What if the essence of Judaism was never meant to be about behavior alone, but about dveykus, a deep soul-level connection to the Divine? That is what this conversation is about.In this episode of In Search of More, I sit down with Rabbi Doniel Katz, founder of the Elevation Project, who has been on a mission to revive the spiritual technologies of Torah that most of us were never taught. Doniel is not interested in making Judaism more modern or palatable. He is trying to make it real again. To bring back the tools like meditation, breathwork, and inner refinement that our tradition always had but buried out of fear, trauma, and exile. We talk about what dveykus actually means, not a vague spiritual buzzword but a lived experience of radical presence and attachment to God. We explore how Judaism lost that fire and how Elevation is working to restore it. Doniel has faced pushback, even being called a heretic and written off by segments of the ultra-Orthodox world who would rather preserve the image of holiness than wrestle with what holiness really demands. Together we dig into how to navigate criticism without alienating supporters and how to stay focused on the mission instead of getting lost in endless battles.One of the parts of our conversation that stayed with me was Doniel’s take on psychedelics. While he stopped short of claiming they are found in Judaism as some suggest, he was willing to explore the role these experiences might play in the larger search for the Divine. Hearing that from someone so rooted in Torah made me pause and consider how broad and inclusive our spiritual conversations can really be.For me this was not only an interview but also a mirror. I walked away asking myself how much of my own energy goes into fighting battles instead of building what I set out to build. That is why I believe this episode will challenge you, not just to think differently about Judaism, but to reflect on your own search for more.See you on the other side,Eli
In this conversation, I sit down with Joe Farkas, a life coach and narcissistic recovery specialist, to unpack the dynamic between narcissists and codependents.I didn’t agree with everything he said. I pushed back more than once, especially on his claim that true narcissists never change. I brought up redemption. Healing. He didn’t budge. And that’s what stuck with me. His refusal to entertain hope forced me to reckon with something deeper: the kind of clarity he believes is required when dealing with a narcissist.We talked about the cycle: idealize, devalue, discard. We got into emotional addiction, spiritual gaslighting, and why so many codependents stay long past the point of knowing better. Joe doesn’t believe you heal by fixing them. You heal by finally choosing yourself.If you’ve ever given everything and still been made to feel small, this one is worth your time.See you on the other side,Eli
In this conversation with Nir Menussi, I found myself reflecting on how much of my life has been about trying to reconcile two worlds: the depth of Torah and the pull of everything outside it. We spoke about the lived application of Kabbalistic ideas, and it hit a familiar nerve. For a long time, I believed I had to choose one world or the other.Growing up, the message was clear. Everything outside of Judaism was unholy. The books, the music, the teachings. All of it. So when I started finding meaning beyond the boundaries I’d been given, I assumed it meant I had to leave Judaism behind.For me, real healing began when I stopped separating the two.We talked about Carl Jung and how voices outside our tradition can still stir something deeply Jewish. I’ve experienced that firsthand. Truth showing up in places I never expected. When the conversation turned to psychedelics, it got even more personal. I’ve seen them used as an escape hatch, a way to dodge pain. But I’ve also seen what happens when there’s real intention and the courage to integrate the experience afterward. The visions aren’t the healing. The healing is what comes after, when the lights are off and you’re left facing yourself.We covered a lot. The sparks Kabbalah says are hidden in all things. How sometimes the least likely path becomes the most revealing. Nir and I didn’t align on everything. Jung felt more mutual than psychedelics. But we found shared ground in the ongoing search for G-d’s voice, speaking through all parts of life.I hope you enjoy the conversation. And if Nir’s work resonates, check out his books and his podcast. I’ve been listening regularly, and I’m learning a lot.See you on the other side,Eli
In this episode of In Search of More, I sit down with Yitzchok Aharon Pinkesz, author of Kosher Astrology: A Jewish Guide to Celestial Wisdom. He makes a bold claim: a lot of suffering in the world could be eased, and we’d be living more in line with Judaism, if we understood the astrological influences on us.Astrology is often dismissed as superstition or idolatry. Pinkesz argues it has deep roots in Torah and rabbinic tradition, meant not to trap us in fate but to help us know ourselves and grow. He shares how he went from skeptical Boro Park kid to obsessively studying over 400 books and classic sources to make the case for a “kosher” astrology.We talk about the line between wisdom and misuse. He rejects fatalism and astral magic but defends astrology as a tool for mapping our strengths, challenges, and paths of growth in line with Hashem’s design. We also spend a fair amount of time on my own chart, exploring the places of tension and transformation it reveals.It’s a conversation about reclaiming lost knowledge, staying honest about risk, and asking what it really means to choose to become your fullest self.Find his book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/agcjaqmSee you on the other side,Eli
In this episode of In Search of More, I sit with Michael Benmeleh, one of the foremost personalities in the Jewish community in South Florida when it comes to bringing Torah teaching to the masses.We spoke about his journey, from running Torah classes to creating The Lighthouse Project. It has since become something more heart-centered and expansive. He’s brought in breathwork, meditation, and a focus on deep inner work, all grounded in Jewish wisdom, especially the teachings of Rabbi Nachman.One of the major turning points for him was a retreat in Tulum with Rav Doniel Katz. Something opened up there. A deeper relationship with God, with himself, and with his purpose to help others access real healing. Not through performing. Just through being present.We also talked about the challenge of holding sacred space, especially when it comes to gender. He’s been thoughtful and direct about what it takes to create real containers where men and women can do meaningful work without crossing boundaries. He speaks honestly about leadership, responsibility, and what it truly means to hold space for transformation.Toward the end, we got into some of the questions we’ve been asking ourselves about the appropriate boundaries and separation between men and women in healing spaces, and how to make those spaces safer, holier, and more accessible. We also spoke about the challenge of staying connected to tradition while opening up to new ways of speaking to the Divine, something Michael refers to as the elephant in the room in Judaism. It’s always been there, but until recently, many have pretended it’s not a part of Jewish life.If you’re someone who’s not just looking to learn but to open, to feel, to heal, I think this one will hit home.See you on the other side.Eli
In this week’s episode of In Search of More, I sit down with Dr. Charlie Powell — and this one really stayed with me.Charlie’s lived a life most people couldn’t make up. He started in biomedical engineering, then became a combat medic in the Gulf War, a trauma ER doctor, cosmetic surgeon, patent holder, successful businessman. From the outside, it looks like strength and success. But underneath it all, he was holding a lot — PTSD, exhaustion, and the emotional weight of everything he witnessed on the front lines.What I love about Charlie is that he didn’t just accept the system. He called bullshit. He saw how broken traditional medicine was — especially when it came to trauma and mental health — and went looking for more. He ended up diving into plant medicine, psychedelics, and all kinds of alternative healing. Not because it was trendy. Because nothing else worked.We talked about forgiveness, about parenting, about how even addiction and pain can become teachers if you’re willing to stop running and actually feel. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about facing what hurts, and letting it teach you who you really are.Later in the episode, Charlie opens up about a documentary he’s working on called Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind. It started small — just him trying to connect with a few vets — but it’s grown into this beautiful, raw look at what it really means to carry trauma and still choose life. The film is all about veterans and first responders finding healing through connection, conversation, and yes, psychedelics. But most of all, it’s about not doing it alone.If you’ve ever felt like your pain isolates you, like no one could understand — this one’s for you. It’s a call to stop hiding and start healing.See you on the other side,Eli
In this episode of In Search Of More, I sit down with Roovy Shapiro for one of the realest, hardest conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Roovy talked about depression, suicidal thoughts, and growing up with deep emotional neglect. Not in a dramatic way—just straight up, the truth. The kind most people carry around quietly because saying it out loud feels like betrayal.What we kept bumping up against was this impossible thing—how do you speak honestly about your life when your truth might hurt your family. When healing means saying stuff that might offend the people who raised you. We’re not trying to shame anyone or burn it all down. But silence doesn’t heal. So what do you do with that?Roovy didn’t come on here with a five-step plan or some perfect Instagram-ready version of healing. He talked about what it looked like to fall apart after yeshiva, to hit rock bottom during COVID, and to slowly piece himself back together. What stuck with me was how he saw it—not as “I’m broken” but “this is what I was taught, and I can unlearn it.”We got into parenting, marriage, what it means to try and show up different than the generation before us. Not to be better. Just to stop handing down pain we never asked for.This episode doesn’t have easy answers. That’s not the point. The point is we’re finally asking the questions. Out loud.See you on the other side,Eli
I pulled this one from the archives. This conversation with my friend Ryan Carter was recorded more than a year ago. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I’d share it. Was my relationship ready for it? Was there enough here to make it worth posting? I kept coming back to it. And honestly, the timing couldn’t be more appropriate. I needed to hear what I said back then, because I’ve fallen into the exact pattern I’m calling out in this episode.This one is about what marriage actually demands from us. The kind of personal growth few other things require. It brings up the wounds we might otherwise avoid and forces us to either face them or settle for something less.We talked about learning to communicate, rebuilding trust, staying emotionally present, and the pressure of being providers without going numb. For men, that often means not withdrawing, not checking out, not losing ourselves in anger, and not silencing what we really feel just to keep the peace. For women, it can show up as stepping into control mode, trying to manage the relationship instead of staying open to receive. Both patterns create distance.The real work in a relationship is staying present within it. That’s what this conversation is about. Two friends being honest about what it takes to grow through the hard stuff.See you on the other side,Eli
In this episode, I sat down with Jack Cohen, Head of Jewish Education at Hebrew Academy high school in Miami Beach, to talk about what it really takes to lead and educate in today’s world. Jack didn’t come from the typical background—he grew up outside the traditional Jewish system and found his way into it later, which gives him a different lens. Where most people see a tug-of-war between individuality and tradition, Jack doesn’t. He sees them as deeply connected, even dependent on each other—and once he explains it, I doubt you’ll be able to see it any other way. His whole life and message are about harmony—Tiferet in its truest sense. Not by accident, but through both the circumstances life handed him and the intentional choices he’s leaned into. He roots his ideas in Torah, in higher education, and in real-world experience. It’s not just talk—it’s integrated, lived. And what an appropriate time to release this conversation—during the Sefira cycle of Tiferet, when balance, truth, and beauty are at the center. We talked identity, mental health, humility, and what it means to lead without ego. Grounded, honest, and refreshingly unpolished.See you on the other side,Eli
This one’s close to home—and it feels urgent, especially for Jewish teens right now.I sat down with Saadiah Klein to talk about something a lot of people don’t want to touch: Porn. It’s everywhere. Quiet, constant, and doing real damage. Saadiah shares his story—starting from the first time he got exposed—and we talk about how easy access through tech is messing with our heads, hearts, and connection to something deeper.I’ve spoken about porn addiction before, but what Saadiah shares is something completely different. We’re 20 years apart—and the gap is massive. I was already in my 20s when the iPhone came out. He grew up with one in his hand. That changes everything. The speed, the access, the intensity—it’s a whole different beast.This isn’t just about right and wrong. It’s about what happens when we forget who we are. When fake connection starts replacing the real thing. When we lose touch with ourselves, with each other, with God.If you’re a teen, a parent, or just trying to find something real in a world full of noise—this one’s for you.See you on the other side,Eli
In this episode of In Search of More, I sit down with my brother and friend Omar Pinto. We just got back from a men’s retreat, and honestly, we’re still in it—raw, cracked open, figuring it out in real time. We talk about what happens when men actually have space to move, to feel, to drop the act and remember who they are underneath it all. Omar shares his path—addiction, ayahuasca, emotional sobriety, real growth. Not the Instagram version. The kind that costs you something. At one point, Omar talks about a decision he made after a powerful ayahuasca experience—he started drinking again, convinced he was no longer an addict. Three years later, the truth of that choice has come into focus, and he doesn’t shy away from what that reckoning looked like. We get into fatherhood, childhood wounds, old stories we didn’t even know we were still carrying. The quiet ways we check out. And what it takes to come back. This one’s an invitation—to feel more, hide less, and lead from your gut even when it scares you to the core. If you’re on the path, or trying to be, this one’s for you.See you on the other side,Eli
In this episode of In Search of More, I sit down with Levi Shmotkin for a conversation that felt less like an interview and more like a farbrengen—a raw, real, and deeply honest exchange about what it means to grow, to heal, and to live with purpose. We touched on the teachings of the Rebbe, our personal stories, and how the descent—yeridah letzorech aliyah—is often where the real work begins. We didn’t shy away from the hard stuff: addiction, isolation, the pain that comes with family, and the complicated process of reconnecting with yourself and with others.What I appreciated most was how naturally the conversation moved between Chassidic ideas and real-world experience. We spoke about how healing doesn’t mean escaping life, but learning how to show up fully within it—through practices like Shabbat, through structure, through community, and most importantly, through truth. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between who they were raised to be and who they’re becoming. If you’re on a path of healing, this one will speak to you.Eli Nash
In this episode of In Search of More, Eli Nash sits down with Moshe Haim Srour for a heartfelt, honest, and at times deeply emotional conversation about what it really means to heal. They talk about everything from childhood trauma and the lasting impact of CPTSD to the daily challenge of showing up for yourself and the people you love. Moshe Haim shares openly about his own journey—how practices like breathwork, deep self-reflection, and leaning into community have helped him come back to himself. They also touch on parenting, and how being present with your kids—really present, not just doing things but being with them—is one of the most healing things you can offer. This episode feels like sitting in on two old friends catching up, unpacking big truths with rawness, laughter, and a whole lot of heart. It’s about trust, connection, and the slow, beautiful work of becoming whole again.
In this episode of In Search of More, Eli Nash sits down with Bassy Kutten for a heartfelt and deeply personal conversation about her journey—from growing up in the tight-knit community of New Square to bravely speaking out about her past experiences of abuse. Bassy opens up about the emotional challenges of processing her trauma, the struggle of reconciling her childhood memories with difficult truths, and the importance of allowing herself to fully feel and heal. Together, they explore the complexities of family dynamics, the weight of silence, and the ongoing path toward self-acceptance and self-care.Beyond Bassy’s personal story, the discussion expands into the broader cultural challenges surrounding abuse, particularly within Jewish communities. Eli and Bassy take an honest look at why survivors often struggle to find support, how societal biases shape responses to abuse, and the difficult but necessary work of shifting these conversations. They also touch on the role of psychedelics in healing, the impact of spirituality, and the power of open dialogue in creating lasting change. This episode is a moving, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful exploration of resilience, truth, and the courage to break cycles of silence.
In this episode of In Search of More, Eli Nash sits down with Rav Avshi Weingot to explore the intersection of personal spirituality and Jewish mysticism, particularly through the lens of the Remak and Kabbalah. They discuss the relevance of Kabbalistic teachings in modern life, touching on themes of identity, trauma, and the pursuit of deeper meaning. Rav Avshi emphasizes the importance of joy and authenticity in spiritual practice, advocating for a connection to faith rooted in love rather than obligation. The conversation also delves into the balance between tradition and personal growth, highlighting how struggles can serve as pathways to transformation and deeper connection with the divine.
Efraim Palvanov joins Eli Nash on In Search of More to explore the intersection of spirituality, healing, and psychedelics within the Jewish community. They discuss the transformative potential of these substances while emphasizing the importance of traditional Torah-based practices and personal inner work. Drawing parallels to biblical rituals and sensory experiences, they examine the role of music, smell, and sacred narratives in fostering spiritual connection.The conversation highlights the dual nature of psychedelics—offering profound healing for some while posing risks of escapism and psychological dependence for others. They also acknowledge the legal risks and ethical considerations surrounding these substances, urging caution in their use. Efraim and Eli stress the necessity of personal effort in spiritual growth, warning against external dependencies for transformation. They critique modern reliance on pharmaceuticals and explore how mystical experiences can be integrated thoughtfully within a Jewish framework. Ultimately, the episode calls for a balanced, intentional approach to healing that respects both tradition and personal responsibility while navigating the complex legal landscape of psychedelics.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with EfraimYouTube | https://bit.ly/3wcqRlEWebsite | https://bit.ly/3UzbXz6-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Eli Website | https://bit.ly/eliyahunashInstagram | https://bit.ly/eliyahu_nashFacebook | http://bit.ly/3h3rFSrYouTube | https://youtube.com/@insearchofmore-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to the In Search of More Podcast: www.youtube.com/@InSearchOfMore?sub_confirmation=1For booking inquiries, email: booking@insearchofmorepodcast.comJoin Our WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/PBH5QDJQNQ5LJ1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social mediaFacebook | http://bit.ly/3jr9eYTInstagram | http://bit.ly/3JsvU5ITikTok | http://bit.ly/3XZ60LoTwitter | http://bit.ly/3XNgxsR
Mendel Kalmanson joins Eli Nash on In Search of More to explore the balance between inner work and public service. He argues that true self-development isn’t just about personal healing but also about using that growth to contribute meaningfully to family, community, and the world. By integrating Jewish values with modern self-improvement, he challenges the idea of self-betterment as an isolated pursuit, emphasizing that fulfillment comes through service and connection. Reflecting on his own journey, Kalmanson discusses overcoming struggles and the role of spirituality in finding purpose. He critiques modern self-help movements for neglecting the communal aspect of growth and urges a shift from individual achievement to collective responsibility. Through stories of resilience and faith, he encourages a path where personal healing fuels a deeper commitment to helping others, ultimately creating a more meaningful and interconnected life.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Eli Website | https://bit.ly/eliyahunashInstagram | https://bit.ly/eliyahu_nashFacebook | http://bit.ly/3h3rFSrYouTube | https://youtube.com/@insearchofmore-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to the In Search of More Podcast: www.youtube.com/@InSearchOfMore?sub_confirmation=1For booking inquiries, email: booking@insearchofmorepodcast.comJoin Our WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/PBH5QDJQNQ5LJ1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social mediaFacebook | http://bit.ly/3jr9eYTInstagram | http://bit.ly/3JsvU5ITikTok | http://bit.ly/3XZ60LoTwitter | http://bit.ly/3XNgxsR
In this episode of the In Search of More podcast, host Eli Nash interviews parenting coach Blimie Heller about her journey into non-traditional parenting. Blimie discusses how her approach—grounded in empathy and nonviolent communication—differs from traditional, punitive methods and formal therapy, drawing on her own experiences of growing up in a strict environment. She advocates for a collaborative, nurturing model that respects each child's unique emotional needs and promotes self-awareness in parents.Blimie also reflects on her spiritual journey, exploring the complexities of Jewish identity and the balance between certainty and doubt in faith. She explains how integrating nonviolent communication into her spiritual practice has deepened her connections and enriched her understanding of both parenting and personal growth, ultimately encouraging a more compassionate approach to life.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with BlimieWebsite | https://www.blimieheller.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/unconditional_parenting/?hl=en-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Eli Website | https://bit.ly/eliyahunashInstagram | https://bit.ly/eliyahu_nashFacebook | http://bit.ly/3h3rFSrYouTube | https://youtube.com/@insearchofmore-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to the In Search of More Podcast: www.youtube.com/@InSearchOfMore?sub_confirmation=1For booking inquiries, email: booking@insearchofmorepodcast.comJoin Our WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/PBH5QDJQNQ5LJ1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social mediaFacebook | http://bit.ly/3jr9eYTInstagram | http://bit.ly/3JsvU5ITikTok | http://bit.ly/3XZ60LoTwitter | http://bit.ly/3XNgxsR
In this episode of In Search of More, host Eli Nash interviews therapist, musician and ℇCHO Healing founder Moish Feiglin about his transformative journey from a challenging upbringing in a Chabad community in Melbourne to profound spiritual growth in Israel. Moishe explores the power of intentional rituals—or Tekes—as a means to create sacred spaces that foster healing, community, and personal connection. He shares how his struggles with sensitivity, anger, and feelings of alienation led him to embrace a path of self-discovery, shifting from a career in finance to psychology, and emphasizing the value of group therapy over traditional one-on-one sessions.Moish also reflects on his transformative nine-year journey in Israel, discussing how experiences with psychedelics like MDMA and ayahuasca helped him confront deep-seated traumas, including childhood humiliation and familial expectations. He advocates for facing suppressed emotions through gentle, truth-seeking approaches that nurture personal growth, cultural reconnection, and emotional resilience—even amid challenges such as the pandemic and personal responsibilities.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with MoishWebsite | https://www.echo-healing.comSpotify | https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ymRK6lpmNfpNzBSS09zGc?si=u0hrE1EKQfW9QQCujsj-hw-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Eli Website | https://bit.ly/eliyahunashInstagram | https://bit.ly/eliyahu_nashFacebook | http://bit.ly/3h3rFSrYouTube | https://youtube.com/@insearchofmore-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to the In Search of More Podcast: www.youtube.com/@InSearchOfMore?sub_confirmation=1For booking inquiries, email: booking@insearchofmorepodcast.comJoin Our WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/PBH5QDJQNQ5LJ1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social mediaFacebook | http://bit.ly/3jr9eYTInstagram | http://bit.ly/3JsvU5ITikTok | http://bit.ly/3XZ60LoTwitter | http://bit.ly/3XNgxsR
In this episode of the In Search of More podcast, Eli Nash interviews Rabbi Aryeh Siegel about his transformative journey from a challenging upbringing in Chicago and early educational frustrations to his deep dive into Transcendental Meditation. Rabbi Siegel reflects on his experiences as a TM teacher, critiquing the initiation process and the mystique of its mantras, and contrasts the initial allure of Eastern practices in the 1960s with the eventual disillusionment caused by their commercialization and misrepresentation.Prompted by a profound message from a spiritual authority, Rabbi Siegel shifted away from intensive meditation and renounced elements of Hindu imagery to realign with his Jewish identity. He now advocates for "kosher meditation" as a healthier alternative, emphasizing the importance of integrating meditation practices with Jewish values.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Watch Rabbi Siegel's Meditation Animations:English Version |https://youtu.be/V6NaToT6IqIHebrew Version |https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kYaDVElqro&t=27sThis animation introduces a simple technique for triggering the relaxation response discussed in the podcast. It's easy to learn, effective, beginner-friendly, and free of Avodah Zorah (Idolatrous content). Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that this type of deep relaxation practice can significantly reduce stress and improve physical and mental well-being.I suggest watching the animation twice: first to understand the setup and then to practice the meditation.Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, regarded meditation as a valuable tool for those who feel overwhelmed by daily challenges such as workplace stress, family issues, health concerns, and financial pressures. However, he cautioned against regular meditation for those who successfully manage their work, family, and community responsibilities.We're building two websites,KosherMeditation.com andKosherCalm.org, which will offer more information about this meditation and other self-help tools for health and healing. A book on kosher meditation is almost complete. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at RabbiAryeh@KosherMeditation.com. Please share your contact details for website launch and book release updates.For more information about the halakhic challenges of Transcendental Meditation, visithttps://www.TMDeception.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with EliWebsite |https://bit.ly/eliyahunashInstagram |https://bit.ly/eliyahu_nashFacebook |http://bit.ly/3h3rFSrYouTube |https://youtube.com/@insearchofmore-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to the In Search of More Podcast:www.youtube.com/@InSearchOfMore?sub_confirmation=1For booking inquiries, email: booking@insearchofmorepodcast.comJoin Our WhatsApp:https://wa.me/message/PBH5QDJQNQ5LJ1-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on social mediaFacebook |http://bit.ly/3jr9eYTInstagram |http://bit.ly/3JsvU5ITikTok |http://bit.ly/3XZ60LoTwitter |http://bit.ly/3XNgxsR