Atara Weisberger's book, How To Soul, that she co-authored with Rabbi Dov Lipman, is a groundbreaking guide that blends ancient wisdom with modern insights to help you reconnect with your soul. Through relatable stories, practical exercises and guided meditations, this book provides a roadmap for living authentically and joyfully.

According to Atara, the first thing we need to do in order to live a life full of happiness, is to create an authentic relationship with ourselves. We need to be real with ourselves about who we are--our values and beliefs; our strengths and weaknesses; our likes and dislikes; who we currently are and who we genuinely want to be.

Once we know ourselves, we will begin to let go of judgements. We will stop judging ourselves and start accepting ourselves exactly as we are. Atara says that wherever we are right now is exactly where we need to be. We are ok right now, just as we are. Once we stop judging ourselves, we will stop judging others. Once we accept ourselves, we will be more accepting of others. Change the criticism to curiosity. Get curious and ask yourself questions, instead of beating yourself up about a mistake or a destructive pattern. Find out why you are doing a certain behavior.

Once we connect with ourselves, we need to connect with G-d. We need to know that G-d loves us exactly as we are. Knowing ourselves deeply, and having an intimate connection with Hashem, is the key to living a fulfilled life.

Atara advises us to get in touch with our soul in order to find out who we really are, and in what directly we truly want to go. Our minds are so filled with chaos--thoughts, feelings and emotions all over the place. Once we get our minds and bodies quiet, we can listen into that calm quiet voice. That is the voice of our soul. (The loud, critical voice is never our soul. Don't listen to that voice.)

At the end of our conversation, Atara leads us through a beautiful guided meditation to calm ourselves and guide our thoughts inward so that we can reconnect to our soul.

Contact: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker.

Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.

To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

Rebbetzin Esti Simon, and her husband, Rabbi Sruly run the Chabad Student Centre of Kington, in Kingston, Ontatio, Canada.

Rebbetzin Esti is one of 14 children, and her husband is one of 13 children. Her story about her parents and family is inspiring!

Rebbetzin Esti shares the secrets of the unique power of a woman to lead, inspire, and nurture, in relationships. Rebbetzin Esti tells us that in a relationship, each person has their own strengths. According to the Lubuvitcher Rebbe, women should be partners with their husband in building a Jewish home. By allowing and making space for each person to fulfill the role that they are naturally good at, a dynamic is created where a husband and wife feel like they are contributing to the relationship without being stepped on.

Kabbalah teaches that men are the givers and women are the receivers. The feminine energy is about receiving. A woman receives from a man, and then creates something from that which she received.

Trust and relax, believing that everything comes from Hashem.

Contact: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker.
Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.

To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

The Challah Mom (Anat Ishai) candidly shares her personal Jewish journey of making aliyah to Israel from Toronto, Canada. She speaks about being born in Israel and growing up in Toronto as the daughter of Russian Jews.

The Challah Mom describes the process of how she and her family made the decision to come to Israel for a year during Covid, how they moved back to Toronto afterward, and then officially moved back to Israel, making aliyah just 30 days before October 7. Her story is beautiful, soulful and authentic. It highlights the importance of listening to our inner voice, and it encourages people to embrace their light and potential. Don't be afraid of succeeding!

Anat shares how she felt a return to self in Israel. Throughout our conversation, you can tangibly feel her deep, soulful connection to Israel and to Torah. As she navigated the ups and downs of life, Anat progressed on her Jewish journey. Instead of asking, 'Why?' when things happened, The Challah Mom learned to ask, 'What am I supposed to learn from this?' It's such a powerful shift in perspective. It's not so much that we need to know why something is happening, but more importantly, we need to know the hidden message inside of what is happening, and how we can grow from it.
This is a very powerful message!

The Challah Mom also shares her story about how she began covering her hair and why she wears her beautiful scarves.

You can follow The Challah Mom on Instagram and Facebook.

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker.
Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.

To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

'When was the last time you felt the baby move? There is no heartbeat.' Those were the words that Rebbetzin Tzipah Wertheimer's doctor told her when she went in for an appointment at 9 months pregnant.

Rebbetzin Tzipah bravely shares about the loss of her baby at full term. The sadness and disappointment; the way she handled coming home from the hospital without the baby, and how she was able to move forward. She talks about the mentors from whom she sought advice, and the strength she gained from her Chabad on Campus of Queens. Rebbetzin Tzipah, and her husband, Rabbi Shaul Wertheimer, have been running the Chabad on Campus of Queens (New York) since 2004.

Rebbetzin Tzipah goes on to speak about the losses of two other pregnancies, and her relationship with Hashem during these challenging times. She learned to lean into the Jewish traditions of grief and mourning. She also received some poignant advice from one of her mentors: 'You don't need to understand everything in order to move forward.' In other words, we need to have Emunah (faith) in Hashem that everything He does is good...but we don't need to understand how or why it's good. As human beings, we don't see the big picture. We see the events that are unfolding in front of us, but we don't necessarily see the connection to our past, and we definitely don't see what the future holds for us because of these events (not despite them.)

Rebbetzin Tzipah also addresses the question of 'Why do bad things happen to good people?'

To be connected to Rebbetzin Tzipah, please email Vera Kessler, host of America's Top Rebbetzins: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker.
Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.

To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

Rebbetzin Dini (Dina) Coopersmith is the trip leader and coordinator of women's learning trips to Israel through Women's Reconnection Trips. She has a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Jewish History. Rebbetzin Dini teaches in a number of seminaries in Jerusalem, where she lives with her husband and children.

From this situation, only good will come, was the central theme of our enlightening conversation. Emunah--the belief that everything comes from Hashem (G-d), everything He does is good, and everything He does has a purpose--is the way Rebbetzin Dini lives her life. This is also the theme that runs through her Reconnection trips with women.

The Level Up women's emunah and solidarity missions are designed to help women reconnect with each other, with themselves, and with Hashem, in a truly transformative way. The women visit historical places in Israel and they also spend time with people and families whose lives were directly impacted by the events of October 7. When women connect to women, in an authentic and compassionate way, they have the capacity to truly uplift each other's souls.

Rebbetzin Dini also describes some of the classes that Reconnection Trip participants experience. She speaks about a beautiful class where women learn to identify their purpose and their tikkun in life. Also, she speaks, in depth, about a class on emunah that calls women's attention to:
A--appreciation for all the Hashem has done for you
B-belief and connection to Hashem
C-communication through prayer
D-declaring your beliefs and positive affirmations out loud
E-expecting the best from Hashem

For more information on Rebbetzin Dini's Reconnection Trips, please visit:
https://www.reconnectiontrips.com/

For Rebbetzin Dini's YouTube channel, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/@dinicoopersmith

Contact: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker.
Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.

To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

You asked, Rikki Jacobson Davis answered YOUR questions on dealing with the narcissist in your life.

Rikki was originally on our podcast a few episodes ago, talking about narcissism and narcissists. If you missed that conversation, definitely check it out. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Jof1QdtUQ&t=6s

In today's interview, Rikki addressed questions that she received about labeling narcissists, specifically about labelling the lens through which you see the person through their consistent dynamics and behavior.

In terms of whether or not it's possible to have a relationship with a narcissist, Rikki encourages us to take into account our emotional and physical safety (and that of our children) and also respect (does the narcissistic person in your life respect you? Do you have respect for them?) Are you able to set boundaries with this person?
Emotional and physical safety, and respect are key ingredients to successful relationships.

Rikki also speaks about the role of compassion in dealing with a narcissist. She explains that compassion is a value, and values don't come in a vacuum. In other words, we should consider expense at which compassion comes. Are you having compassion for the person in order to get something from them? Is having compassion for that person compromising your safety or the safety of your children? Is having compassion for that person beneficial for them? Are they even open to receiving compassion?

Rikki emphasized that we need to get clear on our values so that we can stay true to ourselves and not lose our self identity in trying to placate or manage the narcissist.

She also discussed emotional abuse and psychological abuse, as well as gaslighting. Gaslighting is the systematic breakdown of your trust in yourself. Is the narcissist in your life trying to make you doubt yourself, your behavior, or an event that actually happened (and they say it didn't happen)? Are they constantly distorting reality? There is both intentional and unintentional gaslighting.

You can reach Rikki through her website: www.relationalresilience.com

You can also email: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker. Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.
To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

I am NOT my struggle, I AM my LIGHT. Very powerful words from Rebbetzin Ruty David, who is renown for her relatable manner and non judgmental way of engaging. She is authentic in her passionate commitment to spread Torah values as she works with the many brides who seek her out to help prepare them for their weddings. She also focuses on energetic healing to help people shift from self-doubt to self-empowerment.

In our engaging conversation, Rebbetzin Ruty explains to us how we can find the light of Hashem inside ourselves and inside of others, including our husband.

The first thing you need to do is to realize that Hashem chose YOU to radiate YOUR light--if He hadn't chosen you, then you wouldn't be here. Once you know yourself, you know Hashem. His pure essence is inside of you.

Next, you need to understand that your TRUE ESSENCE is your LIGHT. Your soul is pure light. The darkness you experience is just the yetzer hara (the evil inclination.)

Wherever you have the greatest struggle, you have the greatest light. If you want to know where your strengths are, look at your weaknesses. If you are struggling, turn inward and listen to your intuition. Your intuition is a soft voice; it's Hashem's voice guiding you. Listen to that voice.

When things are hard for you, sit with your pain for a while. Express your pain. You can journal or write down your feelings. Then move the pain out of yourself through exercise, dance, music, or anything that moves the pain out of your psyche. You don't want to hold on to pain.

Show yourself compassion, but don't drown in self-pity. Look for your inner light. Your intuition will guide you to see your light and, therefore, your strengths. It will allow you to shift your beliefs from 'I'm not good enough' to 'I am a shining light of goodness.' By sitting with your pain and then shifting your mindset, you give yourself compassion with boundaries--Tiferet.

Once we shift our mindset, we shift our energy. When we shift our own energy, creating a positive, loving light, others feel our energy shift, and THEIR energy also begins to shift, and they are more receptive to us. Our husband, children, family, friends, potential clients, will be drawn to us because we are radiating happiness and positivity. People want to be around light, not darkness.

Also, we need to see the light in others, including our husband. The more light we see in ourselves, the bigger that light grows inside of us. Consequently, the more light we see in others (especially our husband), the more their light grows, and the more radiant they become.

When you see the good in yourself and in others, your mind becomes accustomed to seeing the good, or looking for the good, instead of the negative. When you look for the good, you will find more good--both in yourself and in others.

You can email me at: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker. Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.
To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/

The Omer is the 49-day time period between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot. During this time, we climb up the emotional ladder by refining our character traits and regaining control of our emotions. We do this by focusing on the sefirot. A sefirah is an emotional attribute. For each of the 7 weeks between Passover and Shavuot, we focus on one sefirah each week.

Rebbetzin Sara-Tova Yaffe, of the CBD Chabad Sydney, in Sydney, Australia, takes us through each of the 7 sefirot, and explains them in detail.

Chesed--Kindness/love/benevolence
This is the most important aspect for creating a foundation in our relationships. Rebbetzin Sara-Tova talks about the different types of relationships that we have: intrapersonal (the relationship you have with yourself), interpersonal (your relationships with others), and your relationship with Hashem (G-d). Chesed encompasses how we give and receive love.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Chesed: Do I take into consideration my partner's capacity to receive before I give? Do I see my loved one as an extension of myself and my needs?

Gevurah--Discipline/justice/boundaries
This is the channel through which we express our love. It gives us our direction and purpose. It makes our love focused and purposeful.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Gevurah: Is my discipline restrained or is it excessive? Am I arrogant in what I consider justice?

Tiferet--Compassion/harmony/beauty
This is the perfect blend of chesed and gevurah. Tiferet is the truth, and it rises above the ego. It brings clarity to relationships. Tiferet helps us balance our needs with another person's needs so that we are not over giving or over taking.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Tiferet: Is my compassion enduring and consistent? Do I bond with the one you have compassion for, or do I remain apart?

Netzach--Victorious/enduring/ambitious
This is our drive, determination and tenacity to reach our goals. Netzach gives us the patience and the persistence to go after our dreams and desires without giving up. It brings security and commitment to relationships.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Netzach: Does my determination compromise my compassion for others? Am I able to rise above my ego and empathize with my competitors?

Hod--Humility/splendor
Hod gives Netzach direction. It gives us the awareness that Hashem is really the One who controls our success. As much effort as we put in while we persevere, it is Hashem who decides the outcome of our efforts. Hod brings awareness that all our gifts and blessings are from above, so we should not be boastful.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Hod: Does my humility cause me to be anti-social, or does it express itself in empathy for others? Does my humility create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build?

Yesod--Foundation/bonding
Yosod is the ultimate attribute of emotional connection. It is the fusion of individuals together; not two separate people, but rather two people coming together as one person, through the act of bonding. This brings a sense of belonging to a relationship.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Yesod: Is my bonding conditional? Do I withdraw when I am uncomfortable with my friend's troubles?

Malchut--Kingship/sovereignty/nobility
This is a state of being; the way you show up in the world. Malchut is how you hold yourself and present yourself to the world. It's an expression of dignity.

Questions to ask yourself relating to Malchut: Am I aware of my limitations and my strengths? Do I respect the authority of others?

You can learn more information by visiting the Meaningful Life Center website: https://www.meaningfullife.com/

You can also email me at: atrebbetzins@gmail.com

Vera Kessler (host of America's Top Rebbetzins) is a certified life coach. She specializes in transformational life coaching and accountability coaching. She is also a motivational speaker. Vera's mission is to help women get out of survival mode and start thriving. She works with women who are committed to stepping into their own self-worth and creating the life they want to live--one that is full of joy, empowerment, meaning, and purpose.
To learn more, visit:
https://innerlifecoachingwithvera.com/