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PODCAST

Power Up!

Gila Ross, author of Living Beautifully - How to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot shares real life insights based on Jewish wisdom that impact your life in this exciting podcast that has been named the top Jewish podcast worldwide! Gila is a life coach, mum to 8 kiddos, wife + a warm, dynamic and down to earth educator for more than 15 years! Subscribe so you don"t miss out!

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

00:28:46

The Jewish Approach to Shame: Burden or Blessing?

Power Up! ·

2025/09/18

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

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00:18:20

Balancing Self, Others, and Now

Power Up! ·

2025/09/16

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

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00:17:39

Respect: Going Against Human Nature

Power Up! ·

2025/09/08

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.

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00:25:37

Love or Fear!?!

Power Up! ·

2025/08/31

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

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00:24:04

The Secret Ingredient to a Life Well Lived

Power Up! ·

2025/08/18

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

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00:25:28

How (& When) to Disagree

Power Up! ·

2025/08/01

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

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00:19:53

What's Wrong with Fear?

Power Up! ·

2025/07/25

Fear is a natural part of life - but what if fear isn’t just about what we’re afraid of… but what we don’t value enough?In this powerful episode, we explore how fear often reveals a lack of clarity in our values. Through the stories of Esau selling his birthright and the spies sent to scout the Land of Israel, we uncover how giving in to fear can cause us to miss out on our greatest opportunities—and even on our purpose.💭 In this episode:Why Esau gave up his future for a bowl of stew—and what that

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00:24:59

Lessons from the Temple: What We’re Mourning During...

Power Up! ·

2025/07/17

In this meaningful episode, we explore The Three Weeks—a period of national mourning for the Jewish people that begins with the 17th of Tammuz and culminates on Tisha B’Av. But what exactly are we mourning? And what can the loss of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) teach us about our lives today?We’ll journey back in time to discover what life was like when the Temple stood and what its absence means for us now. From open miracles to spiritual clarity, the Temple wasn't just a building—it was a

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00:30:21

Does God Care About the Little Things?

Power Up! ·

2025/07/11

In this episode, excerpted from my book Living Beautifully, we dive into a powerful question: Does God really care about the small stuff? From a missed smile to a small act of kindness, from a quiet prayer to a hidden struggle—can something so seemingly small matter in the grand scheme of the universe?Together, we explore Jewish wisdom and stories that show how every detail, every person, and every action carries cosmic significance. Whether you’ve ever wondered if your efforts make a difference or

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00:19:13

How to Help (& Not Hurt)

Power Up! ·

2025/07/03

In moments of tension, our instinct might be to smooth things over or "fix" the situation—but what if that causes more harm than good?In this episode, we explore the profound wisdom of the Mishna that teaches us when not to act, especially in the delicate space of someone else's experience. You'll discover:Why trying to calm someone down in the heat of the moment can backfireWhat real support looks like when emotions are highThe power of timing in building trust and

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00:27:34

The Journey of Your Soul

Power Up! ·

2025/06/29

Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully, we dive into the Mishna (Avos 3:1) that teaches: "Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give an accounting."We explore this powerful teaching on three levels:Our Life: What does this Mishna reveal about the fleeting and humble nature of our physical existence? How can reflecting on our origin and destination motivate us to live with greater purpose, integrity, and gratitude?Our Soul: Beyond the

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00:23:27

The 3 Tools for a Balanced Life

Power Up! ·

2025/06/23

In this powerful episode, we explore the three core relationships every human being must cultivate for a life of depth and balance: our relationship with ourselves, our relationship with others, and our relationship with God.Drawing from timeless Jewish wisdom, we unpack the three spiritual tools designed to help us grow in each area:Torah – as a mirror to develop self-awareness and purpose.Prayer – as a pathway to build a real and personal relationship with God.Kindness – as the soul-language that

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00:25:58

Understanding Jealousy, Lust, and Honor

Power Up! ·

2025/06/16

In this eye-opening class, we dive deep into the powerful forces of jealousy, lust, and honor-seeking—three drives that Rabbi Elazar HaKappar warns can take a person out of this world. But where do these impulses come from? Why do they have such a strong hold on us? And most importantly, what can we do to rise above them?We explore the roots of these desires, how they show up in daily life, and how Jewish wisdom offers transformative antidotes to each one. Through timeless teachings and real-life

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00:30:35

Into the Arena: Who Is the Torah Really For?

Power Up! ·

2025/05/30

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 deeper meaning behind the angels’ objection to giving the Torah to mankind- The bold and brilliant response that affirmed the Torah’s rightful place on

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00:28:22

When Greatness Falls: The Tragedy of Rabbi Akiva’s...

Power Up! ·

2025/05/19

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 meaning behind the Talmudic statement that they “did not show proper respect for one another” — and how this applies not just to how we treat others, but

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00:27:18

The Fascinating Life of Rabbi Akiva: A Discussion

Power Up! ·

2025/05/12

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 moments in his story, including his late start in learning, his deep partnership with his wife Rachel, and his unwavering belief in the future of the

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00:27:42

Belief in the Resurrection: Living with Purpose in...

Power Up! ·

2025/05/06

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 resurrection means in Jewish traditionWhy belief in it is one of the Thirteen Principles of FaithHow it reshapes our relationship with time, choices, and

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00:27:28

The Coming of the Messiah: Why Belief Matters

Power Up! ·

2025/04/28

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 MessiahWhy belief in the Messiah isn't just about the future — it's about how we live todayThe emotional and spiritual strength that comes from believing in redemptionHow hope for a better world drives personal growth and communal unityIf you

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00:29:40

In a Hurry for Freedom: The Deeper Meaning of Matzah

Power Up! ·

2025/04/08

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, our flat and humble bread of affliction, holds within it profound lessons about urgency.💥 You’ll learn:The connection between haste, freedom, and

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00:33:51

Is it Your Fault?!?

Power Up! ·

2025/04/01

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 insights that can help us live more intentionally and with a greater sense of purpose.🔔 Subscribe and leave a review to stay connected! Have thoughts on

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