Unpacked
Overstressed, overworked, overstimulated? Close your eyes, take a deep breath and tune in. In each episode Rabbi Josh Feigelson will guide with ancient wisdom and modern mindfulness practices to help center your soul and ease you into your week. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
6d ago
Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025 Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the idea of family beyond biology—the “refrigerator friends” and chosen family who nourish our lives with love, care, and belonging. In part nine of the Family miniseries, Josh invites listeners to expand their definition of family. Drawing on Jewish texts, biblical stories, and personal reflection, Josh offers a guided meditation based on the Priestly Blessing to help cultivate compassion for ourselves, our loved ones, and even strangers. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Dec 8
Help us take Unpacked podcasts further by supporting our crowdfunding campaign: https://unpacked.bio/podgift2025 In the latest episode on family, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the Jewish practice of apology and forgiveness—why it matters so deeply in family life and how we can approach it with compassion, humility, and intention. Through a personal story and a guided mindfulness exercise, Josh offers a simple, grounding practice using the five fingers of the hand to help repair strained relationships, cultivate shalom bayit, and begin healing with small, meaningful steps. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Dec 1
What does it mean to age, remember, and let go through the lens of Jewish mindfulness? The 7th episode in a series on family explore this question. Inspired by childhood memories of tying knots with his father—and the phrase “may their soul be bound in the bonds of life”—Rabbi Josh Feigelson unpacks how the ties that connect us to loved ones both tighten and loosen as we confront aging and mortality. Josh offers a mindful path toward facing life’s hardest truths with more openness, connection, and peace. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Nov 24
Rabbi Josh Feigelson unpacks a puzzling bar/bat mitzvah blessing that thanks God for releasing parents from responsibility—and reveals the deep wisdom behind it. What sounds harsh becomes a lens into the lifelong dance of holding on and letting go as kids grow into independence. With Jewish teachings, real family dynamics, and a nod to Kenny Rogers, Josh explores how parents and children evolve together in part 6 of a series on family, ending with a grounding meditation on balancing attachment and release. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Nov 17
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores how mindful communication can transform family relationships, even when tensions run high. Through a candid story about navigating a tough parenting moment, he shows how slowing down, listening with empathy, and grounding conversations in love can make even difficult moments more meaningful. In the fifth episode in the family series, Josh draws on the V’ahavta prayer, and offers a simple mindfulness practice to help us speak—and listen—with greater intention at home. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Nov 10
In this deeply personal episode, Rabbi Josh Feigelson shares the story of his mother—known to all as “Happy”—whose unshakable joy and unconditional love continue to inspire even as she lives with Alzheimer’s. Through her example, and guided by Jewish teachings on ahava , Josh explores love not just as emotion but as mindful practice—a way to stay present, connected, and grounded in what truly matters. The fourth episode in a series on family explores the enduring power of love at the heart of family and faith. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Nov 3
In part 3 of a miniseries on family, Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores the deep connection between time, intention, and family —and how Jewish wisdom invites us to align our schedules with our values. He shares a laugh-and-learn story from his early days as a campus rabbi and offers a simple weekly reflection to help you slow down, realign, and make time for what (and who) really matters. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. Take a look back at Soulful Jewish Living's podcast feed here to listen to the miniseries on Shabbat. This episode is sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
Oct 27
Rabbi Josh Feigelson explores what Jewish tradition calls brit — a covenantal partnership built on commitment, choice, and renewal in part 2 of a miniseries on family. Drawing on Torah and mindfulness practice, Josh reflects on how sacred relationships help us “hold and be held,” and offers a short meditation to experience that balance of choosing and being chosen in everyday family life. Be in touch at josh@unpacked.media. Soulful Jewish Living: Mindful Practices for Every Day is a production of Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. This episode was sponsored by Jonathan and Kori Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots: The Bridgewater, NJ-based AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees. --------------- This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media Brand. For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews