America's Top Rebbetzins

Redemption, tranquility, peace, love, and happiness...GEULA!No matter where you are in your marriage (newlywed, married for 30 years, happily married, on the verge of divorce), the tools and strategies that Rebbetzin Chana Margulies, co-founder of Geula Wives, shared in this conversation, is going to take your relationship with your husband to a NEW LEVEL!In this very refreshing and eye opening conversation, Rebbetzin Chana talks about women taking 100% control over their own happiness. If we even think our husband is responsible for just 1% of our happiness, we find ourselves focusing all our energy on that 1% and focusing on the lack therein. Rebbetzin Chana speaks in depth about how we can focus on ourselves, an fill up our bucket so that we can be happy in our own right without waiting for someone else to make us happy. She distinguishes between doing and being in your feminine.When a Jewish woman is happy in her home, she bring geula energy to her marriage and to the world around her.Rebbetzin Chana also speaks about revitalizing a challenging marriage. She discusses how a woman can see miracles, even if she finds herself at the end of her rope in a marriage, if she refocuses her vision of marriage and has a clear direction of where she is going within her marriage. This offers her the perfect opportunity to focus on cleaning up resentment and disrespect in her marriage, instead of waiting and insisting on her husband to change. (When we want people to change, they don't....so what do we do instead? Listen to what Rebbetzin Chana has to say--she is wise beyond her years!)Hashem arranges all marriages. You don't marry someone by mistake. Your marriage has a Divine purpose. There is a reason that you are married to this particular person (even if they are driving you crazy.) But you can't go on this marriage journey alone. Speaking to a coach at Geula Wives takes the pressure off you and gives you strategies and support to renew your relationship with your husband. You are not alone. You have support.To Learn more about Geulawives and to be in touch with Chana Margulies contact [email protected] or What's App +44 741 862 7582To receive free geulawives content subscribe here, GeulaWives.org To join the Pre-Peseach/ Sefirat HaOmer program visit GeulaWives Circle Your special coupon code is SEFIRA To join the free What's App group click here https://chat.whatsapp.com/DiKcfYJZnul3TSAWUlSUqi GeulaWives Podcast InstagramTo read Chana’s books click here.  Jumping In puddles  Nurturing Light  Start with the good part 

If G-d didn't need YOU, He would not have woken YOU up today. You are here because you are NEEDED.A Jew is never Stuck. People are built to stand upright because their minds rule over their hearts.Mitzvot are the spiritual clothing of the soul. They are your responsibility, and they give you purpose. Mitzvot are a connection point between you and Hashem.Above are just some of the deep insights that Rebbetzin Chani Shemtov, a Chabad Emissary at the University of Illinois in Chicago, shares with us in this very powerful conversation. We start off speaking about the Modeh Ani prayer, which is the very first thing that we say when we wake up in the morning. This prayer doesn't have Hashem's name in it. This is because we have just awoken from sleep, and we need to do the traditional washing of our hands (netilat yadayim ) before we say Hashem's name. However, Modeh Ani is said right when we wake up, before we wash our hands. It is for this reason that Hashem's name is not said during this prayer.The first word of the Modeh Ani prayer is "Modeh," translated in English as "grateful." We literally start off our day with gratitude. It has been scientifically researched, studied, and proven that gratitude leads to happiness. By starting off our day with being grateful that G-d gave our soul back to us, we are beginning on a positive, optimistic, and happy note. (When we sleep, we are 1/60 dead, so G-d needs to restore our soul to us in order for us to wake up. We are therefore grateful to Him for giving us life, each and every day.) Remember, if G-d woke you up, He gave you life. The reason He gave you life is because you have a purpose in this world that you still have an opportunity to fulfil. Otherwise, He would not have woken you up.Following the Modeh Ani prayer, we have the morning blessings, birkot hashakar. These are a series of 15 blessings. Each of these blessings begin with the words, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe...," and then goes on to mention specific things.Rebbetzin Chani and I spoke about several of the 15 blessings, in detail.We talked about, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who frees those who are bound." From this, we learn that a Jew is never stuck. We have free will every single moment of the day. What we said or did 5 minutes ago, yesterday, or last year, doesn't need to define what we do or who we are 10 minutes from now. Hashem recreates the world every single moment. Because of this, we are never stuck, and we always have the ability to move forward in any direction, at any moment.Then, we spoke about, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who stands upright those who are bent over." Many animals are made such that their head, heart and lower organs are on the same level. However, humans are created such that our head is on top, our heart is below our head, and then come our lower organs. This structure shows that our head rules our conduct, not our emotions, or our desires. It is the head that must make clear choices for us to follow. We then get to the controversial blessing that a man says in the morning, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, for not having made me a woman." The reason behind this blessing is that mitzvot are a point of connection between Hashem and humans. In His infinite wisdom, Hashem gave men more commandments that He gave to women. They need these commandments for their spiritual growth, and since they are commanded with more mitzvot, they have a more points of connection to Him than women. Women, however, do have many mitzvot that they have the responsibility to fulfil. However, they are not confined to time-bound mitzvot because their primary responsibility is taking care of their family. Rebbetzin Chani explains this beautifully!If you don't know how to read Hebrew, you can say the blessings in your native language.

Are you in need of a blessing for something? Good health? Money? Shiduchim? Improving your marriage? Getting pregnant? Parenting children? or literally anything else?Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani promised blessings to those who learn his holy sefer, Zera Shimshon, consistently. This could be once a day, once a week, once a month, as long as it is on a consistent basis, you will see blessings in your life.Rabbi Nachmani is an 18th century Jewish Italian kabbalist who wrote mefarshim (commentary) on many of the holy texts. He has commentaries on the Torah parsha of the week, on Tehillim (Psalms), and on other holy books as well.Through learning Zera Shimson (translated as the seed of Shimshon), we begin to have increased menuhas hanefesh (calmness of the soul), emunah (faith in G-d), and bitachon (trust in G-d). Our day becomes more meaningful and spiritual. We are able to think more clearly.In this mesmerizing interview with Rebbetzin Esti Goodstein, principal of Shalsheles Bais Yaakov High School in Brooklyn, New York, we learn all about the Zera Shimshon, including the Zera Shimshon on parshat Pekudei about shabbos. Rebbetzin Esti is a graduate of Machon Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary, and has been in the field of education for several years. She has a Masters' Degree in Psychology from Columbia University. She has also taught in Prospect Park High School, Machon Bais Yaakov High School, Orot Sarah High School, Touro University, Gamla College, and Manhattan High School for Girls.Rebbetzin Esti emphasizes that tests (nissayanos) happen in life. Sometimes we go through something that is very hard for us, but there is always hope for salvation and growth, especially if we learn Torah through Zera Shimshon. To be added to Rebbetzin Esti's Zera Shimson group, please email Vera Kessler, host of America's Top Rebbetzins at [email protected]

Every Hebrew month has its own unique energy that is specific to that month. The energy of Nissan is that of new beginnings and miracles--POWERFULIn the month of Nissan, G-d does for us, as opposed to in Tishrei, when we do for G-d. So what did G-d do for us in Nissan? He took us out of Egypt! In the story of Pesach (Passover), Hashem (G-d) physically took us out of Egypt (Mitzrayim.) The word, Mitzrayim, means narrow or limited. Hashem took us out of a limited place, and into an open, expanded place--eretz Israel. On a personal level, during the month of Nissan, Hashem helps take each and every one of us out of our own personal Mitzrayim, our own personal limitations. We can use the energy of Nissan to begin removing our own personal klippot--shells/blockages, LIMITATIONS. When we work on eliminating our personal limitations, G-d helps us. Once we remove our limitations, we have boundless, endless capacity to actualize our potential in this world, and fulfill our life mission.On a national level, our limitation is that we are not a unified people; we are fragmented. However, the month of Nissan is not only the month of new beginnings, but it is also the month of miracles. When we unite as a nation, Hashem can literally make miracles for us, like He did with the splitting of the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea.)The astrological sign for Nissan is Aries, the ram. This animal, the ram, is associated with the lamb. At the time that the Jews were in Egypt, the lamb was worshiped as an idol by the Egyptians. Hashem commanded the Jews to take a lamb into their house, tie it to their bedpost, and then kill it. Then, they were commanded to smear the lamb of the blood on their doorpost, in the place which we now put up a mezuzah, indicating to the angel of death that he should jump or skip over this house because it was a Jewish house. In this way, the Jews elevated an idol from being something that was wrongfully worshiped, into something that was elevated by being used to save lives.Rebbetzin Mattie Pil suggests that we can take our modern day idol of technology and use it to listen to Torah classes, Torah podcasts, read Jewish texts online, and overall use this "idol" for holy purposes.Rebbetzin Mattie, also shares with us that the Hebrew letter associated with the month of Nisan is the letter "hey." She explains that G-d created the world with the letter, "hey," as He spoke the world into existence. We can use our words to tap into our G-dly soul through prayer, which is a form of meditation with our Creator.Rebbetzin Mattie, is the rebbetzin of the Schneerson Center, a synagogue in San Francisco, California. She has been an educator for over 40 years. She is also a certified life coach, and teaches kabbala for women.Contact: [email protected]

Before we say angry words, we control them. After angry words are said, they control you.Your husband left the dirty dishes in the sink...again. Your son forgot to call to let you know that he will be home late. Your daughter said something insulting to you. Your mother was "less than helpful" when it came to shopping for dresses. Family members have that knack for saying or doing things that make us angry, and drive us crazy.So what should we do? In this beautiful conversation with Rebbetzin Natalie Ciner, rebbetzin of Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine, California, we learn how to navigate challenging relationships with wisdom and kindness.The first things we learn are that anger is a natural emotion, and marriage is a vehicle for growth. The way we manage our emotions in relationships is a pathway for our own personal growth and elevation. So how do we do that?1. See marriage as a growth opportunity. Your spouse is a mirror for the areas in which we need to grow. (It can be uncomfortable to look inside ourselves and see that there are things we need to change. It can be painful. However, it's important to know that the things our spouse says and does can be important messages for our own inner work and self growth---if we are brave enough to look inside and interpret them that way.)2. Instead of being frustrated, try to see what this particular person (your spouse, child, family member, etc.) is trying to teach you.3. Judge your spouse favorably. Assume the best of the situation, instead of assuming the worst.4. Express your needs. Don't look to blame the other person.5. Strengthen your connection and bond with your husband. Spend quality time with him. You can go out on dates, walks, spend time together in the house, or do anything else that brings you close together and builds connection.When you build a good quality, healthy relationship, it will become easier for you to solve life's inevitable challenges and issues together, without a significant build up of anger. However, anger does come up--we are human, after all. So what do we do when we get angry? How can we express our feelings constructively?1. Pause before reacting. Make space between yourself and your reaction. Go for a walk. Go out of the room. Take deep breaths. Take a break. Give yourself time and space to calm down before responding2. Talk to yourself with soothing, positive self-talk. Show yourself compassion for the feelings you are experiencing, and provide yourself with soothing words and strength. Once you have gotten yourself under control, you will better be able to handle the situation with grace, and not blame.3. Use this challenge, disagreement, or situation with this person as an opportunity for self-reflection.4. Use "I" statements. Say things like "I felt hurt when you didn't call me when you were running late," instead of "You drive me crazy when you don't call me when you are late! It's so inconsiderate of you!" Using I statements allows you to express your feelings, instead of blaming someone. Look for solution, not for blame.To be connected to Rebbetzin Nathalie, please email Vera Kessler, host of America's Top Rebbetzins at [email protected]

Every Hebrew month has its own unique and powerful energy. Those challenges and issues that seem insurmountable to us at one point of the year "seem" to resolve themselves quickly and easily at other times of the year. It's not just a coincidence. There is a reason and a season for everything:) In this deep conversation with Devorah Bloom Kur, we learn about the hidden meaning and energy of the Hebrew month of Adar. Specifically, the month of Adar offers profound opportunities for personal growth and spiritual connection to Hashem (G-d), through INCREASED joy, happiness, and laughter. Devorah speaks about how our thoughts play a tremendous role in our happiness. mindset, and outlook on life. She explains to us that what we think about comes about. Devorah speaks a lot about self-compassion, using our challenges as stepping stones to personal growth, rising above our limitations, and using our own unique strengths to help us overcome our current predicaments.Each Hebrew month has its own Hebrew letter, organ that it represents, sense, and astrological sign.Specific to Adar:Hebrew Letter: KoofOrgan: SpleenSense: LaughterAstrological Sign: PiscesDevorah speaks about the Jewish holiday of Purim, and how Queen Ester (Esther) saved the Jewish people by stepping into her royalty. She started off as scared, insecure and unsure of herself, but then rose into her power and dignity as a queen. Her actions created a miracle and revealed the hidden. Through Ester coming into her own power, the Jews were saved. It's because of Ester's heroism that we call the scroll that we read, Megilat Ester, which means "reveal the hidden." We can all come into our own personal power, just like queen Ester. If we all did that, imagine all the good and all the miracles that could occur! Devorah Bloom Kur is a professional Logotherapist, SEP--Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (trauma therapy), IFS level 3 practitioner, reflexologist, and bereavement counselor. She is passionate about supporting people through their illnesses, challenges, grief, and losses in life. Devorah has a practice in Raanana, Israel, and sees online clients internationally as well. She combines her expertise to empower people to achieve wellbeing of their mind, body, and soul. Her strength is helping people find meaning in their lives by asking, "What now?" which is meaning focused, instead of "Why me?" Devorah is the author of "Man's Search for Healing--A Logotherapy approach to healing through meaning," which explores the mind-body connection, the difference between being healed and being cured, how she overcame her own broken neck, forgiveness, post traumatic growth, and more.Devorah's information is below:Amazon link to my book, 'Man's Search for Healing': https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJQ6WNG5Website - www.dkwellness.co.ilEmail - [email protected] page - https://www.facebook.com/dkwellbeing/Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YDsijkbETm1T70Lc2B2AgLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/devorah-kur-b692a725/Contact: [email protected]

If I take Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or any other GLP-1 weight loss drug, will I need to take it forever? What are the side effects of Ozempic? Do we know the long term effects of these weight loss drugs?Can Ozempic be prescribed for women in perimenopause or menopause? What can women do to create sustainable weight loss? How can we lose the weight and keep it off?Diana Isaacs, an endocrinology clinical pharmacy specialist answers the questions above and many others, as they pertain to the safety, sustainability and effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs. Diana serves as the Co-Director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy and the Director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology at the Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute.From this educational conversation, I learned that certain GLP-1 medications can be used to lower blood pressure, help with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and sleep apnea!To be connected with Diana Isaacs, please email Vera Kessler, host of America's Top Rebbetzins at [email protected]

Why do Jews eat kosher food? Why do Jews keep shabbat? Why do Jewish women dress modestly? Yes, the Torah says to keep the above mitzvot (commandments), but WHY? The answers to those questions on Jewish Law (Halakha), and many more can be found in the Talmud.What is the Talmud? What is Halakha? And why is it relevant for women (and girls) to learn these holy teachings? Most importantly, how does learning Talmud help us on a practical, daily basis? Rabbanit Chamutal Shoval, Director of the Susi Bradfield Women's Institute of Halakhic Leadership, sheds light of the importance of Talmud and Halakha study for women.The Talmud is:--a record of rabbinic debates about the Torah that took place between the 2nd and 5th centuries --includes a codification of laws called the Mishnah, and a commentary on the Mishnah called the Gemara --contains rules for social and family life, such as marriage, taxes, and criminal law --helps to explain how the Torah applies to modern situations --an essential source of halakha, or Jewish religious law Simply put, the Talmud contains rabbinic commentaries, and explanation of traditions and laws that were given to us through the Torah’s infinite wisdom.Halakha, also known as Jewish law, is a set of rules and practices that guide Jewish life. It covers religious observances, daily life, and personal/professional conduct.In this eye opening conversation, Rabbanit Chamutal explains to us how women can elevate themselves and grow spiritually and personally though learning the Talmud. We see, through the rabbi's discussions, how they struggled with the same types of issues and challenges with which we struggle. And the struggle is real! Learning the Talmud helps us understand how to respectfully listen to other people's points of view and opinions that might be different through ours. It teaches us how to interact with and communicate with people who are different from ourselves. The Talmud also gives us insights and perspectives into why Jews do what we do--shabbat, kashrut, laws of how to conduct business, interactions between men and women, and explains, in depth, a multitude of other Jewish commandments. It really helps us understand WHY we do what we do on a daily basis. As women (and girls) learn the Talmud, it begins to affect our self-conduct on a daily basis, as we connect with and understand more deeply, the teachings of the Torah.Torah is not a subject like biology, math, history, or language arts. The point in learning Torah, including Talmud and Halakha, is for the teachings to enter your heart, change you as a person, on a spiritual level, and help you to become more elevated. Rabbanit Chamutal is available to answer women's questions on Torah and Jewish law. To be connected to her, please email Vera Kessler, host of the America's Top Rebbetzins podcast at [email protected]

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match! We wish it was that simple! Singles of all ages have are having a challenging time meeting their soulmate. They are all looking for "the one," but are having a tough time finding him or her. Rebbetzin Sarah Rabin from the Caulfield Shule in Melbourne, Australia, speaks about why people are having challenges in shiduchim (the Jewish system of matchmaking.) According to Rebbetzin Sarah, the top 5 challenges contributing to today's shidduch crisis are: 1. The fast pace of life--in our society, we race from one thing to the next--the next person, the next appointment, the next job, the next social event. People don't make the time to connect deeply. 2. Technology and distractions. In today's world, people have easy access to technology and dating apps. They are too busy swiping left and right, checking emails, texting, and scrolling social media to get to know someone in person. 3. People have high expectations and fear of commitment--people want their prospective wife/husband to fit all of their ideals. They have many expectations, which are not always realistic. Also, people are afraid of committing because they think that they could potential meet someone better...and better...and better...and... 4. Social circles and geography--Jews who live in smaller Jewish communities are hesitant to date "that guy they went to school with," or "their best friend's brother." It can be challenging to date when you have known the same people since nursery school. Likewise, in larger Jewish communities, it's harder to date because people are always looking around for someone potentially better. One suggestion is to branch off and visit other Jewish communities in different geographic locations. 5. Emotional readiness and past experience. Not everyone is mature and ready to enter into a committed relationship. Also, people might have had negative experiences with previous relationships, which makes them fearful of entering into another relationship. Fortunately, Rebbetzin Sarah offered possible SOLUTIONS to the shidduch crisis, including: 1. Singles need to have clarity on their values and their priorities. When a person knows what they believe in, what they value, and what they find most important in life, it makes it easier to identify those same beliefs in another person. 2. Seek guidance. Singles need to resolve past issues of trauma or bad relationships with a therapist, and they need to seek guidance for dating from a rabbi/rebbetzin, mentor, or happily married friends. Singles need guidance in order to develop a healthy perspective on relationships and the work that they entail. 3. Hishtadlus (effort) and Emunah (belief in G-d). Singles need to understand that if they are going out on a date or to a singles event, they need to put effort into getting ready for the evening. They need to look attractive and presentable, and they need to be open to meeting people. Once they have done their part, the rest is in G-d's hands. He will orchestrate two people meeting, and He will guide singles to their soulmate. 4. Fostering connection. Jewish singles really need to give people a chance when they meet them. They need to establish a connection and put in the time and effort to get to know someone in order to see if they are a compatible match. Singles, stay strong! Your soulmate is out there waiting for you. Contact: [email protected]

What happens to women's bodies during perimenopause and menopause? In this fun and educational conversation with Functional Nutritionist Nili Grutman, we learn, in depth, about how estrogen and progesterone are produced, as well as the role that these hormones play in a women's body. We also learn what happens when, as women age, the production of these hormones decreases, and the effect that decreased estrogen and progesterone has on our bodies. Estrogen is produced in the follicles of our ovaries. It is responsible for a variety of functions in our body, including (but not limited to): --development of our feminine figure --production of the collagen in our face that keeps us looking young --support of production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain --enabling us to feel safe, secure and happy Progesterone is produced after ovulation. It is also plays a key role in women's bodies, and performs many functions, including (but not limited to): --thickening the uterine lining --regulating our menstrual cycle --helping regulate our sexual libido --controlling our moods Women usually experience perimenopause when the are between 35-37 years old. At that time, the number of follicles in their ovaries significantly decreases, and their menstrual cycle becomes less frequent. Nili advises women to take care of their thyroid health and do a liver detox during this time. Nili strongly suggests that women find a thorough and competent endocrinologist who is able to administer a series of tests to determine their thyroid health. She also advises women to take Kelp as a natural supplement to boost thyroid health. It is very important to detox your liver because the liver is key in flushing out waste, including hormone waste, from your body. If the liver isn't healthy, toxins stay in your body longer, as may potentially cause damage. Nili talks about a variety of supplements that people can take to help detox their liver, including milk thistle, amino acids, and magnesium glycinate. As a side note, Nili also reveals the reason behind weight gain (fat gain) specifically in our midsection. She explains why abdominal weight gain happens during perimenopause. As for menopause, it begins in women between the ages of 45-55. We say that a woman is in menopause one year after her last period. At that time, she is no longer ovulating. In this phase of her life, she may appear cranky and more irritable. She is also more sensitive to stress. She needs to properly care for herself so that she reduces as much stress as possible from her life. She can also take supplements to support her during this time, such as ashwaganda, relora, vitamin D, fish oil, and omega-3 fatty acids. At the very end, Nili speaks about hormone replacement therapy, which might be helpful to many women. Nili believes in using nature as a vital resource for health and wellness. To be connected with Nili, please email Vera Kessler, host of America's Top Rebbetzins at [email protected]