Lessons For Life by Rabbi Jonathan Tawil

Welcome to Modeh Ani: How Much is Your Leg Worth?, a thought-provoking podcast that dives into the power of gratitude through the lens of the Jewish morning prayer, Modeh Ani. Each episode explores the spiritual and practical significance of starting your day with thanks and recognizing the priceless value of the gifts we often take for granted—like our health, our body, and our very breath.Through inspiring stories, deep Torah insights, and relatable reflections, we’ll challenge you to ask questions like, “What is the true value of my body and soul?” and “How can I cultivate a mindset of gratitude in my everyday life?” Whether you’re new to Jewish practice or looking to deepen your connection with Hashem, this podcast offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways to help you wake up with meaning and purpose.Join us as we rediscover the art of gratitude and remind ourselves of the profound blessings that surround us every single day. After all, how much is your leg really worth? Tune in now!

In this week’s episode, Rabbi Jonathan Tawil delves into Parashat Vayetze, a Torah portion filled with profound lessons about personal growth, faith, and resilience. Join us as we follow Yaakov’s transformative journey, from leaving his home in Be’er Sheva to building a future filled with challenges, promises, and blessings.Through Yaakov’s dream of the ladder reaching heaven, we uncover deep insights into the connection between the spiritual and physical realms and what it means to strive for greatness while staying grounded. Rabbi Tawil also explores the trials Yaakov faced during his years with Lavan, shedding light on perseverance, trust in divine providence, and the importance of maintaining integrity in difficult circumstances.This parasha isn’t just about Yaakov’s journey—it’s about ours, too. What can we learn from Yaakov’s experiences to navigate our own struggles and triumphs? How does his story inspire us to build strong relationships, lead with faith, and recognize the divine presence in our daily lives?Join Rabbi Tawil for an inspiring and relatable discussion on Parashat Vayetze, filled with timeless wisdom and practical takeaways to guide us in our own journeys. Tune in now and discover how this Torah portion continues to resonate in our lives today.

In this captivating podcast episode, Rabbi Jonathan Tawil—a world-renowned thought leader and gifted teacher—dives into one of life’s most profound truths: why time is more valuable than money. In a world obsessed with material wealth and appearances, Rabbi Tawil brings a refreshing perspective rooted in timeless wisdom and modern insights.Join us as we explore the deeper meaning of success and why it extends far beyond a hefty bank account or physical possessions. Rabbi Tawil delves into the significance of time, how it shapes our priorities, and why it is the ultimate currency we must invest wisely.This episode also takes a practical look at financial investments, the role of money in living a meaningful life, and how to balance the pursuit of wealth with spiritual fulfillment. Rabbi Tawil provides actionable advice, relatable stories, and deep reflections that will inspire you to rethink your relationship with time and money.Whether you’re a seasoned investor, someone seeking to redefine success, or simply looking for clarity on how to live a more purposeful life, this episode offers something for everyone. Rabbi Tawil’s unique ability to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary issues will leave you enriched, motivated, and ready to approach life’s challenges with a new perspective.Tune in now to discover why time, not money, is the ultimate measure of wealth and how this mindset can transform your approach to success and happiness. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Rabbi Jonathan Tawil, a globally respected voice in personal growth and spiritual insight.

Welcome to the first-ever episode of our podcast, where we take a deep dive into one of the most pressing and powerful topics of our time: Jewish resilience. In this episode, we explore why resilience is such a cornerstone of the Jewish identity and how it has shaped the community throughout history. This conversation takes on even greater significance as we reflect on the tragic events of October 7th, a day that brought immense pain and loss but also highlighted the strength and unity of the Jewish people.We’ll examine the lessons of resilience that go beyond the Jewish community, touching on themes of survival, perseverance, and hope in the face of unimaginable challenges. How does a community rebuild? How does it hold onto its identity and values amidst adversity? And what can the world learn from the Jewish story of resilience?This episode is not just about tragedy; it’s about the power of standing together, finding hope in the darkest moments, and moving forward with strength and purpose. Whether you’re part of the Jewish community or simply seeking inspiration on how humanity rises above hardship, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Join us as we honor the lives lost, celebrate the strength of the living, and explore the unbreakable spirit that continues to shine. Tune in, share, and be part of the dialogue on resilience, hope, and the enduring power of community.

Episode Description: Vayelech Passing the Torch: Moshe’s Final Message of CourageAs Moshe prepares to leave the people and entrust leadership to Yehoshua, he leaves them with a command that still speaks to us today: “Chazak v’ematz — be strong and courageous.” In this episode, we reflect on Moshe’s final message of strength. What does courage mean when facing the unknown? How do we find resilience when we feel small before great challenges? Through Vayelech, we uncover how faith and courage go hand in hand, empowering us to face transitions with confidence and hope.

Description: In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Alan Mendoza — a proud Sephardi Jew, political voice, and thought leader in London — to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community in the UK. Alan shares powerful insights on Jewish integration, the effectiveness of engaging in politics, and the battle over media narratives in today’s world. ✅ How Jews have integrated into British society — successes and challenges ✅ Entering politics: is it the right path to influence and change? ✅ The problem with today’s news and how narratives shape public opinion ✅ What the Jewish community can do to stand stronger and stay united ✅ Practical takeaways for anyone who wants to make a real difference 🔥 If you care about Jewish identity, community leadership, and understanding the forces shaping public discourse, this episode will inspire you to take action. 📌 Subscribe for more interviews on Jewish life, politics, and the ideas shaping our future. #LessonsForLife #AlanMendoza #JewishCommunityUK #JewishIntegration #PoliticsAndFaith #MediaNarratives #JewishLeadership #Inspiration

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sam Fromson — a Rabbi and Startuper — as he shares his journey of blending faith, family, and entrepreneurship. Sam opens up about how Torah values guide his personal and professional life, offering practical advice for building a meaningful career while staying true to your beliefs.✅ How to find the right partner in life and the importance of family ✅ Lessons on combining faith with a successful career ✅ The strength of religion in the workplace ✅ Leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth rooted in Jewish values ✅ Practical guidance for living a life of purpose, integrity, and impact🔥 Whether you’re seeking spiritual inspiration, guidance on family and relationships, or insights on building a career with faith, this episode offers invaluable lessons for modern life.📌 Subscribe for more interviews on Jewish wisdom, personal growth, and life lessons. #LessonsForLife #SamFromson #FaithAndInnovation #JewishWisdom #FamilyAndFaith #CareerAndReligion #LifeLessons #Inspiration

Episode Description: Choose Life: The Torah’s Timeless Call in NitzavimParashat Nitzavim delivers one of the Torah’s most powerful declarations: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore, choose life.” What does it really mean to choose life, and why does Moshe emphasize this message right before the High Holidays? In this episode, we explore how this call is not only about survival, but about living with meaning, responsibility, and connection to Hashem. Discover how Nitzavim inspires us to step into the new year with clarity and purpose, making choices that bring blessing into our lives and into the world.

Podcast | Lessons for Life | Episode 4🎙 Exclusive Interview: Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Haim x Lessons for Life 🌍 Building a Community: The Syrian Jewish Journey from Aleppo to AmericaIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Haim — son of the great Chacham Ben Haim, a towering rabbinic figure who guided and strengthened the Syrian-American Jewish community. Together, we uncover the story of how a community of immigrants from Syria became one of the strongest, most united Jewish communities in New York and Deal.✅ The history of Syrian Jews arriving in New York ✅ The secret behind the community’s unity and success ✅ The rabbinic decrees that preserved Jewish heritage across generations ✅ How the vision of the Aleppo rabbis was applied in America ✅ Rabbi Ben Haim’s advice for today’s generation in connecting to Jewish identity🔥 This episode offers rare insights into what makes Jewish life thrive across time and place.🕊 Discover how heritage, vision, and faith can shape not only a community — but also your own life.📌 Subscribe for more interviews on faith, history, and Jewish wisdom. #SyrianJews #JewishCommunity #LessonsForLife #FaithAndHeritage #JewishWisdom #Inspiration"Justin

Episode Description: Parashat Ki Tavo is famous—and daunting—for its long list of blessings and curses. The Torah lays out the vision of what life looks like when we live with Hashem’s will, and the painful consequences when we turn away. But hidden inside is also a message of hope: “Tikhleh shanah u’kil’loteha – let the year and its curses end, and let a new year with its blessings begin.”In this episode, we dive into the meaning of these blessings and curses, why they appear right before Rosh Hashanah, and how this Parasha helps us prepare for renewal. Discover how Ki Tavo reminds us that no matter how heavy the past year may have been, the Torah calls us to start fresh—with faith, with courage, and with blessings.

Podcast | Lessons for Life | Episode 3🎙 Exclusive Interview: Michael x Lessons for Life💼 Faith & Finance: A Journey from Gibraltar to LondonIn this inspiring conversation, Michael — a finance expert and proud believer from Gibraltar now living in London — opens up about his career, his Jewish identity, and the values that guide him. Together, we explore:✅ How the world of finance has changed over the past two decades✅ Starting a career and building resilience in today’s economy✅ Speaking about Judaism and values with non-Jews✅ Balancing professional success with faith and tradition✅ Lessons from Gibraltar’s unique Jewish community🔥 If you’re looking for inspiration on how faith can guide your career and conversations in the modern world, this episode is a must-watch.🕊 Discover how belief and business can work hand in hand.📌 Subscribe for more interviews on faith, life, and Jewish wisdom.#FaithAndFinance #JewishLife #LessonsForLife #CareerAdvice #JewishWisdom #Finance #Inspiration

This week’s Parasha, Ki Tetseh, is unlike any other—it contains more commandments than any other portion in the Torah, a total of 74 mitzvot! From returning lost objects and building safe homes, to showing compassion even to animals and ensuring fairness in business, Ki Tetseh covers every corner of Jewish life.In this episode, we explore why the Torah concentrates so many mitzvot here, what themes connect them, and how they guide us to create a just and holy society. Discover how the Torah teaches us that holiness isn’t found only in prayer or study, but in the way we treat people, run our businesses, and even build our homes.Join us as we uncover the depth of Ki Tetseh – the Parasha that shows us how to live Torah every single day.

Episode Title: Shoftim – Jewish RoyaltyIn this week’s parashah, Shoftim, the Torah introduces us to the idea of Jewish monarchy. But what does it mean to have a king in Israel? Unlike the grandeur and power-driven models of kingship in other nations, the Torah’s vision of royalty is radically different: a king bound by humility, Torah law, and responsibility to his people.In this episode, we explore the laws of leadership laid out in Shoftim, the balance between authority and accountability, and the timeless lessons about true power, ego, and service. From the command to write a personal Sefer Torah to the prohibition against accumulating wealth and horses, we’ll see how Jewish kingship was meant to shape not just politics—but the moral fabric of the nation.Join us as we uncover what Shoftim teaches about leadership, and how the Torah’s model of royalty remains deeply relevant for anyone striving to lead with integrity today.

Podcast | Lessons for Life | Episode 2 🎙 Exclusive Interview: Rav Meir Eliyahu x Rav Jonathan Tawil 🛤 From Career to Torah: A Journey of Faith and Study In this inspiring conversation, Rav Meir Eliyahu opens up about his personal transformation from a secular career to a life deeply rooted in Torah study and religious commitment. Together, we explore: ✅ How Rav Meir's connection to religion evolved over time ✅ The pivotal moments that ignited his love for Torah ✅ Practical advice on how anyone can develop a passion for learning ✅ The spiritual significance of dedicating oneself to Torah ✅ Insights into building a meaningful relationship with faith 🔥 If you're looking for motivation to connect more deeply with your spiritual life and find joy in learning, this episode is a must-watch. 🕊 Let’s discover how Torah can transform our lives. 📌 Subscribe for more interviews on faith, Torah, and Jewish wisdom. #TorahJourney #RavMeirEliyahu #FaithAndLearning #JewishWisdom #RabbiInterview #LessonsForLife #JewishLife #Inspiration

In this episode, we delve into Parshat Eikev and explore the profound message hidden in its very name—“Eikev”, meaning “heel.” What does the Torah teach us by placing the blessing in the heel? Join us as we unpack how seemingly small actions, often overlooked like the heel that touches the ground last, can hold the key to spiritual elevation and divine reward. Through ancient wisdom and modern reflection, we reveal how true blessing is found in the humble, consistent steps we take in our daily lives.Perfect for anyone seeking insight into Torah, personal growth, and the power of mindfulness in mitzvot.

Podcast | Lessons for Life | Episode 1 🎙 Exclusive Interview: Rav Jonathan Tawil x Rav Ofir Tubul 🛡 24 Years as an IDF Rabbi – What’s the Real Story Behind the Headlines? In this powerful and timely conversation, Rav Jonathan Tawil sits down with Rav Ofir Tubul — former IDF rabbi with 24 years of experience — to dive deep into one of Israel's most heated topics: the role of the ultra-Orthodox (Charedim) in the army. Together, they address: ✅ The truth behind the media narrative ✅ The reality on the ground for religious soldiers ✅ Special Navy programs designed for Charedi recruits ✅ The spiritual challenges and opportunities in military service ✅ And most importantly — the potential for unity in a deeply divided Israeli society 🔥 If you're seeking clarity beyond the headlines, and a respectful, inside perspective from someone who lived it — this is a must-watch. 🕊 Let’s break the myths and build bridges. 📌 Subscribe for more interviews on Torah, Israel, and Jewish identity. #IDF #HaredimInArmy #RavOfirTubul #JonathanTawil #JewishUnity #IsraeliArmy #CharediSoldiers #TorahAndArmy #MediaPropaganda #IsraeliSociety #RavInterview –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Music: Expedition by Alex-Productions / alexproductionsmusic License: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/alex-... Music promoted by Audio Library: • Orchestral, Epic, Cinematic No Copyright M... ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered, while others bring miracles? In this powerful and insightful shiur, Rav Jonathan Tawil dives deep into the true essence of tefillah—revealing the mindset, kavana (intention), and spiritual approach that can elevate your prayers to new heights.📖 Learn:The difference between saying a prayer and living itWhat Chazal and our sages teach about successful tefillahHow your actions, thoughts, and relationships affect the outcomeThe formula that connects you directly to Hashem’s mercyWhether you're davening for health, clarity, a soulmate, or inner peace—this lecture will help you strengthen your connection to Hashem and understand how to open the gates of Heaven.🙏 Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your prayers—and your life.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring Torah content 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 📤 Share with someone who needs this message#Tefillah #RavTawil #JewishWisdom #TorahLecture #Prayer #Emunah #Judaism #SpiritualGrowth #JewishLearning #Faith

In this thought-provoking Tisha Be'Av shiur, Rav Jonathan Tawil dives deep into the essence of Jewish mourning, loss, and rebuilding. But this time, he flips the perspective—what if the power of Tisha Be'Av lies not in the answers we seek, but in the questions we ask? Discover how our generation’s struggles, doubts, and pain reflect the very soul of Tisha Be'Av. Rav Tawil explores profound insights from Torah and Jewish history to help us understand: Is it more important to have the right answers—or to ask the right questions? 🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational Torah content 📍 TAL Centre London | Empowering Jewish minds and hearts 👇 Share your thoughts in the comments – what questions are you asking this Tisha Be'Av? #TishaBeAv #RavJonathanTawil #JewishWisdom #JewishQuestions #TorahInsights #TALCentre

Why are Jews fasting today?

🔥 Chukat: Powerful Red Cows & the “Nearly There” Syndrome 🔥This week we explore Parashat Chukat, diving into the mysterious ritual of the red heifer — the powerful symbol of purity and paradox that has fascinated thinkers for centuries. We’ll uncover why this seemingly strange commandment holds such deep spiritual and psychological meaning.Then, we tackle the “nearly there” syndrome: that frustrating moment when you’re so close to your goal but stumble just before the finish line. What does this teach us about leadership, patience, and self-mastery?Join us for thought-provoking insights, practical lessons, and inspiration to help you push through life’s final hurdles with strength and clarity.