In this episode of 'Frum Women in Motion,' Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Rifky Obstfeld, a wife, mother of three, and program director at a martial arts school. Rifky, a third-degree black belt, shares her inspiring journey from starting martial arts at age 18 to representing the USA in the Maccabiah games in Israel, where she earned two silver medals and one bronze. She discusses balancing her Orthodox Jewish faith with her passion for karate, the challenges and triumphs along her path, and how fitness can be a spiritual endeavor. Rifky also talks about her daily routine, curriculum development for her karate students, and the importance of setting and achieving personal goals. The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating physical and spiritual strength and encourages women to start their fitness journey with achievable steps. The podcast supports the Bat Melech organization, aiding women in Israel from abusive homes.

00:00 Meet Rifky Obstfeld: Martial Arts Mom

00:28 Balancing Faith and Fitness

01:51 A Day in the Life of Rifky

02:41 Spiritual Dedication and Fitness

03:19 Developing Karate Curriculum

04:28 Rifky's Martial Arts Journey

10:28 Competing in the Maccabiah Games

14:28 Family and Fitness

23:36 Encouraging Women in Fitness

27:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Temima Miller: Balancing Work, Family, and Athletic Leadership

Temima Miller, also known as Coach T, is a wife and mother of two who balances multiple roles including managing a group home for adult Orthodox Jewish women who are developmentally disabled and serving as the athletic director of girls high school.

In this episode of 'Frum Women in Motion', Ellen Goldberg interviews Temima about her dedication to fitness, spiritual growth, and community involvement. Temima discusses her background in sports, her efforts in building a successful athletic program at Shulamit High School, and her volunteer work with the Five Town Chevra Kadisha and as a former EMT. She shares insights on how physical activity can enhance one's spiritual well-being and offers advice on incorporating fitness into daily life.

00:00 Introduction to Temima Miller

00:35 Balancing Multiple Roles

05:03 Early Life and Sports Journey

08:23 Building a Championship Program

11:30 Incorporating Spirituality in Sports

16:15 Volunteer Work and Community Service

22:45 Israel Activism and Family

25:41 Advice for Aspiring Athletes

27:23 Kosher Casual Contest info and conclusion!

Thanks for listening!

Helena Tibber is a mother of five and grandmother of 12 who is retired after working as a computer programmer.

She took up running in her 40s and since then has completed 5 full marathons and, for the last three years in a row, has come in first in the 10 kilometer race in the Jerusalem Marathon for her age group.....of 80 and over!

Listen to this episode of Frum Women in Motion and get inspired to #KeepMovingForward!