Best Gila Ross Podcasts (2025)

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Into the Arena: Who Is the Torah Really For? 30:35

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5d ago30:35

30:35

In this special Shavuot episode of the PowerUp Podcast, we dive into one of the most compelling and powerful Midrashim about the giving of the Torah: the cosmic “fight” between Moses and the angels.Who is the Torah really for? Angels, who are pure and perfect? Or human beings—with all our flaws, struggles, and failures?Join us as we explore:-The de…

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When Greatness Falls: The Tragedy of Rabbi Akiva’s Students 28:22

17d ago28:22

28:22

In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most well-known — and puzzling — stories from the time of the Omer: the tragic death of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students. Why did such a spiritually elite group meet such a harsh end? And more importantly, what message is this story trying to send us across the centuries? Join us as we uncover the deeper…

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The Fascinating Life of Rabbi Akiva: A Discussion 27:18

24d ago27:18

27:18

A fascinating discussion as we dive into the remarkable journey of Rabbi Akiva—one of the most influential sages in Jewish history. From humble beginnings as an uneducated shepherd to becoming a towering Torah scholar with 24,000 students, Rabbi Akiva's life is full of powerful lessons about perseverance, faith, love, and leadership. We explore key…

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Belief in the Resurrection: Living with Purpose in Every Moment 27:42

29d ago27:42

27:42

We explore the powerful Jewish belief in techiyat ha-meitim — the resurrection of the dead — and how it offers a transformative lens for how we live our lives today. Far from being just a theological concept about the distant future, belief in the resurrection calls us to recognize the eternal value in every moment of life. We discuss: What the res…

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The Coming of the Messiah: Why Belief Matters 27:28

1M ago27:28

27:28

Lets explore a powerful and timeless topic — the coming of the Messiah. Why is belief in the Messiah so central to Jewish faith? How does it shape our daily lives, our hopes, and our future? We'll discuss: What Judaism teaches about the coming of the Messiah Why belief in the Messiah isn't just about the future — it's about how we live today The em…

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In a Hurry for Freedom: The Deeper Meaning of Matzah 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

Why were we in such a rush to leave Egypt? Couldn’t we have taken a little more time, packed some snacks, maybe even let the dough rise?In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, we dive into one of the most curious details of the Exodus story — the haste. We explore why leaving Egypt in a hurry was not just circumstantial, but spiritual. The matzah, …

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Is it Your Fault?!? 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

Does Judaism believe in divine reward and punishment? How do our actions—and even our thoughts—shape our spiritual and physical reality? In this episode, we explore the Jewish perspective on accountability, consequences, and the deeper meaning behind reward and punishment. Join us as we unpack these deep and sometimes challenging ideas, offering in…

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Does G-d Talk to You? 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

How does G-d communicate with us? In this episode, we dive into the nature of divine communication, exploring the role of prophecy in Jewish tradition, the unique relationship between G-d and Moses, and what this means for our understanding of the Torah’s truth.We’ll discuss:The concept of prophecy in JudaismWhy Moses’ prophecy was unique among all…

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Understanding God and the Divine Soul – A Journey Within 26:24

3M ago26:24

26:24

What does it mean to have a divine soul? How do we connect with God in a deep and personal way? In this episode, we explore the nature of the divine soul, its connection to the infinite, and how understanding this relationship can transform our spiritual journey. Through ancient wisdom and modern insights, we unpack the duality of the human experie…

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Purim—Clashing Worldviews & Courageous Transformation 36:15

3M ago36:15

36:15

Purim is more than just costumes, hamantaschen, and graggers—it's a story of power, faith, and personal transformation. In this episode, we dive into the profound ideological clash between Mordechai and Haman. What drove their conflict, and how did their worldviews shape the Purim story? We also explore Esther’s remarkable metamorphosis from a pass…

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What Does G-d Want Us to Think About G-d? 32:50

3M ago32:50

32:50

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into a fundamental yet complex question: What does God want us to think about God? Exploring Jewish perspectives, Torah sources, and philosophical insights, we examine how our understanding of God shapes our faith, actions, and relationship with the divine.Our perception of God influences our spiritua…

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Judaism Believes What!?! 28:04

3M ago28:04

28:04

Judaism has some deep, and fascinating beliefs—some you might know, and some that will totally surprise you! In this episode, we’re diving into the beliefs that set Judaism apart from other religions. Whether you’re curious, or just love a good mind-blowing discussion, this one’s for you. 💬 Have a question or topic suggestion? Send us a message or …

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Finding Strength & Guidance - Morning Blessings 21:22

4M ago21:22

21:22

How do we start our day with purpose, gratitude, and strength? In this episode, we explore the profound impact of the Morning Blessings (Berachot HaShachar) and how they help us recognize G-d’s guidance in our lives. These blessings are more than just words—they shape our mindset, fortify our resilience, and remind us that we are never alone. Join …

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Clothing, Challenges & Boundaries - The Morning Blessings 26:32

4M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, we explore the deep significance of the morning blessings (Birkot HaShachar), focusing on the blessings of clothing (Malbish Arumim) and freedom (Matir Asurim). Clothing is more than just fabric—it’s a symbol of dignity, protection, and self-expression. We discuss how these blessings remind us of both physical and emotional liberat…

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Embracing Gratitude Through the Morning Blessings, Part 1 24:52

4M ago24:52

24:52

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgqIn this episode, we take a deep dive into the Morning Blessings (Birkot HaShachar)—a powerful series of prayers that set the tone for the day. …

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Morning Prayers: Finding Self-Appreciation 25:49

4M ago25:49

25:49

In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the power of morning prayers to set the tone for your day. Today’s focus? Self-appreciation and understanding. Life gets busy, and we often overlook the most important relationship we have: the one with ourselves. These simple yet profound prayers are designed to help you connect with your inner self, embr…

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Why Do We Struggle to Pray? Leah vs Rachel Prayers 27:56

5M ago27:56

27:56

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgqIn this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the universal struggle with prayer. Why does it sometimes feel so hard to connect, to find the…

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Prayer & FAQs 31:20

5M ago31:20

31:20

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the beauty, challenges, and questions surrounding prayer. Whether you’re new to prayer, struggling to …

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Chanukah: Miracles & Self-Help 27:03

5M ago27:03

27:03

Chanukah is a time of light, celebration, and reflection, but its message goes deeper than oil that lasted eight days. It’s a story that beautifully weaves together miracles from above and the incredible power of human effort. In this episode, we dive into the dual lessons of Chanukah: recognizing divine intervention while embracing the transformat…

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Chanukah: Illuminating the Daily Grind 34:52

5M ago34:52

34:52

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgqChanukah isn’t just a celebration of miracles and light; it’s also a profound lesson about the different kinds of illumination we bring to our …

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The Social Media Forgiveness Controversy 25:41

6M ago25:41

25:41

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In a world where apologies are increasingly performed on public platforms like social media, how do we navigate the deeply personal and nuance…

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But It's Them! 22:30

6M ago22:30

22:30

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgqFriendships are one of the most rewarding yet complex aspects of life. In this episode, we dive into the art of navigating friendships, from ho…

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The Art of Building Friendships 32:14

6M ago32:14

32:14

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this heartwarming and insightful episode, we dive into the art of building meaningful friendships. Why are friendships so vital to our well…

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Sarah: On Living a Good Life 29:01

6M ago29:01

29:01

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq What does it mean to live a good life? In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Sarah, one of the most influential figures in Jewish…

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What Avraham Teaches us About Balance? 25:22

6M ago25:22

25:22

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq What differentiates the patriarchs and matriarchs from other Biblical personalities? We delve into some of their personalities and the challen…

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Understanding the Roots of Self-Sabotage 29:27

7M ago29:27

29:27

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - grab one of the last few copies of my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this episode, we explore the complex and often hidden roots of self-sabotage. Why do we sometimes act in ways that go against our own best …

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The DNA of Judaism: Self-Mastery & Relationships 30:47

7M ago30:47

30:47

Get one of the last few copies!! For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this episode, we dive into the core elements that shape the Jewish spiritual experience. We explore the "DNA of Judaism" through th…

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Sukkot - How to be Happy 29:22

8M ago29:22

29:22

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq We have a mitzvah to be happy on sukkot1. How can we be told to be happy??2. Wouldn't having to sit in an uncomfortable sukkah detract from our happiness?Let's discove…

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Making Change Stick: Failure, Effort & Procrastination 30:00

8M ago30:00

30:00

For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq In this episode, ahead of Yom Kippur we take a deep dive into what it really takes to make meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. We’ll explore how we deal with fai…

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I Know I Shouldn't So Why Do I Keep Doing it?!? 22:43

8M ago22:43

22:43

The astonishing answer to why knowledge of what we should and shouldn't do is not enough to help us change. And what we need instead.--For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my almost sold out book, Living Beautifully - https://amzn.to/4aCoYgq -- Any questions…

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Can People Change? Rachav's Transformational Journey 23:50

8M ago23:50

23:50

In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful stories of personal transformation in the Bible: the journey of Rachav (Rahab). Once known as a harlot in the city of Jericho, Rachav made a bold decision that changed her life forever. Her story challenges us to think about the capacity for change, redemption, and how people can rise above the…

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Does Judaism Allow Venting, Whistle-blowing or Bad-Mouthing? 30:36

9M ago30:36

30:36

Are you allowed to vent? What about whistle-blowing? This episode focuses on understanding the concept of lashon hara (negative speech) in Jewish ethics and exploring the seven conditions that make it permissible to speak negatively about someone—but only for a constructive reason (to’elet). The intention is to clarify when it is allowed to share i…

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Can't You Take a Joke!?! 27:25

9M ago27:25

27:25

What's so wrong with saying telling other people the truth about themselves? Should we worry about triggering other people? We look at the impact of our words on other people and the 5 categories of forbidden speech in Jewish law. - Send us your thoughts and questions at [email protected] - Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a revi…

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Understanding Free Will to Foster Empathy 27:28

9M ago27:28

27:28

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of free will and explore how understanding it can significantly enhance our ability to empathize with ourselves and those around us. Join us as we unravel the complexities of free will, its impact on human behavior, and how this knowledge can transform our interactions and self-perception. Key Topics C…

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3 Reasons Why Your Thoughts Matter 21:14

10M ago21:14

21:14

Does it matter what you think of other people? Who cares what's going on in your head? In this episode we look at 3 important reasons why it makes a huge difference what we think about other people. -- For more insights on how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot, check out my book Living Beautif…

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Hey! Don't Judge! 26:48

10M ago26:48

26:48

If you're like me you probably hate being judged... and yet, who wants to be taken for a ride? In this episode we look at: - what does Judaism expect from us when it comes to judging other people? - How we make sure we aren't niave? -- For more insights on how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot…

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Heaven & Hell in Judaism 31:27

12M ago31:27

31:27

What does Judaism say about Heaven and hell? What is heaven and hell? What are they there for?

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Shavuot & a Curious Thing about Ruth 35:55

12M ago35:55

35:55

Shavuot celebrates us becoming the nation who received the Torah. Why do we read the book of Ruth? Ruth teaches us how to achieve radical transformation in our lives.

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Reincarnation- and who you really are 34:56

1y ago34:56

34:56

Let's talk about reincarnation. Why reincarnation would happen and what it can tell us about our life in this world.-For more insights on how to bring meaning joy and love into your life check out my book Living Beautifully. Currently 25% off with code avot25 at gilaross.com/book

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Do You Want Your Thoughts Recorded? 37:07

1y ago37:07

37:07

In the next part of our soul's journey we look at the life review!!! Gulp. But wait before you get scared listen to this episode. It will give you a fresh and empowering view of life!!--For more insights on how to bring meaning joy and love into your life check out my book Living Beautifully. Currently 25% off with code avot25 at gilaross.com/book…

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What Happens After Death? 45:13

1y ago45:13

45:13

Let's take a look at what happens after death, in the second episode of our soul's journey. Any questions reach out to [email protected] Use AVOT25 to save 25% at gilaross.com/book

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What is Our Soul Doing Here? 37:31

1y ago37:31

37:31

In this new series we're going to learn about our soul's journey! Why do we need a soul and why does the soul need to be in this world?--Use code AVOT25 to save 25% on my new book Living Beautifully- how to bring meaning, joy and life into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot at gilaross.com/book…

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Pesach & Giving from Abundance 36:46

1y ago36:46

36:46

A fascinating look at the mitzvot of the Pascal Lamb and how it teaches us about the structure of the Jewish people, building community and giving from an abundance mindset. --For more insights into how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - check out my new book, Living Beautifully - https://amz…

1
Pesach & how to navigate life's ups and downs 36:45

1y ago36:45

36:45

I was talking to a friend the other day about when life just feels hard and progress is slow, minimal or seemingly non-existent... interestingly enough there are deep roots for why it has to be this way -- and rhe first time we see this is in the strange way the pesach story happened. Listen for this important idea that has the potential to change …

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Purim Miracles & The Nuremberg Trials 27:44

1y ago27:44

27:44

There's a fascinating and chilling link between the purim story and the Nuremberg trials. Together with Rabbi Ross we look at the deeper miracles of the purim story, what triggered the salvation and the chilling link to the Nuremberg trials

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BONUS: Loving G-d Q&A 9:34

1y ago9:34

9:34

Bonus episode: the last episode on loving G-d sparked some great questions, so here's a bonus episode. If you have any questions email [email protected]. For more insights check our my new book Living Beautifully- how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on timeless Jewish wisdom. Www.gilaross.com/book or https://amzn.to/3wIKXUA…

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Tu B'Shvat & the Secret to Success! 20:41

1+ y ago20:41

20:41

If you were going to fix the new year for trees, which time of the year would you choose? Spring? When the fruits are growing? Why is Tu B'shvat - the new year for trees celebrated in the dead of winter? It's not a mistake - but it teaches us the secret to success and achieving our goals. Lots more insights in my new book, Living Beautifully - how …

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Does G-d want you to fight?? 41:24

1+ y ago41:24

41:24

When things are hard, like really hard what does God want us to do? Does God want us to argue with Him or just accept? Is it OK to argue and is there any value to arguing. In this valuable episode we break it all down. Listen now! You can purchase Living Beautifully at https://amzn.to/47HsRyN

1
God, What Do You Want From Me? 46:56

1+ y ago46:56

46:56

Sometimes we want to know "God what do you want from me?" as a question to find meaning, to bring our part into the world. Sometimes, though we ask from a place of my life or the world has gone crazy! God, what do you want from me? Sometimes we know what God wants and it's just too hard. How do we deal with that? In this episode We're going to disc…

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Overcoming the Impossible: Challenges, Miracles + Triumphs 41:38

1+ y ago41:38

41:38

Join us on this episode as we get personal and unravel the two-step journey to conquering life's challenges. From navigating the depths of adversity to embracing the miracles that pave the way, discover the transformative power within you and uncover the roadmap to overcoming the seemingly impossible.…