In this insightful and uplifting episode, Gila Ross opens up about the profound lessons that emerge through life’s challenges. Together, we explore the deeper Jewish understanding of tests—nisaeon—and their surprising connection to nes, miracles.Rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, Gila reveals how they can become pathways to growth, clarity, and spiritual elevation. She shares powerful reflections on how struggle and divine intervention often intertwine, and how faith can transform even the hardest moments into opportunities for transcendence.This conversation is rich with perspective, inspiration, and practical wisdom.If you’ve ever wondered why challenges show up in your life—or how to rise through them with strength and meaning—this episode will leave you feeling grounded, hopeful, and empowered.

We take a deep, honest look at idol worship - not as statues or ancient rituals, but as a mindset that can still tempt us today. What is the real lure of idol worship? At its core, why would someone want to worship an idol?

You’ll hear about:

• The psychology behind why idol worship was so tempting in the Torah and why it still shows up in modern forms

• What happens internally when we move from “How do I get what I want?” to “How do I live in partnership with God?”

Shame is one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—human emotions. But what role does it play in Jewish thought and life?

In this episode, we explore:

• Why do we feel shame? Is it just a negative emotion, or does it serve a deeper purpose?

• Is shame a good thing? How Jewish sources distinguish between toxic shame and healthy shame that guides us toward growth.

• How should we respond to shame? Practical wisdom on transforming shame into an opportunity for reflection, connection, and change.

Join us as we uncover how Judaism frames shame not as something to hide from, but as a tool for personal development and a reminder of our potential.

Check out my book, Living Beautifully - to bring joy, meaning, and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot

In this episode, we explore one of the most famous teachings of Hillel from Pirkei Avot:"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

This timeless mishna challenges us to reflect on three essential questions of life:

Self-responsibility: What does it mean to take ownership of my life, my growth, and my spiritual journey?

Connection and responsibility to others: How do I balance caring for myself with giving to others?

The urgency of now: Why is procrastination so tempting, and how can we overcome it to live with purpose today?

We’ll discuss how Hillel’s words remain as relevant as ever in our world of endless distractions and competing demands.

You’ll walk away with practical insights into finding the balance between self-care, community, and taking action in the moment.

Join us as we dive deep into this short but powerful teaching that can change the way you approach your daily choices.- Check out my book Living Beautifully, for more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life

Respect is something we all crave — yet, surprisingly, it doesn’t always come naturally to give it. In this episode, we explore the idea that human nature often pushes us toward judgment, dismissal, or even disrespect. If that’s true, then the challenge is clear: we need to consciously lean into respect, giving more of it than we might instinctively feel.

What does it mean to live a life of purpose without expecting a reward? In this episode, we dive into the profound teaching of Antignos ben Socho, who said:

"Do not be like servants who serve their master for the sake of receiving a reward, but rather be like servants who serve their master without the intention of receiving a reward; and let the fear of Heaven be upon you."

We explore:
✅ What does it really mean to do good for its own sake?
✅ How can we apply this in a world driven by incentives and recognition?

Whether you’re curious about Jewish ethics, personal growth, or want a practical takeaway for living more meaningfully, this episode will leave you inspired and challenged.

🎧 Listen now and discover why serving without expectation leads to the ultimate reward.

What is the single most important quality a person can hold onto in life? In this episode, we dive into the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot where Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai asks his students: What is the best path a person should cling to? Each student suggests something different—generosity, friendship, foresight, kindness—but Rabbi Elazar says: a good heart.

Why did Rabbi Yochanan declare this the most valuable path of all? What does it mean to truly have a “good heart”—and how does that shape the way we see others, ourselves, and even God?

Join us as we explore:

• The different answers the students gave and why each matters

• Why a good heart includes all the other qualities

This Mishnah invites us to reframe success—not by what we achieve or acquire, but by the quality of our inner world and how it radiates outward.

Some love falls apart. Some conflict builds worlds.
What makes the difference?

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful teachings in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 5:16–17):

“Any love that depends on something—when that thing ceases, the love also ceases. But a love that does not depend on anything will never cease.”
“Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a lasting outcome, and one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a lasting outcome.”

With vivid examples—Amnon and Tamar’s destructive love vs. David and Jonathan’s deep bond; Korach’s rebellion vs. the debates of Hillel and Shammai—this Mishnah gives us a roadmap to understand what makes relationships endure and disagreements bear fruit.

Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book