In a culture obsessed with youth and novelty, the Torah offers a radically different vision: “Mipnei seivah takum”—rise before the elderly. This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the mitzvah of honoring elders as both an ethical imperative and a powerful opportunity for mindfulness. Drawing on Jewish wisdom, comedy legend Mel Brooks, and spiritual practice, Josh invites us to confront our own discomfort with aging and instead embrace the dignity, humanity, and wisdom of our elders. Be in touch...
Jun 30, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Jewish ethical practice of tochacha—offering and receiving rebuke or negative feedback with compassion and clarity. Rooted in Leviticus and echoed by the Rabbis and Proverbs, this "lost art" is reframed as a path to wisdom, humility, and growth. Learn mindful strategies to embrace feedback as a sacred tool for becoming your best self. Be in touch at a new email address: josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset ...
Jun 23, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this special wartime episode of Soulful Jewish Living, Rabbi Josh Feigelson offers a heartfelt response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. With compassion for those directly impacted and those watching from afar, Josh leads listeners through a powerful mindfulness and blessing practice rooted in the priestly blessing. Designed to foster inner calm and spiritual connection amidst fear and uncertainty, this episode is both a meditation and a message of solidarity for all affect...
Jun 16, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Jewish ethical tradition of shemirat hadibbur—guarding one’s speech. In a time when language often feels weaponized or meaningless, Judaism reminds us of the holiness of words. From the Torah’s account of creation to the vows of Yom Kippur, words shape reality. In the latest episode in a series on Jewish ethics, Josh introduces five powerful questions rooted in Buddhist and Jewish wisdom to guide mindful speech. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every...
Jun 09, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 10
What do missing bunnies, forgotten wallets, and overlooked people have in common? In the latest installment of a series on Jewish ethics, Rabbi Josh Feigelson draws on unexpected wisdom from the beloved children’s book Knuffle Bunny to explore the deeply rooted Jewish mitzvah of hashavat aveidah—returning lost objects. This episode bridges Jewish ethics with practical mindfulness and draws on the Torah teaching of Lo hitalamta —do not look away and have the moral courage to notice. Soulful Jewis...
May 26, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 9
This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on how his bar mitzvah helped shape his lifelong relationship with tzedakah—Jewish giving. Inspired by tzedakah advocate Danny Siegel, Rabbi Feigelson recounts how choosing generosity over gifts shifted his perspective on possessions, wealth, and happiness. This fifth installment in the “Jewish Ethics” miniseries goes beyond the immediate, face-to-face acts of charity discussed in the previous episode, and explores the quieter, often harder version of tze...
May 19, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Rabbi Josh Feigelson shares a personal story that becomes a powerful lesson in tzedakah, the Jewish ethical obligation to give. Through an unexpected moment outside a Walgreens, Josh explores the deep emotional and spiritual layers that arise when we encounter people in need—and how choosing to act with compassion can reconnect us to our divine purpose. In the latest episode in a series on Jewish ethics and mindfulness, explore how tzedakah is far more than charity. The word tzedakah means justi...
May 12, 2025•12 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this heartwarming episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the timeless Jewish mitzvah of bikkur cholim—visiting the sick. Using the classic film The Princess Bride as a surprising entry point, Rabbi Feigelson reminds us that the story begins not with sword fights or giants, but with an act of love and compassion: a grandfather visiting his ill grandson. The latest episode in a 10-part series on Jewish ethics and mindfulness uses the teachings from Maimonides and Jewish tradition to explore how...
May 05, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim—welcoming guests—as a core element of Jewish ethics and spiritual life. In the second episode in a series on Jewish ethics and mindfulness, Rabbi Feigelson draws from personal Passover memories, teachings from his Hillel rabbi, and Talmudic wisdom. He unpacks how hospitality is more than symbolic—it’s a deeply vulnerable, godly, and spiritual act. Listen for a guided meditation to help cultivate a sense of home and openness, encouragi...
Apr 28, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this powerful new series, Rabbi Josh Feigelson kicks off a 10-part exploration of Jewish ethics by diving into one of Judaism’s most profound teachings: that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. This episode sets the stage for a deeper journey through Jewish ethical mitzvot like hospitality, care for the sick, and mindful speech—grounded in the belief that Jewish mindfulness isn’t just about self-care, but about building a more compassionate world. Soulful Jewish ...
Apr 21, 2025•12 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Please subscribe to Jewish History Nerds wherever you get your podcasts so you'll never miss an episode. Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Click here to subscribe on Spotify. Click here for a recap of the information discussed in the episode. Click here to watch Unpacked's YouTube video "The Surprising History of the Star of David." Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. ...
Apr 14, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this deeply personal pre-Passover episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how the holiday of Pesach is designed to help us feel truly at home—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Discover why the seder is more than just a meal—it’s a mindful container for healing, listening, and growth. From childhood memories of a basement seder to the sacred ritual of opening the door for Elijah, Josh reflects on how Passover invites us into a space of belonging and liberation. Soulful Jewish Living: Mi...
Apr 07, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 2
As we prepare for Passover, Rabbi Josh Feigelson invites listeners to reflect on the deeper spiritual message of the holiday: moving from servitude under Pharaoh to a sacred relationship with the Divine, and recognizing how independence and interdependence are intertwined. With stories from his Detroit roots and a short guided meditation, this episode offers both insight and practice for a meaningful season of renewal. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unp...
Mar 31, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this final episode of our 7-part Shabbat rituals miniseries, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the deep spiritual meaning of Havdalah, the ritual that marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. Why do transitions matter so much—emotionally, spiritually, and culturally? From national borders to baseball strike zones, Rabbi Josh reflects on how boundaries shape our lives, and how Havdalah offers a mindful way to carry the peace of Shabbat into the week ahead. Soulful Jewish Living: M...
Mar 24, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 27
This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the quiet power of one of Judaism’s most familiar yet often overlooked rituals: saying Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Feigelson invites us to reflect on how this simple greeting becomes a meaningful spiritual practice—one that reconnects us with peace, presence, and the divine in each other. In the latest installment of a seven part miniseries on mindfulness and Shabbat, Rabbi Feigelson shares stories about his trusty companion, his dog Phoebe, and reflects on how...
Mar 17, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 25
This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the ritual of preparing for Shabbat, the weekly day of rest in Jewish tradition. From setting the table to aligning with natural rhythms, he discusses how Shabbat preparation fosters mindfulness, intentionality, and spiritual connection. In the fifth installment in a miniseries on mindfulness and Shabbat, Rabbi Feigelson draws on ancient Jewish wisdom and shares shares a simple daily practice that can help us slow down and can bring a taste of Shabbat int...
Mar 10, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Are our phones becoming our “precious”? Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how our relationship with technology mirrors Gollum’s obsession with the Ring of Power in the Lord of the Rings Series. Drawing on Jewish wisdom and the spirit of Shabbat, Rabbi Feigelson offers practical steps to reset our digital habits and create a meaningful “tech sabbath.” In the fourth installment of a miniseries on mindfulness and Shabbat, discover how unplugging—even for just a few hours—can lead to greater presence, m...
Mar 03, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the deep spiritual and practical significance of food on Shabbat—particularly the rituals of washing hands and blessing the challah. In the third episode in a series on Shabbat rituals, discover how a simple act like eating can become an opportunity for mindfulness, gratitude, and connection to Jewish tradition. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. ...
Feb 24, 2025•11 min•Season 7Ep. 22
This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson helps transform the Friday night Kiddush into a mindful celebration of life’s blessings and a powerful act of witnessing Shabbat’s sacred energy. In the second part of a series on mindfulness and Shabbat, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the transformative ritual of Friday night Kiddush—a key Shabbat practice that turns an ancient blessing into a living testimony of faith and gratitude. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacke...
Feb 17, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Welcome to Soulful Jewish Living and discover how the ancient tradition of Shabbat candle lighting can transform your weekly routine into a moment of mindful spiritual renewal. In the the first episode in a seven-part miniseries on Shabbat, Rabbi Josh Feigelson guides you through a practice of pausing, breathing, and reflecting on gratitude and hope. The series is devoted to making the most out of Judaism's gift, the weekly day of rest. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a...
Feb 10, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In the final episode of our five-part miniseries on mindful responses to antisemitism, host Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the fine line between vigilance and hypervigilance in Jewish life. Rabbi Feigelon reflects on intergenerational trauma, mindfulness, and resilience. He draws on the Torah to counter anxiety by embracing Jewish identity with strength and presence. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute ...
Feb 03, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the beauty and joy of Jewish life in the fourth installment in our series on responding mindfully to antisemitism. This episode shifts the focus from pain and trauma to the uplifting aspects of Jewish identity and asks: what do you love about being Jewish? Rabbi Feigelson provides practical journaling exercises and insights from Hasidic teachings. This episode is dedicated in memory of Bram and Hanny Fischler, who passed away twenty years ago this year, by their gra...
Jan 27, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 18
This week, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the transformative power of creating space in the third installment of a miniseries on mindful responses to antisemitism. In a world that thrives on reactivity and clickbait, this episode offers practical tools to reclaim control, reduce emotional triggers, empower yourself to engage with the world from a place of calm and intention. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the In...
Jan 20, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 17
In the second episode in a five-part series exploring antisemitism and mindfulness, Rabbi Josh Feigelson delves into the concept of being "triggered." He shares a personal story of emotional triggering during a European trip in his twenties—a moment rooted in intergenerational Jewish trauma. Rabbi Feigelson invites listeners to recognize and observe moments when antisemitic experiences or cultural memories have activated emotional responses and encourages creating space between stimulus and reac...
Jan 13, 2025•10 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In the first episode of a five-part miniseries on using mindfulness to respond to antisemitism, Rabbi Josh Feigelson shares a deeply personal story that touches on intergenerational trauma. Rabbi Feigelson invites listeners to explore how the enduring impact of antisemitism influences behaviors and perspective and offers tools to cultivate awareness and resilience. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute f...
Jan 06, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Rabbi Josh Feigelson delves into the unexpected connection between road rage, the historical struggles of the Maccabees, and the deeper meaning of Hanukkah. In the re-release of this unique Hanukkah episode of Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day, discover how the fiery emotions that drive us—whether on the road or in life—can be transformed into sources of light and wisdom through mindfulness and self-awareness. Click here to listen to "Hebrew Hammer: The true story of Hanukka...
Dec 30, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the profound lessons of Hanukkah, shares personal stories, and a meaningful meditative practice to deepen your connection to the festival of lights. Discover how Hanukkah is not just about miracles and gifts; it's about dedication, perseverance, and spreading light in a fragile yet powerful world. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode wa...
Dec 23, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on the upcoming holiday of Hanukkah and its deep personal significance. Rabbi Feigelson encourages listeners to embrace the spiritual light of Hanukkah as a source of strength and renewal in a meditation on Jewish pride, resilience, and gratitude, Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the So...
Dec 16, 2024•9 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Rabbi Josh Feigelson wraps up his series on daily Jewish mindfulness and what it really means to have a practice. Rabbi Feigelson reflects on how ordinary daily routines can shape a more intentional, spiritually grounded life. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affil...
Dec 09, 2024•8 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In the final episode in a mini-series on daily rituals, Rabbi Josh Feigelson reflects on insomnia and modern sleep challenges. He explores how ancient Jewish wisdom offers solace and practical guidance for ending the day with mindfulness and gratitude and introduces the Jewish bedtime practice of reciting the Shema. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored...
Dec 03, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 10
