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2 Paleys on a PodVa'etchanan and Tu B'Av, Feeling the LoveThis Parsha includes a repetition of the Ten Commandments as well as the verses of the Shema. Va'etchanan means "I pleaded," and Moses is pleading with Hashem to be let into the Land of Israel. This is also the holiday of Tu B'Av, where singles traditionally wear white and gather in the town square to look for their intended. It's a very romantic time and Briyah is feeling loved! Baruch hashem!Follow @briyah for more updates2025-08-0851 min2 Paleys on a PodTisha B'av and DevarimWe're back with the start of a new book of Torah--Devarim, a series of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before his death and their entry into the Promised Land, acting as a repetition of the law and a renewal of the covenant.How does this relate to us today and are we doing what is asked of us?We are deeply troubled by the mass shooting in NYC this week, which also directly impacted our Jewish community with the tragic loss of two Jewish women. May their memories be a blessing.Briyah...2025-08-0144 min2 Paleys on a PodMatot-Masei, Journeying into the UnknownWell, it was a hard week. People are suffering on both sides of the conflict and it's certainly heart wrenching to see what is happening in Gaza. This parsha deals with themes of genocide. It's heavy, but it's appropriate for the time we are in.Shabbat shalom2025-07-2650 min2 Paleys on a PodPinchas Pinchas PinchasI can't tell about this Pinchas character. He seems shady to me. What do you think of inheritance? Leadership? This parsha has it all, and then some, and then some I still don't understand...Sorry for the abrupt ending, but we ran into technical difficulties. Have a good shabbos and see you next week!2025-07-1829 min2 Paleys on a PodBirthday BalakIt's Briyah's birthday!This episode covers Parshat Balak, which has all sorts of craziness, like a talking donkey, and a king who wants to curse the Israelites. But God won't hear of it! We hope you enjoy this video episode. Coming soon to YouTube!2025-07-1152 min2 Paleys on a PodChukat, the Red Heifer and Red, White, and BlueIt's parshat Chukat! A few important people die and we learn about purity. There's more, but just listen :)Happy 4th of July, if that means something to you!Shabbat shalomIf you'd like to attend Briyah's birthday show next Thursday in Queens, you can book your ticket here: https://qedastoria.com/products/psych-ward-pajamas?srsltid=AfmBOopryY_BlsmoHhnPN34t2dZe9a5VCLv1-TjEp1XqasA2LmGunivW2025-07-0458 min2 Paleys on a PodKorach and RebellionBriyah is back from the Peruvian Jungle and Michael is back from Africa! This week we are discussing Parshat Korach and the consequences of rebellion and challenging divinely appointed leadership. It all ties perfectly into Briyah's recent ayahuasca experience. Listen to find out more.Shabbat shalom and may you be blessed with good health, happiness and a loving, supportive family.2025-06-2855 min2 Paleys on a PodBamidbar and the Peruvian WildernessThis week Briyah is in Peru for what will likely be another transformative experience! As usual, the Parsha and this new book of Numbers, correlates. The Jews are entering into their 40 years in the desert and each tribe is counted. This is an essential part of the journey from slavery to freedom. And isn’t that where we are now, in this current war and struggle? We hope you enjoy this episode. Shavuot is in a few days and we didn’t get to speak about it specifically but this whole podcast is about receiving the Torah!2025-05-3046 min2 Paleys on a PodBehar-Bechukotai: Blessings and CursesThis week we discuss this double Parsha and what it means to us. It covers the laws of the Sabbatical year (Shemitah) and the Jubilee (Yovel), as well as the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's commandments. Briyah is heading to Peru so potentially there will be no new episodes for the next few weeks.Leave us a (nice) review!Shabbat shalom and may we know no more sorrow.2025-05-2353 min2 Paleys on a PodEmor and The Priestess of the FamilyHello friends!It's that time again. This Parsha, Emor, is about Priests and death and mourning and holidays. Rabbi Michael tells a few stories and Briyah talks about her healing journey. The usual. But...is it? Listen and find out! Enjoy the video if you're using Spotify. I wore my llama onesie just for you!Shabbat shalom2025-05-1649 min2 Paleys on a PodAcharei Mot-Kedoshim with BriyahIt's a solo episode with Briyah! She discusses her take on the Parsha and how it relates to her life in this moment! The Parsha begins with the command, "You shall be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy". The parsha emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior as a path to holiness, highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and their responsibility to create a just and compassionate society.Thank you for listening. Michael will be back next week.2025-05-1133 min2 Paleys on a PodTazria-Metzora, Stop Picking At Your Skin!This week, Rabbi Michael and Briyah talk about skin disease in the Parsha. Was it connected to a person's sins? Is obsessive skin picking a spiritual malady? Tune in for Briyah's intermittent harmonica playing and saucy bits of information.If you need help with skin picking, check out https://www.osparecovery.org/2025-05-0258 min2 Paleys on a PodShir Hashirim and Modern DatingIt's our 3 year anniversary of the Podcast! We are so grateful to be able to share our conversations with you each week.This week we talk about Shir Hashirim, a love song celebrating our desire for intimacy. This leads us into a conversation about dating where Briyah spills the tea from this week's shenanigans.This episode might make you blush at times, but that's what being alive is about! Enjoy!2025-04-2554 min2 Paleys on a PodShemini and the Psychedelic ExperienceWe messed up and forgot it was the Passover Parsha this week! Apologies. Instead we are talking about next week’s Parsha, Shemini. Did Nadav and Avihu have a psychedelic experience by trying to get too close to Hashem? How do you regulate yourself? What does food and kashrut have to do with it?We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to subscribe and review!2025-04-1851 min2 Paleys on a PodPreparing for Passover, Part 2Passover is here again and we are discussing the second part of the Haggadah and how we connect it to our Podcast theme of Recovery. Are we really free? What does that mean? What is the purpose of the Seder? What do we hope to experience?We even manage to connect it to this season's The White Lotus TV series (spoiler alert)!Wherever you are and whomever you're with, we wish you a Chag Kasher v'Sameach. Have a Happy Passover and let us know how it went!2025-04-1158 min2 Paleys on a PodPreparing for Passover, Part 1This week's Parsha is Vayikra, but it's mainly about animal sacrifice. We decided to focus on the upcoming holiday of Passover and how we interpret the first part of the Haggadah. We hope you enjoy this episode! Briyah is on Instagram @briyah 2025-04-0451 min2 Paleys on a PodPekudei Means Taking InventoryI'll be honest, I really wasn't feeling it this week. I nearly skipped it. But this Podcast is a practice for me in showing up and doing the thing even when you don't want to. This episode gets raw and emotional at times, which I know listeners have come to expect. I've read reviews that mention how narcissistic I am, how mean I am to my father, and how my siblings are right to stay away from me.Thanks! Seriously, thank you. It's refreshing to know that people are listening to me and having a reaction. I...2025-03-2847 min2 Paleys on a PodVayakhel back to FloridaThis week's Parsha seems a bit repetitive, but we learn about those who actually made the Tabernacle, according to Hashem's plan. B'nai Yisrael has been forgiven since building the Golden Calf (which Michael thinks was more like a "Summer Art Project") and now they must step up to build a beautiful place where Hashem may dwell among them. Let's dive in!2025-03-2144 min2 Paleys on a PodKi Tisa and The Golden CalfWe're back from Purim with Parshat Ki Tisa, this being Michael's very favorite (IYKYK). While Moses is with God for 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites get worried he's not coming back, so they build a Golden Calf. God is pissed, but forgives them.We are in Boston this weekend for a family Bar Mitzvah. Mazal Tov, Theo Klots!Please enjoy this offering! If you feel called to contribute, you can send Briyah a Venmo @briyah-paley2025-03-1448 min2 Paleys on a PodQueen Esther is a Cycle BreakerHappy Purim! In this special bonus episode, you'll hear our thoughts on Megillat Esther, the scroll that we read each year on Purim. It's nice to have a holiday with a heroine, using her feminine wiles to save our people.Have a joyous, festive Purim, even in these troubling times!2025-03-1254 min2 Paleys on a PodTetzaveh and Aesthetics with Jonathan OrnsteinOur friend Jonathan Ornstein, CEO of the Jewish Community Center of Krakow, joins us this week to discuss leadership, Zelensky, King Charles, Auschwitz, and of course, the Parsha, Tetzaveh! This one is full of details like how to adorn the High Priest's breast plate and kill the sacrificial ram. Plus, find out what Jonathan really thought of the award-winning film, "A Real Pain," which took place in Poland.We recorded in a high rise Manhattan apartment and some sirens can be heard, adding to the dramatic landscape of our city. ...2025-03-071h 002 Paleys on a PodTerumah and Jewish MexicoBriyah is in Queens and Michael is in Mexico. Sounds about right! Mexico is full of pyramids and magnificent colors.This week's Parsha is Terumah, in which Hashem tells Moses to gather donated materials from the Israelites so that they may build a Mishkan, a dwelling place for Hashem. At first, it seems this parsha is a bit boring because of all the details instruction. But actually it is filled with beauty and gemstones. Hashem adores us so much and knows we need this for ourselves so that we may learn to give from our entire beings.2025-02-2841 min2 Paleys on a PodMishpatim If You're Into That Sort of ThingThe Torah takes a turn this week because Hashem gives us many laws to follow! Laws about slaves, festivals, treating strangers with kindness, and sacrificial offerings. It's all in here. Do you hate your in-laws? There's probably a law for that too. Come along for the ride as Michael and Briyah break down some of these mishpatim and why they matter.Also, check out Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. It's...killer.2025-02-2159 min2 Paleys on a PodYitro on AyahuascaBriyah is back from Ceremony and she crossed the Red Sea! Michael explains another favorite parsha, Yitro, where the 10 Commandments are given to the Israelites.How does this play into our lives?This is a very special episode and please watch the video if you can!Blessings, Briyah and Michael2025-02-121h 002 Paleys on a PodBeshalach Me to Hollywood, FloridaBriyah is getting ready to leave her new favorite place, Hollywood, Florida, and return to NYC. Michael is still in Budapest, with one good hip.
What lessons does this parsha have for us?
Why do some people want to stay enslaved as opposed to becoming free?
Please enjoy this episode and there may even be a song in here!2025-02-0744 min2 Paleys on a PodBo with the FlowIt's Parshat Bo and Briyah and Michael are discussing darkness, surrender, trauma (of course) and other applicable themes. Pharaoh is back with his hardened heart and more plagues are underway.
Thank you to a generous listener for sponsoring the podcast.
If you're interested in being a sponsor, email briyahp@gmail.com.2025-01-3147 min2 Paleys on a PodVa'era and The PlaguesHashem tells Moses that he will take the Israelites out of Egypt. We learn of the first plagues, including blood and the frogs! How much can we take? Hostages, terrorism, natural disasters...but we have to be patient and trust that we will be taken out of Galus when the time is right. Briyah recommends looking into Family Constellations Therapy in order to heal what has been passed down through generations. It is life changing. Thanks for listening to our weekly episodes. 2025-01-2440 min2 Paleys on a PodShemot and Signs from HashemWe are now in the book of Exodus as we make our way through the Parshas. Much has happened in our story as well as in real life. Will we have a hostage deal this week? Was it a sign that Briyah unexpectedly ran into her only relative in Sydney? We discuss. Thank you for listening!2025-01-1739 min2 Paleys on a PodVayechi (And He Lived)In this parsha, the last in the book of Genesis, we say goodbye to our patriarch, Jacob. He makes his son Joseph vow not to let him be buried in Egypt because he wants to return to his homeland of Canaan.
This week we have seen fires devastate homes and landmarks in California. The world feels like it's changing rapidly.
We hope you enjoy this episode, which Michael recorded from the airport in Tel Aviv. We've included some wisdom from Rabbi Aron Moss, as well.
Have an easy fast and a good shabbos.2025-01-1028 min2 Paleys on a PodVayigash in Ancestral MelbourneThis week's parsha, Vayigash (and he drew near), begins with a passionate exchange between two bothers, Joseph and Judah. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after trying to forget his ancestral home. Briyah is currently in her ancestral home of Melbourne, Australia. It is a complex place for her and her time began with a rocky start, but she felt guided to return and face whatever comes her way, with the support of the Merkos Women's program, where she is spending time learning Torah and other Chassidus.
Briyah and Michael discuss the weekly parsha in this series...2025-01-0336 min2 Paleys on a PodMiketzWhat pit are you still trapped in? This Parsha is full of questions to reflect upon as we continue to follow Joseph on his journey. Now he's high up in Egypt as a result of his God-given ability to interpret dreams correctly. His own brothers don't even recognize him when they come to get food during the famine. If you listen until the end, you'll get a special Chanukah song from us! May your light shine brightly this holiday. Amen. 2024-12-2649 min2 Paleys on a PodVayeshevWe are back with this week's Torah portion, Vayeshev. Joseph is having all sorts of dreams and his perceived arrogance along with their father's favoritism of him infuriates his siblings who sell him into slavery. We talk about the implications of sibling rivalry and what we can learn from and about this story.2024-12-1846 min2 Paleys on a PodVayishlachThis week we are talking about the parsha, Vayishlach, which means "he sent." There's more turmoil for Jacob as he returns to Canaan and has to face his twin brother Esau for the first time in 20 years. He is so scared of Esau that he sends messengers to find out what's going on over there. Then Jacob wrestles with an angel and is transformed by it. We hope you enjoy this episode and thanks for listening!2024-12-1428 min2 Paleys on a PodVa-yetzeiWhat an interesting parsha! Full of deceit, tests of loyalty, marrying the wrong daughter, stealing of idols, sister rivalry and a lot of biblical names that Briyah would like to see make a comeback. Zebulun, anyone? What else did we think? Tune in to find out. 2024-12-0639 min2 Paleys on a PodTurkey and ToledotIn this week's Torah Portion, Toledot (Generations), Rebekah commits "relationship arson" when she tells her son Jacob to steal the first born blessing from his twin brother Esau. Jacob lies to his father Isaac by pretending to be Esau. He ends up being one of our great forefathers while we know little of Esau. What does all this mean? Was Rebekah acting on divine prophecy from God, or did she meddle and play favorites? It's Thanksgiving in the USA, but Briyah is in Auckland, New Zealand, and Michael is eating fish in some country called Malta. Maybe next year...2024-11-2944 min2 Paleys on a PodChayei SarahThis week, Briyah and Michael discuss the Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, about the life of our matriarch who lived until age 127 and gave birth to her son Isaac at 90. So at 41, Briyah is still very much in the game! Michael is back in Budapest after a visit to Poland and Briyah is soon off to New Zealand (said with a Kiwi accent) and then Australia (pronounced 'Straya with an Aussie accent). Happy Thanksgiving to all!2024-11-2248 min2 Paleys on a PodPolitics and Psychedelics with Jay MichaelsonWe talk to our longtime friend, Jay Michaelson, who wears many hats as a writer, journalist, lawyer, professor and rabbi. He was Michael’s student at Columbia University in the late 80s and Briyah’s Hebrew School teacher in the late 90s. We hope you enjoy this riveting, fast paced conversation about the recent election, the rise of nationalism, and yes, psychedelics. Jay will lead a Jewish meditation retreat December 23-27 at Isabella Freedman in the Berkshires. Check out his Substack, Both/And with Jay Michaelson.2024-11-0952 min2 Paleys on a PodAnd You Shall Be a BlessingThis week, Briyah and Michael discuss the film, "A Real Pain," which they found very relatable. The story follows two cousins who go to Poland to learn more about their family history. But they really learn about each other. How does this connect to this week's parsha, Lech Lecha? The name means to "go forth" and that's what these cousins do. Today is election day and we both pray our nation finds peace and unity, no matter what the outcome is.2024-11-0552 min2 Paleys on a PodDreaming Big in 5785Briyah and Michael reflect on their Yom Kippur experiences as they prepare for Sukkot. What are we dreaming of for this new year? Michael wants a home in the Berkshires and Briyah wants a seat at the table with the visionaries of her generation. And a house on the ocean. And a life partner. If you speak it, Hashem will hear it! We also talk about what it means to have a "fawn" response to trauma and is that what is happening now as we navigate what it means to be Jewish in our current society? We hope you...2024-10-1542 min2 Paleys on a PodBrokenness to WholenessOn this first anniversary of October 7th, Briyah and Michael sit with difficult uncertainties for our people. In these days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we ask, what have we learned this year? Briyah attended an interfaith event and shares parts of the moving stories she heard. Michael is recovering well from his hip surgery in a high rise Manhattan apartment and we were grateful to record this in that space.2024-10-0948 min2 Paleys on a PodHealing and Hail in OklahomaBriyah just returned from the fantastic Green Shoe Foundation in Oklahoma. Bad news is her rental car was plummeted by hail. Good news is she received incredible healing and will now totally be able to re-parent herself after all the Mother Hunger (read the book)! Briyah and Michael talk about what this all has to do with teshuvah (repentance) and the New Year. Chag Sameach to everyone and we wish you a meaningful holiday. Hopefully we have given you some themes to keep in mind.2024-10-0240 min2 Paleys on a PodWhat a Way to Make a Livin'In this episode we discuss working! We talk about some of the jobs we've had and Briyah talks about the work challenges she has experienced. We even dive into our family history to look at what patterns have arisen in terms of work ethic. We come from a family of Bosses (as direct descendants of the Vilna Gaon, we're no shleppers). After a long hiatus, Briyah's back to Airbnb hosting and the allure of consistent income. Come on this journey with us—we think you'll love this episode! Please also rate and review us (Briyah needs the validation). 2024-09-1358 min2 Paleys on a PodThe Interlocken DifferenceMichael and Briyah went to New Hampshire to visit Interlocken (now called Windsor Mountain), for a summer camp reunion. It was a special and meaningful weekend, full of memories, the waterfront, camp food, camp songs, and old and new friends. We were honored to invited there by the current camp owners, Kerry and Jake Labovitz. We reflect on the camp that our dear friend Richard Herman started in 1961 and Michael's experience going on the first ever Crossroads trip to Scandanavia in 1967. We also connect the camp's values to how we're coping during the war in the Middle East. We...2024-09-0448 min2 Paleys on a PodFeeling the Love on the Blue MoonWe just celebrated the lesser known Jewish holiday of Tu B'Av, otherwise known as the day of love, or even Jewish Valentines Day. In the old days, Jewish singles would wear white and gather in the main square, looking for a match. In this episode, we discuss modern dating, including what "ghosting" really means. Briyah, still looking for her soul mate, mentions some matchmakers whose advice has implemented. We recorded this in the dining room of our family's beach house in Hull, Massachusetts, a place we both love dearly and where we are spending the week together.2024-08-2045 min2 Paleys on a PodThe Ceremony of the Nine Days of AvWe have just started the month of Av, where Jews remember the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem. This is a time of mourning that is followed by a celebration of love (Tu b’Av). Rosh Chodesh (the first day) Av was Briyah’s 41st Hebrew birthday! We discuss Briyah’s recent ayahuasca ceremonies in the Catskills where she faced herself and received deep healing. With a heart full of gratitude for the Divine, we’ll see what comes next on this great journey! Thank you for listening.2024-08-0946 min2 Paleys on a PodBriyah’s Portugal AdventureHi from sunny Portugal! I’m in the town of Monchique and felt like a solo episode. It was my birthday this past week and I wanted to reflect on what I’ve learned over these last 12 months. Today is my nephew Isaac’s 6th birthday and it’s also Bastille Day! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Lots of love! Thank you as always for listening. And to the new followers, welcome! Thank you also to Pedro and Sara at Hostel Douro Backpackers for making my birthday so special.2024-07-1529 min2 Paleys on a PodGathering Sparks of Jewish Life in EuropeWhat an adventure we had! We recap the last few weeks as travel companions, from Hungary to Israel to Poland. We learned so much and we are taking much with us. The main takeaway is that there is still Jewish life in Poland, despite all that was taken from us. We are survivors and we will always survive. Thank you for listening and sharing!2024-07-0251 min2 Paleys on a PodHelise Lieberman in Krakow, PolandBriyah and Michael are in Poland for a Mission trip with UJA-Federation of New York. We took the opportunity to record the wonderful conversation between Michael and his long time friend, Helise Lieberman, Director of the Taube Center for Jewish Life and Learning. Helise is an American Jew who moved to Warsaw years ago and has much to say about life in Poland. We hope you enjoy this episode and please excuse any background noise.2024-06-2629 min2 Paleys on a PodWe Will Dance AgainWe came to Israel for a few days because Michael had a conference with JDC and Briyah wanted to join for some time in Tel Aviv and one day in Jerusalem. We reflect on what this moment here feels like. We hope you enjoy listening to this heartfelt episode that explores the complexities of being American Jews who love Israel.2024-06-2041 min2 Paleys on a PodWhat is Success?Briyah and Michael are together in Budapest, looking out onto the Danube. They talk about success and what it means. Who has it, how do you get it, and how do you keep it? How important is it? Is life still good without measurable success? We also talk about the past and how success has affected our family. Thanks for listening and please rate and review!2024-06-1552 min2 Paleys on a PodThe Mountain has EyesIn this episode, we talk about the upcoming holiday of Shavuot and how it relates to love. Briyah reflects on her recent Dance Meets Tantra workshop in the Berkshires as well as her psychedelic medicine journeys and what it has taught her about loving herself and others. We really love this episode and hope that you do too. Shabbat shalom and chag sameach.2024-06-0747 min2 Paleys on a PodBriyah is in the Hamptons!Hello from Amagansett! I was lucky enough to come here on my own for a few days. The house I’m staying in faces the ocean and I couldn’t be happier. I’m taking some time here to walk on the beach, rest, process and take care of myself. And that includes this update for all of you! Please reach out about anything I’ve shared. I’d love to hear from our listeners! My dad and I will be back with another episode soon. Thank you and G-d bless you!2024-05-2131 min2 Paleys on a PodTime to count the Omer again!We’re back with some Omer content. What is the Omer? What does it give us? How does it relate to our daily life? We answer these questions and more in another thought provoking episode. Briyah forgot to mention the generous woman who held her in the bathroom while she cried during the intermission of “Merrily We Roll Along” on Broadway. Thank you Laura, for your kindness. That show brought up a lot of feelings.2024-05-0255 min2 Paleys on a PodA Zissen PesachBriyah and Reb Michael are back to wish everyone a peaceful Passover holiday. We talk about what we’ve been up to (one of us went to a naked dinner party) and reflect on some parts of the Seder. We won’t be celebrating together this year, but hopefully we will reunite soon. We will be leaving an empty chair at our Seders to remember the hostages who cannot be with their families for yet another holiday. If you enjoy our podcast, please share, rate and review us. Chag sameach!2024-04-2147 min2 Paleys on a PodJudy Banki, The 96 Year Old TravelerBriyah goes to Coogee Beach to talk to Judy Banki, a 96 year old who isn’t slowing down. They discuss Judy’s fascinating history that spans the globe from Flatbush to Israel, Budapest and the Hamptons. And now it includes Australia to visit her daughter and grandkids. What a privilege this interview was and Briyah hopes to see Judy back in NYC!2024-04-0139 min2 Paleys on a PodAustralia!Briyah is in Sydney, Australia!! She talks to Michael about what it’s like to be back there after 7 years away.2024-02-2538 min2 Paleys on a PodSolo in the BahamasBriyah is back with a solo episode. She’s procrastinating getting ready for her trip to the Bahamas tomorrow. She hasn’t been on a plane since March, so keep her in your thoughts as she embarks on another solo adventure! In this episode, she gives an update on what’s been going on in the Life Of Briyah (LOB).2023-12-1727 min2 Paleys on a PodMeet Libby, my Southern/French BestieMy gorgeous friend Libby Malcolm joins me as this episode’s special guest. We met while I was studying abroad in Paris in 2005, and Libby is still there! We talk about our parallel life journeys and Libby reflects on raising her son in a culture very different from where she is from in Alabama. She has so much insight and hope as well as the most charming accent. I hope you enjoy this episode!2023-12-111h 062 Paleys on a PodHappy Thanksgiving from NYC!It’s just Briyah on this episode! A bit of a lighthearted one to send you off into the Thanksgiving long weekend. Michael is traveling and also, things have been awkward since the last episode when we threw some shade on the family. But you can’t please everyone! Much love and peace to everyone listening to our little podcast project. I pray my dad will join me once again.2023-11-2328 min2 Paleys on a PodIf It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your MotherAh, family! What would we do without them? Briyah is finding out during her estrangement from everyone but Rabbi Michael (we have to do the podcast, after all). We talk about estrangement within the Jewish origin story and how even the war in Gaza sort of feels like an estrangement between cousins. We hope you get something from this episode. And if you’re a cycle breaker, reach out to Briyah!2023-11-0152 min2 Paleys on a PodLet’s Talk About IsraelMicha Odenheimer, a rabbi, journalist and social entrepreneur, joins the Paleys to talk about the recent terror attack in Israel. Based in Jerusalem, he offers a unique perspective on what it’s been like there. We hope you enjoy the thought provoking conversation.2023-10-1755 min
Take One Daf YomiKiddushin 53 – Priests Behaving BadlyIn today’s Talmud page, Kiddushin 53, we hear the story of the gluttonous priest who takes more than their share of the food offering, leaving others to have less. Rabbi Michael Paley and Briyah Paley hosts of Two Paleys On A Pod join us to discuss the idea of poorly behaving clergy. They discuss how the sharing of foods took place in their home, and the role of greed in our lives. Is there an easy way to think about greed in our lives? Listen and find out.Like the show? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Send us...2023-10-0510 min2 Paleys on a PodWhere does the Holocaust end and I begin?In this very special episode we bring on our very first guest! Our longtime friend, Michalya Schonwald Moss, joins us from Johannesburg to speak on what she discovered about her family’s tragic past in the Holocaust and the profound impact it has had on her. She and Briyah discuss what it means to be 3Gers, or third generation survivors. Michael shares stories of living abroad and what it means to be a Jew no matter where “home” is. Sadly, Michalya’s recently discovered relative, Alice, passed away the day after this was recorded. Our thoughts are with the Schonwald family a...2023-09-281h 002 Paleys on a PodIs Teshuvah Repentance or Return?We are in the days of awe and it’s about to be Yom Kippur. Michael and Briyah discuss how this time has impacted them and how they’re finding meaning in it. G’mar Tov!2023-09-2245 min2 Paleys on a PodPaley DayAugust 31st is Paley Day for us because it’s Grandpa’s birthday and the day he married Grandma in 1949. Briyah and Michael talk all things family and the challenges of not living nearby. The summer is coming to a close and who knows what’s next for this father-daughter duo!2023-09-0238 min2 Paleys on a PodWe Love You, Rafi KatzThis week we had a funeral for our beloved cousin, Rafi. Rafi took his own life last week. Briyah and Michael talk about the magnitude of the loss as well as how it coincides with the new month of Elul. The episode heavily deals with suicide, so please be aware of that before you listen.2023-08-2441 min2 Paleys on a PodTisha B’Av in the BerkshiresWe talk about the holiday of Tisha B’Av, also known as the saddest day of the Jewish year. But what if you’re sad a lot, like Briyah? Will things go up from here? Is there a second chance? There’s a special guest at the end, too!2023-07-2743 min2 Paleys on a PodGet Over ItWe’re back again! Michael and Briyah catch up on the last few months. Briyah left Austen Riggs and returned to NYC. Michael taught in Europe and joined the Ride for the Living. We also discuss the importance of this three week period in Judaism during the months of Tammuz and Av.2023-07-0739 min2 Paleys on a PodAusten RiggsBriyah is having a really hard time getting treatment at Berkshires Mental Hospital, Austen Riggs. Will she stick it out a few more weeks? She thinks it's making her more traumatized. Who ever heard of patient led groups?
Michael talks about counting the omer some more, and starting the Bronfman Youth Fellowships 36 years ago.2023-05-1543 min2 Paleys on a PodCounting the OmerCount the Omer with us from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Briyah has had some more setbacks and changes of plans, but what else is there to do but move forward? Michael went to Japan, Briyah came back from LA, sent her car back and forth...OY, the drama.2023-04-1842 min
2 Paleys on a PodBriyah and Tod on a PodMichael is traveling and Tod, Briyah's old friend, is taking care of her in LA, so he stepped in to record this episode. There's a lot of psychiatric bashing and a bit about our friendship. More to come. Also, Briyah has to make some big decisions about treatment centers and can barely decide what to eat every day, so this is an uphill battle. Please God, help her find her life purpose and a way to serve others. Is it through this podcast?2023-03-221h 012 Paleys on a PodMy Ancestor was a Wandering ArameanThe journey continues with Briyah being helped by an unconditionally loving and supportive friend in LA. Michael talks about Passover and the weekly Parsha and how it inevitably connects to Briyah's situation. There's even some singing. Onwards!2023-03-2056 min2 Paleys on a PodWherever You Go, There You AreThe Heroine's Journey continues and Briyah is now trying out LA, but finds that her problems do indeed follow her everywhere. Michael is supportive as always, and even flew with her to LA. What a hero! The episode might seem dark because Briyah is working on deep aspects of her soul and facing herself in a way that feels uncomfortable. But she is here to share the journey, hoping her pain will help others. No easy answers here. No shortcuts or quick fixes. Just staying present with what is. Thank you for listening.2023-03-0336 min2 Paleys on a PodSurrender at SinaiAn important part of the journey is surrendering. It's uncomfortable, but necessary. Briyah is praying for the willingness to surrender, so her life can really begin, at 40! Also, what does it mean to surrender? Can Briyah do it? How do we ask God for help? Briyah and Michael talk about the repercussions of "being in love with anger."2023-02-1047 min2 Paleys on a PodPsych Ward PajamasBriyah went to the Psych Ward and all she got from it were a pair of pajamas that were then disposed of by her mother. She provides an update on her latest life drama and Michael adds intellectual and empathic commentary.2023-02-0447 min2 Paleys on a PodFacing DemonsAn update: Briyah is in NYC, being taken care of by her parents. It's been a hard time. She's working on getting more intensive care. She and Michael talk about what it means to face our demons and get through periods of struggle.2023-01-0945 min2 Paleys on a PodParadise LostThis is a tough one...Briyah was told to leave Esalen after a month. She is still grieving the loss of her job and explains what she think happened and where she is now. Michael brings in Jewish text, perspective, and as always, a lot of love. The journey to enlightenment and the quest to feel at "home" continues. Apologies for the audio not being so clear this time. 2022-12-2851 min2 Paleys on a PodThrough the Desert to the Promised LandBriyah talks about her nearly completed cross country road trip, taken during the Jewish holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Rabbi Michael talks about the significance of the timing, as well as lessons from the Zohar and the Torah. They both get vulnerable about letting go and taking risks.2022-10-2040 min2 Paleys on a PodLove Is As Strong As DeathIn this episode, Briyah and Michael discuss some of the Jewish Holidays and what they represent in our everyday lives. Why are they in this order? Yom Kippur is supposed to feel like death. But what about love? What do the two have to do with each other? I'm proud of this episode and the connection my dad and I share. He has such a powerful ability to break down Jewish rituals and concepts.2022-10-0352 min2 Paleys on a PodForgive and ForgetShana Tovah U'metukah! A happy Jewish New Year to all who celebrate. In this episode we discuss the important and challenging process of forgiveness. But aside from that, what if we choose to simply forget how we've been wronged by others? How does that work and what does the Torah say about it? Since our last episode, Michael turned 70 and reflects on how he feels about it.2022-09-2550 min2 Paleys on a PodLonelinessWhat does it feel like to be lonely? What can you do to feel better? In this episode, Briyah and Michael talk about widespread loneliness in today's world. You are not alone if you feel lonely.2022-08-1738 min2 Paleys on a PodFind Yourself a TeacherIn this episode we discuss the role of teachers in our lives, as well as challenges we've both faced when it comes to learning.2022-07-1146 min2 Paleys on a PodGrowing PainsHow do we learn and grow? Why is it so painful at times? What does success look like? Why did my Dad leave his job at Columbia in the 90s? These are some of the questions we discuss in this episode. Also, did you know we are descendants of the Vilna Gaon?2022-07-1137 min
2 Paleys on a PodPrayerWhat is prayer? Why do we do it? Is it the only way to connect to God? In this episode, my dad and I discuss the role of prayer in our lives.2022-07-1138 min2 Paleys on a PodTraveling PaleysIn this episode we discuss a lot of things, including Israel!2022-05-0938 min2 Paleys on a PodPaleys on a Pod IntroWe are a father and daughter who will explore all of life's issues in our podcast. This episode is about who we are and what we plan to do.2022-05-0931 min2 Paleys on a PodJourney to LiberationTalking about the journeys we've been on, and working on feeling better after a few spiritual retreats. Where is God? What's the meaning in this?2022-04-2842 min