In this rich, soul-stirring conversation, Daniel sits down with Rabbi Jack Cohen—educator, thinker, and author of Nurture Their Nature—to explore one of the deepest questions a human being can ask: What is the meaning of your life?
From personal stories and family roots to Jewish identity, individuality, purpose, and the delicate tension between humility and human responsibility, Rabbi Jack opens a sweeping exploration of meaning.
Together, they travel through Torah, Kabbalah, and ancient narratives—especially the misunderstood story of Lot—to reveal how urgency, patience, individuality, and collective destiny shape our modern spiritual lives.
This episode is a blend of philosophy, Torah wisdom, contemporary life, and raw human honesty, culminating in a powerful message about the role each one of us plays in moving the world forward.
Key Highlights
The meaning of life begins with discovering the meaning of your individual life.
Identity is “spiritual soil” — your culture, family, and story shape your growth.
Competition drives achievement, but it cannot define self-worth or purpose.
The Torah’s balance: individuality within community, not one at the expense of the other.
Lot as an unexpected model of “messianic urgency” — the drive to act now.
Redemption emerges from the tension between humility (Abraham) and urgency (Lot).
Judaism’s 3-line model: giving, boundaries, and harmonious balance.
The danger of extremes: total individualism or total collectivism both distort truth.
Our task: do our part fully, with the humility that we don't orchestrate the whole picture.
Parenting insight: each child has a unique nature — nurture their nature.
You can find Rabbi Jack's book Nurture Their Nature in Amazon.
In this solo episode, Daniel Benarroch returns to What Matters Most for the start of Season 2 with one of the most challenging and essential topics in spiritual life: free will.
Drawing from classical Jewish sources, Kabbalah, the writings of Rambam and Rabbi Soloveitchik, and even a memorable scene from The Matrix, Daniel explores the deep paradox between free will and determinism. Are our choices truly our own? If God knows everything, what does choosing even mean? And how can these seemingly opposite forces actually work together in our spiritual growth?
Daniel offers a compelling framework to understand the difference between fate—what happens to us—and destiny—what we create from those experiences. He explains why responsibility lies at the heart of free will, how choice aligns us with our higher soul, and how every decision, no matter how small, contributes to the collective tikkun of the world.
This episode invites listeners into a reflective journey on agency, purpose, and the profound Jewish idea that each of us is a co-creator of reality, moving the world closer to Geula—redemption—one conscious choice at a time.
Perfect for anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, Kabbalah, or navigating life with more intentionality.
Takeaways
This conversation delves into the transformative power of Kabbalah and its relevance in today's materialistic world. The speakers discuss how individual actions can create a ripple effect in the collective, emphasizing the importance of intention and personal transformation. They explore the relationship between technology and spirituality, the concept of redemption, and the inner meanings of Torah, advocating for a deeper understanding of Judaism that resonates with modern seekers.
Checkout her work, courses and books at nehorapress.com
Key takeaways:
Finally, as mentioned in the podcast, I am gifting 5 books of Tapestry for the Soul to the first five people who will listen to the whole podcast and will reach out to me on Instagram @BenarrochDaniel
In this enlightening conversation, Yedidah Cohen shares her profound journey into Kabbalah, exploring the teachings of Rabbi Ashlag and the essence of spirituality. She discusses her personal relationship with the Creator, the transformative power of Kabbalah, and the importance of understanding one's essence. The dialogue emphasizes the love inherent in Kabbalistic teachings and the impact of these teachings on daily life and personal growth.
Checkout her work, courses and books at nehorapress.com
Here are some key takeaways:
Finally, as mentioned in the podcast, I am gifting 5 books of Tapestry for the Soul to the first five people who will listen to the whole podcast and will reach out to me on Instagram @BenarrochDaniel
In this deeply personal and soulful episode, I sit down with my wife, Sherry Sara, for a heartfelt conversation about what truly matters most: family, healing, and the inner light we bring into the world. Sherry opens up about her journey through Jewish education, feminism, motherhood, and her growing clarity around a mission to foster unity and unconditional love within the Jewish people.
We explore feminine energy, parenting as a spiritual path, and how the events of October 7th awakened a deeper sense of identity and purpose. At the heart of it all is the sacred work of Shalom Bayit—peace in the home—as the foundation for personal and collective redemption.
This is more than a conversation between two people—it’s a reflection on how inner healing ripples outward, how our closest relationships shape us, and how choosing love, presence, and faith can transform the world around us.
Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and follow us on Spotify and YouTube for more episodes. Follow us on Instagram for more reflections and inspiration: @BenarrochDaniel & @sherrymaya
In this deeply resonant and wide-ranging conversation, host Daniel Benarroch sits down with Reb Adam, a spiritual guide, coach, and student of the Kabbalistic tradition, to explore the essence of what matters most—both within the individual and the collective. Drawing from his personal journey from secularism to deep spiritual commitment, Reb Adam shares how his path through atheism, New Age practices, and intense Torah study led him to a life devoted to inner transformation and coaching.
Through a blend of personal narrative and profound Kabbalistic teachings, this episode dives into the central question: What is redemption, and how do we participate in it today? Reb Adam offers powerful insights into how inner healing, mindset shifts, and mentorship play vital roles in bringing about both personal and global redemption.
Together, Daniel and Reb Adam navigate core concepts of Jewish mysticism, including the paradox of duality, the spiritual architecture of the self, and the redemptive potential embedded in our everyday challenges.
You can follow Reb Adam on Instagram @rebadamyitzchak
And learn more about his work at https://rebadam.com/
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking introduction to What Matters Most, host Daniel Benarroch invites listeners to reflect deeply on the most essential questions of life. Blending spiritual insight with philosophical inquiry, Daniel explores the dualities that shape our existence—such as body and soul, giving and receiving, physical and metaphysical—and how these relate to the Jewish concept of Geula (redemption).
He discusses how inner transformation, conscious speech, and emotional responsibility are crucial to manifesting a more loving, united, and God-conscious world. Touching on themes from Kabbalah, Jewish prophecy, and the nature of human destiny, Daniel frames redemption not as an abstract religious hope, but as a deeply personal and collective journey rooted in self-awareness, service, and spiritual alignment.
If you're wondering what really matters most in today’s chaotic world—from AI ethics to inner peace—this episode is a powerful entry point into a soulful conversation about humanity’s path forward.