Listening to Understand

By: Matana Jacobs
  • Summary

  • Welcome to 'Listening to Understand, where sensitive Jewish truth-seekers gather in a safe place for candid conversations on challenging topics. When we listen to truly understand - and not to respond - we can replace judgment with curiosity and open our hearts to every Jew, regardless of their personal choices.
    Copyright 2025 Matana Jacobs
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Episodes
  • The Unspoken Revolution Behind Orthodox Jewish Women's Education & Leadership (Leslie Ginsparg Klein)
    Jan 10 2025

    Leslie Ginsparg Klein is the Academic Dean of the Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary & College, an accomplished scholar, author, and speaker on Jewish history, Tanach, leadership, and communication skills. She passionately discusses the role of women in leadership and education within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting female leaders and mentors. Focusing on the transformative impact of figures like Sarah Schneirer and the Bais Yaakov movement, which provided Jewish girls with education and a sense of spiritual identity, Leslie emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another and foster inclusivity and acceptance within the community.

    In addressing today’s challenges in Jewish education, including school rejections, inclusivity, and balancing home and school in teaching Jewish values, Leslie advocates for moving beyond performative education. She calls for internalized spiritual growth rather than surface-level conformity. Sensitive topics such as dress codes, hair covering, and the devaluation of teachers are tackled, with a strong appeal to prioritize respect and fair pay for educators. Leslie and Matana underscore the importance of ensuring meaningful, inclusive education for all children and strengthening the role of women in shaping the community.

    Dr. Klein earned her Ph.D. from New York University, where she researched the history of Orthodox girls’ education in America and the Bais Yaakov movement. She is an alumna of Michlalah, Stern College for Women, and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and a recipient of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” award (2009). Dr. Klein lives in Baltimore with her husband and children.

    Connect with Leslie:

    Website: lesliegklein.com

    Email: lmgklein@gmail.com

    Instagram:@leslie_g_klein

    Leslie's Book: Sarah Builds a School

    Join us on Whatsapp:

    Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️

    https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4

    Listen to us:

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA

    Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630

    Comments or Suggestions?

    We’d love to hear from you:

    listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com

    

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • The Hidden Power That Turns Pain Into Purpose יהודי = הודיה (Liel Alter)
    Dec 31 2024

    Liel Alter went on a transformative journey from a secular upbringing to embracing God, Judaism and spirituality. From the profound impact of her mother's illness and passing had, to her search for meaning, and how she found faith through community and personal exploration, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the role of supportive parenting, and the power of choice in personal growth. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of resilience, faith, and the essence of living a meaningful life.

    Liel and Matana explore the profound impact of gratitude, spirituality, personal well-being and how gratitude is not just a feeling but a choice that can transform one's perspective, especially during hardships. This concept is woven into the significance of Chanuka, a time to reflect on gratitude, the miracles in our lives and emphasizing that true happiness comes from recognizing and appreciating what we already have.

    Liel's message is compelling and has attracted thousands on her popular social media accounts, ripe with relevant content and inspiration, where she shares thoughts gleaned along her journey.

    Connect with Liel:

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emunahashem

    WhatsApp group for daily inspiration: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GurRSu29bY31axv0xydOps

    Join us on Whatsapp:

    Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️

    https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4

    Listen to us:

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA

    Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630

    Comments or Suggestions?

    We’d love to hear from you:

    listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com

    

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    47 mins
  • When a Jew and a Muslim Talk ושבו בנים לגבולם (Moriel Bareli)
    Dec 9 2024

    Author Moriel Bareli explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having moved to Israel and learned Arabic, he gained insights from conversations with Arabs. Moriel shares the historical narratives presented in the Quran, the misunderstandings surrounding Jewish sovereignty, and the need for education to bridge cultural gaps. The significance of reclaiming national identity are crucial in understanding the deeper issues at play in the ongoing conflict.

    Moriel delves into the significance of Eretz Israel in Judaism, discusses the historical and spiritual connections that bind the Jewish people to the land, the challenges faced by Jews living outside of Israel and the importance of returning to their roots. Moriel emphasizes the need for unity among Jews, the role of education in fostering understanding and peace with the Muslim world, the necessity of self-reflection and living with passion and truth to fulfill their purpose as a nation.

    Moriel was born and raised in New York but at the age of 18 decided to make Aliyah to Israel. He now lives in Samaria with his wife and 2 children, teaches Arabic, gives lectures about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is the author of “When a Jew and a Muslim Talk”.

    His passion for the Arabic language began while he was studying in a Yeshiva that bordered the Christian and Muslim quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. He embarked on a journey to study the language, religion and culture of those surrounding him, eventually leading him to hundreds of conversations with Muslims from all over the Middle East.

    Connect with Moriel:

    mobareli100@gmail.com

    https://moriel-bareli.co.il/en/book-eng/

    Amazon Book


    Join us on Whatsapp:

    Click the link below to join the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community, where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Join the conversation that ONLY happens here⬇️

    https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4

    Listen to us:

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ux5OupXGRTNLgJVttpcF1?si=lIL8nhOFTsuxiGP-QGy_TA

    Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630

    Comments or Suggestions?

    We’d love to hear from you:

    listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com

    

    Sponsored by:

    SwagMyGear.com

    Get your custom printed & promotional logo Tees, hoodies, hats, swag, and other gear, great for Bar & Bat Mitzvas, business& corporate, family gatherings & events, all printed with your logo or...

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 19 mins

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