How do we light candles, sing songs of gratitude, spin the dreidel, and eat latkes - in the shadow of devastating loss and tragedy?

This episode begins with that tension. On one end of the world, the beautiful celebration of Chanukah at Bondi Beach was shattered by an antisemitic attack. We remember moments when Jews lit Chanukah candles in places like Bergen-Belsen, clinging to meaning when there was almost nothing left.

We reflect on the haunting video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and on Viktor Frankl’s insight that “those who have a why to live can bear almost any how.” Chanukah does not ask us to ignore suffering. It asks us to hold light and darkness together - to choose meaning, resilience, and hope, even when life feels unbearably fractured.

Check out my book Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot. https://amzn.to/4aYmuwp

You might know how to light the Chanukah candles but do you know why we light them the way we do?
This episode uncovers the surprising debate behind the mitzvah, the deeper meaning of light in Judaism, and the powerful message the flames are trying to teach us today.

Check out my book Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - What are we really celebrating when we light the Chanukah candles?
This episode uncovers the surprising debate behind the mitzvah, the deeper meaning of light in Judaism, and the powerful message the flames are trying to teach us today.

If someone walked up to you and asked, “So… what actually makes you Jewish?” — how would you answer?

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most fundamental — and most misunderstood — questions of Jewish identity. Through the story of Yaakov and Esav, the mysterious struggle in Rivka’s womb, the meaning of the blessings, and the battle that happens inside every one of us, we uncover what it truly means to be part of the Jewish people.

This is an episode about essence, destiny, and the quiet voice inside that knows who you really are.