Riding the Waves of Healing: Trauma, Resilience, and Hope After October 7 with Rachel Kaplan from HaGal Sheli (My Wave)

Rachel Kaplan & HaGal Sheli (My Wave) In this deeply moving episode of Torah From Boca, Rabbi David Baum is joined by Rachel Kaplan, a senior leader at HaGal Sheli – My Wave, an Israeli nonprofit using surf therapy to support youth at risk, trauma survivors, displaced families, and communities coping with PTSD — especially in the aftermath of October 7. Rachel focuses on partnerships and international outreach, helping connect HaGal Sheli’s life-changing work in Israel with Jewish communities and supporters around the world. Originally from the United States and now based in Tel Aviv, she brings together a background in international relations with a profound belief in the healing power of the ocean. Through her leadership and advocacy, HaGal Sheli has emerged as a powerful model of resilience — using the rhythm of the sea to help people regain strength, confidence, and hope when the ground beneath them no longer feels stable. 🌊 In this conversation, we explore: • Healing and trauma through embodied, relational work • What resilience looks like after October 7 • Why the ocean can become sacred space • How Jewish communities abroad can meaningfully partner in healing 🎥 Also included in this post: A powerful video from Zikim, capturing the return of Israeli hostages — moments filled with relief, sorrow, love, and collective breath. These scenes remind us that redemption is rarely simple, but it is deeply human and profoundly holy. 🔗 Videos featured: • Torah From Boca — Rachel Kaplan & HaGal Sheli: https://youtu.be/U1Zk0RFhJKw • Zikim — Hostage Returnees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNM2_kdz1lw 🙏 Support this holy work: If this conversation resonates with you and you would like to help sustain healing and resilience in Israel, please consider supporting HaGal Sheli – My Wave: 👉 Donate here: https://donate.stripe.com/eVabLa8Ac5EN5fa144