Listening to Understand

About Listening to Understand

Welcome to Listening to Understand, where sensitive Jewish truth-seekers gather in a safe place for candid conversations on challenging topics. When we listen to truly understand - and not to respond - we can replace judgment with curiosity and open our hearts to every Jew, regardless of their personal choices.

Publisher

Matana Jacobs

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Feb 2024

Latest episode

5 May 2026

Latest episodes

27 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2026

   Why Questioning God Might Be the Truest Form of Faith (Rabbi David Aaron)

   Explore how faith and questioning can coexist after tragedy. Rabbi David Aaron shares how to connect with God through pain, showing that true faith isn’t about having all the answers but about sensing divine presence through love and kindness. The conversation highlights why questioning suffering can reflect faith, how to hold space for grief while still embracing joy, and the challenge of reconciling God’s power with a world that feels chaotic. It also introduces a Kabbalistic view of God as the ultimate good, beyond full understanding yet present in every act of compassion. Along the way, it addresses misconceptions about divine anger, emphasizes living with empathy and purpose, and offers simple ways to feel a daily connection to something greater—helping you find meaning and presence even in the darkest moments. Rabbi David Aaron, is a visionary educator who offers a life-changing view about Hashem and Torah living. Rabbi Aaron serves as Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Orayta, which offers an inspirational and comprehensive approach to Torah. Students at Orayta develop leadership skills and become philosophically equipped to cope with the challenges of living a Torah life in a Modern World. Rabbi Aaron is the author of several best–selling books including Endless Light, Seeing G-d, Living a Joyous Life, The Secret Life of G-d and The G-d Powered Life. He has reached millions through appearances on national media. He received his Semicha in 1979 from Yeshivat ITRI and studied under the tutelage of HaGoan HaRav Shlomo Fischer z’l. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Chana, and seven children. https://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/ (https://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/) https://www.instagram.com/davidaaron613/ (https://www.instagram.com/davidaaron613/) Join us on Whatsapp: ⁠⁠Click here to join⁠ (https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4) the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. ⁠Click here to listen to us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630) Comments or Suggestions? ⁠⁠We’d love to hear from you. Email us at:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com⁠ (mailto:listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsored by: ⁠SwagMyGear.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://swagmygear.com/) Get your custom printed & promotional swag, logo t-shirts, hoodies, hats, bottles and other gear, perfect for business & corporate branding & events, family gatherings, Bar & Bat Mitzvas, parties and weddings all printed with your logo or message. ⁠⁠⁠Click here & Get $55.00 off your order today⁠ (https://swagmygear.com/)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with coupon code MATANA

2. 

   23 Apr 2026

   How Do You Listen When You Don’t Agree? (Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar)

   This episode explores what it really means to “listen to understand” — especially when conversations are difficult, emotional, or deeply tied to identity and belief. Through a powerful discussion with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the conversation challenges the instinct to prove we’re right and instead invites a shift toward curiosity, openness, and growth. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is a bestselling author and a leading voice in positive psychology. He taught at Harvard University, where his courses on Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership became some of the most popular classes in the university’s history. He is also the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, where he continues to teach and share practical tools for well-being, resilience, and leadership. At the core of this episode is his concept of “permission to be human” — allowing ourselves and others to feel uncomfortable emotions without suppressing or judging them. Rather than avoiding conflict, the episode reframes disagreement as a necessary and even healthy part of growth, emphasizing that many of today’s toughest issues are not right vs. wrong, but right vs. right. The conversation dives into how to approach moments where beliefs feel non-negotiable — from religion and identity to family dynamics and societal divides. It highlights the importance of entering dialogue with intention: are we trying to win, or are we trying to understand? Through real-life examples and psychological insight, listeners are given a practical framework for having more empathetic, grounded, and meaningful conversations. Ultimately, this episode is about creating space — for others to speak, for ourselves to reflect, and for something deeper to emerge. Not necessarily agreement, but connection, clarity, and the possibility of bridging even the widest gaps — one conversation at a time. Join us on Whatsapp: ⁠⁠Click here to join⁠ (https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4) the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. ⁠Click here to listen to us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630) Comments or Suggestions? ⁠⁠We’d love to hear from you. Email us at:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com⁠ (mailto:listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsored by: ⁠SwagMyGear.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://swagmygear.com/) Get your custom printed & promotional swag, logo t-shirts, hoodies, hats, bottles and other gear, perfect for business & corporate branding & events, family gatherings, Bar & Bat Mitzvas, parties and weddings all printed with your logo or message. ⁠⁠⁠Click here & Get $55.00 off your order today⁠ (https://swagmygear.com/)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with coupon code MATANA

3. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Unlocking the Secrets of Kosher Astrology (Yitzchok Aharon Pinkesz)

   In this enlightening conversation, Matana and Yitzchok A. Pinkesz delve into the world of astrology from a Jewish perspective, exploring the significance of kosher astrology, the interplay of free will, and the cosmic energies that shape our personalities. They discuss the importance of understanding astrological cycles, the role of healing in personal growth, and how astrology can guide relationships. Astrology is not deterministic; rather, it serves as a tool for self-awareness and navigating life's challenges. Yitzchok discusses the significance of understanding character traits in relationships, the importance of personal growth, and how astrology can serve as a tool for insight and healing. He emphasizes the need for self-love and divine connection, while also exploring the impact of trauma and the cycles of life. The discussion touches on current astrological events and their significance, as well as Yitzchok's personal journey into astrology and its connection to personal growth. Yitzchok's website: ⁠kosherastro.com (https://kosherastro.com/)⁠ ⁠Yitzchok's book, "Kosher Astrology" direct purchase (https://kosherastro.com/product/kosher-astrology-a-jewish-guide-to-celestial-wisdom/) ⁠Yitzchok's book, "Kosher Astrology" on Amazon⁠ (https://www.amazon.com/Kosher-Astrology-Celestial-Full-Color-Illustrations/dp/195237085X) Join us on Whatsapp: ⁠Click here to join (https://chat.whatsapp.com/G9t7fDac0wrB4FZsKtyYk4) the Listening to Understand WhatsApp community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where we share exclusive information about episodes and topics discussed on the show. Click here to listen to us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-understand/id1729038630) Comments or Suggestions? ⁠⁠We’d love to hear from you. Email us at:⁠ ⁠⁠listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com (mailto:listeningtounderstandshow@gmail.com)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsored by: SwagMyGear.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://swagmygear.com/) Get your custom printed & promotional swag, logo t-shirts, hoodies, hats, bottles and other gear, perfect for business & corporate branding & events, family gatherings, Bar & Bat Mitzvas, parties and weddings all printed with your logo or message. ⁠⁠Click here & Get $55.00 off your order today (https://swagmygear.com/)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with coupon code MATANA

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.