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Jewish Adulting PodcastEp. 23: Parenting with Purpose ft. Rebecca MasinterRebecca Masinter, founder of Mother's Guidance (www.mothersguidance.com), offers Torah-based chinuch inspiration and practical advice for today’s parents. With twenty-five years of experience in Jewish education as a homeschool mother, teacher, curriculum developer, and ACT tutor, Rebecca is dedicated to sharing Torah wisdom globally. She has developed several parenting video courses and writes weekly Parsha articles, providing insights and practical tools to support and guide parents in building their families.2024-12-0140 min
The Jewish Education Experience Podcast104: Building a Partnership Between Home and School with Rebecca MasinterRebecca Masinter is the founder of Toras Imecha and Mother's Guidance which provide Torah based inspiration and practical guidance to parents. She has been involved in Jewish education for twenty-five years as a teacher, administrator, ACT tutor, and homeschool mother. Rebecca lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and six children, where she is active in the homeschool community and as an educator at Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore. Rebecca is passionate about sharing Torah wisdom with parents around the world and has created several video presentations and authored many articles which provide deep insights combined with down-to-earth tools for...2024-05-0753 min
Toras Imecha Parsha ParentingNitzavim-Vayelech - Why Do We Bring ChildrenWho benefits when small children are brought to Hakhel? Both the children and parents are impacted powerfully and positively. Here's how.2020-09-0904 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingNitzavim - Vayelech - Can You See Me?If adults feel invisible behind masks, how do children feel? Moshe Rabeinu reminds us in this week's sedros to notice and address each person so they feel seen and valued.2020-09-0704 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKi Savo - Saying Thank YouHow can we develop gratitude in ourselves and our children? The Parshah teaches that the more we say thank you, the more grateful we feel!2020-09-0402 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKi Savo - Blessings for Non-actionsThe Torah promises us rewards for refraining from doing evil - something we all can do the vast majority of the time. This style of setting up for success is important to offer our children too. (The Nurtured Heart approach by Howard Glasser)2020-09-0304 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKi Seitzei - Feeling InspirationWhat feels right isn't always right and what feels holy isn't always holy. We need the mitzvos to influence us, our minds and emotions into people whose thoughts and feelings are correct.2020-08-2604 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShoftim - AnxietyFear of the unknown is natural, but the Torah gives us a direction to be wholehearted with Hashem instead of trying to foresee the future. Listen for a message on how to help our children experience less anxiety as they prepare to go start an unsettling school year.2020-08-2104 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingRe'eh - Visualizing GoalsThe importance of seeing where you want to go and then taking action to get there.2020-08-1704 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShoftim - You are the Best MomA thought from this Parsha reminding us that we are handpicked to be the best possible mother to our children!2020-08-1703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingRe'eh - PositivityWhen listing the non-kosher animals, the Torah starts by sharing their kosher qualities! Why? What can mother's learn from this?2020-08-1402 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Re'eh - Attitude of BlessingWhat differentiates the Mountain of Bracha and the Mountain of Klala? They share the same physical resources yet are astonishingly different. This message addresses how we can change our external situations into blessings for us.2020-08-1204 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingEikev - Walk in His WaysWe are told to be like Hashem, and mothers do that every day. Let's not discount the little things we do as they are really the fulfillment of the mitzvah to walk in His ways.2020-08-0701 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingEikev - Torah All the TimeExplore the special role of parents in teaching children Torah.2020-08-0502 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingEikev - Internal EffortsThe Parsha calls to us to work on our internal personal spirituality. How can we share this value with our children?2020-08-0405 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVa'eschanan- LoveWhy is love between Klal Yisroel and Hashem repeatedly emphasized in this Parsha? How does it parallel love between mothers and children?2020-07-2905 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVa'eschanan- MesorahTwo important perspectives on how our mesorah gets passed down the generations - both are integral to motherhood.2020-07-2804 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingDevarim - Seeing and UnderstandingWe all see the same images, but the way our minds process what we see is totally unique. Mothers have the privilege and responsibility to see their children in ways no one else can. What will we do with that?2020-07-2404 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingDevarim - Emunah and AvMoshe describes the sin that led to Tisha B'av as a lack of Emunah, faith. Where does Emunah come from?2020-07-2204 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingDevarim - No or Yes?We want to say no for all the right reasons, but Parshas Devarim reminds us when to say yes.2020-07-2104 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingDevarim - Every Time, EverywhereTorah is just as relevant to our children today as it was to the generation hearing it from Moshe. How did Moshe give us the ability to live a Torah life in the 21st century?2020-07-2004 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingMaasei - The Journey CountsWhy are we told not only of Bnai Yisroel's 42 campsites in the wilderness, but also of their journeys to and from each one? This Parsha reminds parents that journeys and processes are important, not only the outcomes.2020-07-1703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingMaasei - Asking for HelpWhy is the Kohein Gadol considered culpable to an extent in an inadvertent murder? The answer reminds parents we're not alone, we have a Partner who is waiting for us to ask for help.2020-07-1503 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingMatos - Put First Things FirstWe know what our priorities are, but do we put them first?2020-07-1304 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingPinchas - Parenting ForeverParents don't always see the short term effects of their work. In this Parsha we see two examples of a parent's actions impacting generations, because parenting is forever!2020-07-1002 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShiva Asar B'Tamuz - Providing Hope for ChangeToday marks the shattering of the luchos after the greatest generation of all time fell to the lowest of lows. What lesson can we learn from this day and how can we share it with our children?2020-07-0904 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingPinchas - Understanding DifferencesWhat special quality did Moshe ask Hashem for the new leader of the Jewish people? The ability to understand and tolerate the different personalities, idiosyncrasies, and opinions of each person. Who else displays this quality? A mother!2020-07-0802 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingPinchas - One on OnePinchas acted alone, he didn't take his cue from anyone else. There are times, particularly when raising children, that we need to do the same.2020-07-0703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBalak- Uncharacteristic BehaviorBilaam was enraged when his loyal donkey suddenly refused to continue along the path. Yet the donkey rebuked him with a message that resonates for all of us in our daily interactions and certainly in our parenting.2020-07-0203 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingChukas - Sharing Your PassionsWhen we are deeply excited by something, we want to tell others all about it. What passions are we sharing with our kids? What do they see as being deeply meaningful in our lives?2020-06-3003 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKorach - It's Not Fair!Korach and his followers felt they deserved more than they had, or as all kids cry, "it's not fair!". Moshe's response shows us how to help our kids and ourselves grow out of that immature and unhappy perspective.2020-06-2605 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingB'haaloscha - Life Spinning Out of Control?What can the Parsha teach us about life circumstances and world events that are not the way we want them? How can we and our children pivot from uncertainty to security?2020-06-1204 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingNaso - ShalomAfter Birkas Kohanim which culminate in a blessing for shalom, peace, the Torah describes the Chanukas HaMizbeyach. If we look closely we'll see deep lessons about shalom for ourselves and our families in this lengthy section of the Parsha.2020-06-0404 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingNaso - Mesirus NefeshWhy is Moshe credited with the building of the Mishkan? One doesn't have to do a job perfectly or completely for recognition, but rather with mesirus nefesh.2020-06-0303 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShavuosWe may be sitting in our own separate homes this Shavuos, but at heart we are all together, completely connected and one. Torah unifies us across the world and also through the generations. Happy Shavuos!2020-05-2803 minToras Imecha Parsha Parenting2nd of Sivan - Connection Precedes DirectionWhat happened today? Why is there no Tachanun? Before giving us the Torah Hashem established a unique relationship with the Jewish people. The lesson from this day, Yom Habchira, impacts parents every day.2020-05-2503 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBamidbar - Mind Your Own BusinessA lesson from the Parsha and Yom Yerushalayim for parents about davening for our children and letting Hashem do His part for them.2020-05-2204 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBamidbar - Children Help Parents Grow UpNadav and Avihu died because they didn't have children? How would their choices have been different if they would have been parents? Learn how children help us become greater.2020-05-2002 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBamidbar - Torah in the WildernessWhy wasn't Torah given in the beauty and comfort of Israel? What lessons can we draw from this idea to our lives today?2020-05-1803 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingEmor - Master of TimeIndependence entails being being master of your own time. This is the revolutionary gift of the Moadim, Jewish holidays. And it's a valuable freedom to grant our kids.2020-05-0504 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingIyar - Making Change LastHow can we move from momentary inspiration to lasting change?2020-04-2804 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingAcharei Mos - Words Build WorldsViduy is an integral part of the Yom Kippur service. It's message to us is relevant as we choose what words to say and which worlds to build.2020-04-2703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingTazria-Metzora- Isolation and ConnectionCommunication can yield connection and isolation. Are your kids talking to you every minute of the day? Here's an opportunity to reframe and appreciate the chatter because it is building closeness and relationship.2020-04-2304 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingTazria - What's the Priority?Balancing school at home can be challenging. A timely reminder in the Parsha helps us evaluate our primary purpose and keep sight of the most important goals.2020-04-2004 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShabbos HaGadol, Families, and RedemptionThe original Pesach required Jews to be in their homes, family by family before they merited redemption. The coming of Mashiach will also be preceded by strengthened families. Let's use our opportunity well!2020-04-0105 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingGrandparents at Your Seder... Even This Year?We will be the link that connects grandparents and great grandparents to our children this Pesach. Here's how. (Correction added - my grandmother's name is Bina Bayla bas Dov Beryl.)2020-03-2703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayikra and Rosh Chodesh Nissan - Renewing What MattersEverything feels new right now, but Parshas Vayikra reminds us of what's really important for us to renew and reenergize.2020-03-2604 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayakhel - A Message for Today - It's Okay to Not Be Okay!We are living in very difficult times and we can't do it all. A thought on accepting our limits and being gentle with ourselves.2020-03-1904 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayakhel - ReconnectionThe opening words of this Parsha teach parents how to discipline and yet still keep love and connection at the core of your relationship with your child.2020-03-1803 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingThree Tips I Find Helpful While Home with My ChildrenWhile many schools are closed and many mothers find themselves unexpectedly home with their children, I am sharing three ideas I find useful when I'm homeschooling my kids.2020-03-1607 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKi Sisa - Golden Calf and Coronavirus.... Fear or Faith?Fear is contagious and was the impetus for the cheit ha'egel. Today, our children are exposed to a lot of fear as well. What can we do to help them?2020-03-1303 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingTaanis Esther- Empowered MothersA lesson for all from Esther. When she was reminded of her role and potential destiny she became empowered and saved the Jewish people. We too have our roles and destinies and can learn to take action from Esther.2020-03-0905 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Tetzave - The Kohanim's ServiceThe kohanim in the Mishkan were recreating the first Jewish homes, and we, in our homes, are doing the same thing. Let's turn drudgery into holiness!2020-03-0504 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingRosh Chodesh Adar - Choosing SimchaAre we happy when life goes our way or are we happy people? A lesson from Adar for ourselves and our children.2020-02-2504 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingMishpatim - A Promise of BelongingIs it a mitzvah or a guarantee? What can we learn from Hashem's promise to us and how can we practically bring this message to our children?2020-02-2104 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingYisro- One Parent, Seven NamesYisro had seven names and seven daughters. What is the message for us?2020-02-1402 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingYisro - Why Honor Parents?Only ten mitzvos out of 613 are on the luchos, why did 'honor your father and mother' make it in?2020-02-1204 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingTu B'Shvat - Hidden GrowthWhy celebrate the birthday of the trees in winter? The answer yields us an insight into us and our children.2020-02-1002 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingB'shalach- Emunah/FaithThis Parsha has a theme running through it of Emunah. How does that faith impact parents?2020-02-0704 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingB'shalach- A Taste of HeavenA lesson from the Chofetz Chaim on the joys of being mindful for ourselves and our children.2020-02-0603 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingB'shalach - PerspectiveEven though the facts remain the same, a new perspective changes our and our children's realities.2020-02-0404 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBo - Family CelebrationsHow are we supposed to celebrate holidays? Friendsgiving or family time? A lesson from the Korban Pesach for families in all times.2020-01-3103 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBo - Inspired ParentsSharing our values with our children leads to our own further inspiration and strengthened beliefs.2020-01-3001 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBo - Live and LearnDeep integrated learning occurs when we combine our actions with our teachings. Parents are the ones most able to give this to their children.2020-01-2903 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVa'eira - LimitsLimits aren't stifling, they're empowering and necessary for a flourishing life.2020-01-2304 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShmos - The Power of a Parent's VoiceA child is designed to be particularly attuned to his parent's voice. This is a huge gift to parents which we want to use well and not squander.2020-01-1704 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingShmos - A Nation of FamiliesThe Jewish nation rests on the individual family unit, which in turn rests on the woman of the home. Small actions build nations.2020-01-1603 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayechi - Sibling RelationshipsParents are the glue that connect siblings together. Take a look at parents and siblings in Vayechi.2020-01-1004 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayechi and the Tenth of TevesSpiritual loss and exile have left us without intuitive spiritual and emotional clarity. Our parenting challenges and confusion are part of the loss we mourn today.2020-01-0703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayechi- They Are My ChildrenAs mothers are spread ever more thinly who is taking responsibility for the children's needs? We need to say, "banai heim", they're my children and I will take responsibility.2020-01-0603 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingOne Year Anniversary of Toras Imecha!What I learned from starting this project and an idea for you!2020-01-0104 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Vayigash - Yosef's TearsA novel look at why Yosef cried and Yaakov was dry-eyed at their reunion, yielding insight for parents.2019-12-3103 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayigash, Chanukah, and Hashem's PlanNothing can thwart Hashem's Plan. Yosef's brothers learned this, the Greeks learned it, and we, mothers, need to learn it!2019-12-3003 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingMikeitz - Listen!Why does Paroh describe Yosef's skill as "listening to a dream"?2019-12-2701 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingChanukah, Mikeitz, and Human LimitationsWhat is the celebration of Chanukah all about? What is its message for parents?2019-12-2604 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeishev - ImpatienceYosef is described as a "na'ar". Does that mean a youth, or is there more for us to learn?2019-12-2003 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeishev - Subtle ComparisonsIt is easy for parents to hold multiple children to a standard set by one of them. Here's why that may be a problem.2019-12-1903 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeishev - I Speak, But What Do You Hear?We can all listen to the same words and each hear something different. Two lessons from the Parsha for parents.2019-12-1603 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayishlach - Not So Quick to SpeakA parenting lesson about waiting for the right moment by Task of.2019-12-1303 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayishlach - Hashem's PlanYaakov worked hard to protect his children from the influence of Lavan and Eisav. Despite that, this Parsha is full of turbulent events. What can we learn?2019-12-1103 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeitzei - Sons or Brothers?Yaakov's sons are called his brothers. What can we learn?2019-12-0503 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingTodos - Unified ParentingYitzchak Loved Eisav and Rivka loved Yaakov. Aside from the glaring issue of loving one child more than another, the two parents aren't united in their parenting attitudes. What can we learn from this?2019-11-2902 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingToldos - The Lads Grew UpThe Torah doesn't hide the mistakes of our Avos and Imahos from us, and in this Parsha we learn from a critical parenting mistake of Yitzchak and Rivka.2019-11-2803 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingToldos - Yitzchak Loved EisavWas Yitzchak deceived and manipulated by Eisav? Why did he love him and what is the lesson for us?2019-11-2602 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingChayei Sara - Speech vs ActionsAn idea for handling teens who's words are mismatched with their actions.2019-11-2202 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingChayei Sara - Chesed Begins at HomeWho would guess how Abraham earned the title of Pursuer of Chesed? Understand why true chesed occurs within our families.2019-11-1904 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeira - Don't Be Like Hagar!See the contrasts between Hagar's mothering and Avraham and Sarah's. What can we take from this every day?2019-11-1503 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeira- The Key to ObedienceWhat can we learn from the akeidah to make our children want to listen to us over and over? The key is relationship.2019-11-1405 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingVayeira - Just Say No!Sarah was the first Jewish mother to put her foot down and say no, and today, we look again at why that is so important.2019-11-1203 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingLech Lecha - Sarah's TentWhat makes a Jewish home?2019-11-0703 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingLech Lecha - What is Chinuch/ParentingA Rashi in this Parsha defines chinuch in a meaningful and relevant way for parents.2019-11-0604 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Noach - Which Direction?Some people are on an upward course and others aren't, but our children definitely are! That is the important piece to focus on as we think about them.2019-11-0103 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Noach - A Parent's Inner ChildWho was Noach's offspring? Noach! Listen to what busy parents can learn from him.2019-10-3103 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Noach- ShalomA chance to think about the shalom in our homes, because peace is great.2019-10-2903 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBraishis- Kayin and Baby ChanochWhy did Kayin name his firstborn Chanoch? What is his message to parents?2019-10-2502 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingBraishis - Chava and the Gift of LanguageHow does Chava's name reflect the deeper gift of life that women give to all?2019-10-2403 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingHakhel and Rosh Hashana - Parenting on the Yamim NoraimShana Tova to each of you!2019-09-2704 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKi Savo - Parenting Tip from the ParshaMoshe demonstrates a technique that effective parents use all the time.2019-09-2003 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingKi Seitzei - The Rebellious Child; What About the Parents?A lesson about parental guilt straight from the Parsha...2019-09-1302 minToras Imecha Parsha ParentingParshas Shoftim - You Should be Tamim with HashemA tip to combat anxiety in ourselves and our children in our Parsha!2019-09-0604 min