A conversation about the deaths and rebirths that we experience throughout our lives, the existential shift of motherhood, the personal language required to choose faith, the philosophy behind Chabad outreach and how it democratizes spirituality, why the concept of Moshiach (messiah) cannot be disentangled from the purpose of the Jewish people, and the small concessions to our vices that have outsized negative impacts on our lives.
This episode is part 3/3 of a series on the Introduction to the Zohar: The Wisdom of Truth by Rabbi Yehudah Leib Ashlag, co-hosted by Tonia Chazanow and Charlotte Broukhim.
Find the book here: share.fund/zoharhhUse code ZOHARHH at checkout for 20% off
Charlotte Broukhim is a Jewish mom from Los Angeles who explores the intersections of Jewish mysticism, science, and politics. She studied comparative religion at Harvard, and her upcoming Substack will share practical reflections and insights at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and today’s world. Find her on instagram @cbroukhim and contact her at
[email protected].
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EPISODE SPONSOR: Today’s episode is sponsored by SHARE, a global initiative connecting individuals to the timeless teachings of the inner dimension of Jewish wisdom, known as Pnimiyut Hatorah. Their mission is to inspire soulful living and learning by translating ancient insights for the contemporary moment. You can learn more on Share.Fund.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction & Charlotte's Background
03:28 - The Intersection of Mysticism and Science
06:20 - Messianic Vision as Core Jewish Purpose
11:12 - Looking Forward vs Looking Backward
15:45 - Shabbat is a Dress Rehearsal for Redemption
20:31 - Resurrection of the Dead in Modern Times
24:16 - Releasing Our Attachments to our Roles and Accomplishments
27:53 - Becoming a Channel for God Through Unexpected Questions
30:21 - Matrescence and the Ego Death of Motherhood
34:21 - Intergenerational Healing
38:46 - Who is the Zohar's Author?
42:04 - Torah Ideas Are More Powerful Than Historical Proof
46:29 - Faith is a Choice We Make
50:40 - Emunah vs. Blind Faith
55:07 - Spiritual Maturity
59:05 - Mysticism Awakens the Deepest Parts of Our Souls
01:02:29 - Should We Lead With the Mystical Parts of Torah?
01:04:38 - The Democratization of Spirituality
01:09:48 - Even Following Traffic Laws Can be a Mitzvah
01:14:58 - Hashgacha Pratis: Making Meaning of Every Moment
01:17:38 - Is Time Management Holy? The Trap of Wasting Time & Scrolling
01:21:55 - Upping the Stakes Helps Us Overcome Our Vices
01:24:24 - Intensity Driven by Purpose, Not Shame
01:27:11 - Delayed Pleasure Comes Through the Work
01:31:13 - Falling in Love with the Process