Frum Women in Motion

Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Maayan Beitsch, a molecular neuroscience research scientist, histology specialist at the Weizmann Institute, and seminary teacher, who is also a wife and mother. Maayan describes how she fell in love with sea kayaking after joining a Weizmann team and now kayaks at sunrise with a women’s group in Ashdod, finding it spiritually grounding, supportive of nervous system regulation, and a way to daven while alone on the water. She shares that kayaking helped her recover balance after a stillbirth, months of bedrest, and a traumatic October 7 birth amid sirens and hospital chaos, and she connects kayaking’s “flow state” to improved stress handling and work focus. She discusses kayaking during wartime near Gaza, hopes to start a kayaking group for frum women, and recommends donating to Keren Shemesh, which supports Beit Shemesh families affected by the Iran war and missile damage.00:00 Meet Maayan Beitsch00:31 Podcast Mission Intro01:29 A Pasuk in the Sea02:06 Davening Dedication02:42 Family and Career Snapshot03:27 How Kayaking Began04:27 Sunrise Routine Logistics05:08 Ocean Mindset and Thrill07:05 Gear and Sea Kayaks10:02 Hashem in the Water11:20 More Than Once a Week12:42 Letting Go of Control13:40 Kayaking During Wartime14:57 Sirens on the Sea15:49 Kayaking as Me Time16:14 Loss and Bedrest18:09 October 7 Birth Crisis21:06 Kayaking Finds Her Again22:20 Flow State Survival23:51 Rescues and Training24:24 From Control to Presence24:58 Flow at Work Not Home25:58 Brain Benefits of Exercise26:48 Community Support Donation28:14 Movement and Sisterhood29:12 Final Wrap Up

00:00 Return After Loss00:53 Back Into Motion01:21 War Time Travails01:48 Podcast Updates02:11 Mini Episode Setup03:19 Libi Trains For Life05:59 Closing

In this episode of 'Frum Women in Motion,' Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Rifky Obstfeld, a wife, mother of three, and program director at a martial arts school. Rifky, a third-degree black belt, shares her inspiring journey from starting martial arts at age 18 to representing the USA in the Maccabiah games in Israel, where she earned two silver medals and one bronze. She discusses balancing her Orthodox Jewish faith with her passion for karate, the challenges and triumphs along her path, and how fitness can be a spiritual endeavor. Rifky also talks about her daily routine, curriculum development for her karate students, and the importance of setting and achieving personal goals. The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating physical and spiritual strength and encourages women to start their fitness journey with achievable steps. The podcast supports the Bat Melech organization, aiding women in Israel from abusive homes.00:00 Meet Rifky Obstfeld: Martial Arts Mom00:28 Balancing Faith and Fitness01:51 A Day in the Life of Rifky02:41 Spiritual Dedication and Fitness03:19 Developing Karate Curriculum04:28 Rifky's Martial Arts Journey10:28 Competing in the Maccabiah Games14:28 Family and Fitness23:36 Encouraging Women in Fitness27:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Temima Miller: Balancing Work, Family, and Athletic LeadershipTemima Miller, also known as Coach T, is a wife and mother of two who balances multiple roles including managing a group home for adult Orthodox Jewish women who are developmentally disabled and serving as the athletic director of girls high school. In this episode of 'Frum Women in Motion', Ellen Goldberg interviews Temima about her dedication to fitness, spiritual growth, and community involvement. Temima discusses her background in sports, her efforts in building a successful athletic program at Shulamit High School, and her volunteer work with the Five Town Chevra Kadisha and as a former EMT. She shares insights on how physical activity can enhance one's spiritual well-being and offers advice on incorporating fitness into daily life.00:00 Introduction to Temima Miller00:35 Balancing Multiple Roles05:03 Early Life and Sports Journey08:23 Building a Championship Program11:30 Incorporating Spirituality in Sports16:15 Volunteer Work and Community Service22:45 Israel Activism and Family25:41 Advice for Aspiring Athletes27:23 Kosher Casual Contest info and conclusion! Thanks for listening!

Helena Tibber is a mother of five and grandmother of 12 who is retired after working as a computer programmer.She took up running in her 40s and since then has completed 5 full marathons and, for the last three years in a row, has come in first in the 10 kilometer race in the Jerusalem Marathon for her age group.....of 80 and over!Listen to this episode of Frum Women in Motion and get inspired to #KeepMovingForward!

Embracing Exercise: Libi Frager's Journey in Running and Spirituality (Before- and After- Giving Birth)In this episode of 'Frum Women In Motion', host Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Libi Frager, a wife, mother of five, and medical office administrator. Libi shares her journey from feeling stuck in the daily grind to achieving personal empowerment through running and fitness. After running a 2K race, she ambitiously trained for, and completed, half marathons in 2023 and 2024. Libi's youngest child just turned one and she is slowly returning to exercise. Libi's story emphasizes pushing physical boundaries to bring holistic benefits to oneself and one's family.We will be checking in with Libi periodically to see how her postpartun journey back into motion goes!00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:56 Meet Libi Frager01:48 Spiritual Focus and Dedication02:44 Libi's Journey to Fitness06:33 Discovering CrossFit and Running10:09 Training for the First Race17:50 The Jerusalem Marathon Experience21:02 Our Half Marathon Experience21:40 Signing Up for the Dead Sea Marathon22:32 Running in the Forests of Israel23:22 Finishing the Jerusalem Marathon25:03 The Dead Sea Marathon Adventure28:45 Spiritual Aspects of Running31:56 Supporting Family in Running34:15 A New Beginning in Fitness35:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Frum Women in Motion, host Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Sarah Wizman, a dedicated mother, experienced runner, and fitness instructor. Sarah shares her personal journey, including her marriage of 34 years, raising six children, having five grandchildren, and her professional transitions to becoming a fitness instructor and life coach. Sarah delves into her passion for exercise, recounting her achievements in marathons and how running has positively impacted her life and mental toughness. Sarah offers insights and advice for women starting out and exercise's uplifting effect on life and relationships.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction00:33 Spiritual Focus and Personal Prayers01:09 Sarah Wizman's Background and Family Life01:43 Journey into Fitness and Teaching02:55 Running and Personal Fitness Routine06:52 Mental and Emotional Benefits of Exercise12:05 Running Community and Marathons17:53 Advice for Beginners and Encouragement23:18 Final Thoughts and EncouragementCheck out KosherCasual.com and their social media sites for the Swim and Sport Skirts with Attached Leggings that Sarah loves to run in and stay tuned because in an upcoming episode, Frum Women in Motion is doing a collaboration with Kosher Casual and YOU might win that exercise skirt!Sarah would love donations made to  Ezer Mizion (EzerMizion.org), the world’s largest Jewish bone marrow registry and an organization that does tremendous good for sick and disabled people across the lifespan in Israel.