We’re going to be taking a little bit of a break from the show. We’ll be back soon with something that we think you are going to LOVE! Meanwhile Karen and the Your Jewish Life team wish you a beautiful and meaningful Chag Sameach. Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen for a chat about his new cookbook, I Could Nosh (coming out September 12!); his journey from being told Jewish food was too niche to hitting the New York Times bestseller list; bringing back grandma hospitality; and why we all need challah monkey bread in our lives. LINKS: Jake’s new book, I Could Nosh https://www.harpercollins.com/products/i-could-nosh-jake-cohen?variant=40997057527842 Jake on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen/ Jake on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jakecohen?lang=en Jake’s website https://www.wakeandjake.com/ Jake’s baked goods on Goldbelly https://www.goldbelly.com/jake-cohen Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen’s thinking about what she wants to break free from as she prepares for Passover 2023. She also shares stories of some of her most memorable seder nights over the years - from childhood celebrations with family in Israel to the ultra-meaningful last seder she spent with her beloved mother, who opened up about her own story of freedom fleeing from Iraq to Israel due to persecution for being Jewish. As always, she’s here to help you figure out how to do your Passover, your way this year! You’ll find out: - The thing Karen’s most looking forward to about hosting her first seder in her new home - What Karen’s childhood Passovers looked like  - Why Karen recommends taking pictures of your seders - What it’s like celebrating Passover in Israel with four generations of Karen’s big Iraqi-Israeli extended family  - How Karen makes seder night fun for her kids - and how PJ Library has inspired her  - Why Karen highly recommends spending a Passover in Israel - What Karen wants to break free from this year - Why Passover (and every day of the year) should be a judgment-free zone LINKS: My FREE Passover 2023 guide http://yourjewishlife.co/passover Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/home Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a top board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills and mother of three who’s also carved out a niche as one of Israel’s staunchest defenders on social media. She talks about how she finds time to do it all, dealing with the backlash she’s faced since stepping up her Israel activism, why she feels religion is key to raising children in the 21st century, and so much more.  You’ll find out: - How Sheila and her family escaped from Iran after the revolution - and what it was like moving to LA at age 7  - What inspired Sheila to become an activist - and how she balances it with a busy career - Why anti-Zionism is antisemitism - How she stays strong in defending Israel despite the backlash  - What success looks like to Sheila - The importance of learning to delegate  - Why the things that are hardest in life are often also the things that give the most meaning - Sheila’s top time management tips  - The importance of taking action - Why it’s crucial to always be adapting LINKS: Dr Sheila on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsheilanazarian/?hl=en The Closet podcast https://anchor.fm/closetpodcast Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Few people have done as much to expose the rising fashionability of antisemitism in the progressive world as comedian, author, screenwriter, and television presenter-turned-activist, David Baddiel.    In this important episode, Karen sits down with David to unpack why antisemitism isn’t considered to be as unacceptable as other forms of discrimination (even among those who are vocal in their support of other minorities), and what we can do about it.   Along the way, they cover why antisemitism is the racism that sneaks past you, the secret of Jewish humor, raising proud Jewish children in an interfaith family, why Jews need a rebrand and so much more.  You’ll find out:   - Why there’s a double standard when it comes to Jews in today’s progressive world - How David got to be the expert on Jews not counting  - Why the stereotypes about Jews and money are so harmful  - What Judaism means to David as an atheist - and why his new book on atheism, The God Desire, is actually very Jewish - Why antisemitism is racism, not religious intolerance - Where the perception that Jews are uncool comes from  - How his standup background helps him make difficult topics accessible - Why Jews don’t fit neatly into the victimizer/victimized paradigm  LINKS:   David Baddiel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/therealbaddiel/    David Baddiel on Twitter  https://twitter.com/Baddiel    Jews Don’t Count https://amzn.to/3mqxjjx    The God Desire https://amzn.to/3JcqqLX    Three Lions ‘It’s Coming Home’ https://youtu.be/oyoy2_7FegI    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Smashing Life member Emily Cohen for an honest chat about contemporary Jewish life - from dealing with antisemitism in the workplace to what it’s like to be a single Jewish woman in 2023.   They cover everything from how Emily started wearing a Star of David in response to an antisemitic boss, to what it’s like engaging in Jewish life as a single thirty-something woman, to what exactly it is that makes the Smashing Life community so empowering. You’ll find out:   - Emily’s advice for anyone dealing with antisemitism in the workplace - How non-Jews can make workplaces inclusive for Jews - Why so many people don’t think of Jews as a minority  - What congregations can do to make themselves more welcoming to single Jews  - Why Jewish singles events need to stop cutting off at age 36 - What it’s like being on Jewish dating apps in 2023 - Why Jewish community’s become more important to Emily over time - Why Shemini Atzeret and Yom Kippur are Emily’s favorite Jewish holidays  LINKS:   Join the new Smashing Life app - The No. 1 Jewish Girl Community at Your Fingertips https://smashinglife.club/      ModernTribe https://moderntribe.com/?aff=83    Emily’s Star of David https://moderntribe.com/collections/all/products/butterfly-star-of-david-necklace/?aff=83    Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel https://bookshop.org/p/books/jews-don-t-count-david-baddiel/17777302    “My Jewish Dating Journey” podcast episode https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/my-jewish-dating-journey-internet-dating-blind-dates-and-meeting-the-one/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with author and activist Ben M. Freeman for an emotional discussion about Jewish grief and mourning. Karen and Ben both lost a beloved parent too soon - Ben’s father in 2017, and Karen’s mother in 2021 - and in the aftermath, each felt incredibly lucky to be Jewish and to have a millennia-old framework to lean on for getting through life’s hardest moments.    They talk about their experiences of Jewish mourning traditions like shiva and yahrzeit, give advice for talking to someone who’s grieving, and share the things that have been most helpful in learning to live with their grief. You’ll find out:   - The things that have been most helpful for Ben and Karen in living with their grief  - Why Jewish mourning traditions made Ben feel proud to be Jewish - The thing Karen found most meaningful about shiva  - Why Ben appreciates the rawness of Jewish funerals - How Karen’s experience sitting shiva in Israel differed from Ben’s in Scotland - Why the structure shiva provides is so grounding  - A reminder that everyone grieves differently, even within the boundaries of Jewish tradition  - Karen’s advice for keeping the memory of a late loved one alive for young children  - The meaning Ben’s found in the tradition of yahrzeit as a yearly opportunity to step back into his grief  - How Israeli music helps Karen feel connected to her mother  - Tips on how to talk to someone who’s grieving    LINKS:   Ben M. Freeman https://benmfreeman.com/    Jewish Death and Mourning 101 https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/death-mourning-101/    Shiva  https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shiva-what-you-need-to-know/    Yahrzeit https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/yahrzeit-remembering-on-the-anniversary-of-a-death/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/ 

If you’re currently planning a wedding, this episode is for you! As the founder of Smashing The Glass, the world’s largest Jewish wedding platform, Karen shares her dos and don’ts for planning a one-of-a-kind wedding that’s totally authentic to who the two of you are as a couple, gleaned from her ten years of experience working with Jewish couples all over the world.    LINKS:   Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com    Brides Club https://brides.smashingtheglass.com      Reserve your spot for “The Secrets to an Unforgettable Jewish Wedding” on February 19 http://www.smashingtheglass.com/secrets      Karen and Jeremy’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/karen-jeremy-london-wedding-at-the-wallace-collection/    No More Shoulds https://www.smashingtheglass.com/no-more-shoulds/    Gina and Tony’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/gena-tony-extraordinarily-colourful-jewish-fiesta-wedding-sydney-polo-club-australia/    Stacey and Jono’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/stacey-jono-nye-fancy-dress-jewish-wedding-in-a-cinema-west-sussex-uk/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/ 

Karen sits down with Sam and Emily from Team YJL to talk all things Shabbat! They talk about what Shabbat’s all about, how Judaism’s weekly day of rest looks like for each of them, and why they find it meaningful - and, most importantly, share plenty of tips for easy, accessible ways to bring Shabbat into your life, your way.    You’ll find out:   - What Shabbat is all about, and why it’s so important  - Why Shabbat is for you, wherever you are in your life - Some traditional - and not so traditional - ways to mark Shabbat in your life  - Why inviting friends for Friday night dinner is the best - whether they’re Jewish or not! - The beauty of disconnecting from tech over Shabbat - A reminder that your menu for Friday night dinner doesn’t have to be traditional (or homemade) - How to have a simple, stress-free Shabbat - Why chicken shawarma is a Shabbat dinner secret weapon  - All about the wonderful tradition of the Shabbat nap - Why tzedakah is a beautiful tradition to bring into your Shabbat - How to do mark the end of Shabbat with Havdalah LINKS:   Smashing Life, my Jewish community  https://smashinglife.club/    What Jew Wanna Eat Chicken Shawarma https://whatjewwannaeat.com/shawarma-lettuce-wraps/      Havdalah Kits and Candles https://moderntribe.com/collections/havdalah-sets/?aff=83  Ultimate Shabbat plylist https://yourjewishlife.co/shabbatplaylist  Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com

Karen shares her secret for how to find joy during difficult times. Her secret sounds simple - it’s all about gratitude - but putting that into action can be easier said than done. In this episode, Karen shares some practical takeaways for practicing gratitude and savoring moments of joy, however small, even at those times when you feel least thankful for what’s going on in your life. She also delves into some of her other favorite strategies, from giving to others to making a joy list, and shares how she’s implemented these tools in her own life - especially since losing her beloved mother in 2021.   LINKS:   Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Playlist https://yourjewishlife.co/playlist    Karen on Podcast Against Antisemitism https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-e6-gratitude-with-karen-cinnamon/id1598345651?i=1000588320772 

Karen sits down with Yoav Davis, the founder of Jews of NY, where he shines a light on the beautiful diversity of Jewish life in the Big Apple. Yoav’s commitment to Jewish joy and positivity is so refreshing, and his conversation with Karen about owning your Jewishness, uniting the Jewish world, and the importance of finding your own path in Judaism is sure to inspire. You’ll find out:   - How Yoav’s platform balances showcasing the beauty of Judaism with calling out antisemitism  - Yoav’s mission for Jews of NY in 2023 - What inspired Yoav to start Jews of NY  - The things that bring Yoav Jewish joy - How Jews of NY allows Yoav to connect with the full spectrum of the New York Jewish community  - Yoav’s tips for feeling confident in your Jewish identity  LINKS:   Jews of NY https://www.instagram.com/jews_of_ny/    Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    Congregation Beit Simchat Torah https://cbst.org/ 

Karen sits down with a very special guest: her 9-year-old daughter, Sacha! Sacha is a proud Jewish girl who loves challah, cheder (that’s Hebrew school to you Americans), and sharing about Jewish traditions with the diverse group of friends she's made at her non-Jewish school. Sacha spills about her love for Israel, how she balances her Jewish identity with her cosmopolitan life in London, and why Ruth Bader Ginsburg is her inspiration. LINKS:   How to Raise Proud Jewish Children http://yourjewishlife.co/children    PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/home    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use Code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% Discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/   

Karen sits down with her 8-year-old daughter Zara for a chat about what it’s like to be a young Jewish Londoner in 2023. They talk about how Zara balances her strong Jewish identity with life in a diverse community, what she loves about journaling, her favorite Shabbat tradition, and why her beloved late grandma was a true octo-superwoman.  LINKS: Shop the Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/ Smashing Life, our Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Sacha’s podcast episode https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/my-9-year-old-jewish-life-with-karens-daughter-sacha/ Challah covers by Micaela Ezra https://ahyinjudaica.com/   Karen’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/karen-jeremy-london-wedding-at-the-wallace-collection/

Karen chats with illustrator, textile designer, and writer Micaela Ezra, founder of contemporary Judaica collection AHYIN, about growing your spirituality, overcoming Jewish impostor syndrome, and what it really means to build a Jewish home - and how to do it, whatever stage of life you’re at. Micaela is an incredible role model when it comes to Jewish spirituality, and the way she constantly strives to find her own meaning in Judaism - for herself, and now for her family too - is guaranteed to inspire. You’ll find out: - All about Micaela's Jewish upbringing in Australia - How she found meaning in Jewish tradition and deepened her spirituality after moving to NYC in her 20s - The dangers of mechanical Judaism - What kept her Jewishly grounded during her hectic days in the fashion industry - Building your own Jewish community - How an unconventional approach to Shabbat dinner became the cornerstone of her Jewish life - Overcoming Jewish impostor syndrome and finding your own place in Judaism - The importance of finding your own connection to Jewish traditions - Balancing tradition and individuality in Judaism - Nourishing her children’s Jewish spirituality - Tapping into Torah wisdom to create a meaningful Jewish home - Becoming a spiritual anchor in your own life - The importance of “spiritual home decor” - Why you should seek out Judaica that sparks joy LINKS: Micaela’s website http://www.micaelaezra.com   Micaela’s Instagram http://instagram.com/micaela_ezra    AHYIN, Micaela’s Judaica brand https://ahyinjudaica.com    Rabbi Simon Jacobson https://www.meaningfullife.com  Smashing Life, my community membership club for Jewish + Jew(ish) women https://smashinglife.club    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/ 

Karen sits down with Lauren Hamburger, the UK director of PJ Library, an organization that sends free Jewish children's books to families across the world each month - all in the name of helping families learn about Judaism in a gentle way, sparking Jewish conversation in the home, and, ultimately, inspiring connection to the broader Jewish community (in whatever way feels right for each family). They chat about making Judaism accessible, building Jewish community, and raising proud Jewish children - and share info about how to sign up, of course!   You’ll find out:   - What PJ Library is all about, how it works, and why it’s for ALL families raising Jewish children - How Lauren was inspired to become more religious as teenager - The importance of normalizing Judaism in everyday life  - How Lauren got involved with PJ Library - and brought it to the UK - Why PJ Library empowers parents to be Jewish educators in their homes  - Some of the most inspiring stories Lauren’s heard from PJ Library families  - How PJ Library builds in-person Jewish community - What PJ Library’s doing to make sure their books reflect the diversity of the Jewish community   - How PJ Library helped Karen’s daughter find a Jewish hero  - The importance of parents learning with their kids  - How Dolly Parton inspired PJ Library - What Lauren would say to a family that doesn’t feel Jewish enough to sign up for PJ Library (hint: sign up anyway!) LINKS:   PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/      Limmud  https://limmud.org/    I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark https://pjlibrary.org/books/i-dissent/if00758    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use Code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% Discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

As Karen looks ahead to the new year, she’s taken some time to think about how she’s going to live her best Jewish life in 2023. To focus her reflections, she’s come up with a list of 10 journaling prompts that helped her drill down to her one-word intention for the new year. Whether you’d like to learn a little more about Karen’s experience over the past year as she’s worked through her grief following her beloved mother’s death, moved into a new home, and launched the Jewish Joy Journal - as well as her hopes for 2023 - or you’re looking for some guidance on how to set yourself up for your best year ever, this episode is a must-listen!     10 Journal Prompts for New Year Reflection:     1. What is something I need to give myself permission to do in 2023? 2. What's one area in my life where I made real, tangible progress this year? 3. What are three accomplishments I made this year that I'm most proud of? 4. Who were the three people whose friendships I appreciated most this year? 5. What were the biggest struggles I faced this year? What were the biggest lessons they taught me? 6. If all goes well, what would I want my life to look like one year from now? 7. Based on that vision, what do I want my one-word intention to be this upcoming year? 8. What are the three things I want to achieve the most this coming year and how can I build myself systems that will allow me to accomplish them? (Pssst my Jewish Joy Journal is the perfect system to achieve this!) 9. What's one thought I'm currently holding on to that's not serving my wellbeing? Why am I holding onto it and how can I let it go? 10. What are three things I would love to do more of next year? How will I make more time for them? LINKS:   Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/      Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/ 

Karen sits down with Erin and Maggie, two beloved members of the Smashing Life community, to chat about their respective Jewish conversion stories. They give honest accounts of the ups and downs of  conversion, share their tips for those considering converting or already in the process, and delve into how the Smashing Life community (especially the Convert Club, a private space for those who have converted or are currently converting) has helped them grow and connect Jewishly. This episode is a must-listen if you have converted, are converting, have ever considered converting - or if you just want to better understand what it’s like being a convert in the Jewish world, and how communities can work to be more inclusive and welcoming.   You’ll find out:   - What got Erin and Maggie interested in Judaism - How and when they knew Judaism was right for them - The importance of taking it slowly - Whether or not it’s a myth that rabbis will reject a prospective convert three times - The biggest challenges Maggie and Erin faced in their conversion journeys - How long the conversion timeline was for each of them - Erin’s book recs for prospective converts  - Their biggest tips for those currently in the conversion process - What it was like for Erin, who grew up Christian, to share her journey with her family - Why you should never ask anyone if they’re converting for marriage  - The importance of Jewish community  - How the wider Jewish community can be more accepting to converts - The parallels Maggie’s found between her experiences as a convert to Judaism and as an immigrant to Australia  - A reminder that learning about Judaism is a lifelong process - whether you converted or were born Jewish   LINKS:   Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Brides Club https://brides.smashingtheglass.com/    Choosing A Jewish Life by Anita Diamant  https://amzn.to/3OZN7Ef    To Life! by Harold Kushner https://amzn.to/3OQopGi    The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel https://amzn.to/3ugQ7T6   

It’s Hanukkah season, and Karen’s rounded up her very favorite gift options for 2022. In this episode, she shares her picks for the season’s best Hanukkah swag, blue-and-white Judaica, tasty treats, and more, with options to suit all styles and budgets - plus one non-tangible mindset gift Karen hopes we can all give ourselves this Festival of Lights!   LINKS:   Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use Code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% Discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    Your Jewish Life Hanukkah Party  http://yourjewishlife.co/hanukkah    Blue Glitter Dreidel Stud Earrings by Ariel Tidhar https://moderntribe.com/collections/hanukkah/products/dreidel-stud-earrings-blue-glitter-or-blue-mirror?aff=83    Challah Tray by Yaeli Vogel  https://yaelivogel.com/collections/all-arts/products/challah-board    Hanukkah Embossing Rolling Pin https://www.etsy.com/listing/748155475/happy-hanukkah-embossing-rolling-pin?utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=uk_location_buyer&utm_content=180973&awc=6091_1667956486_a2cf912a5a021a715ccb6b0545495146    Jewish Joy Journal - Use Code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% Discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    Mensch Baseball Cap https://shop.thejewishmuseum.org/black-on-black-mensch-baseball-cap-102919.html    Sugarfina Hanukkah Tasting Collection https://moderntribe.com/collections/hanukkah/products/eight-nights-of-delight?aff=83    Blue Dreidel Glass Tray by Arielle Zorger https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6091&awinaffid=180973&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1318037510%2Fblue-dreidels-glass-tray-hanukkah-tray    Salt and Pepper Shakers by Jonathan Adler https://contemporaryjudaica.co.uk/collections/chanukah/products/newport-salt-pepper-set-by-jonathan-adler    Hanukkah Headband by Lele Sadoughi https://www.lelesadoughi.com/collections/hr22-capsule-collection/products/https-www-lelesadoughi-com-fa-22-164    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/

Karen sits down with Sarah Haskell, the TikTok star behind @thatrelatablejew, where she shares her own relatable Jewish life with over 100,000 followers. They chat about life as an accidental influencer, Sarah’s personal religious journey, Jewish dating in NYC, and the importance of always knowing who you are.   You’ll find out:   - What inspired Sarah to start sharing her life on TikTok - What it’s like getting recognized in public  - How she finds the right balance in deciding what to share on social media  - What it’s like being a Jewish TikTok creator - and how Sarah handles all the antisemitism - Instagram vs. TokTok - Sarah’s Jewish upbringing, and how her religious identity has evolved - What it’s been like moving from a very Jewish community on Long Island to a diverse neighborhood in NYC - The New York Jewish dating scene  - What Sarah hopes non-Jews will take away from her content LINKS:   Sarah on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thatrelatablejew?lang=en    Sarah on Instagram https://instagram.com/thatrelatablejew    Sarah on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjEnWZkWKorf2w3fyptYwow    Sarah’s art https://www.instagram.com/art1ofakind/?hl=en    Sarah’s ring light https://amzn.to/3hqWujI    Smashing Life, my Jewish community  https://smashinglife.club/  Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use Code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% Discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen talks about what it’s like raising her two young daughters as proud Jews, and shares her top tips for Jewish parenting that will instill a love of Judaism in the little ones in your life. Karen gives some great ideas for making Judaism truly joyful for kids of all ages, and also shares some guidance on how to talk about antisemitism. Spoiler alert: raising kids who love being Jewish is a whole lot easier when you’re genuinely proud of your own identity!     LINKS:   How to raise proud Jewish children https://yourjewishlife.co/children    Jewish Joy checklist http://yourjewishlife.co/joy    Karen’s BBC article on celebrating the High Holidays with children https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/celebrating-rosh-hashanah-yom-kippur-kids/zqy8qyc    Jewish recipes resource https://yourjewishlife.co/recipes    PJ Library  https://pjlibrary.org/home    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/

Karen sits down with Jewish educator and author Ben M. Freeman to discuss all things Jewish pride. The founder of the modern Jewish pride movement, Ben shares all about his own journey to owning his Jewish identity - and how it was set in motion by his experiences as a proud gay man. Ben wants to make sure we stop allowing the non-Jewish world to define our narratives - and his approach is truly changing the Jewish world!   You’ll find out:   - Unpacking internalized anti-Jewishness  - Why there’s no such thing as good Jews or bad Jews - The importance of reclaiming our story as Jews - Why Jewish pride is a revolution - The most important thing the non-Jewish world can do - How Ben became one of the world’s top experts on Jewish pride - and how his identity as a gay man played a role in his journey   - Why Ben wears a kippah every day - Ben’s recommendations for talking about Israel - and the importance of making sure we know our stuff before weighing in publicly - Why Ben doesn’t use the term 'antisemitism' LINKS:   Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Ben’s website https://benmfreeman.com/    Ben’s new book https://www.bookdepository.com/Reclaiming-Our-Story-Ben-M.-Freeman/9781915036322    Jewish Pride https://benmfreeman.com/writing/    Ben on Instagram https://instagram.com/benmfreeman/    Ben on Twitter https://twitter.com/benmfreeman/    Ben on Eve Barlow’s Substack https://evebarlow.substack.com/archive?sort=new#:~:text=Jewish%20Pride%3A%20One%20year%20on 

Karen leads a tour of her new home, and all the things that make it Jewish - tangible and not. She and her family moved into their dream home this past summer, and as they continue to get settled in they’re making sure to fill it with all the things that spark Jewish joy for them. Along the way, Karen addresses the question of what makes a Jewish home Jewish - and provides an important reminder that the Jewish items in your home don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful! LINKS:   Ultimate checklist for everything you need in a Jewish home https://yourjewishlife.co/jewishhome    Karen on celebrating the High Holidays with children https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/celebrating-rosh-hashanah-yom-kippur-kids/zqy8qyc    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Micaela Ezra’s Judaica brand AHYIN https://ahyinjudaica.com/    PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/home    Ariel Tidhar https://arieltidhar.com/    Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com/   

Karen sits down with Nikki Schreiber, founder of Humans of Judaism, where she’s been bringing Jewish stories to life since 2014. They chat about how Nikki channeled her grief over her beloved father’s sudden death into Humans of Judaism, the account’s meteoric rise to fame in the early days of Instagram, and how Nikki’s managed to keep her focus on Jewish unity and positivity in a time of rising antisemitism.    You’ll find out:   - How Nikki got the idea to start Humans of Judaism - The importance of making space for what we love about our tradition - Nikki’s favorite Humans of Judaism stories  - How Nikki’s focus has shifted with the rise of antisemitism - Why it’s vital that we continue to share our Jewish pride without fear - How Jewish Instagram has evolved since Nikki founded Humans of Judaism in 2014 - Nikki’s tips on how to feel secure in your Jewish identity  - How Nikki keeps her focus on Jewish unity  - What’s next for Humans of Judaism - How to cope with antisemitism in 2022 LINKS:   Humans of Judaism on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/humansofjudaism/    Humans of Judaism website https://humansofjudaism.com/    Starbucks post on Humans of Judaism https://humansofjudaism.com/humansofjudaism/%E2%9C%A8-favorite-this-is-one-of-my-favorite-humans-of-judaism-posts-from-one-year-ago-july-2016    Jessica Seinfeld on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessseinfeld/    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/

Karen sits down with Sara Gibbs, the author and comedy writer behind upcoming Jewish rom com Eight Bright Lights, for a chat about autistic Jewish life, being diagnosed with autism as an adult, standing up to antisemitism, and so much more. We were so lucky to have Sara on staff at Smashing The Glass, our Jewish wedding platform, in the brand’s early days - and it’s wonderful to see how her writing career has blossomed since then! You’ll find out: - What it was like for Sara being diagnosed with autism at age 30 - How confronting antisemitism at university ultimately strengthened Sara’s Jewish identity  - Sara’s experience being doxxed for being publicly Jewish online  - How Sara’s time writing for Smashing The Glass informed her new romantic comedy - How Sara’s autism diagnosis helped her learn to be easier on herself  - The importance of having boundaries when putting yourself in the public eye - Why it’s so important to try to understand other people rather than jumping to conclusions LINKS: Sara on Twitter  https://twitter.com/Sara_Rose_G Sara’s novel  https://geni.us/EightBrightLightsBook Sara’s memoir https://saragibbs.com/drama-queen/ Sara’s wedding on Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com/sara-john-incredible-granny-chic-vintage-jewish-wedding-kidbrooke-park-sussex/ Smashing The Glass, our Jewish wedding platform https://www.smashingtheglass.com/ Smashing Life, my Jewish community - try it out for one month with code “JEWISHJOY” https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen focuses on one of the biggest topics in the Jewish world: how to stand up to antisemitism in a safe, effective way - whether we’re talking about overt acts of hate or subtle microaggressions.    We can either diminish our Jewish identities - in other words, giving antisemites exactly what they want - or we can rise up and beat the shame imposed on us as Jews. Karen shares her top tips for how to take the second path and own our identities in an empowering way - gleaned from some of the biggest names in Jewish advocacy, as well as from her own experience as a Jewish public figure.  LINKS:   My PDF guide to fighting antisemitism - including reading list  http://yourjewishlife.co/stop    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Noa Tishby on the Your Jewish Life podcast https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/the-truth-about-israel-with-noa-tishby/    Hen Mazzig on the Your Jewish Life podcast  https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/how-to-love-being-jewish-10x-more-than-anyone-hates-you-for-it-with-hen-mazzig/    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/

Karen sits down with Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll, a writer and activist committed to taking a clear-eyed look at where things are going wrong in the Jewish world in 2022 - and how we can fix them. Shoshanna discusses her work to advance the rights of Jewish women in the Orthodox community and shares some much-needed advice on how we can come together as a unified Jewish people (even when we disagree!). Whatever your place in the Jewish world, this is such an important conversation filled with so much wisdom about how to stop being a bystander and make change happen.   You’ll find out:   - Why we need to stop judging each other as Jews - The importance of differentiating between what people do and what God says - The dangers of increasing polarization in the Jewish world - How Shoshanna’s fighting against the erasure of women by Jewish extremists  - Why being holy doesn’t mean being hidden - Why we always need to remember that rabbis are human beings too  - The importance of being the bigger mensch  - Why every Jews should feel empowered to own their own Judaism - The damage caused when people forget that Judaism is all about the middle ground - Why the worst thing in the world is a bystander - Shoshanna’s strategy for talking about Israel    LINKS:   How to Stand Up to Antisemitism https://yourjewishlife.co/stop    Shoshanna’s Website https://www.skjaskoll.com/    Shoshanna on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shoshanna_keats_jaskoll    Shoshanna on Twitter https://twitter.com/skjask    Chochmat Nashim https://www.chochmatnashim.org/    Jewish Life Photo Bank https://jewishlifephotos.com/    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/

If you want to bring more Jewish joy into your life, you’ve come to the right place. Karen - who’s been referred to as “the Oprah of Jewish Joy” - shares all about what Jewish joy is and how to tap into it. She shares tons of ideas for bringing Jewish joy into your own life in ways both large and small - as well as a reminder that there’s no one right way to be Jewish. There are so many beautiful, non-intimidating ways to make your life more Jewishly joyful, right now, you’re going t love this episode!   LINKS:   Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    30 Ideas for Instant Jewish Joy http://yourjewishlife.co/joy    My 10 Favorite Jewish recipes http://yourjewishlife.co/recipes    Jewish Joy Playlist http://yourjewishlife.co/playlist    Micaela Ezra on the podcast https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/overcoming-jewish-impostor-syndrome-bringing-jewish-tradition-to-life-with-micaela-ezra/    Micaela Ezra’s website http://www.micaelaezra.com/    Jewish home checklist  http://yourjewishlife.co/jewishhome    The Queen of Jewish Positivity https://www.thejc.com/life-and-culture/all/'i-want-everyone-to-be-happy-'-how-a-weddings-website-grew-into-a-brand-new-community-1.522492    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/

Karen sits down with Nata Goldberg, a Jewish life, mindset, and manifestation coach, for a chat about what exactly manifestation is - and what it means to approach it from a Jewish perspective - how Nata learned to tap into her Jewish spirituality to build the life of her dreams, why she encourages you to drop your New Year’s resolutions, living simply in 2022, and so much more.  You’ll find out:   - What manifestation really is - and how to embrace it in your own life  - Why it’s so important to focus on your authentic desires, not “shoulds” imposed on you by others - How childhood bullying shaped Nata’s journey  - What it was like for Nata making aliyah to Israel from Germany  - How Nata manifested her dream apartment in Jerusalem - How keeping Shabbat changed Nata’s life - and her brilliant hack for remembering all the great ideas that come to her on Shabbat when she can’t write them down! - The importance of mindset - What it was like for Nata growing up Jewish in Germany - How living in Israel has helped Nata grow into her most authentic self  - Why Rosh Hashanah is Nata’s favorite holiday - Nata’s top tip for making the world a better place     LINKS:   Nata’s website https://www.itsnata.com/    Nata on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/itsnata/    Nata’s podcast https://www.itsnata.com/podcast    Nefesh b’Nefesh https://www.nbn.org.il/    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/ 

Karen dives into one of the hottest topics in the Smashing Life community: Jewish dating! As someone who always wanted to get married and have children but ended up taking a little longer to get there, Karen’s been through it all - and now she’s sharing the wisdom accumulated from 15 years of dating to answer Smashing Lifers’ burning questions about single life, the world of Jewish dating, and the importance of finding the courage to live your best life on your own terms, whatever your relationship status.    LINKS:   Join Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Karen and Jeremy’s wedding on Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com/karen-jeremy-london-wedding-at-the-wallace-collection/    Podcast episode about Smashing The Glass and Jewish weddings https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/tradition-tradition-the-joy-of-jewish-weddings/    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/    Jewish Joy Journal early access https://www.jewishjoyjournal.com

Welcome to a very special episode of the podcast in which Karen talks your through her long-awaited ‘Jewish Joy Journal’ that you can pre-order today!   Part goal planner, part gratitude journal, part non-judgmental Jewish BFF, the JJJ will fill your life with daily joy, purpose, and nourishing Jewish values.   Within the journal’s pages you’ll find space for daily gratitude, goal planning, kvetches and kvells, as well as thoughtful Shabbat prompts to encourage you to pause and reflect on what really matters in your life.   For 14 days only, you can pre-order the Jewish Joy Journal at jewishjoyjournal.com. When you pre-order, you’ll also receive a limited edition set of 5 Jewish joy postcards, and the first 50 pre-orders will get a hand-written card with a personal message from Karen too!   Grab the Jewish Joy Journal before we order just a limited amount that will sell out at jewishjoyjournal.com!       LINKS:   Pre-order the Jewish Joy Journal http://jewishjoyjournal.com/   Join Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/  

Karen sits down with food writer and Israeli cuisine expert Adeena Sussman for a chat all about how Adeena came to serve as an ambassador of Israeli flavors to diaspora audiences, what it was like for Adeena moving to Israel seven years ago after meeting her husband Jay, and how the perspective she’s gained learning to navigate Israeli food culture as an outsider has reaped unexpected rewards. Of course, they also chat about Adeena’s favorite Rosh Hashanah recipes, and easy ideas for giving your High Holiday table a little bit of Israeli flair wherever you are in the world! You’ll find out:   - The story of how Adeena became an unlikely Israeli food expert -  How a spontaneous blind date led to marriage and a move to Tel Aviv for Adeena -  What it’s like living smack in the middle of Tel Aviv’s Shuk HaCarmel market -  How putting her personal life first paid off for Adeena – and led to even greater career success -  What it’s like adjusting to Israeli culture as an American -  Why Adeena believes in being unapologetically Jewish more than ever since moving to Israel -  What Rosh Hashanah means to Adeena -  How Adeena’s grown into owning the things that make her different -  Adeena’s top Rosh Hashanah recipes -  How to infuse your High Holiday season with Israeli flair -  What it’s like celebrating Jewish holidays in Israel -  How Adeena decorates for Rosh Hashanah  -  All about Adeena’s upcoming Shabbat cookbook – and why Adeena wholeheartedly endorses your Shabbat, your way -  What it was like spending lockdown at Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s house – and how Adeena helped Chrissy explore her Jewish roots   LINKS:   Adeena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adeenasussman/   Adeena’s website https://www.adeenasussman.com/   Sababa https://www.adeenasussman.com/books   Adeena’s tahini and olive oil granola https://www.instagram.com/p/CdB3fSjgPKi/   Adeena’s cabbage, apple, and pomegranate slaw https://www.adeenasussman.com/apple-pomegranate-slaw   Adeena’s sheetpan honey harissa kitchen https://www.adeenasussman.com/sheepan-chicken   Adeena’s matzo cinnamon toast crunch https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcVqUW6jyxF   Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/     JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community http://jmeetups.com/

Karen shares some of the Jewish values that are nearest to her own heart - and delves into why Jewish values are so essential for making not only our own lives better, but the entire world too. This episode will help you figure out which values are most important to you, how you can use that knowledge to light you up in your Jewish life, and how you can put more goodness out into the world - while receiving more joy at the same time.  LINKS:   Jewish values guide  https://yourjewishlife.co/values    Jewish Joy Journal early access https://www.jewishjoyjournal.com    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/

In this episode, Karen sits down with Your Jewish Life team member Sam for a chat about a different side of Rosh Hashanah. While everyone loves chatting about menu plans and tablescapes (and there is a little bit of that here), this time the focus is on a side of the Jewish New Year that doesn’t necessarily get as much attention as it deserves: self-reflection. This time of the Jewish year is all about reflection and growth, and Karen and Sam go deep about what the past year has meant for them, what they hope to bring into the new Jewish year, and how they’re planning to make 5783 a year of growth.     You’ll find out:   - What Karen and Sam want to bring into the new Jewish year of 5783  - The ordeal that is taking time off work or school for the Jewish holidays  - Why Sam’s decided to be unapologetically Jewish at work all year long  - How Karen will be bringing her beloved mother’s legacy into the new year  - The importance of making sure we make space for our own needs heading into the new year - How you can make 5783 a year of growth - Why it’s important to make time for self-reflection at Rosh Hashanah  - All about the forthcoming Jewish Joy Journal - the perfect tool for making 5783 your best year yet  - Why banana bread is Sam’s go-to Rosh Hashanah dessert  - What gets Karen’s daughters excited during the High Holidays -  Why Karen thinks everyone should spend at least one Rosh Hashanah in Israel LINKS:   Rosh Hashanah 2022 Guide https://yourjewishlife.co/rosh   Rosh Hashanah Spotify playlist https://yourjewishlife.co/roshplaylist   Jewish Joy Journal early access https://www.jewishjoyjournal.com   Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/   JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community https://jmeetups.com/  

Karen sits down with Laur Plawker for an emotional discussion about Jewish mental health, intergenerational trauma, and the beauty of finding an unexpected sense of home in Israel. Laur is a mental health professional whose own struggles with anxiety, eating disorders, and more brought her closer to her heritage after a secular upbringing - and her moving story of finding faith in recovery is a must-listen. You’ll find out:   - How a 12-step program brought Laur closer to Judaism - The role of resilience in mental health - How being the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor has impacted her life - and spurred an interest in epigenetics  -  All about Laur’s incredibly moving first-ever trip to Israel earlier this year -  How Laur went from rejecting the idea of Israel as the Jewish homeland to identifying as a Zionist - The importance of always staying true to your core self  - What it means to Laur to be a Jewish woman  LINKS:   Laur on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehealinghappycook/?hl=en   Smashing The Glass Jewish wedding blog https://www.smashingtheglass.com/   Laur’s Jewish mental health podcast, Kvetching on the Couch https://www.callin.com/show/kvetching-on-the-couch-jMwTDPOtrM    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/     JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community http://jmeetups.com/

Karen sits down with author Corie Adjmi for a fascinating look at the Syrian Jewish community. Corie’s new novel, The Marriage Box, draws on her own experiences moving from a Reform upbringing in New Orleans to a traditional Orthodox Syrian life in Brooklyn as a teenager - and along the way, it shines a spotlight on a close-knit Jewish community that can seem mysterious to outsiders. Corie shares how she got started writing in her 30s after a career in education, why family is at the heart of Judaism, how she’s learned to balance her own desires with her culture’s expectations, and so much more.  You’ll find out: - What it’s like being part of an incredibly close-knit Jewish community  - Why it’s so important to highlight diverse Jewish voices - What inspired Corie to start writing  - How the Syrian community is evolving in the 21st century - Corie’s advice for aspiring writers  - What makes the Syrian Jewish community so special  - Corie’s tips for a quick Friday night dinner LINKS: Corie’s website https://corieadjmi.com/ Corie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/corieadjmi/ The Marriage Box https://amzn.to/46f7rtw Smashing Life, my Jewish community - try it out for one month with code “JEWISHJOY” https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Carrie Nachmani, a 63 year old 'Grandfluencer' and proud Jewish woman par excellence. The mother of three wonderful daughters, including influencer Arielle Charnas, Carrie is an absolute font of Jewish parenting wisdom, and in this episode she shares some of her secrets to raising successful, confident children who proudly own their Jewish identities.  You’ll find out:   - Why Carrie is so passionate about owning her identity as a proud Jewish woman - The importance of instilling Jewish values in her daughters - What Americans can learn from Israeli parenting - How to keep the lines of communication open with teenagers - All about raising proud Jewish children - Her difficult upbringing as a child of Holocaust survivors - How her first trip to Israel changed her life - All about learning to cook from her Moroccan Israeli mother-in-law LINKS:   Carrie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carriestable/     Carrie’s daughter Arielle Charnas https://www.instagram.com/ariellecharnas/     Arielle's podcast episode with Carrie  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HJBFViuo4lhg2AH   Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/     JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community http://jmeetups.com/  

Karen sits down with Aly Silverberg, the queen of Jewish relatability. As the founder of @jewishgirlprobs, Aly shares all about her journey as one of the founding figures of Jewish Instagram, chatting about the connection between Jewish humor and Jewish survival, the art of the meme, the importance of owning your Jewish identity - and so much more!   You’ll find out:   - How Aly got the idea to start @jewishgirlprobs in 2018 - Balancing her personal Jewish activism with her audience’s expectations - What Jewish humor means to Aly  - How she handles people who treat her as an authority on Judaism - Why it’s important to accept that you can’t please everyone  - Finding the right balance between self-deprecation and positivity  - Why we need Jewish humor even more during hard times - How @jewishgirlprobs helped Aly land her day job at Snapchat  - The importance of surrounding yourself with people who accept your full self - What Aly finds most meaningful in Judaism - All about her Beatles-themed bat mitzvah LINKS:   @jewishgirlprobs on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jewishgirlprobs/ jewishgirlprobs’ website https://www.jewishgirlprobs.com/ Aly’s baked brie and matzah meme https://www.instagram.com/p/CcoT-P3jhmL/?hl=en Aly’s Jewish music playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22khDRVbM7XVfT4liKeVQV?si=eKuTmfHyQAO1iXj6EBke6A Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community http://jmeetups.com/ Hanukkah Decor outdoor inflatables Kickstarter https://hanukkahdecor.com/kickstarter

Karen sits down with actress, filmmaker, and podcaster Daniella Rabbani to chat all about Daniella’s “deliciously Jewish” life, the importance of finding your own place in Judaism, the joy of Jewish music, and so much more. Daniella truly embodies Your Jewish Life’s philosophy of “your Jewish life, your way,” and she positively radiates Jewish joy - making this episode an absolute must-listen if you could use a little reminder that you are Jewish enough, just the way you are. You’ll find out:   - What being Jewish means to Daniella - How she learned to tap into her own Jewish joy - Daniella’s favorite thing about being Jewish  - Why we as Jews need to rid ourselves of internalized antisemitism and shame - How she stopped feeling ashamed that she met her husband at a Jewish charity event  - The importance of not judging other Jews - How studying Yiddish changed Daniella’s life  - All about Daniella’s own podcast, Mom Curious, about finding your own path through motherhood LINKS:   Daniella’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daniellarabbani/    Daniella’s website https://www.daniellarabbani.com/    Mom Curious https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mom-curious/id1602585064    Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Hanukkah Decor outdoor inflatables Kickstarter https://hanukkahdecor.com/kickstarter    JMeetups.com, where you can find love across our global Jewish community http://jmeetups.com/   

Karen sits down with none other than the Challah Prince himself! Idan Chabasov is truly a challah baker like no other, and his artistic, meditative approach to challah has taken Instagram by storm. A native Tel Avivian, Idan always loved eating challah but never tried baking it until he moved to Berlin as an adult. He shares all the details of his journey to challah royalty, why he identifies as an artist rather than a baker, the benefits of niching down, and so much more!   You’ll find out:   - The story of Idan’s path to becoming the Challah Prince - How the pandemic got so many more people into challah baking - Why you won’t find any other types of bread or baked goods on Idan’s account - How he brings his background in art and dance to challah baking - Which challah design is his all-time favorite - Idan’s stance on fancy challah toppings and stuffings - The importance of blocking out all the external noise and staying authentic - How his time living in Berlin changed his relationship with Judaism - The joys of edible, impermanent art -  All about Idan’s challah tour of America LINKS:   Challah Prince on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/challahprince/   Challah Prince’s website https://www.challahprince.com/land   Karen and Idan in Tel Aviv (middle of the Reel) https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbSmMjzAKkI/   Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/

“Why be a second-rate version of someone else when you can be a first-rate version of yourself?” That’s just one of the brilliant soundbites from Karen’s conversation with Tony Westbrook, aka @frumjewishblackboy. Tony is so full of enthusiasm for joyful, non-judgmental Judaism, and his discussion with Karen about what it’s like being an Orthodox queer Black Jewish person, how he lives his most authentic Jewish life, and why the only constant in Judaism is change is one you won’t want to miss.   You’ll find out:   - How Tony became an accidental TikTok star - What the next generation of Jews are looking for in communal life - Why the butts-in-seats model of Jewish communal engagement is out of date  - How he uses social media as a way to channel his lighthearted side despite spending most of his time dealing with serious Jewish communal issues on the job - Why it’s important to bring out the fun side of Judaism - How to deal when your Jewish identity don’t fit into a box - Tony’s tips on finding the courage to live your most authentic life - What it means to be a Jew and a person of color in today’s world - How Jewish communities can make themselves more welcoming LINKS:   Tony’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frumjewishblackboy/?hl=en Tony’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frumjewishblackboy?lang=en Karen and Tony in Tel Aviv on the Jews Talk Justice trip https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbSmMjzAKkI/ Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/  

Karen sits down with Israeli actress, producer, writer, and activist Noa Tishby to talk about advocating for Israel - everything from why you should (hint: Jews deserve self-determination just like any other group), to how to determine who might be receptive to the conversation, and how to find the right words to discuss the world’s most misunderstood country.     Plus, Noa shares about how she’s working to solve Israel’s PR problem in her new role as the first-ever Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and Delegitimization of Israel.   You’ll find out:   - How you can start advocating for Israel in your own life       - How to deal with antisemitism fatigue       - Why the Jewish people’s right to self-determination shouldn’t be up for debate       - Why not being triggered is a superpower       - What inspired Noa to become an Israel advocate        - How she breaks down complex issues into simple, accessible tidbits       - Why antisemitism isn’t going to be solved in any of our lifetimes - and why it’s important to keep fighting it anyway       - What Zionism actually is - and what it isn’t       - Why Israel actually isn’t as complicated as people think        - The power of small changes       - Why Israel is held to a standard that doesn’t apply to any other country         - Why Israel has such a massive PR problem        - What she wishes people understood about Israel       LINKS:     Noa’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/noatishby/   Noa’s website https://www.noatishby.com/   Noa’s book https://www.noatishby.com/book   Smashing Life, my private community for Jewish women https://smashinglife.club/  

Karen sits down with Felicity Spector - news producer by day, London foodie influencer after hours - to talk about one of the most joyous of Jewish topics: food! Felicity spills all the details on her life as an accidental food influencer, how Jewish food helped her reconnect with her Jewish identity, why food is an amazing way to make friends and forge new connections, and why it’s never too late to start baking your own challah!   You’ll find out:   - How food fuels Jewish joy   - What makes Israeli food so exciting   - How she balances her demanding career in international news with her side gig as a food influencer   - Felicity’s favorite Jewish and Israeli eateries   - How she went from a totally secular upbringing in Birmingham, UK, to becoming one of London’s top Jewish foodies   - Why food is a great way to share Jewish culture   - The rise of Israeli food in London over the past decade   - Why food is a great way to start reconnecting with your Jewish identity   - How she makes friends through food   - Felicity’s go-to sources for great Jewish recipes   - Why you might want to practice new challah techniques by braiding tights!   LINKS: Felicity’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/felicityspector/   Jake Cohen https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen/   Jake Cohen’s cookbook https://www.wakeandjake.com/jewish-a-cookbook   Ottolenghi https://ottolenghi.co.uk/   Honey & Co https://honeyandco.co.uk/   Cook for Ukraine https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cookforukraine/   Smashing Life, my private Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/

Karen sits down with Molly Tolsky, the founder and editor of Jewish culture site (and awesome Instagram account) Hey Alma and editor of Jewish parenting site Kveller. They chat about making space for Jewish Millennials to feel seen, the importance of showcasing diverse Jewish voices, and the joys of helping Jews connect with each other.     You’ll find out:     - What it was like going from a very Jewish home community to a not-very-Jewish college     - All about Molly's music-themed Mollypalooza bat mitzvah - complete with a choreographed dance to “Welcome to Miami”     - How writing brought her back into the Jewish world as an adult     - How Molly got the idea to start Hey Alma     - Dealing with online backlash     - Why seeing Jews judge each other is the hardest thing about her job     - All about those awesome Alma Classifieds     - What sparks Jewish joy for Molly     LINKS:     Hey Alma https://www.heyalma.com   Hey Alma’s Instagram (where you can find the Alma Classifieds!) https://www.instagram.com/hey.alma   Kveller  https://www.kveller.com   Kveller’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kvellercom   Molly’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mollytolsky   Molly’s bat mitzvah https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQaVdyLuw4/ Smashing Life, my community membership club for Jewish + Jew(ish) women https://smashinglife.club/

Karen sits down with Rabbi Robyn Frisch and Nicole Wasilus of 18Doors, a wonderful organization that helps interfaith couples and families grow their Jewish - or Jew-ish - identities in an authentic way. Rabbi Robyn and Nicole have so much wisdom to share, and this episode is truly a must for anyone who’s part of an interfaith relationship or family.     You’ll find out:     - Why getting involved with Judaism can sometimes feel intimidating and how to overcome it     - How to get started engaging with Judaism if you’re out of practice     - The importance of open, honest communication with your non-Jewish partner or family members     - The importance of setting boundaries with family who may not agree with your choices     - Small, non-intimidating steps you can take to bring Judaism into your lives     - How to find elements of Judaism that spark Jewish (or Jew-ish) joy for you     - What to do when you feel judged     - Tips on raising Jewish children in an interfaith environment     - Why it’s so important to find a community where you can feel comfortable–even if it’s online!     LINKS:   18Doors https://18doors.org/   18Doors Passover resources https://18doors.org/tag/passover/   Smashing Life, my community membership club for Jewish + Jew(ish) women https://smashinglife.club/   Your Jewish Life Passover guide https://yourjewishlife.co/passoverguide     Smashing The Glass, my Jewish wedding platform and community https://www.smashingtheglass.com/   PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/home   Mazel Pups Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/423561119504616/

Karen is joined by Emily and Sam from the Smashing Life team to talk all things Passover! Join them as they dish on their most memorable childhood Passovers, debate the merits of the Maxwell House Haggadah, and, above all, share how they make this sometimes challenging holiday their own. Whether this holiday is your favorite or least favorite, whether you’re a newbie or have been celebrating your whole life, this conversation is guaranteed to get you in the mood for matzah!     You’ll find out:   - When Passover falls in 2022 - Why Passover has always been Sam’s favorite holiday     - How a hardened chametz addict came to love Passover     - Some of our favorite Passover eats - What goes on a seder plate     - How it’s been weathering Passover during the pandemic     - Tips on how to make the most of Passover if you’re spending it alone     - Why we’re excited for Passover Bingo inside the Smashing Life Community     - What we’re doing to get in the mood as we prepare for the holiday     LINKS:   My must-have guide to everything you need to know about Passover in 2022 yourjewishlife.co/passoverguide       Passover Spotify Playlist yourjewishlife.co/passoverplaylist       Smashing Life, my community membership club for Jewish women https://smashinglife.club/     Matzah brei recipe https://www.instagram.com/reel/CM-D-O9ACgU/     Matzah crack recipe https://www.instagram.com/reel/CM4x9vSAI3E/     Almodrote recipe https://www.poppyandprune.com/2018/04/02/eggplant-and-cheese-casserole-almodrote-de-berengena/  

Karen sits down with Emily Scheinfeld, a beloved member of the Smashing Life community, to chat about her own Jewish life. Emily is an absolute ray of sunshine who’s contributed so much to the vibrant, accepting group that is Smashing Life, and it’s such an honor to have her come on here and talk about everything from figuring out how to take charge of your own Judaism as an adult to saying no to Jewish guilt to starting L’dor V’dor Judaica, a nonprofit focused on rehoming unloved Judaica, and, above all, how Smashing Life helped Emily bring Judaism back to the forefront of her life after many years of disconnection. You’ll find out: - How Emily became part of the Smashing Life community - and how the group helped her reconnect to Judaism - What it was like going from a very Jewish upbringing in Atlanta to feeling Jewishly isolated while working in East Texas as an adult - How COVID led Emily’s non-Jewish boyfriend to get involved in her Jewish life - What Shabbat looks like for Emily - How Smashing Life inspired Emily to start her own nonprofit devoted to providing Judaica for people in need - Emily’s advice for those struggling to feel confident in their Jewish identity LINKS: Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ L'dor V'dor Judaica https://www.ldorvdorjudaica.org/ L'dor V'dor Judaica on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/ldorvdorjudaica/ L'dor V'dor Judaica on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ldorvdorjudaica/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Israeli writer and activist Hen Mazzig, the son of Mizrahi Jewish refugees from Iraq and North Africa who’s made it his mission to share his family's story with the world. They chat about finding your own path in life and choosing a Jewish identity that’s meaningful to you, using social media for good, how to deal when society doesn’t accept parts of your identity, and why Mizrahi culture is the secret sauce that makes Israel so awesome.     You’ll find out:   - How his observant Mizrahi Israeli upbringing shaped his identity     - and why he feels more Jewishly connected now than ever before, despite leading a more secular life     - Using social media to empower Jews and other marginalized groups     - How he came to embrace his Iraqi-Tunisian heritage despite facing discrimination growing up     - Embracing the diversity of the Jewish world     - What it was like growing up queer in a homphobic society     - Facing discrimination as an Israeli in progressive circles     - Tips on how to love being Jewish 10 times more than anyone hates you for it     - Why he believes in always finding the best in people     - Why being Jewish in the 21st century is a miracle     - The importance of making sure Jewish identity is shaped by joy more than by fear and hatred     - His favorite things about being Jewish     - Why he loves hosting Shabbat dinners     - and some of his favorite hosting hacks     - Why Mizrahi culture is the secret sauce that makes Israel awesome     - All about his upcoming book on Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, coming out in late 2022     LINKS:   Hen’s website https://www.henmazzig.com/   Hen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henmazzig/?hl=en   Hen on Twitter https://twitter.com/HenMazzig   I promise to love being Jewish 10x more than anyone hates me for it https://www.instagram.com/p/CYJyUt6tjVT/   Buttmitzvah https://www.facebook.com/buttmitzvah/   Kubbeh recipe https://www.jewishfoodsociety.org/posts/2018/6/8/preserving-a-kurdish-recipe-one-kubbeh-at-a-time   Smashing Life, my Jewish community for women https://smashinglife.club

Karen sits down with Emily from the Your Jewish Life content team to chat about one of the trickiest parts of adulthood: making friends - especially Jewish ones! They speak about their respective experiences - Karen’s in London and Emily’s in NYC - along with sharing some crowdsourced advice from members of the Smashing Life community. The bottom line is, it’s not easy - but if you’re dedicated and willing to put yourself out there, you CAN make it happen! And if you need a little help, join our Jewish Connection Challenge, happening right now!   Here are some of our top suggestions for making new Jewish friends: - Host or attend a Shabbat dinner      - Find a Jewish roommate     - Work at a Jewish organization or business     - Ask your friends (Jewish or not) to connect you with their other Jewish friends     - Join local Jewish Facebook groups     - Go on a Jewish group trip, or attend a Jewish retreat or conference     - Take a Hebrew class     - Reconnect with some old Jewish friends, if you’ve got them     - Volunteer for a Jewish charity     - Wear some Jewish jewelry, or something with Hebrew on it     - Join our Smashing Life Community     - Sign up for the Jewish Connection Challenge     LINKS:   Smashing Life, my community for Jewish women https://smashinglife.club/   Jewish Connection Challenge https://yourjewishlife.co/connection   OneTable https://onetable.org/   Hen Mazzig’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henmazzig/?hl=en   Hazon Jewish Food Conference https://hazon.org/calendar/hazon-food-conference/   Ariel Tidhar https://www.arieltidhar.com/

Karen sits down with Lisa Lisser, Executive Vice President at JewBelong.com. Long known for their slightly risque NYC bus shelter ads, lately JewBelong’s been pushing the envelope in expanding the conversation around antisemitism with their attention-getting Times Square billboards. Lisa chats with Karen about JewBelong’s core mission of making Judaism accessible to disengaged Jews, how she deals with Jewbarrassment, and why you don’t have to be an expert to experience the joy of Judaism.      You’ll find out:   - Why there’s no such thing as a bad Jew     - How we as Jews can keep rules from dividing us     - Why Passover is Lisa’s favorite Jewish holiday - and how she makes her seders her own     - Small, easy steps you can take to lean into your Judaism - and the awesome resources JewBelong offers to help you do exactly this      - What sparks Jewish joy for Lisa     - The story behind those billboards bringing antisemitism to the forefront in Times Square     - What JewBelong is doing to get people talking about antisemitism - and how their work is bringing Jews together     LINKS:     Join our free Jewish Connection Challenge https://yourjewishlife.co/connection     JewBelong https://www.jewbelong.com   JewBelong on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jewbelong   JewBelong in Times Square https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtbo7ctu2R/   Smashing Life, my Jewish community for women https://smashinglife.club

Karen sits down with Jewish advocate and educator Amy Albertson to chat all about Amy’s experiences as a Chinese American Jewish woman, and her work to empower ALL Jews to own their Jewish identities with no apologies. A passionate voice for ending gatekeeping within the Jewish community, Amy’s celebration of the diversity of the Jewish world and passion for making space for all of us to live our own best Jewish lives, our way, is sure to fill you with hope for the Jewish future.       You’ll find out:     - All about her upbringing with a Chinese American mom and Ashkenazi American dad     - How attending Catholic high school strengthened her Jewish identity     - What it was like diving into a Jewish community in college for the first time     - Her journey from viewing herself as Jew-ish to Jewish     - Why diversity is the secret sauce to the richness of the Jewish people     - How she deals with other people trying to define her Jewishness     - Non-intimidating ways to start being louder about your Judaism     - The importance of making sure your Jewish identity isn’t defined by antisemitism     - What it’s like advocating for Israel online in 2022     - How Jewish communities can do better welcoming Jews of Color     LINKS:   Smashing Life, my Jewish community for women https://smashinglife.club   @theamyalbertson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theamyalbertson Amy Albertson’s website https://www.amyalbertson.com/