of Sivan (which begins on the evening of May 29th), we discuss the life and legacy of this true tzedekes (righteous woman) and what we can learn from her. Rebbetzin Rigler shares amazing stories and powerful tools for growth, including Rebbetzin Chaya Sara's four-step recipe for happiness. This is an episode you don't want to miss!  About Rebbetzin Sara Yoheved Rigler: Sara Yoheved Rigler is the author of seven books on Jewish spirituality: Holy Woman; Lights from Jerusalem; Battle Plans: How to Fight the Yetzer Hara (with Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller); G-d Winked: Tales and Lessons from My Spiritual Adventures; Heavenprints; and Emunah with Love and Chicken Soup: The Story of Rebbetzin Henny Machlis, the Brooklyn-born Girl who became a Jerusalem Legend. Her newest book, I’ve Been Here Before: When Souls of the Holocaust Return, is the product of 8 years of research into reincarnated souls from the Holocaust. She gives a weekly Marriage Webinar for Jewish women on a spiritual approach to marriage, with hundreds of members throughout the world. She lives in Jerusalem. Her website is: sararigler.com. Her YouTube channel is "From Within the Walls of Jerusalem," where she relates stories, presents gems of Jewish wisdom, and teaches practical life tools. Sponsor: Nishmat In our post-October 7 world, are you seeking to connect more deeply with your Jewish heritage? Are you a mom with kids at camp, looking to spend a week—or even three—immersed in Torah? A Torah teacher seeking a summer of in-depth learning in Yerushalayim? Or maybe an entrepreneur eager to explore the Jewish laws of business in detail? No matter your stage of life, Nishmat's Summer Beit Midrash is the place for you. This program offers transformative Torah learning for women of all backgrounds, in the heart of Jerusalem. Visit nishmat.net/summer-beit-midrash to learn more and sign up! Sources: Holy Woman: The Road to Greatness of Rebbetzin Chaya Sara Kramer Sara Rigler's website Modern Jewish Girl Website

    1h 3m

  2. FEB 27

    The Let G-d Theory: Purim & Bitachon

    Join me as I discuss the connection between Purim and Bitachon- trust in G-d.  The Nesivos Shalom explains that Purim is not just a historical account of what happened to the Jewish people when we avoided near annihilation in ancient Persia; it is a primer in how to effect these types of yeshuos- salvations. The key is bitachon- trust in G-d. What is bitachon? How does it work? What are the spiritual and material benefits of trusting in G-d? How can we achieve personal and national salvation through bitachon? Join me as I speak about this and more.  Modern Jewish Girl Website Sponsor: Nishmat In our post-October 7 world, are you seeking to connect more deeply with your Jewish heritage? Are you a mom with kids at camp, looking to spend a week—or even three—immersed in Torah? A Torah teacher seeking a summer of in-depth learning in Yerushalayim? Or maybe an entrepreneur eager to explore the Jewish laws of business in detail? No matter your stage of life, Nishmat's Summer Beit Midrash is the place for you. This program offers transformative Torah learning for women of all backgrounds, in the heart of Jerusalem. Visit nishmat.net/summer-beit-midrash to learn more and sign up! Sources:  Gems From the Nesivos Shalom, Purim The Concise Shaar HaBitachon of Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart)

    20 min

  3. 12/27/2024

    The Beauty of Women’s Mitzvot Part 3: Shabbos Candles with Gitty Layosh

    Gitty Layosh and I explore the women's mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles in the last part of this three-part series. We discuss the practical aspects of the mitzvah and its deeper significance. We share inspirational stories related to the mitzvah of candle-lighting and we talk about the connection between Shabbos and Chanukah candles. Episode Sponsor: Nishmat Are you a post-high school young woman looking to spend a meaningful time in seminary next year? Are you looking to have a year of high-level Torah learning, fun activities, discover Eretz Yisrael and meet Israeli students? Look no further! Liba at Nishmat is for you. For more information and to apply, go to: nishmat.net/liba Shabbat Candlelighting Prayer: Baruch ata Adonoy Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid'shanu be’mitzvo’sav ve-tzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbos. (Blessed are You, God, King of the Universe, Who made us holy with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Shabbat light.) Special Prayer for After Lighting the Candles:  May it be Your will, Lord my God and God of my fathers, to be gracious to me (and to my spouse, children, parents) and to all my family; grant us and all Israel good and long life; remember us for good and blessing; consider us for salvation and compassion; bless us with great blessings; make our household complete, crowning our home with the feeling of Your Divine Presence dwelling among us. Make me worthy to raise learned children and grandchildren, who are wise and understanding, who love and fear God, people of truth, holy and attached to God, who will dazzle the world with Torah and goodness and service of God. Please hear our prayers, in the merit of our matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, and ensure that the glow of our lives will never be dimmed. Show us the glow of Your face and we will be saved. Amen. Modern Jewish Girl Website

    23 min

  4. 11/13/2024

    The Beauty of Women's Mitzvot Part 2: Mikvah with Gitty Layosh

    Join my close friend Gitty Layosh and I as we dive in (pun intended) to the second episode of a three-part mini-series on the women's mitzvot: mikvah. We talk about what a mikvah is, why men and particularly women use the mikvah, the spiritual depth of immersing the mikvah, as well as the connection of water to the current Hebrew month of Cheshvan. We also share stories of Jews throughout history who sacrificed to be able to use the mikvah, and much more! Episode Sponsor: Nishmat Are you a post-high school young woman looking to spend a meaningful time in seminary next year? Are you looking to have a year of high-level Torah learning, fun activities, discover Eretz Yisrael and meet Israeli students? Look no further! Liba at Nishmat is for you. For more information and to apply, go to: nishmat.net/liba  More Resources: Mikvah.org The Secret of Jewish Femininity by Tehilla Abramov Mikvah on the Mountain: One Woman's Miracle Modern Jewish Girl Website

    26 min

  5. 09/27/2024

    The Beauty of Women’s Mitzvot Part 1: Challah with Gitty Layosh

    Join my close friend Gitty Layosh and I in the first of a three-part mini-series on the women's mitzvot! First up: challah. We talk about the beauty of the mitzvah, the symbolism of each ingredient, how to do the mitzvah, ridding ourselves of guilt if we can't make challah right now, and much more! We also discuss the connection between challah and the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana. More on the mitzvah of challah: https://www.modernjewishgirl.com/post/challah-what-we-knead-to-know Gitty's Challah Recipe: 1 cup warm water 3 tablespoon yeast Sprinkle of sugar Mix the yeast water and sugar and let bubble for a few minutes.  In another large bowl, mix: 3 tablespoons of salt and 5 pounds of flour 1/2 cup of sugar Mix 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 eggs Mix Pour in the yeast and add 4 cups warm water (2 cold and 2 hot) Knead the dough; fold press and turn Cover with two dish towels and let it rise for an hour/45 min Take the challah and make the blessing (see below) Bake at 325 when it starts to brown switch to 350- in total about 30 minutes The Blessing on Separating Challah

    22 min

  6. 09/11/2024

    Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom on Dating & Relationships with Mrs. Devorah Kigel

    In this amazing episode, I speak with Mrs. Devorah Kigel, a dating coach and mentor who has helped hundreds of women "marry a mensch." We speak about Mrs. Kigel's new book, "Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today's Single Woman." Mrs. Kigel tells us about her Jewish Journey and how she became a dating coach. She shares her relationship and dating wisdom, both from the Torah and her own life experiences, in hopes that Jewish women can find their mensch with more clarity and ease.  Some topics we cover: How the Hollywood view of dating differs from the Jewish approachHow to work on self-esteem in datingHow to make a dealbreaker listWhether to continue dating if the attraction is neutral Touch in dating and much more!This was one of my favorite episodes on the Podcast- fun and filled with wisdom- you don't want to miss it!  More about Mrs. Devorah Kigel:  As a professional Dating Coach, Mrs. Devorah Kigel has helped well over 300 women get clarity in their dating life and marry their bashert.  She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. She has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant. Devorah and her husband, Reuven, who is the Campus Director for Emet Outreach, host Shabbos guests most weeks. Using humor and honesty, Devorah shares the entertaining personal journey that led her to develop powerful tools to have the relationships you desire. Devorah’s first book, “Marry a Mensch: timeless Jewish wisdom for today’s single woman “ was released on September 3rd by Gefen Publishing. Connect with Mrs. Devorah Kigel: Her WebsiteHer Instagram

    1h 3m

  7. 08/09/2024

    What is Chasidic Feminism? with Chava Green

    I am very excited to present my conversation with Chava Green, a women's studies scholar and a Chassidic Jew. Chava's dissertation, “the Hasidic face of feminism," explores how the idea of feminism expresses itself in the Chabad community, both through the Rebbe's teachings and in the lives of Chabad women. In our conversation, Chava and I define feminism and discuss this seemingly paradoxical idea of a "Chasidic Feminist." We hear about her journey to becoming a Chasidic feminist, and dive a bit deeper into her research. We touch on some common struggles that many Jewish women face and how the Rebbe spoke to those challenges. We also speak about sheitels (wigs) and cleaning help, among other things-this is a must-listen! A bit more about Chava: Chava Green received her PhD in Religious Studies from Emory University in May 2024. She has a BA in Women’s and Gender Studies from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In between her undergraduate and graduate work, she lived in Israel for two years studying Judaism in Jerusalem and Tzfat (Safed).  Chava lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children. This coming year she will be a visiting scholar at UPenn in the Jewish Studies department while also teaching classes in the Chabad girl’s high school. Chava is passionate about bridging her academic work to the Jewish community and to a popular audience. Her writings can be found on TheJewishWoman.org. To contact Chava: Chavagreen7@gmail.com   Nishmat Online Beit Midrash Program Fall 2024 Modern Jewish Girl Website

    57 min

  8. 07/23/2024

    The Hidden Light of the Three Weeks

    I was surprised to learn that the Three Weeks, when we mourn the loss of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, is actually filled with the greatest light. Drawing on teachings from the Nesivos Shalom and Rav Shimshon Pincus, join me as I explore why our Sages tell us that TshB'Av, the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, is actually the "greatest festival" and what this means for us.  Modern Jewish Girl Website Sources: https://torah.org/torah-portion/ravfrand-5780-terumah/ Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus, Moadei Hashanah: Exile and Consolation - The Three Weeks and Tishah b'Av Gems from the Nesivos Sholom-Three Weeks and the Holocaust, Hashem’s Love Revealed at the Time of Destruction, p. 59

    17 min
See All (98)

4.8
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Modern Jewish Girl Podcast, where Jenna Maio shares eternal Jewish wisdom and applies it to our everyday lives. Jenna earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Emory University and a J.D. and a Masters in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. She fell in love with Torah learning on her first trip to Jerusalem over ten years ago and has been learning ever since. If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and to her newsletter at modernjewishgirl.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenna Maio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Modern Jewish Girl
  • Show Website
    Modern Jewish Girl

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