The Book of Life: Weekly Wisdom with Ruchi Koval

What is your purpose? Where do you seek inspiration? Find it in Judaism’s most important Book. With Ruchi Koval as our guide through the weekly Torah portion, we’ll find the meaning, courage, and inspiration we need to power our days.

Vayeitzeh: The Pursuit of Happiness

The recipe for unhappiness is "compare, compare, compare." With guidance from our matriarch, Leah, Ruchi Koval searches for new ingredients that will bring us happiness, instead.

11-23
12:05

Vayechi: Can You Keep a Secret?

Do secrets protect us or hurt us? Ruchi Koval shares how the Torah’s wisdom can help us find a healthy balance.

12-28
09:14

Miketz: What is the Point of an Empty Apology?

Parshat Mikeitz: If we don’t really mean it, should we still say, “I’m sorry?”

12-14
07:56

Toldot: Let’s Get Real

Being vulnerable is hard. That’s no reason not to keep trying. Ruchi Koval consults this week's parsha, Toldot, for guidance on authenticity without regret.

11-16
11:56

Someone to Blame

Parshat Vayigash: When we find someone to blame for our problems, the relief is sweet – but short-lived. Is there a healthier alternative?

12-29
08:41

Nitzavim: The Learning Curve of Life

The road to success is paved with failure. The biggest mistake is to let the fear of failure stop you from getting there.

09-26
08:57

Ki Tavo: Back to the Beginning

The people who shaped us from the very beginning are often the ones we overlook. How can we adequately express gratitude for those that we take for granted?

09-19
08:03

Ki Tetzei: The Dark Side of a White Lie

A little white lie. A last-minute change of plans. A promise you might not be able to keep.  These things don’t really matter, right? Jewish wisdom says otherwise.

09-12
09:03

Shoftim: The Business of Boundaries

Boundaries are sacred. Find the confidence to establish and keep yours, with guidance from Jewish wisdom. 

09-05
07:56

Devarim: How to Say "I Don't Know"

It takes a wise person to say, “I don’t know” – and, as we learn in this week's Torah potion, it takes an even wiser person to be okay with that answer.

08-08
10:34

Chayei Sarah: Seeking Spirituality

More than 30% of non-Asian Buddhists are Jews. As Ruchi Koval explores this week's parsha – in which three of Abraham's children journey to the East – she illuminates the beauty and wisdom of Judaism and Buddhism’s shared teachings.

11-09
09:02

Shining Your Own Light

What does it take to become a truly great teacher? Ruchi Koval has some advice: look to the moon.

10-13
08:28

Leaving a Legacy

Is it possible to “die well?” Ruchi Koval shares how Jewish wisdom can guide us to create lasting legacies – and fewer regrets.

10-06
09:08

The Sounds of Judaism

When Ruchi Koval was a child, she would wake to the sounds of her grandfather, a cantor, warming up for Shabbat – and it made more of an impression than he would ever know.

09-29
07:37

Tazria: Use Your Words

We can’t always solve other people’s problems – but we can always speak up in support. This week's parsha shows us how our voices can make all the difference.

04-11
09:29

Bereishit: The Reset Button

Hit that reset button – with a little help from Jewish wisdom. With inspiration from the very first words of the Torah, Ruchi Koval shows us how to start fresh.

10-12
09:24

How to Face Hate

Fight antisemitism with this threefold strategy rooted in Jewish wisdom. Ruchi Koval shows us how.

11-18
13:14

Shelach: How to Damage a Reputation

Whether you’re the speaker or the subject, talking about someone else can hurt everyone involved – so how do we resist the pull of gossip? Ruchi consults this week's parsha to find out.

06-27
11:33

Noach: The Size of My Pond

Whether your “pond” is big or small, it’s up to you to decide how big a fish you’d like to be. Dive into the story of Noah with Momentum's Ruchi Koval.

10-19
09:18

Tetzaveh: A Knock on the Door

Knocking before entering is a sign of respect. And when others do the same, letting them in is a sign of trust. Dive into the life-changing power of vulnerability in this week's parsha.

02-22
08:16

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