Jewish Adulting Podcast

Ep. 52: Surviving Juvenile Stroke: From Playground to Physical Therapy ft. Mordechai Waidenbaum

At age 10, Mordechai Dovid Waidenbaum’s life changed in an instant when he suffered a massive stroke during recess. In this moving episode, he shares how he went from paralysis and speech loss to becoming a respected yungerman, Gabbai, and husband—through faith, grit, and the love of family. Mordechai Waidenbaum is a newly married man who grew up in Brooklyn, New York,. He currently studies in Kollel and is a beloved summer Rebbi. He lives with his wife Nechama in Monsey, New York. He is available for speaking engagements and can be contacted through the Jewish Adulting Podcast.

Ep. 50: Elevate Shabbos: Leverage What Shabbos Has to Offer ft. Rabbi Akiva Feldman

Rabbi Feldman and I discuss finding meaning in what could arguably be one of the most routine parts of the week: Shabbos. For many, it is unlikely we are tapping into all that Shabbos has to offer. Sure we know halacha, and we appreciate the restfullness of it, but is there more? You betcha there is. Listen as Rabbi Feldman shows us how and why. Rabbi Akiva Feldman serves as the Rav of Congregation Ohel Yakov in Baltimore, Maryland, a historic synagogue established in 1875. He assumed this leadership role following the tenure of Rabbi Peretz Dinovitz, zt”l, bringing renewed energy and dedication to the congregation. A distinguished alumnus of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, Rabbi Feldman furthered his Torah studies at Yeshivas Mir in Eretz Yisrael and at Yeshivas Birchas Mordechai under Rabbi Yaakov Friedman, shlit”a. He received his rabbinic ordination (semicha) from Ner Yisroel. In addition to his role at Ohel Yakov, Rabbi Feldman contributes to Jewish education in Baltimore by teaching Halacha at Bais Yaakov and Bnos Yisroel high schools. Rabbi Feldman hails from a family with a rich rabbinic heritage. His paternal grandfather, Rabbi Emanuel Feldman, shlit”a, served as the rav of Congregation Beth Jacob in Atlanta, Georgia, for many decades. His uncle, Rabbi Ilan Feldman, currently leads Beth Jacob of Atlanta, and his great-uncle, Rabbi Aharon Feldman, shlit”a, is the Rosh HaYeshiva of Ner Yisroel in Baltimore. His father, Mr. Jonathan Feldman, a musmach of Ner Yisroel, is well-known in Baltimore for his community advocacy and involvement. His mother, Mrs. Judi Feldman, is a shadchan who taught at the Beth Tfiloh school for many years. Under Rabbi Feldman's leadership, Congregation Ohel Yakov has experienced significant growth, with initiatives aimed at enhancing Torah learning, community engagement, and chesed activities. His dedication to fostering a warm and inclusive environment continues to strengthen the congregation's bonds and spiritual growth. To be in touch with him email him at akivaefeldman@gmail.com

Ep. 49: Wings of Hope: Navigating an Incompatible with Life Diagnosis

Shmuel Tzvi Adler grew up in Baltimore, where he spent nearly all of his high school and yeshiva years learning at Ner Yisroel. His father, a dedicated 10th-grade Rebbe at the yeshiva for decades, recently retired. After yeshiva, Shmuel began his career in the food industry, first as a cook for a yeshiva. During that time, he married his amazing and talented wife, Nechama (née Eizik) from Monsey. He later worked in catering and eventually became a chef in a nursing home. After about five years in the culinary field, Shmuel transitioned into healthcare administration, becoming a billing specialist at Centers Health Care, a large nursing home company, working from its corporate office in the Bronx. While still working in the food industry, Shmuel and Nechama welcomed their son, Yehoshua. He was born four months early—at just 24 weeks gestation—marking the beginning of a profound and challenging journey. Shmuel shares this experience in his book, *Wings of Hope*, offering insight and inspiration drawn from their remarkable story.

Ep. 48: Rescue From a Cult #MyOrthodoxLife ft. Miriam Racquel Feldman

List as Miriam Racquel Feldman tells us a part of her adventure chronicled in her book *God Said What?! #MyOrthodoxLife* This story is about her journey to Orthodox Judaism. Listen as she tells us about her initial motivation to try and rescue her college boyfriend David from a cult and how the tables turned. Miriam Racquel (Meryl) Feldman transforms women's lives through somatic healing as an award-winning author, dating & marriage coach, and trauma/anxiety specialist. Her innovative somatic approaches have helped thousands of women heal relationships, resolve trauma, and rediscover their inner wisdom. As an international coach, keynote speaker, and podcast guest, she specializes in marriage transformation, painful relationship recovery, career clarity, and embodied healing. Miriam Racquel also offers marriage programs together with her husband Dovid Feldman, L.P.C., (DovidFeldman.com). Author of the acclaimed memoir “God Said What?! #MyOrthodoxLife” and “Somatic Healing for the Modest Goddess.” Transform your life at MiriamRacquel.com or YourMarriageMagic.com If you want to include links to the books: God Said What?! #MyOrthodoxLife: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737745402?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Somatic Healing for the Modest Goddess https://a.co/d/1tNfddg

Ep. 47: Wearing Many Hats: Doctor, Mother, Leader ft. Dr. Mimi Knoll, JOWMA

Hear Dr. Mimi Knoll's journey towards becoming a medical doctor and her creation and involvement in JOWMA as a way to mitigate and address the challenges unique to religious woman in the medical field and burnout prevention. Dr Miriam “Mimi” Knoll is co-founder and CEO of JOWMA, Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association. She is a practicing radiation oncologist and mom. You can find her on Twitter @MKnoll_MD and Instagram @Dr.Mimi.K. To learn more about JOWMA, visit JOWMA.org or email us at info@JOWMA.org. The JOWMA podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.