Love to Heal: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Spirituality
Join me on a journey of self-discovery, healing and spiritual growth. In this podcast I share with you my personal journey that started with atheism, continued on to Buddhism, then New Age, and finally took me to Judaism and, as of 2025, gave rise to the new motto of the podcast: Ancient Knowledge for Modern Spirituality. Follow along as I acquire knowledge from teachers, literature, travels and personal experiences of how Divine love can change your life for the better. It is my hope that every listener will benefit from this podcast, spreading the love, which really does work wonders! Follow m...
S.9 #1 | Exploring NYC’s Jewish Heritage
Send us Fan Mail
Take a journey into the heart of Orthodox Jewish life across New York, where centuries-old traditions aren't just preserved in museums—they are vibrantly lived every single day.
In this episode, we travel through three distinct cultural hubs:
Borough Park: Step into one of the largest Orthodox communities outside of Israel, where bustling streets, traditional storefronts, and deep-rooted Hasidic customs offer a captivating look at an unbroken chain of heritage.The Five Towns: Explore the thriving, modern Orthodox enclave of Long Island to see how deep co...S.8 #10 | God in the courtroom
Send us Fan Mail
In this powerful episode, I share my firsthand experience serving on jury duty and reflect on the deep intersection between faith, justice, and everyday civic life in America. From courtroom oaths to the Pledge of Allegiance and the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. currency, we explore how God remains embedded in public institutions. I discuss a real court case involving stalking and menacing, where the defendant used religious language—invoking God, punishment, and karma—to intimidate the victim. This episode examines the danger of misusing faith to justify harm, and contrasts...
S.8 #9 | End Jew Hatred Day
Send us Fan Mail
What does it mean to stand up for the Jewish people in today’s world—and how can each of us become a moral voice in times of rising antisemitism?
In this episode, I share my experience attending my very first “End Jew Hatred Day” rally in my own city. This day is officially celebrated annually since 2023 on April 29th. In this episode, you will find I reflect on the emotional impact of the gathering, the sense of unity, and the urgency behind this growing movement to confront antisemitism and promote Jewish p...
S.8 #8 | Attending my first Jewish Orthodox wedding
Send us Fan Mail
This is a fun one! If you've never attended an Jewish Orthodox wedding, this is a must-listen! Not only will you learn about all that occurs at such a wedding, but you will walk away with tons of knowledge and explanations about Jewish wedding traditions and Yiddishkeit in general.
To find out your Jewish birthday, visit: https://www.chabad.org/calendar/birthday_cdo/aid/6228/jewish/Jewish-Birthday-Calculator.htm
For sponsorship opportunities and ads, please email me at love2healpod@gmail.com
My eBook link: https://healerheart33.g...
S.8 #7 | O Jerusalem! Crossroads of the three faiths
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I share my experience attending Apollo’s Fire’s powerful concert “O Jerusalem: The Crossroads of Three Faiths,” a moving musical journey through the four quarters of Jerusalem—Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian. Through stunning live performance and historically inspired music, the concert brought to life the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of Jerusalem, highlighting how deeply interconnected these traditions truly are.
At a time when the Middle East feels especially fractured, this program offered something rare: a reminder of shared humanity. I reflect on how music can transcend...
S.8 #6 | The Five Ascents: My memoir
Send us Fan Mail
I am delighted to announce that my memoir The Five Ascents is now available in ebook form on gumroad.com. I am still working on publishing it, but you can be the first to read it! This book is definitely the most open and sincere public thing I’ve ever done in my life. If you’ve listened to my podcast from the very beginning, you will notice how it helped me shape the memoir. Although it is a memoir, it is so much more than that...
S.8 #5 | Making It Relevant with Katia Bolotin: Identity, Shabbat, and Jewish Feminine Spirituality
Send us Fan Mail
In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Katia Bolotin, Torah educator and author of Making It Relevant, to explore some of the most meaningful themes in Jewish life. We talk about the power and beauty of Shabbat, the importance of knowing your identity in order to live up to your potential, and the role feminine spirituality has played throughout Jewish history.
Katia shares thoughtful insights on how Jewish wisdom can feel deeply relevant in everyday life, and we discuss how tradition, purpose, and identity can shape the way we live...
S.8 #4 | Living Jewish Traditions in New Orleans
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I share my family’s meaningful journey through Jewish life in New Orleans, with lots of discussion about the history of the Jewish people in the city. We attended services at Chabad, visited the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, celebrated Shabbat, and taught our children about tzedakah. Along the way, I felt closer to G-d than ever before, with a deep sense of protection, peace, and guidance that made this trip one of our most beautiful and memorable family getaways.
Support the show
S.8 #3 | What It’s Like Being Jewish in Bogotá: Travel Stories and Cultural Insights
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
S.8 #2 | Jewish Life in Colombia: Purim Traditions and Cultural Fusion
Send us Fan Mail
In March of 2026, my husband and I celebrated Purim in Colombia. It was a wonderful, joyous experience for which we thank the Chabad of Cartagena. This Purim was also special because as we celebrated the reversal of fate of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, this year we also celebrated the fall of Ali Khamenei, the terrorist and supreme leader of Iran.
Come along on my Jewish adventure to learn about Purim history and traditions, and find out why the Jewish nation is more optimistic than ever in awaiting the arrival o...
S.8 #1 | Sacred Strategy of Combating Antisemitism: An interview with Alexandra Levine
Send us Fan Mail
Antisemitism doesn’t start at the national level, it starts where people learn what to believe. I sit down with Alexandra Levine, an entrepreneur, political consultant, philanthropist, and host of a political podcast, to talk about what it looks like to stay loudly and proudly Jewish when the culture gets hostile. She shares how being the only Jewish child in her classroom shaped her backbone, and why Jewish identity, tradition, and community are not “extras” but real protection against isolation and fear.
We dig into Holocaust education as a concrete strategy to comb...
S.7 #8 | Bris: the ancient Jewish tradition of circumcision
Send us Fan Mail
I had the honor of attending a bris - a circumcision of a baby boy on the 8th day of his life. In this episode, you will learn about the history of this ancient Jewish tradition and what the ritual entails.
Mentions:
Bris or Brit Milah - the Jewish covenant of circumcision, performed on a baby boy’s eighth day of life by a trained mohel to welcome him into the covenant of Abraham.
Kvatters - usually a husband-and-wife team, who serv...
S.7 #7 | Holy Woman - why this book will change your life
Send us Fan Mail
Once in a while you come across a book that not only inspires you but actually changes the way you perceive reality, motivating you to become a better person. This book is it! I cannot recommend it enough to all people looking to grow spiritually. You will cry and you will laugh as you read this biography titled "Holy Woman", and you will never remain the same because the lessons you will learn from this book will undoubtedly aid in your spiritual development.
Join me as I share my three main t...
S.7 #6 | Home in the Holy Land: A conversation with a Russian immigrant in Israel
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I speak to my niece (my cousin's daughter), a journalist and model, who, after having lived in various countries for personal and political reasons finally found her forever home in Israel. The Holy Land welcomed her with open arms and turned her - an atheist - into a believer in G-d and a follower of the Jewish traditions.
Mentions:
Guest: Maria Volokh
https://www.facebook.com/share/186sBGyn4s/
https://www.instagram.com/mari.vol11?igsh=cnV6ajd0MzMzaWdk
Giyur...
S.7 #5 | Why Ancient Wisdom Beats Modern Dating Apps
Send us Fan Mail
Muskie Galperin, a Chabad shlucha, is back on Love To Heal! This time, we talk about love - not the one that makes your heart race and sets the butterflies in your stomach free (the fleeting kind), but rather love that takes time to grow but has a solid foundation that is meant to last.
Our conversation reveals what Jewish Orthodox dating is like and why ancient Torah wisdom is so much better than swiping right on a stranger. Find out what a Jewish Orthodox wedding is like and why having c...
S.7 #4 | Hebrew Naming Ceremony
Send us Fan Mail
Do you have a Hebrew name? If not, it's never too late to get one! Although, it is customary for children to receive their Hebrew names at circumcision (boys) or during the first couple of weeks after birth (girls), I received my name in middle school and my kids received their at age 5 and 8. I strongly believe that names are little prophecies, and changing or adding a name to an existing name has the power of changing fate. Find out how and why in this episode!
Mentions:
A Kiddush...
S.7 #3 | A Conversation with a Chabad Shlucha (a female emissary)
Send us Fan Mail
Listen to my conversation with Mushkie Galperin who is a Chabad Shlucha (female emissary) and youth director of the Chabad in Solon, Ohio. It is thanks to Mushkie, along with her parents, husband and siblings, that I am where I am today spiritually.
In this episode, we cover topics such as the Orthodox Jewish family life and upbringing, women's modest dress code and hair covering, working as an emissary, spiritual inspiration and much more!
A Chabad Shlucha is a female emissary, part of a husband-and-wife team (Shliach and...
S.7 #2 | Our first Sukkot
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I recount my family's first Sukkot celebration and building of the sukkah. You will learn about the traditions of this Jewish holiday, find out how our synagogue celebrates and hear some recommendations for building and purchasing sukkah materials.
Mentions:
Sukkot - a joyous, seven-day Jewish festival celebrating the autumn harvest and commemorating the 40 years the Israelites lived in temporary shelters
Sukkah - a temporary, hut-like dwelling built for the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot
Lulav and etrog - essential...
S.7 #1 | Chabad of Cozumel
Send us Fan Mail
Happy New Year 2026! In this fun episode, I tell you all about my family's visit to the Chabad of Cozumel in Mexico. We headed there for Shabbat and, let me tell you, it was a Friday night to remember!
Mentions:
Chabad of Cozumel - http://chabadcozumel.com/
To see my videos and photos from Cozumel, please head to Instagram or TikTok @lovetohealpodcast
Support the show
S.6 #10 | Shabbat 101
Send us Fan Mail
If you are like me, a secular Jew who is starting to observe mitzvahs, this episode is for you!
In Shabbat 101, you will hear about the primary steps to observing Shabbat - candle lighting, kiddush, hand washing and challah - and hopefully you will learn from my mistakes!
Mentions:
Mitzvahs: Candle lighting, kiddush, hand washing, challah
baal teshuvah (master of return)
Song “The Shabbat Queen” by Ḥayyim Naḥman Bialik
Support the show
S.6 #9 | The Saddest day in the Jewish Calendar
Send us Fan Mail
In the past, I attended synagogue services and events only on High Holidays, thinking that those were the only special days in the Jewish calendar. But now that I am becoming more and more observant, I am learning that there are many more important dates in Jewish tradition that I had no idea about. One of them is TishaB'av, which is considered the saddest day for Jews.
This year, I decided that it was essential I learn more about this holy day (not holiday). In this episode, you will learn about m...
S.6 #8 | Emotional Wellbeing
Send us Fan Mail
I attended a very interesting book signing of Rabbi Levi Y. Shmotkin, who recently edited and published "Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe".
Shmotkin spoke on various topics, presenting examples from individuals he himself interviewed that had received letters from the Rebbe. Shmotkin spent years reading and researching the Rebbe’s correspondence and archives. The common denominator he identified was the Rebbe’s advice and teachings on coping with the inevitable challenges that threaten our peace of mind.
The Rebbe was the one that broug...
S.6 #7 | With God's Help
Send us Fan Mail
Every time I volunteer at my synagogue, I learn a ton. This time was not exception. I helped the summer camp put on a kids play, which turned out to be a highly educational and gratifying experience for me.
Mentions:
Baruch Hashem - B''H
Frozen - Disney movie
Support the show
S.6 #6 | Man plans, God laughs
Send us Fan Mail
After promising myself that I would not become a pet owner because family life is already hectic enough, and also to avoid heartbreak due to the eventual pet's illness and death (my in law's pet had recently passed away), my husband and I gave into our son's plea for a dog. Even though we agreed on a specific breed and size, we ended up re-homing a dog that was nothing like we what we had envisioned or hoped for. Such is the irony of life!
In this episode, I also share i...
S.6 #5 | Visiting a spiritual oasis (the Ohel)
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I recount my visit to one of the most magical, spiritual, holy places in the world - the Ohel - the burial site of the Rebbe in Queens, New York.
You will find out how to prepare for a visit, what to expect and what to do step-by-step once you get there, as well as what makes this place a holy site for Jews all over the world.
You don't have to be Jewish to visit the Ohel, which is open 24/7 and welcomes people regardless of t...
S.6 #4 | Being Jewish in Norway
Send us Fan Mail
The adventure continues to Norway. Hear about my experience as a Jew in Bergen and Oslo, as well as Norway's natural beauty, and peculiar art scene.
Mentions:
Bergen - port city
Fjords - long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea with steep sides formed by glacial erosion
Mount Floyen in Bergen and the Troll Forest
Oslo - capital
Quote by the Rebbe - Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Support the show
S.6 #3 | Being Jewish in Sweden
Send us Fan Mail
The Jewish adventure continues in Sweden. In this episode, I recount my family's visit to the Great Synagogue of Stockholm and the Jewish museum. I comment on the liberal nature of Stockholm's Jewish community and express my opinion on the importance of tradition, which is what keeps the Jews strong and able to withstand any challenges.
Mentions:
The Great Synagogue of Stockholm
Aron Isak - a German seal engraver, was the first Jewish person to receive permission to live in Sweden
Judiska Museet - Jewish Mus...
S.6 #2 | Being Jewish in Denmark
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I recount my family's "Jewish" adventure in Copenhagen, Denmark. From the synagogue to a Chabad to a kosher restaurant, I give you my take on what it's like to be Jewish in a very liberal European country.
Mentions:
Great Synagogue of Copenhagen
Chabad of Denmark
Kosher restaurant "Taim"
Quote by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
Support the show
S.6 #1 | Coming of age
Send us Fan Mail
Have you ever attended a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony? If not, in this episode, you will learn all about this coming-of-age ritual in Judaism: what it means, why it's important, how it transpires, what to give as a gift and more!
Mentions:
Quote by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Support the show
S.5 #23 | No excuses: a story of resilience, faith and love
Send us Fan Mail
In this last episode of Season 5, I share with you an excerpt from my conversation with an incredible human being, someone who, despite her paralysis from the waist down, limited vision and hearing, continues to live life with utmost joy, inspiring everyone around her to be thankful for our every breath and our opportunities to love and to serve others. Her story of resilience and faith is so motivating that I hope you will share it with others. My guest is dancer, singer, artist and author Kimberly Ocampo.
Kimberly's dancing: https://ww...
S.5 #22 | Shavuot: a time for spiritual growth
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I recount the details of two Shavuot events that I attended this year. I explain the holiday's significance and traditions. Shavuot is not only a time for spiritual growth, but also it is a time for families and communities to come together, reaffirming their commitment to Jewish learning, while celebrating the spiritual connection with G-d.
Mentions:
Chabad.org
Poem by Rick Lupert
Support the show
S.5 # 21 | The Mitsui Method: Activating your potential
Send us Fan Mail
Listen to my interview with founder and director of the Mitsui Collective Yoshi Silverstein. In this inspiring episode, you will learn about Jewish embodiment, the diversity of the Jewish people, and why Judaism is so powerful in nourishing our body and soul, as well as activating our potential.
mentions:
Mitsui Collective: www.mitsuicollective.org
Ido Portal - a movement and fitness teacher who founded the "Movement Culture"
Shai Faran - an Israeli dancer, teacher and choreographer
Support the show
S.5 #20 | Seeing the good in people
Send us Fan Mail
When our ego leads the way, it's easy to see the flaws in other people. The Torah clearly states to “judge every human being meritoriously.” How can we train ourselves to think positively and see the good in people? I answer this and other spiritual questions in this episode.
Mentions:
Story "The Blind Chazzan" from Theyeshiva.net
My contact information:
love2healpod@gmail.com
Instagram and TikTok - lovetohealpodcast
Support the show
S.5 #19 | Life After Death: Jewish burial customs and the journey of the soul
Send us Fan Mail
Visiting the cemetery to pay respects to a friend that recently passed away made me realize how much important and interesting information there is about Jewish burial customs. In this episode, I go over the basics of what any person should know when visiting a Jewish cemetery. In addition, I talk about the journey of the soul after burial.
Mentions:
Poem “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Support the show
S.5 #18 | Jewish Embodiment
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I recount my experience of Havdalah with PJ Library. I enjoyed this restorative evening designed for mothers to explore Jewish embodiment, which would help us to more fully align our actions with our intentions, better understand ourselves and others, and build communities of wholeness and belonging. The movement program was led by the creator of the Mitsui method, who explained to us that Jewish Embodiment is both rooted in and an expression of Jewish wisdom, identity, spirituality, culture, and values. Following the physical exercises, the restorative practice included breathwork, songs...
S.5 #17 | Why Modesty?
Send us Fan Mail
In a world where sex sells, I am advocating for modesty! In Judaism, the concept of modesty extends well beyond dress code. Find out how this concept can improve your relationships, how you can contribute to a more respectful and harmonious society, and live a life that is meaningful and purposeful.
Mentions:
Author Louise Hay
Rabbi Manis Friedman
Support the show
S.5 #16 | Learning and Doing
Send us Fan Mail
In Judaism, learning and doing are deeply interconnected. The tradition emphasizes that study should lead to meaningful action, making "learning" a dynamic process that involves both intellectual exploration and practical application. This is why I jump at every learning opportunity and accept every invitation from our rabbi and rebbetzin. In this episode, I share my family's experience of Moshiach Seudah - a celebration to conclude Passover, which took place at our rabbi's home. And then I introduce the counting of the Omer tradition, which occurs between Passover and Shavuot, and is one of...
S.5 #15 | A Passover Experience
Send us Fan Mail
My husband and I were invited to a Passover Seder at our rabbi's house. In this episode, together we share our first experience of a real seder, which turned out to be not only meaningful and memorable, but also lots of fun!
Support the show
S.5 #14 | What you didn't know about prayer
Send us Fan Mail
I recently read in Tanya that prayers and blessings in Judaism must be audible. The explanation for this requirement was so intriguing to me that it led me to further research. This episode is full of Kabbalistic mysticism, Jewish tradition and inspiration. I hope it inspires you to explore the power of prayer!
Mentions:
The Daily Study App
Shtisel - TV series
Kabbalah - a Jewish mystical tradition that involves esoteric teachings and practices
Alter Rebbe - Shneur Zalman of Liadi, commonly known a...
S.5 #13 | Passover: The Personal Egypt
Send us Fan Mail
With Passover around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about the concept of personal Egypt: our own limiting beliefs and that which controls us. While during Passover the Haggadah instructs us to regard ourselves as having personally lived through the events of the Exodus, the Seder also allows for self-reflection and discussion of how we can break free of these metaphorical chains, leaving the restraining past in the past and taking the first steps to personal freedom - one that promises self-transcendence and lifts us out of...
