Episode 84.
This week is the Jewish holiday of Chanukah which celebrates light in the dark days of winter. It is a time of contrasts and turning. Our candles add light in the darkness as we appreciate the slow turning towards longer days. In that spirit, this conversation explores another kind of opposites and turning – immersing in the mikveh as a way for a Jew to mark a transition.

Haviva Ner-David, an American Jew who has lived in Israel more than half her life. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for Mind, Body, and Soul. Located in northern Israel, it is the only mikveh in Israel that allows people to immerse as they choose. Haviva talks about the biblical sources of the mikveh, her long standing passion for this ritual, and the many uses of the mikveh, reaching far beyond the monthly practice for Orthodox women after their menstrual periods. Each reason for immersing in the living waters of the mikveh marks a transition or celebrates a milestone in life.

Bio:
Rabbi Dr. Haviva Ner-David is a rabbi, author, spiritual companion, and activist. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for Mind, Body, and Soul, the only mikveh in Israel open to all humans to immerse as they choose. Her books include three memoirs, two novels, and a children’s book. As a spiritual companion, she works with people of all faiths, with a specialty in dreamwork. Haviva was ordained privately by an Orthodox rabbi and institutionally by the One Spirit Interfaith-Interspiritual Seminary, where she also studied Spiritual Companioning, Dreamwork, and Thanatology. Haviva lives with FSHD, a form of muscular dystrophy, which has been her greatest life challenge and teacher. She is the parent together with her devoted life partner, Jacob, of seven children. Her activism takes various forms, including building Arab-Jewish partnership in the Galilee, where she lives.

Highlights:
· Biblical sources for Mikvah

· Shmaya, a unique Mikvah in Israel

· Immersion as spiritual practice and ritual process

· Practical elements of the immersion process

· Intentionality and Kavannah

References:
Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network – https://www.mayyimhayyim.org/risingtide/

Social Media links for Haviva:
Website – https://rabbihaviva.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/haviva.nerdavid.1
Blog on the Times of Israel – https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/haviva-ner-david/

Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon

Transcript on Buzzsprout

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.

Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 83.
Is someone in your family an immigrant? Or are you yourself an immigrant? Are you visibly a member of a race or religion? And how do these markers of identity affect your work life and general sense of belonging?

In this conversation we explore the complexities of her life experience – being part of an extended family of mixed cultures and religions, being visibly Muslim at work, the 9/11 terrorist attack, and a bit about Christmas, perfect in the run up to that holiday.

Bio:
Fatima Pashaei, an American-born Muslim woman, has worked for the Federal government for the last 25 years. She is currently President of Mosaic - Muslim Federal Employee Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which supports Muslims serving in the executive branch of government. Fatima is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces for people of all faith backgrounds. Fatima grew up in Washington, DC. with her six siblings, the daughter of an Iranian immigrant father and American mother, who instilled in her the value of service to others. Fatima lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, two sons, hairless cat, and rescue dog.

Highlights:
· Shia, a minority Islamic sect globally, but the majority in Iran.

· Mother's conversion to Islam and integration of mixed cultural practices.

· Focus on broad Muslim identity rather than sectarian differences.

· Witnessed 9/11 attacks; felt impact on the Pentagon.

· Uncomfortable incidents with derogatory comments about Middle Eastern and Iraqi backgrounds.

· The challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated workforce and a Muslim in a non-Muslim area.

· Positive work experiences and cultural understanding moments.

· Christmas celebration – family time and cookies

· Jesus (Isa in Arabic) as prophet in Islam who performs miracles.

Social Media links for Fatima:
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-pashaei
Instagram – @fatipash
Mosaic (Muslim Federal Employee Association) – www.mosaicfeds.org

Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon


Transcript on Buzzsprout

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.

Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 82.
'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name'. These opening words of the Lord’s Prayer from the Christian tradition, provide a salve for Will Berry when times are hard, and he doesn’t have words. As a paramedic for 14 years, these moments are not infrequent.

Today’s episode is the second half of our conversation, where we talk about God, prayer, and the power of using ancient words.

Highlights:
00:00 God's vastness complements intimate personal presence.

04:56 The profound impact of the Church community and teachings.

08:53 Pragmatic preaching that blends scripture and life.

10:02 Ancient traditions need modern practical relevance.

15:34 Kneeling in prayer brings powerful surrender.

18:02 Reflecting on humanity prevents emotional detachment.

21:01 Bring heavenly beauty and power to earth.


Bio:
Will Berry has been in EMS for 14 years. He currently works as a flight paramedic in North Carolina, but has spent the majority of his career as a paramedic on an ambulance responding to 911 calls in a busy city. He has been a Christian since a young age and is heavily influenced by his faith and spiritual journey. He is married and is the father to two young girls. In addition to working in EMS he has been a whitewater rafting guide, ski patroller, and wilderness guide in the rocky mountains.

Social Media links for Will:
Instagram – @emscast
EMSCast podcast (co-hosted with Ross Orpet)


Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon


Transcript on Buzzsprout


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.

Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/