Your Jewish Life Your Way with Karen Cinnamon

We’re going to be taking a little bit of a break from the show. We’ll be back soon with something that we think you are going to LOVE! Meanwhile Karen and the Your Jewish Life team wish you a beautiful and meaningful Chag Sameach. Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen for a chat about his new cookbook, I Could Nosh (coming out September 12!); his journey from being told Jewish food was too niche to hitting the New York Times bestseller list; bringing back grandma hospitality; and why we all need challah monkey bread in our lives. LINKS: Jake’s new book, I Could Nosh https://www.harpercollins.com/products/i-could-nosh-jake-cohen?variant=40997057527842 Jake on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen/ Jake on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jakecohen?lang=en Jake’s website https://www.wakeandjake.com/ Jake’s baked goods on Goldbelly https://www.goldbelly.com/jake-cohen Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with her 8-year-old daughter Zara for a chat about what it’s like to be a young Jewish Londoner in 2023. They talk about how Zara balances her strong Jewish identity with life in a diverse community, what she loves about journaling, her favorite Shabbat tradition, and why her beloved late grandma was a true octo-superwoman.  LINKS: Shop the Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/ Smashing Life, our Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Sacha’s podcast episode https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/my-9-year-old-jewish-life-with-karens-daughter-sacha/ Challah covers by Micaela Ezra https://ahyinjudaica.com/   Karen’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/karen-jeremy-london-wedding-at-the-wallace-collection/

Karen sits down with Sara Gibbs, the author and comedy writer behind upcoming Jewish rom com Eight Bright Lights, for a chat about autistic Jewish life, being diagnosed with autism as an adult, standing up to antisemitism, and so much more. We were so lucky to have Sara on staff at Smashing The Glass, our Jewish wedding platform, in the brand’s early days - and it’s wonderful to see how her writing career has blossomed since then! You’ll find out: - What it was like for Sara being diagnosed with autism at age 30 - How confronting antisemitism at university ultimately strengthened Sara’s Jewish identity  - Sara’s experience being doxxed for being publicly Jewish online  - How Sara’s time writing for Smashing The Glass informed her new romantic comedy - How Sara’s autism diagnosis helped her learn to be easier on herself  - The importance of having boundaries when putting yourself in the public eye - Why it’s so important to try to understand other people rather than jumping to conclusions LINKS: Sara on Twitter  https://twitter.com/Sara_Rose_G Sara’s novel  https://geni.us/EightBrightLightsBook Sara’s memoir https://saragibbs.com/drama-queen/ Sara’s wedding on Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com/sara-john-incredible-granny-chic-vintage-jewish-wedding-kidbrooke-park-sussex/ Smashing The Glass, our Jewish wedding platform https://www.smashingtheglass.com/ Smashing Life, my Jewish community - try it out for one month with code “JEWISHJOY” https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with author Corie Adjmi for a fascinating look at the Syrian Jewish community. Corie’s new novel, The Marriage Box, draws on her own experiences moving from a Reform upbringing in New Orleans to a traditional Orthodox Syrian life in Brooklyn as a teenager - and along the way, it shines a spotlight on a close-knit Jewish community that can seem mysterious to outsiders. Corie shares how she got started writing in her 30s after a career in education, why family is at the heart of Judaism, how she’s learned to balance her own desires with her culture’s expectations, and so much more.  You’ll find out: - What it’s like being part of an incredibly close-knit Jewish community  - Why it’s so important to highlight diverse Jewish voices - What inspired Corie to start writing  - How the Syrian community is evolving in the 21st century - Corie’s advice for aspiring writers  - What makes the Syrian Jewish community so special  - Corie’s tips for a quick Friday night dinner LINKS: Corie’s website https://corieadjmi.com/ Corie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/corieadjmi/ The Marriage Box https://amzn.to/46f7rtw Smashing Life, my Jewish community - try it out for one month with code “JEWISHJOY” https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Emily Scheinfeld, a beloved member of the Smashing Life community, to chat about her own Jewish life. Emily is an absolute ray of sunshine who’s contributed so much to the vibrant, accepting group that is Smashing Life, and it’s such an honor to have her come on here and talk about everything from figuring out how to take charge of your own Judaism as an adult to saying no to Jewish guilt to starting L’dor V’dor Judaica, a nonprofit focused on rehoming unloved Judaica, and, above all, how Smashing Life helped Emily bring Judaism back to the forefront of her life after many years of disconnection. You’ll find out: - How Emily became part of the Smashing Life community - and how the group helped her reconnect to Judaism - What it was like going from a very Jewish upbringing in Atlanta to feeling Jewishly isolated while working in East Texas as an adult - How COVID led Emily’s non-Jewish boyfriend to get involved in her Jewish life - What Shabbat looks like for Emily - How Smashing Life inspired Emily to start her own nonprofit devoted to providing Judaica for people in need - Emily’s advice for those struggling to feel confident in their Jewish identity LINKS: Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ L'dor V'dor Judaica https://www.ldorvdorjudaica.org/ L'dor V'dor Judaica on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/ldorvdorjudaica/ L'dor V'dor Judaica on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ldorvdorjudaica/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Ben M. Freeman for an important conversation about what it’s like being LGBTQ+ and Jewish. As a minority within a minority, LGBTQ+ Jews negotiate intersecting identities every day - and the Jewish community doesn’t often give their struggles and triumphs the attention they deserve. Ben talks about how his gay identity spurred him on to start the Jewish pride revolution, how to make our communities more welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ Jews, and why it’s so important that all of us - especially those of us who don’t identify as LGBTQ+ - start initiating conversations about inclusivity. You’ll find out: - Why some of the loudest voices against antisemitism are LGBTQ+ Jews - How the Jewish community can do more to support our LGBTQ+ members - Why Ben thinks Tel Aviv is the best place in the world to be an LGBTQ+ Jew - Ben’s practical tips on building inclusive communities  - Why it’s so important to make LGBTQ+ Jews part of the conversation  - How Ben’s experience in the gay pride movement inspired him to start the Jewish pride revolution LINKS: Ben M. Freeman https://benmfreeman.com/ Ben on Instagram https://instagram.com/benmfreeman/ Ben on Twitter https://twitter.com/benmfreeman/ Eve Barlow https://www.instagram.com/evebarlow/ Blake Flayton https://www.instagram.com/blakeflayton/   Hen Mazzig https://www.instagram.com/henmazzig/ Jake Cohen https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen/ Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Cathy Heller, a business coach and podcaster who specializes in helping women create wealth and next level happiness, for an inspirational discussion all about making the Jewish life of your dreams a reality. Cathy opens up about her own spiritual journey from secular to observant, and how she found the courage to live her own spiritual truth someplace in between. You’ll find out: - How Judaism has shaped Cathy’s entrepreneurial journey  - What it was like going on the first-ever Birthright trip  - How Cathy’s observance of Judaism has changed throughout her life  - What it was like for Cathy spending two years studying Jewish mysticism in Jerusalem  - All about the Law of Reception - How Cathy has combined meditation and Jewish practice to create her best spiritual life - Why the world needs Judaism - What it’s been like speaking out publicly against antisemitism since May 2021 - Cathy’s tips on talking to non-Jewish friends about antisemitism and Israel LINKS: Cathy’s Podcast https://www.cathyheller.com/blog/ Cathy on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cathy.heller/?hl=en Cathy’s Website https://www.cathyheller.com/ Noa Tishby’s book on Israel https://bookshop.org/p/books/israel-a-simple-guide-to-the-most-misunderstood-country-on-earth-noa-tishby/14887500 Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Matthew Bussy, the Program Director of Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival. Karen first met Matthew when he invited her to be a guest speaker at the 2023 Jewish New Media Festival in Philly - she’ll be speaking on Sunday, May 21, along with KoshaDillz, the team behind Unorthodox the podcast, and more - and they instantly connected over their shared commitment to spreading Jewish pride and joy. They chat about celebrating Jewish storytelling, why Jewish pride is more important now than ever, and Matthew’s own journey to Judaism, which brought him full circle to revive his family’s lost Jewish roots and spread his Jewish pride and joy to the world. You’ll find out: - What makes digital storytelling such a powerful way to talk about difficult topics  - Why Judaism is all about community  - How to overcome antisemitism with Jewish joy  - Why everyone should visit the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History - How Matthew’s quest for community drew him to Judaism  - What it was like for Matthew finding out about his Jewish heritage for the first time as an adult - and what inspired him to go all-in and convert to Judaism - How Matthew deals with people who are judgmental about his Jewish background - Why it’s so important to create inclusive Jewish spaces  - Matthew’s tips on finding the right Jewish community LINKS: Philadelphia Jewish New Media Festival https://phillyjfm.org/tribe-events/category/jewish-new-media-festival/ Get your ticket to see Karen at the Jewish New Media Festival on May 21 https://phillyjfm.org/event/jewish-pride-through-a-digital-lens/ Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History https://theweitzman.org/ Karen’s Combat Antisemitism video https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYr4IqgC4J/ The Chevra in Philadelphia https://www.chevra.net/ Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/

Karen sits down with Modi, the comedian known for his lighthearted takes on the ups and downs of Jewish life in the 21st century, and he’s got so much insight to share about everything from why the Jews are the ‘choosing people’ rather than the chosen people, to how to double down on Jewish joy in a time of rising antisemitism. You’ll find out: - What Modi’s learned from performing in Jewish communities all over the world - The difference between American and British Jews - What Moshiach energy is all about  - Where Modi gets his material  - What it’s like for Modi working with his husband, Leo - Why Jews are the choosing people, not the chosen people - Modi’s advice on increasing your Jewish joy  - How Modi makes his shows enjoyable and accessible for both Jews and non-Jews - What Modi’s Israeli-American upbringing was like - Why Modi’s not funny offstage LINKS: Modi’s Website https://www.modilive.com/ Modi’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/modi_live/ Modi’s Shabbat Shalom clip https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiPw_S0L5rm/ Modi’s Podcast https://andheresmodi.buzzsprout.com/ Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen’s thinking about what she wants to break free from as she prepares for Passover 2023. She also shares stories of some of her most memorable seder nights over the years - from childhood celebrations with family in Israel to the ultra-meaningful last seder she spent with her beloved mother, who opened up about her own story of freedom fleeing from Iraq to Israel due to persecution for being Jewish. As always, she’s here to help you figure out how to do your Passover, your way this year! You’ll find out: - The thing Karen’s most looking forward to about hosting her first seder in her new home - What Karen’s childhood Passovers looked like  - Why Karen recommends taking pictures of your seders - What it’s like celebrating Passover in Israel with four generations of Karen’s big Iraqi-Israeli extended family  - How Karen makes seder night fun for her kids - and how PJ Library has inspired her  - Why Karen highly recommends spending a Passover in Israel - What Karen wants to break free from this year - Why Passover (and every day of the year) should be a judgment-free zone LINKS: My FREE Passover 2023 guide http://yourjewishlife.co/passover Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/home Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a top board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills and mother of three who’s also carved out a niche as one of Israel’s staunchest defenders on social media. She talks about how she finds time to do it all, dealing with the backlash she’s faced since stepping up her Israel activism, why she feels religion is key to raising children in the 21st century, and so much more.  You’ll find out: - How Sheila and her family escaped from Iran after the revolution - and what it was like moving to LA at age 7  - What inspired Sheila to become an activist - and how she balances it with a busy career - Why anti-Zionism is antisemitism - How she stays strong in defending Israel despite the backlash  - What success looks like to Sheila - The importance of learning to delegate  - Why the things that are hardest in life are often also the things that give the most meaning - Sheila’s top time management tips  - The importance of taking action - Why it’s crucial to always be adapting LINKS: Dr Sheila on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drsheilanazarian/?hl=en The Closet podcast https://anchor.fm/closetpodcast Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/ Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Few people have done as much to expose the rising fashionability of antisemitism in the progressive world as comedian, author, screenwriter, and television presenter-turned-activist, David Baddiel.    In this important episode, Karen sits down with David to unpack why antisemitism isn’t considered to be as unacceptable as other forms of discrimination (even among those who are vocal in their support of other minorities), and what we can do about it.   Along the way, they cover why antisemitism is the racism that sneaks past you, the secret of Jewish humor, raising proud Jewish children in an interfaith family, why Jews need a rebrand and so much more.  You’ll find out:   - Why there’s a double standard when it comes to Jews in today’s progressive world - How David got to be the expert on Jews not counting  - Why the stereotypes about Jews and money are so harmful  - What Judaism means to David as an atheist - and why his new book on atheism, The God Desire, is actually very Jewish - Why antisemitism is racism, not religious intolerance - Where the perception that Jews are uncool comes from  - How his standup background helps him make difficult topics accessible - Why Jews don’t fit neatly into the victimizer/victimized paradigm  LINKS:   David Baddiel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/therealbaddiel/    David Baddiel on Twitter  https://twitter.com/Baddiel    Jews Don’t Count https://amzn.to/3mqxjjx    The God Desire https://amzn.to/3JcqqLX    Three Lions ‘It’s Coming Home’ https://youtu.be/oyoy2_7FegI    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Smashing Life member Emily Cohen for an honest chat about contemporary Jewish life - from dealing with antisemitism in the workplace to what it’s like to be a single Jewish woman in 2023.   They cover everything from how Emily started wearing a Star of David in response to an antisemitic boss, to what it’s like engaging in Jewish life as a single thirty-something woman, to what exactly it is that makes the Smashing Life community so empowering. You’ll find out:   - Emily’s advice for anyone dealing with antisemitism in the workplace - How non-Jews can make workplaces inclusive for Jews - Why so many people don’t think of Jews as a minority  - What congregations can do to make themselves more welcoming to single Jews  - Why Jewish singles events need to stop cutting off at age 36 - What it’s like being on Jewish dating apps in 2023 - Why Jewish community’s become more important to Emily over time - Why Shemini Atzeret and Yom Kippur are Emily’s favorite Jewish holidays  LINKS:   Join the new Smashing Life app - The No. 1 Jewish Girl Community at Your Fingertips https://smashinglife.club/      ModernTribe https://moderntribe.com/?aff=83    Emily’s Star of David https://moderntribe.com/collections/all/products/butterfly-star-of-david-necklace/?aff=83    Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel https://bookshop.org/p/books/jews-don-t-count-david-baddiel/17777302    “My Jewish Dating Journey” podcast episode https://yourjewishlife.co/podcast/my-jewish-dating-journey-internet-dating-blind-dates-and-meeting-the-one/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with author and activist Ben M. Freeman for an emotional discussion about Jewish grief and mourning. Karen and Ben both lost a beloved parent too soon - Ben’s father in 2017, and Karen’s mother in 2021 - and in the aftermath, each felt incredibly lucky to be Jewish and to have a millennia-old framework to lean on for getting through life’s hardest moments.    They talk about their experiences of Jewish mourning traditions like shiva and yahrzeit, give advice for talking to someone who’s grieving, and share the things that have been most helpful in learning to live with their grief. You’ll find out:   - The things that have been most helpful for Ben and Karen in living with their grief  - Why Jewish mourning traditions made Ben feel proud to be Jewish - The thing Karen found most meaningful about shiva  - Why Ben appreciates the rawness of Jewish funerals - How Karen’s experience sitting shiva in Israel differed from Ben’s in Scotland - Why the structure shiva provides is so grounding  - A reminder that everyone grieves differently, even within the boundaries of Jewish tradition  - Karen’s advice for keeping the memory of a late loved one alive for young children  - The meaning Ben’s found in the tradition of yahrzeit as a yearly opportunity to step back into his grief  - How Israeli music helps Karen feel connected to her mother  - Tips on how to talk to someone who’s grieving    LINKS:   Ben M. Freeman https://benmfreeman.com/    Jewish Death and Mourning 101 https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/death-mourning-101/    Shiva  https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shiva-what-you-need-to-know/    Yahrzeit https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/yahrzeit-remembering-on-the-anniversary-of-a-death/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

If you’re currently planning a wedding, this episode is for you! As the founder of Smashing The Glass, the world’s largest Jewish wedding platform, Karen shares her dos and don’ts for planning a one-of-a-kind wedding that’s totally authentic to who the two of you are as a couple, gleaned from her ten years of experience working with Jewish couples all over the world.    LINKS:   Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com    Brides Club https://brides.smashingtheglass.com      Reserve your spot for “The Secrets to an Unforgettable Jewish Wedding” on February 19 http://www.smashingtheglass.com/secrets      Karen and Jeremy’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/karen-jeremy-london-wedding-at-the-wallace-collection/    No More Shoulds https://www.smashingtheglass.com/no-more-shoulds/    Gina and Tony’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/gena-tony-extraordinarily-colourful-jewish-fiesta-wedding-sydney-polo-club-australia/    Stacey and Jono’s wedding https://www.smashingtheglass.com/stacey-jono-nye-fancy-dress-jewish-wedding-in-a-cinema-west-sussex-uk/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/

Karen sits down with Sam and Emily from Team YJL to talk all things Shabbat! They talk about what Shabbat’s all about, how Judaism’s weekly day of rest looks like for each of them, and why they find it meaningful - and, most importantly, share plenty of tips for easy, accessible ways to bring Shabbat into your life, your way.    You’ll find out:   - What Shabbat is all about, and why it’s so important  - Why Shabbat is for you, wherever you are in your life - Some traditional - and not so traditional - ways to mark Shabbat in your life  - Why inviting friends for Friday night dinner is the best - whether they’re Jewish or not! - The beauty of disconnecting from tech over Shabbat - A reminder that your menu for Friday night dinner doesn’t have to be traditional (or homemade) - How to have a simple, stress-free Shabbat - Why chicken shawarma is a Shabbat dinner secret weapon  - All about the wonderful tradition of the Shabbat nap - Why tzedakah is a beautiful tradition to bring into your Shabbat - How to do mark the end of Shabbat with Havdalah LINKS:   Smashing Life, my Jewish community  https://smashinglife.club/    What Jew Wanna Eat Chicken Shawarma https://whatjewwannaeat.com/shawarma-lettuce-wraps/      Havdalah Kits and Candles https://moderntribe.com/collections/havdalah-sets/?aff=83  Ultimate Shabbat plylist https://yourjewishlife.co/shabbatplaylist  Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com

Karen shares her secret for how to find joy during difficult times. Her secret sounds simple - it’s all about gratitude - but putting that into action can be easier said than done. In this episode, Karen shares some practical takeaways for practicing gratitude and savoring moments of joy, however small, even at those times when you feel least thankful for what’s going on in your life. She also delves into some of her other favorite strategies, from giving to others to making a joy list, and shares how she’s implemented these tools in her own life - especially since losing her beloved mother in 2021.   LINKS:   Jewish Joy Journal - get a 10% discount with the code “JEWISHJOYPODCAST” https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Jewish Joy Playlist https://yourjewishlife.co/playlist    Karen on Podcast Against Antisemitism https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-e6-gratitude-with-karen-cinnamon/id1598345651?i=1000588320772

Karen sits down with Yoav Davis, the founder of Jews of NY, where he shines a light on the beautiful diversity of Jewish life in the Big Apple. Yoav’s commitment to Jewish joy and positivity is so refreshing, and his conversation with Karen about owning your Jewishness, uniting the Jewish world, and the importance of finding your own path in Judaism is sure to inspire. You’ll find out:   - How Yoav’s platform balances showcasing the beauty of Judaism with calling out antisemitism  - Yoav’s mission for Jews of NY in 2023 - What inspired Yoav to start Jews of NY  - The things that bring Yoav Jewish joy - How Jews of NY allows Yoav to connect with the full spectrum of the New York Jewish community  - Yoav’s tips for feeling confident in your Jewish identity  LINKS:   Jews of NY https://www.instagram.com/jews_of_ny/    Smashing The Glass https://www.smashingtheglass.com/    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/    Congregation Beit Simchat Torah https://cbst.org/

Karen sits down with a very special guest: her 9-year-old daughter, Sacha! Sacha is a proud Jewish girl who loves challah, cheder (that’s Hebrew school to you Americans), and sharing about Jewish traditions with the diverse group of friends she's made at her non-Jewish school. Sacha spills about her love for Israel, how she balances her Jewish identity with her cosmopolitan life in London, and why Ruth Bader Ginsburg is her inspiration. LINKS:   How to Raise Proud Jewish Children http://yourjewishlife.co/children    PJ Library https://pjlibrary.org/home    Smashing Life, my Jewish community https://smashinglife.club/    Buy the Jewish Joy Journal - use Code JEWISHJOYPODCAST for 10% Discount https://jewishjoyjournal.com/