Shame is one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—human emotions. But what role does it play in Jewish thought and life?
In this episode, we explore:
Why do we feel shame? Is it just a negative emotion, or does it serve a deeper purpose?
Is shame a good thing? How Jewish sources distinguish between toxic shame and healthy shame that guides us toward growth.
How should we respond to shame? Practical wisdom on transforming shame into an opportunity for reflection, connection, and change.
Join us as we uncover how Judaism frames shame not as something to hide from, but as a tool for personal development and a reminder of our potential.
Check out my book, Living Beautifully - to bring joy, meaning, and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot
In this episode, we explore one of the most famous teachings of Hillel from Pirkei Avot:"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"
This timeless mishna challenges us to reflect on three essential questions of life:
Self-responsibility: What does it mean to take ownership of my life, my growth, and my spiritual journey?
Connection and responsibility to others: How do I balance caring for myself with giving to others?
The urgency of now: Why is procrastination so tempting, and how can we overcome it to live with purpose today?
We’ll discuss how Hillel’s words remain as relevant as ever in our world of endless distractions and competing demands.
You’ll walk away with practical insights into finding the balance between self-care, community, and taking action in the moment.
Join us as we dive deep into this short but powerful teaching that can change the way you approach your daily choices.- Check out my book Living Beautifully, for more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life
Respect is something we all crave — yet, surprisingly, it doesn’t always come naturally to give it. In this episode, we explore the idea that human nature often pushes us toward judgment, dismissal, or even disrespect. If that’s true, then the challenge is clear: we need to consciously lean into respect, giving more of it than we might instinctively feel.
What does it mean to live a life of purpose without expecting a reward? In this episode, we dive into the profound teaching of Antignos ben Socho, who said:
"Do not be like servants who serve their master for the sake of receiving a reward, but rather be like servants who serve their master without the intention of receiving a reward; and let the fear of Heaven be upon you."
We explore:
✅ What does it really mean to do good for its own sake?
✅ How can we apply this in a world driven by incentives and recognition?
Whether you’re curious about Jewish ethics, personal growth, or want a practical takeaway for living more meaningfully, this episode will leave you inspired and challenged.
🎧 Listen now and discover why serving without expectation leads to the ultimate reward.
What is the single most important quality a person can hold onto in life? In this episode, we dive into the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot where Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai asks his students: What is the best path a person should cling to? Each student suggests something different—generosity, friendship, foresight, kindness—but Rabbi Elazar says: a good heart.
Why did Rabbi Yochanan declare this the most valuable path of all? What does it mean to truly have a “good heart”—and how does that shape the way we see others, ourselves, and even God?
Join us as we explore:
The different answers the students gave and why each matters
Why a good heart includes all the other qualities
This Mishnah invites us to reframe success—not by what we achieve or acquire, but by the quality of our inner world and how it radiates outward.
Some love falls apart. Some conflict builds worlds.
What makes the difference?
In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful teachings in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 5:16–17):
“Any love that depends on something—when that thing ceases, the love also ceases. But a love that does not depend on anything will never cease.”
“Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a lasting outcome, and one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a lasting outcome.”
With vivid examples—Amnon and Tamar’s destructive love vs. David and Jonathan’s deep bond; Korach’s rebellion vs. the debates of Hillel and Shammai—this Mishnah gives us a roadmap to understand what makes relationships endure and disagreements bear fruit.
Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book
Fear is a natural part of life - but what if fear isn’t just about what we’re afraid of… but what we don’t value enough?In this powerful episode, we explore how fear often reveals a lack of clarity in our values. Through the stories of Esau selling his birthright and the spies sent to scout the Land of Israel, we uncover how giving in to fear can cause us to miss out on our greatest opportunities—and even on our purpose.💭 In this episode:Why Esau gave up his future for a bowl of stew—and what that teaches us about fear-How the spies' fear of failure outweighed their trust in G-d and their sense of missionFor more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life, check out my book Living Beautifully - gilaross.com/book or on Amazon - https://a.co/d/c97E2Yg.
In this meaningful episode, we explore The Three Weeks—a period of national mourning for the Jewish people that begins with the 17th of Tammuz and culminates on Tisha B’Av. But what exactly are we mourning? And what can the loss of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) teach us about our lives today?We’ll journey back in time to discover what life was like when the Temple stood and what its absence means for us now. From open miracles to spiritual clarity, the Temple wasn't just a building—it was a living lesson in connection, purpose, and unity.For more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life, check out my book Living Beautifully - gilaross.com/book
In this episode, excerpted from my book Living Beautifully, we dive into a powerful question: Does God really care about the small stuff? From a missed smile to a small act of kindness, from a quiet prayer to a hidden struggle—can something so seemingly small matter in the grand scheme of the universe?
Together, we explore Jewish wisdom and stories that show how every detail, every person, and every action carries cosmic significance. Whether you’ve ever wondered if your efforts make a difference or felt invisible in a world that values the “big and bold,” this conversation will leave you uplifted, empowered, and inspired to embrace the holiness of the small.
📌 What You’ll Learn:
Why Judaism believes that every action—even the tiniest one—matters
What it means that every person has a unique mission in this world
🌱 Takeaway Message:
There are no extras in God’s world. You matter. Your choices matter. Even the ones that seem small.
🎧 Listen now and rediscover the sacred in the everyday.
In moments of tension, our instinct might be to smooth things over or "fix" the situation—but what if that causes more harm than good?
In this episode, we explore the profound wisdom of the Mishna that teaches us when not to act, especially in the delicate space of someone else's experience.
You'll discover:
Whether you're navigating a tense conversation with a friend, partner, or child, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and respond with wisdom—so you can help without hurting.
Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully, we dive into the Mishna (Avos 3:1) that teaches: "Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give an accounting."We explore this powerful teaching on three levels:Our Life: What does this Mishna reveal about the fleeting and humble nature of our physical existence? How can reflecting on our origin and destination motivate us to live with greater purpose, integrity, and gratitude?Our Soul: Beyond the physical, we discuss how the Mishna invites us to recognize our soul's journey: from its divine source, through our life in this world, and ultimately returning to give an accounting before God.Our Actions: Every deed leaves a mark. We look at how this Mishna pushes us to consider the beginning, end, and accountability of each action, not just life as a whole.Along the way, we bring in insights from classic commentaries and offer thought-provoking questions: How does knowing where you came from shift the way you see your challenges? What does it mean to "give an accounting," and how can that inspire us rather than frighten us?Join us as we uncover the depth of this simple yet transformative teaching, and learn how it can help us live more intentionally, spiritually aware, and accountable lives.
In this powerful episode, we explore the three core relationships every human being must cultivate for a life of depth and balance: our relationship with ourselves, our relationship with others, and our relationship with God.
Drawing from timeless Jewish wisdom, we unpack the three spiritual tools designed to help us grow in each area:
Torah – as a mirror to develop self-awareness and purpose.
Prayer – as a pathway to build a real and personal relationship with God.
Kindness – as the soul-language that connects us deeply with other people.
We reflect on the idea that these tools aren’t abstract or outdated — they’re deeply human, practical, and transformative. With relatable stories, thoughtful insights, and actionable takeaways, this episode is a roadmap for spiritual and emotional wellness grounded in Jewish tradition.
In this eye-opening class, we dive deep into the powerful forces of jealousy, lust, and honor-seeking—three drives that Rabbi Elazar HaKappar warns can take a person out of this world. But where do these impulses come from? Why do they have such a strong hold on us? And most importantly, what can we do to rise above them?We explore the roots of these desires, how they show up in daily life, and how Jewish wisdom offers transformative antidotes to each one. Through timeless teachings and real-life applications, you'll walk away with clarity, tools for inner strength, and a renewed perspective on what truly matters.
In this special Shavuot episode of the PowerUp Podcast, we dive into one of the most compelling and powerful Midrashim about the giving of the Torah: the cosmic “fight” between Moses and the angels.Who is the Torah really for? Angels, who are pure and perfect? Or human beings—with all our flaws, struggles, and failures?Join us as we explore:-The deeper meaning behind the angels’ objection to giving the Torah to mankind- The bold and brilliant response that affirmed the Torah’s rightful place on Earth- Why the mitzvos—far from being outdated—are more relevant than ever in our modern lives- How Shavuot calls on each of us to step into the arena, embrace our imperfections, and strive for greatness through Torah livingThis is an episode about courage, responsibility, and divine faith in humanity. Whether you’re new to Torah or have been learning for years, this conversation will leave you inspired by just how personal and powerful the Torah truly is.💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Email us at gilaross@gmail.com
In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most well-known — and puzzling — stories from the time of the Omer: the tragic death of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students. Why did such a spiritually elite group meet such a harsh end? And more importantly, what message is this story trying to send us across the centuries?
Join us as we uncover the deeper meaning behind the Talmudic statement that they “did not show proper respect for one another” — and how this applies not just to how we treat others, but also how we view ourselves.
Whether you’re in the middle of counting the Omer or just looking to grow in character and connection, this episode will leave you with practical insight into the Jewish approach to honor, humility, and healthy relationships.
A fascinating discussion as we dive into the remarkable journey of Rabbi Akiva—one of the most influential sages in Jewish history. From humble beginnings as an uneducated shepherd to becoming a towering Torah scholar with 24,000 students, Rabbi Akiva's life is full of powerful lessons about perseverance, faith, love, and leadership. We explore key moments in his story, including his late start in learning, his deep partnership with his wife Rachel, and his unwavering belief in the future of the Jewish people—even in times of national tragedy.
👂 Tune In If You Want To:
* Be inspired by a story of radical personal transformation
* Learn timeless leadership and faith principles
* Connect ancient wisdom to your own life journey
We explore the powerful Jewish belief in techiyat ha-meitim — the resurrection of the dead — and how it offers a transformative lens for how we live our lives today. Far from being just a theological concept about the distant future, belief in the resurrection calls us to recognize the eternal value in every moment of life.
We discuss:
What the resurrection means in Jewish tradition
Why belief in it is one of the Thirteen Principles of Faith
How it reshapes our relationship with time, choices, and purpose
The idea that nothing is wasted — not an action, word, or opportunity
Whether you’ve thought deeply about the resurrection or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode will leave you inspired to infuse every moment of life with meaning.
Lets explore a powerful and timeless topic — the coming of the Messiah. Why is belief in the Messiah so central to Jewish faith? How does it shape our daily lives, our hopes, and our future?
We'll discuss:
What Judaism teaches about the coming of the Messiah
Why belief in the Messiah isn't just about the future — it's about how we live today
The emotional and spiritual strength that comes from believing in redemption
How hope for a better world drives personal growth and communal unity
If you liked this, you'll love my book Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot
Why were we in such a rush to leave Egypt? Couldn’t we have taken a little more time, packed some snacks, maybe even let the dough rise?In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, we dive into one of the most curious details of the Exodus story — the haste. We explore why leaving Egypt in a hurry was not just circumstantial, but spiritual. The matzah, our flat and humble bread of affliction, holds within it profound lessons about urgency.💥 You’ll learn:The connection between haste, freedom, and faith.Perfect for anyone preparing for Passover or seeking inspiration during challenging times. Get ready to power up your understanding of matzah, Exodus, and personal liberation.
Does Judaism believe in divine reward and punishment? How do our actions—and even our thoughts—shape our spiritual and physical reality? In this episode, we explore the Jewish perspective on accountability, consequences, and the deeper meaning behind reward and punishment.
Join us as we unpack these deep and sometimes challenging ideas, offering insights that can help us live more intentionally and with a greater sense of purpose.
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