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In this episode of the Franciska Show, Leigh Ioffe, a crisis management specialist and founder of the nonprofit organization The Long Short Road, shares her journey and work in the realm of mental health and crisis intervention. Lee discusses her accidental entry into the field, which began with her work at the Chabad Teen Network and evolved into addressing the mental health needs of young people dealing with suicidal ideation. She elaborates on the unique challenges faced by the Orthodox Jewish community, including religious guilt and trauma, and emphasizes the importance of combining mental health support with religious guidance. Lee also provides insights from her extensive training and experience, including the development of bespoke suicide prevention programs and the importance of relational support in crisis management. She shares personal stories of success and resilience, illustrating the profound impact of compassionate human connections. Additionally, Leigh offers practical advice for individuals and community leaders on how to provide support to those struggling with mental health issues, ensuring they feel safe, seen, and soothed.   00:00 Welcome to the Franciska Show 00:19 Accidental Path to Crisis Management 01:11 Religious Journey and Family Background 02:46 Challenges in Mental Health Awareness 08:46 Warm Line: A Support System 17:53 Expressive Writing for Healing 23:26 Training and Future Plans 32:47 Rescheduling and Learning New Things 33:32 Nuances of Addressing Suicidal Ideation 36:45 Training and Crisis Management 39:21 Balancing Nonprofit Work and Personal Life 43:52 The Importance of Sensitivity in Mental Health 56:00 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways       About Our Guest: Leigh Ioffe is a crisis management specialist and dedicated advocate for individuals navigating mental health challenges. She is the founder and director of The Long Short Road, where she leads the creation of psycho-educational programs, warmline services, and consultations that offer personalized support to hundreds each year. Leigh's work is grounded in compassion and practical care, helping people access the tools they need to heal and grow. Beyond her professional role, Leigh is a wife, a mother to two daughters, and a published fiction author. She is also currently pursuing certification as a mindfulness practitioner, further enriching her holistic approach to well-being.   www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-ioffe-25785149  Instagram and Facebook: @thelongshortroad   www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com  

I will be on break for the next few weeks.  Praying for all our people in Israel and around the world. Peace and stay safe!   For episode suggestions - please reach out to [email protected]      

Raphi Fulcher's Musical Journey and Life as a Black Orthodox Jew   In this episode, Raphi Fulcher, also known as Hebrew, discusses his unique background and perspectives. Growing up as the youngest of six children to parents who converted to Judaism in the 1960s, Raphi shares his experiences moving across different states and eventually studying in Israel. Currently a project manager in digital marketing, Raphi is also a passionate musician. He talks about his musical influences, family background in music, and the transformative experience of performing live. Raphi sheds light on the challenges of dating within the Orthodox Jewish community as a Black man and the importance of finding a partner who understands and is prepared for those challenges. He also discusses the significance of Torah values and the importance of addressing 'otherness' in the Jewish community. Additionally, Raphi shares insights into his music career, Jewish music festivals, and his aspirations to create music that heals and educates.   00:00 Introduction and Background 00:36 Religious and Professional Journey 03:05 Musical Beginnings 04:20 First Performance and Health Struggles 07:24 Stage Name and Identity 09:00 Growing Up Orthodox 20:46 Dating Challenges 29:14 Navigating Relationships and Conversion 30:44 Qualities I'm Looking for in a Partner 32:24 Challenges in Finding the Right Match 35:10 The Birth of a Jewish Music Festival 37:14 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Music 43:21 The Deeper Meaning of Cain and Hevel 48:45 Practical Advice for Facing Fear 51:39 Sharing My Music and Inspirations   https://www.hebromusic.com https://www.instagram.com/hebromusic/ https://www.youtube.com/@Hebromusic   www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com [email protected]   About Raphi: Raphi Fulcher is a man on a mission, a soldier, or a "soulja," if you will, in the army of Hashem. So intent is he on spreading his message of acceptance and brotherhood through rap and hip hop music, that he performs under the name Hebro, a Fulcher-ism that declares his intent to use his artistic abilities to better the world as he serves in the ranks of God's military. The youngest of six children born to African-American parents who converted to Judaism 43 years ago under the guidance of Rabbi J.J. Hecht, the then-assistant to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Fulcher hails from a family of gifted vocalists. The singer, songwriter, rapper and producer lived in Crown Heights until he was four and spent his formative years in North Carolina, St. Louis and Israel. It was during his time as a student at Queens College that Fulcher, whose full name is Raphael Ohr Chayim, discovered his gift for singing publicly. "I was on the board at Chabad of Queens College and we staged musical events. I found that I had a deep passion for live performance," Fulcher told The Jewish Link. After spending a Lag B'omer at the Chevra Ahavas Yisroel synagogue, Fulcher found himself falling in love with Crown Heights and he spent the next five years there, enjoying the unique warmth of the community and honing his musical voice. Deeply enamored with rap, hip hop, reggae and R&B music, Fulcher decided that the time had come to bring those genres to Jewish audiences, albeit with all new lyrics. "Just the music and the rhythm are very powerful and could resonate with a lot of people if we had positive, uplifting content," said Fulcher, who previously performed under the name Hebro. "I kept imagining how powerful it would be if I added a real element that would allow listeners to vibe out to the rhythm, with lyrics that have meaning and purpose. I don't think you can deny that it is Jewish music." Having stretched his musical wings on stage with Matisyahu, Nissim Black, Moshav Band, Lipa Schmeltzer, Zusha and others, Fulcher decided three years ago that it was time to share his God given gifts with the world in a debut EP titled Genesis. "It is an album that is inspired by Tehillim, by King David's work," said Fulcher. "When I imagine David Hamelech performing during his life, I imagine that his music had rhythm and spirit and with all due respect, I don't think it sounded like the typical 'Jewish' music we hear today in the orthodox world" Genesis, featuring seven original compositions, will be released on March 17th, Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Fulcher is looking forward to sharing his music at a release party taking place at The Loft and Rooftop at 83 Essex Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side of Manhattan which will also feature up and coming talents Izzy Gilden, DJ Kamilly, Simple Man and others. His soon to be released Souljass music video, featuring one of the tracks on the EP, tells the story of Cain and Hevel, which Fulcher sees as the start of baseless hatred in the world. "I want to shed light on being fearful of what we don't control or understand," said Fulcher. "There is a message there in Cain's conversation with Hashem, when he says he doesn't know where his brother is. If we focused on the other person, if we were conscious of one another, and were tolerant of each other, we would be able to bring about the ultimate redemption." Still, Fulcher, a resident of the Wesley Hills section of Monsey, is subtle with his messaging. "I consider myself a chasid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his teachings and his mission," said Fulcher. "That is what I wanted to do with this album of songs about redemption and while I may not mention that concept by name, it is there in broader terms and in a way that will allow more people to enjoy the music." With an edgy style that is simultaneously youthful and appealing, Fulcher is a crossover artist who can appeal to the masses, but also has his priorities straight. Passionate about his music, he is even more dedicated to his religious observance. As someone with close ties to Chabad, Fulcher feels strongly about his own obligation to improve the lives of others. "My ultimate mission with my music is to do my part to bring redemption," explained Fulcher. "I consider this to be my shlichut and I believe each of us has to bring the world to a higher state of perfection by doing chesed, by reaching out and not just harboring light, but shining light out onto the world." Having been the only African-American student in the yeshivos he attended since first grade wasn't always easy, admitted Fulcher, but it was an experience that prepared him for his future. "It was challenging for myself and for my peers," said Fulcher. "It was a reality that none of them had ever dealt with before and it was new for them. Still, growing up as an African-American Jew in a white Orthodox Jewish world gave me the experience to understand the potential of breaking down the barriers of fear and difference while creating an opportunity for growth. B'nei Yisrael come in all shapes and colors and sizes and the sooner we can all handle that the sooner we will all be b'simcha."

Batya Sherizen shares her transformative journey from a driven and overwhelmed entrepreneur to a fulfilled and present mother, wife, and businesswoman. Batya recounts her life, from her early marriage and 10 years in Israel to her thriving business as a child sleep consultant, which she ran while her husband was in Kollel. A life-threatening pregnancy complication led to a near-death experience, altering her perspective profoundly. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of balancing career and family, the evolution of her relationship with her husband, and the importance of being present in relationships. Her book, 'Dying to Be Me,' encapsulates this metamorphosis, emphasizing the importance of presence and connection over professional success. Batya also touches on the pressures individuals face, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for kindness in understanding others' unseen struggles.   00:00 Introduction and Background 00:39 Life in Detroit and Family Dynamics 01:23 Professional Journey and Challenges 01:48 The Turning Point: A Life-Altering Event 02:16 Writing the Book: Dying to Be Me 06:18 The Near-Death Experience 09:27 Reflections on Life and Happiness 16:37 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care 26:20 Reflecting on Life and Relationships 26:58 The Gradual Process of Healing 28:24 Therapy and Finding Balance 29:56 Changes in Marital Dynamics 31:57 Parenting and Financial Roles 43:51 The Importance of Self-Relationship 48:21 Gratitude and Perspective 49:58 Finding Happiness and Fulfillment     About Our Guest: Batya Sherizen is a renowned child sleep expert with nearly 20 years of experience helping exhausted, loving parents reclaim restful nights and restore balance in their lives. Through compassionate, one-on-one support, she creates personalized sleep plans tailored to each family's unique needs. Batya is also a published author and a passionate musician, bringing creativity and heart to everything she does.   LINK TO BOOK - - - DYING TO BE ME: https://a.co/d/br8fJ3H https://www.linkedin.com/in/batya-sherizen-6364a7365/ [email protected] www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com

In this episode, join Olivia, Herman, and Shua Kanarek as they discuss their experiences with Rak Shalom, an acapella Jewish choir at the University of Maryland. The conversation covers personal backgrounds, how they got involved, and how the group operates democratically, including song selection and leadership roles. They also delve into the impact of being part of a diverse Jewish community, arranging music, the challenges and benefits of a co-ed acapella group, and the logistics behind managing performances and tours. The discussion highlights their journey toward enhancing their Jewish identity through music, culminating in their recent first-place win in a national acapella competition.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Backgrounds 00:58 Olivia's Journey and Connection to Judaism 02:28 Shua's Story and Connection to Rock Shalom 03:28 Running Rak Shalom: Leadership and Song Selection 05:14 Performances, Competitions, and Time Commitment 09:51 Funding and Album Production 10:44 Host's Musical Journey and Inspirations 15:59 Social Media and Jewish Identity 18:29 Personal Connections to Judaism 19:01 Diverse Backgrounds in the Group 22:02 Spirituality and Music 24:20 Group Dynamics and Roles 26:35 Musical Arrangements and Positions 34:40 Alumni and Community 36:01 Living in Israel and Musical Backgrounds 37:27 Closing Remarks and Plugs   About Our Guests: Olivia Herman is a first year student at the University of Maryland. She is the current business manager of Rak Shalom- an award winning collegiate a cappella group at UMD. She is also a proud member of the Jewish community on campus.   Shua is a med student living in Israel. He graduated from Rak Shalom in 2023. His hobbies include playing piano, reading, and sweet potato.   https://www.instagram.com/livherman_?igsh=MXJzbzc1ZGM0enV1NQ== https://www.instagram.com/rak_shalom?igsh=MWczMHFneXpycWZnMA==   Tov Lehodot by Franciska https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7AYCnN_6SQ  

New Releases (Kol Isha) https://open.spotify.com/album/6iHHbVxVghTr9VXJ4ZW4NK?si=Q5CeNjiwQA69lrTP26z8eQ   https://open.spotify.com/album/1nbIq6V2VmcIxFNwsCwNkc?si=Y5VtA51aTUqraHqWmKuSsA   In this episode, Estee Weingarten discusses her journey from Montreal to New York and her transformation into a life coach focused on women affected by spousal addiction. Estee talks about her own experiences with her spouse's mental illness and addiction, leading her to establish 'The Comfort Zone,' an organization aimed at creating a safe, supportive community for Jewish women grappling with spousal addiction. The conversation details the resources and support provided by The Comfort Zone, including retreats, therapy sessions, and a 24/7 support chat. Estee also emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support in overcoming the challenges associated with addiction.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:28 Founding the Comfort Zone 03:17 Personal Struggles and Isolation 04:26 Discovering Al-Anon and Recovery 06:04 Challenges of Addiction in the Jewish Community 07:36 Reaching Out for Help 11:54 Understanding Addiction and Its Impact 17:37 Advice for Those Affected by Addiction 22:32 Living with an Addict: The Harsh Realities 24:00 Boundaries: Protecting Yourself in a Relationship with an Addict 27:20 The Comfort Zone: A Safe Haven for Wives 29:49 Support Systems and Community Building 34:59 The Importance of Therapy and Financial Struggles 41:08 The Comfort Zone's Mission and Future Goals 44:18 Final Thoughts and How to Support instagram.com/thecomfortzoneinfo instagram.com/coach.estee To donate: https://mail.causematch.com/c/eJxUzbGOgzAMgOGnSbZWwTYGhgwnVbxG5RhTkBpSQejQpz_1tlu_f_inKJ3OQzJvsekIeiQm8EvElocBB7JASDo3rSZuU28cqGm6Wf0aIUAbEKhhohCuHVNSm4yTwNzj4CionIdlqbpctWT_jEutr8Phj4PRwfg_OxirfhyOZ833o5y7msOb5vukDviL2ab1zA5vlmV9-j1-bJG3pF10EUfh8eW_U41T2cp-0bJtpvWikl-yPrYLMoN_R_gNAAD__1R3Tdc www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com Contact Franciska @ [email protected]

Stay tuned for new singles dropping for Lag BaOmer!       Chaim's Journey: Battling and Recovering from an Eating Disorder In this episode, Chaim, an attorney specializing in immigration and family law, shares his personal struggle with an eating disorder, starting from his preteen years through recovery. He discusses how his eating disorder affected his life, including the intensive treatment and the personal and communal challenges he faced as a religious Jewish male. Chaim elaborates on his journey to recovery, the spiritual and physical obstacles he encountered, and the support system that aided him. He also touches on the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders in men, and shares his ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced and healthy life. Additionally, Chaim reveals his unique stance on marriage and family life, providing an in-depth look at his personal choices and beliefs. His narrative aims to raise awareness and provide hope to others grappling with similar issues.   00:00 Introduction and Background 00:57 Early Struggles with Eating Disorders 02:09 High School Challenges and Realizations 05:20 Seeking Help and Diagnosis 07:00 Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment 11:54 Life After Treatment 16:01 Reflections on Recovery and Spirituality 24:00 Personal Decisions and Future Outlook 32:18 Final Thoughts and Advice     www.jewishcoffeehouse.com [email protected]

Educational Adventures: Embracing Creativity and Individuality at Camp Yalu Wilderness   In this episode of The Franciska Show, Rabbi Tani Prero discusses his background as an Orthodox Jew, his experiences growing up, and his journey to establish Camp Yagilu Wilderness. With the aim of helping creative and independent-minded boys, Rabbi Prero runs this unique camp that offers activities like deep-sea fishing, hiking, and animal care. He talks about the essential need for nurturing creativity in children and the importance of accepting and guiding those who don't fit into traditional molds. He also shares some interesting anecdotes and challenges faced while running the camp, including safety measures and fostering responsibility. Through these experiences, the camp strives to offer a place where boys can express their individuality, develop self-confidence, and engage in meaningful social interactions.   00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:42 Rabbi Tani Prero's Background 02:30 Creativity and Community Involvement 04:18 Challenges of Being Different 07:28 Personal Stories of Non-Conformity 14:29 The Impact of Rejection 23:14 Supporting Unique Kids 26:34 Unconditional Love and Social Interaction with Animals 27:39 Effective Tools and Activities in Camps 27:46 The Transformative Power of Hiking 28:45 Planning and Leading Bushwhack Hikes 30:11 Handling Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) 31:32 Customizing Camp Activities for Each Child 33:18 Encouraging Creativity and Responsibility 37:30 Knife Safety and Kinesthetic Learning 44:51 Freedom to Fail: A Core Principle 48:13 High-Risk Activities and Safety Measures 49:40 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections   About Our Guest: Rabbi Tani Prero is a camp director, group facilitator, wilderness therapist, hike leader, and musician. Tani loves leading groups in games, on hikes, and in discussions. As an avid outdoorsman and super-friendly people person, Tani inspires teenagers and adults to succeed using a personalized approach and exciting challenges. As a master teambuilding facilitator and certified wilderness therapist, Tani knows how to make people feel comfortable in the outdoors, and he uses games and other exercises to help them learn the skills that match their unique capabilities. Beyond facilitating games and exercises, Tani facilitates relationships, helping campers, family members, teammates, students and co-workers work together more effectively and learn to smooth out their differences. Tani is also a captivating speaker whose presentations are dynamic, funny, interesting and engaging. https://yagilu.com https://www.instagram.com/yagilu_wilderness/ www.jewishcoffeehouse.com  

Navigating Medicine and Faith: A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Stoll In this episode, Dr. Sharon Stoll discusses her background growing up in a modern Orthodox Jewish community in Philadelphia, her journey to becoming a neuroimmunologist, and her professional experiences working at Yale and now in Philadelphia. The conversation touches on her approach to patient education, especially around COVID-19 and various medications, including GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and SSRIs for mental health. Dr. Stoll also speaks about her role in JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) and the importance of educating her community on medical issues.    The discussion covers her views on IVF, the ethical considerations of genetic selection, and the interplay of anxiety and genetic predispositions within the Ashkenazi Jewish community. Dr. Stoll shares personal anecdotes and insights into balancing professional and personal life, making this an in-depth and enlightening conversation.   00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Professional Journey and Achievements  02:08 Balancing Media and Medicine 03:48 Involvement with Jowma 05:40 Views on Vaccination 14:26 Discussion on SSRIs and Ozempic 28:16 Challenges in the Frum Community  34:38 Debunking Misconceptions About Diabetes 35:07 Educational Gaps and Community Efforts 36:43 Health Education in Schools 39:06 Challenges of Motherhood and Societal Expectations 43:43 Genetic Risks and Mental Health in Ashkenazi Jews 54:38 IVF, Genetic Selection, and Ethical Dilemmas  01:02:34 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflections   About Our Guest: Dr. Sharon Stoll is a board-certified neurologist, neuro-immunologist. She currently serves as Director of Neurology at Stoll Medical Group in Philadelphia. For the past 8 years she worked as assistant professor, in the department of neurology at Yale School of Medicine. She completed her neurology residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and her Neuroimmunology fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dr. Stoll played an active role in academic development and continuing medical education. She currently serves on several steering committees and advisory boards. She has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and served as Principal Investigator on several clinical trials. Dr. Stoll has received numerous awards, including Top Neurologist, 40 under 40, the Rodney Bell teaching award, and is a national multiple sclerosis society grant recipient. Dr. Stoll is also a medical editor for Medscape and Healthline and previously worked as a medical editor for ABC News. She is also a medical commentator for several national and local news outlets, including ABC, NBC, and CBS News, and has been on a variety of shows, including "The Doctors". She is an internationally renowned speaker and patient advocate.   https://www.drsharonstoll.com https://www.instagram.com/drsharonstoll/?hl=en https://www.jowma.org  

  Check back in next week for a brand new episode of The Franciska Show To book Franciska for your BAT MITZVA - email [email protected]     Enjoy this pilot episode of "Getting Free" a new podcast hosted by the International Beit Din with Rabbanit Leah Sarna (a former guest on the Franciska Show). https://gettingfree.podbean.com Imagine finally escaping a marriage after years of abuse. But there's one last step- you need your abuser's permission to get a divorce. That's the reality for the Jewish women in Getting Free, and countless others around the world. Their husbands use a religious tradition to trap them in marriages that should have ended a long time ago.  But it doesn't have to be this way.  To learn more about this issue, and to help put an end to it, please join the International Beit Din at our conference "Redefining Freedom" on May 21st with the Gruss Program at the NYU School of Law. To learn more and register go to https://www.internationalbeitdin.org/campaign-to-end-iggun/   

How to handle Diets on Shabbos? Why are eating disorders so common in the Orthodox community? Jill Sharfman NC (Nutrition Consultant), is the co-host of the nutrition podcast "Let My People Eat." On each episode she helps to demystify confusing talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping kosher. She is a board-certified holistic nutritionist living with her family in Los Angeles. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and at https://letmypeopleeat.com Follow her on Instagram @jill_sharfman for more information and on Facebook @letmypeopleeatpodcast. www.jewishcoffeehouse.com

In this episode of The Franciska Show, host Franciska discusses the complexities and behind-the-scenes efforts involved in helping women, known as agunot, who are unable to obtain a religious divorce (get) from their husbands. The episode features interviews with Jennifer Lankin, Interim CEO at ORA (Organization for the Resolution of Agunot), and Ezra Stone, a private investigator who specializes in tracking down recalcitrant husbands who refuse to grant their wives a get. Jennifer shares her journey into this work and explains ORA's community-focused approach to addressing get refusal. Ezra offers insights from his fieldwork, describing some of the challenges and strategies involved in locating and pressuring these husbands to comply with religious and legal obligations. The episode encapsulates the importance of community response, the use of private investigators in protracted cases, and the critical role that social culture and public pressure play in resolving these deeply rooted issues.   00:00 Introduction and Announcements 01:50 Special Guests: Ezra Stone and Jennifer Lankin 02:12 Jennifer Lincoln's Journey and Insights 03:54 Ezra Stone: The Private Investigator 05:57 The Role of Private Investigators in Get Refusal Cases 10:19 Challenges in Tracking Down Recalcitrant Spouses 11:36 Case Study: The Search for Naftali Shabani 22:24 Unexpected Encounters and Travel Stories 22:56 Investigative Techniques and Challenges 23:08 The Case of the Recalcitrant Brother 26:59 Legal and Ethical Considerations 27:56 Creative PI Strategies 29:02 The Big Daddy of Get Refusers 36:56 Social Media and Influencers 39:38 Security Issues in the Jewish Community 44:16 Closing Remarks and Reflections   www.instagram.com/oraagunot   About our Guests: Ezra Stone is a licensed private investigator in both the USA and Israel, who specializes in sensitive cases within the Orthodox Jewish community. As a member of the community himself, he brings a deep understanding of its nuances, customs, and unspoken boundaries—insight that's critical when handling discreet investigations such as locating missing individuals, resolving Agunah cases, or uncovering hidden truths. Unlike many investigators who stand out in these insular environments, he blends in naturally, earning trust while gathering the facts. With a reputation for integrity, persistence, and cultural sensitivity, he takes on cases others can't touch. To get in touch: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/protexia1 Protexia1.com       Jennifer Lifshutz Lankin is the Interim CEO of ORA: The Organization for the Resolution of Agunot, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating abuse from the Jewish divorce process. ORA provides advocacy and support for agunot worldwide while also working to prevent get-abuse through education and awareness initiatives. Jennifer has been with ORA for nine years, shaping its programs, advocacy, and leadership. She holds a B.A. from Yeshiva University and a Master's degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She currently lives in Jerusalem with her family.   Contact Franciska @ [email protected] www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com  

In this episode, we continue the conversation from last week with a new perspective on the issue of dating and relationships within a community. Our guest shares her personal experience of dating someone who later disclosed being gay, discussing the emotional impact and the broader community implications. The conversation explores the difficulties faced by individuals who want to lead a committed lifestyle while dealing with same-sex attractions, the challenges in communication and transparency in dating, and the need for greater support and discussion within the community. The host also touches on the upcoming release of a new song and highlights the importance of providing visibility to underrepresented experiences.     00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:58 Guest Introduction and Listener Interaction 02:43 Discussing Last Week's Episode 03:18 Personal Experience and Reflections 09:18 Impact and Emotional Aftermath 15:07 Community and Mentorship 23:32 Exploring Solutions and Final Thoughts 26:03 Conclusion and Farewell     www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com [email protected]

In this episode, the guest shares their experience growing up in a religious Jewish community, facing questions about their sexual orientation, and grappling with their faith. They describe their upbringing, moments of self-realization, and the challenges of reconciling their identity with community expectations. The guest discusses pivotal moments in high school, relationships with women, and the struggle to remain within the confines of their religious beliefs. They emphasize that attraction lies on a spectrum and not everything is black and white. Highlighting the ups and downs of their journey, including being fired from a meaningful job due to personal revelations, the guest underscores the importance of choice and staying true to one's faith while seeking acceptance and understanding. The conversation concludes with reflections on the complexities of maintaining privacy and trust in relationships and the hope for a future partner who understands and respects their journey.  

This Episode is sponsored by Jump Into Shape www.jumpintoshape.fun   About Our Guest: Adina Edelman is a book editor for Jewish publishers and self-publishing authors. She has worked on over 120 books of various genres and recently published her debut novel, Breaking Open. Adina has led multiple writing workshops and editing webinars, all with the goal of helping writers mine their message for gold. She is passionate about producing high-quality, relatable fiction for Jewish readers and is already working on her next book. She lives in Baltimore, MD. https://www.linkedin.com/in/adinaedelman/ https://israelbookshoppublications.com/products/breaking-open edelmanedits.com www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com  [email protected]