This podcast is slightly longer than usual...but totally worth the listen! In one of my favorite episodes ever, I welcome Howard Krugel...two years into a diagnosis with ALS. Despite his illness, he is committed to being the best person he can be every single day. Refusing to back down from this devastating disease, Howard shares the five principles that define his stated goal of living an Honest Happy Life.

Take a moment to listen to this wisdom...as it will definitely help us all to Wake Up To Life.

HOWARD'S Five Principles

Irrational Confidence

No Fear

Giving Is Living

Guilt Free Living

Why Not?

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

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Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

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And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Today's episode is being released just after the miraculous ceasefire that has ended the October 7th War in Israel and Gaza. We celebrate the return of living hostages and many of our beloved dead. While there is still more to be done, this is a moment to celebrate with music.

Aaron Markovitz is currently the Cantorial Soloist at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield, Michigan. When this episode was recorded Aaron was the Zipser Family Musician in Residence at Temple Israel.

He will share his incredible spirit and musical talent with a song written for moments like this. The recording features Cantor Neil Michaels on backup vocals.

To hear more of Aaron's music, check out this page: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aaron-markovitz/1111744849

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Today's episode is being released on the heels of the two year anniversary of October 7th. We come to you as we wait hopefully for the release of ALL of the hostages from Gaza. It was recorded earlier in 2025.

Lindsay Spolen Pinchuk is the owner of her own marketing firm and the creator of Dear FoundHer (a podcast and community for female entrepreneurs). According to her website, she is an Entrepreneur, Marketer, Consultant, Educator, Speaker, Connector, Community Builder, Podcaster, Former Corporate Executive, Small Business Advocate who makes marketing simple.

On today's episode, she shares her formula for "showing up" for her community and the Jewish People. Her bold and unabashed attitude pushes the limits to defend against antisemitism and anti-Zionism in our modern world. She is a powerful messenger in a challenging time for the Jewish people and women around the world.

https://www.lindsaypinchuk.com/

https://www.dearfoundher.com/

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

This week, join us for a conversation with Mindy Roberts—a Spanish teacher, mother, grandmother, and proud Jew. In this episode, we explore her lifelong dedication to her Jewish identity and how it has profoundly shaped her worldview. Through her personal stories, we delve into her upbringing, her experiences with dating and marriage, and the way her faith influenced her approach to parenting. This conversation illuminates how Judaism has been a guiding force in every aspect of her life, revealing a beautiful example of how one's heritage can provide strength, meaning, and a sense of belonging.

Mindy's journey offers a vibrant look at how a Jewish upbringing can be woven into the very fabric of our being from birth. She shares how this cultural and spiritual imprint, often subconscious, creates what can be described as a "Jewish soul." This episode is a deep and moving discussion about identity, heritage, and the indelible mark of faith. Mindy's reflections will resonate with anyone who has explored the intricate relationship between their past and who they are today, showing how the traditions and values of our childhood continue to shape our lives in meaningful and unexpected ways.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

*Recorded in the Fall of 2024

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Join us for this week's conversation with Ethan Marcus, a 4th-year student at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. With a clear path toward a career in real estate and a deep connection to the Jewish community, Ethan brings a unique perspective to the table. In this episode, he shares a moment of unexpected serendipity that profoundly changed his understanding of his family's heritage.

Our discussion goes beyond his personal story to explore a universal theme: the responsibility we all carry to live up to our name. We dive into the idea that our lives are a result of our ancestors' journeys and the opportunities they created. It's a powerful reminder that we are here because of the luck of our circumstances, and the true measure of our lives is what we choose to do with that chance. Ethan’s story is a beautiful example of how we can honor our past by building a meaningful future.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

*Recorded in the Fall of 2024

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Joanie Applefield is a Senior in high school planning to continue her education at Duke University in the Fall of 2025. She is also a graduate of the Temple Israel High School and a prayer leader in our Teen Tefillah Team.

In this episode, Joanie and I discuss the origins of her commitment to Judaism. Through a series of life changing moments, she returned to her roots and found a home in Jewish life and peoplehood. Her self-discovery is a fascinating and inspiring story of growth. Her passion for being happy is something that can teach us all how to better live our lives. I am excited to share her story with all of you.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

After a short delay, the first formal episode of Season 4 is dropping!

Every summer, I spend two weeks at the URJ 6 Points Sports Academy in Asheville, North Carolina. It has changed my life!!! This is why I am so excited to welcome the 6 Points Sports Director, Jackie Gordon to the show.

In this episode, Jackie and I talk about her path from public school gym teacher to coach to Jewish Life (JLIFE) Coordinator to 6 Points Sports Director. It is a journey that has brought her an incredible sense of accomplishment...and gives Jackie the chance to lead Jewish Athletes to be their best. JEWISH SPORTS CAMP all at the same time! This conversation about camp translates into every aspect of our lives.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

In this special BONUS episode, we are checking out some new technology giving us the chance to record studio sessions for the podcast.

I am so excited to share this time with Cantor Neil Michaels who is featuring his new prayer/song Bring On The Night. The performance includes the added guitar riffs of Aaron Markovitz who is the Zipser Foundation Artist In Residence at Temple Israel.

Join me for a soulful conversation about the Jewish prayer Ma'ariv Aravim and Cantor Neil's approach to "The Golden Hour" when the angels mingle with people on earth. It is the perfect opportunity to Wake Up To Life!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templeisraelmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org