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In this episode, I speak to my niece (my cousin's daughter) who, after having lived in various countries for personal and political reasons finally found her forever home in Israel. The Holy Land welcomed her with open arms and turned her - an atheist - into a believer in G-d and a follower of the Jewish traditions.

Mentions:

Giyur - the formal process of conversion to Judaism, allowing non-Jews to adopt the Jewish faith, join the Jewish people, and become part of the ethnoreligious community.

The Western Wall - the last remnant of the ancient retaining wall supporting the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the holiest site in Judaism, making it a profoundly sacred place for prayer, pilgrimage, and significant life events like bar mitzvahs, symbolizing Jewish continuity, hope, and connection to their destroyed Temples

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Muskie Galperin, a Chabad shlucha, is back on Love To Heal! This time, we talk about love - not the one that makes your heart race and sets the butterflies in your stomach free (the fleeting kind), but rather love that takes time to grow but has a solid foundation that is meant to last.

Our conversation reveals what Jewish Orthodox dating is like and why ancient Torah wisdom is so much better than swiping right on a stranger. Find out what a Jewish Orthodox wedding is like and why having children is considered a great blessing.

Mentions:

Lubavitcher Rebbe - the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty and one of the most influential Jewish leaders of 20th century

The Ohel - The resting place of the Rebbe and the Previous Rebbe

Yehud Laws - restrict unrelated members of the opposite sex from being secluded together to prevent forbidden sexual activity

A ketubah - is a traditional Jewish marriage contract, a vital part of Jewish weddings, that outlines the husband's financial and personal obligations to his wife, ensuring her security in cases of divorce or widowhood,

Landerhaven - an event center in Cleveland, OH, USA

Ways to contact me with questions and comments:

love2healpod@gmail.com

Instagram and TikTok: lovetohealpodcast

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Do you have a Hebrew name? If not, it's never too late to get one! Although, it is customary for children to receive their Hebrew names at circumcision (boys) or during the first couple of weeks after birth (girls), I received my name in middle school and my kids received their at age 5 and 8. I strongly believe that names are little prophecies, and changing or adding a name to an existing name has the power of changing fate. Find out how and why in this episode!

Mentions:

A Kiddush luncheon is a traditional meal held immediately following Shabbat or holiday services

Mevushal - refers to kosher wine that has been flash-pasteurized. This process renders the wine permissible for handling and serving by non-Sabbath-observant individuals without losing its kosher status

Aliyah - the honor of being called up to the Bimah (platform) during a shul (synagogue) service to recite blessings over the Torah, marking a significant spiritual, communal, and personal milestone

Bimah - the elevated area in a synagogue from which worship services are conducted and the Torah is read.

Midrash - a foundational Jewish interpretive method and genre of rabbinic literature from late antiquity (approx. 3rd–5th centuries CE) that seeks, explains, and expands upon biblical texts

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Listen to my conversation with Mushkie Galperin who is a Chabad Shlucha (female emissary) and youth director of the Chabad in Solon, Ohio. It is thanks to Mushkie, along with her parents, husband and siblings, that I am where I am today spiritually.

In this episode, we cover topics such as the Orthodox Jewish family life and upbringing, women's modest dress code and hair covering, working as an emissary, spiritual inspiration and much more!

A Chabad Shlucha is a female emissary, part of a husband-and-wife team (Shliach and Shlucha), sent by the Chabad movement globally to establish and run Jewish centers, fostering Jewish life, education, and community for all Jews in their local area

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In this episode, I recount my family's first Sukkot celebration and building of the sukkah. You will learn about the traditions of this Jewish holiday, find out how our synagogue celebrates and hear some recommendations for building and purchasing sukkah materials.

Mentions:

Sukkot - a joyous, seven-day Jewish festival celebrating the autumn harvest and commemorating the 40 years the Israelites lived in temporary shelters

Sukkah - a temporary, hut-like dwelling built for the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot

Lulav and etrog - essential ritual objects used during the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, representing the "Four Species" (Arba Minim)—a palm frond (lulav), myrtle, willow, and a citron (etrog)—bound together and waved in six directions to symbolize God's presence everywhere and the unity of the Jewish people. Each species represents a different spiritual quality, combining Torah study and good deeds, and the waving ritual expresses gratitude and prayer for sustenance.

Ushpizin - movie about Sukkot in Israel

To see photos of my sukkah, head to Instagram or TikTok @lovetohealpodcast

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Happy New Year 2026! In this fun episode, I tell you all about my family's visit to the Chabad of Cozumel in Mexico. We headed there for Shabbat and, let me tell you, it was a Friday night to remember!

Mentions:

Chabad of Cozumel - http://chabadcozumel.com/

To see my videos and photos from Cozumel, please head to Instagram or TikTok @lovetohealpodcast

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If you are like me, a secular Jew who is starting to observe mitzvahs, this episode is for you!

In Shabbat 101, you will hear about the primary steps to observing Shabbat - candle lighting, kiddush, hand washing and challah - and hopefully you will learn from my mistakes!

Mentions:

Mitzvahs: Candle lighting, kiddush, hand washing, challah

baal teshuvah (master of return)

Song “The Shabbat Queen” by Ḥayyim Naḥman Bialik

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In the past, I attended synagogue services and events only on High Holidays, thinking that those were the only special days in the Jewish calendar. But now that I am becoming more and more observant, I am learning that there are many more important dates in Jewish tradition that I had no idea about. One of them is TishaB'av, which is considered the saddest day for Jews.

This year, I decided that it was essential I learn more about this holy day (not holiday). In this episode, you will learn about my first experience observing TishaB'av at Chabad - what the day entails, what me must do and not do on this special day, and why it is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar.

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