The People of the Book love books! Our tradition is based on the holiest book of all, The Torah. We avid readers go for a variety of other books as well, and on the “613 Books” podcast, we spotlight a different author every week in an interview hosted by veteran broadcast and podcast producer Heather Dean. Also in every episode, we are checking in with a variety of notable people who tell us what is on their own reading table!

If you love to read or write books geared to Jewish readers, this podcast is for you!

613 Books Podcast

Bestselling Author Tamar Ansh is this week’s special guest on 613 Books Podcast to discuss her new book, "Let's Get Bentching!" Your kids and grandkids will love the stories and inspiration Tamar brings alive on every page of her book, which is in fact relevant for ALL readers.

Join host Heather Dean as she finds out what prompted Tamar to write about bentching, and the surprising influence researching for this book has had on its author.

PLUS: Does your mind wander during tefillos? Tamar shares the amazing, sure-fire and easy bit of advice she personally received from a revered Rabbi about how anyone can concentrate better during davening.

ALSO Naomi Elbinger shared what’s on her reading table!

SHOW NOTES:

For more Info and to purchase “Let’s Get Bentching” by Tamar Ansh: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422632208.html

A Taste of Challah website (Tamar Ansh): https://atasteofchallah.com/
Jerusalem Women's Writers Seminar (JWWS): https://thejwws.com/

Reading Table Selection by Naomi Elbinger: “Dreams Never Dreamed: A Mother's Promise that Transformed her Son's Breakthrough into a Beacon of Hope” by Kalman Samuels

 

To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Never-Dreamed-Kalman-Samuels/dp/1592645259



Bestselling Novel Yedidya, written by Naomi Elbinger

To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Yedidya-Naomi-Elbinger-ebook/dp/B09324538G

To purchase from publisher Feldheim: https://www.feldheim.com/yedidya


Show Announcer: Michael Doniger
For voice samples and voice-over queries for Michael: https://michaeldoniger.com/

Bye-Bye to Bentching Blahs: Tamar Ansh and the Art of the Bentch

This episode of “613 Books” podcast is PART TWO of producer Heather Dean’s interview with Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler, a writer, book reviewer and adult educator whose most recently-published book is called “Adrift Among the Nations: Between Christianity and Torah.”

This is a book about leaving Jesus by Dr. Lambert Adler who is a journalist, an educator, and an Orthodox Jew. In this interview she speaks about writing this book specifically, and her many years of researching this topic in general. She speaks about what this book is, what it’s not, and for whom it’s written.

Through stories of former Christians, “Adrift Among the Nations” presents a deeply personal look at the emotional, spiritual, intellectual, interpersonal and communal challenges many Christians face when they separate from Jesus.

IMPORTANT: This book is not an argument for why a Christian should part from Jesus and it’s certainly not a call to convert to Judaism. Rather, it’s an intimate look at the process of rethinking everything one has been taught… and coming to a completely different conclusion.

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show Notes:

Featured Guest: Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler

Featured Book: “Adrift Among The Nations: Between Christianity and Torah”

Email Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler: rivkah@kotevet.com

Find Dr. Lambert Adler on Facebook: Rivkah Lambert Adler

Link to purchase on Amazon: “Adrift Among The Nations: Between Christianity and Torah”: https://www.amazon.com/Adrift-Among-Nations-Between-Christianity/dp/0999378988

Also mentioned on this podcast:

(1) “Ten From The Nations: Torah Awakening Among Non-Jews”

Link to purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Nations-Torah-Awakening-Non-Jews/dp/0999378902/ref=sr_1_1?crid=377PJGIO08UPK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lWCNI_OEnm0mCOqnzeSuhQ.p6eY0vTR3aVeKXnrrQHElffpineVROHl39NSJqOf_3U&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ten+From+The+Nations%3A+Torah+Awakening+Among+Non-Jews&qid=1756122173&s=digital-text&sprefix=ten+from+the+nations+torah+awakening+among+non-jews+%2Cdigital-text%2C424&sr=1-1-catcorr

(2) “Lighting Up The Nations: Jewish Responsibility Towards the Nations Today and in the Messianic Era”

Link to purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Up-Nations-Responsibility-Messianic-ebook/dp/B0CW1PW8B7#

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Rivkah Lambert Adler and her book Adrift Among the Nations Interview Part Two

On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean interviews Chasidic scholar and educator, Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, author of “Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.”

In the universal quest for coping with the inevitable challenges that threaten our peace of mind, and after years of studying the Rebbe’s vast correspondence, conducting interviews, and sifting through the archives, Rabbi Shmotkin writes about twelve themes on emotional wellness from the Rebbe’s counsel. They are clear, sensible, and sometimes surprising tools for building a strong and resilient self despite life’s setbacks.

Drawing from 3,000 years of Jewish wisdom, the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l would firmly and lovingly advise each of them how to attain inner health, harmony, and wholeness. Through poignant excerpts from letters, compelling stories, and practical takeaways, Letters for Life makes the Rebbe’s wisdom accessible to all. It is an enlightening and enthralling read for any person seeking emotional equilibrium in an off-balanced world.

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

Featured Guest: Rabbi Levi Y. Shmotkin

Featured Book: Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Purchase Link: Chabad.org/lettersforlife

To Purchase in Israel: https://www.sifreiorhachaim.co.il/product/letters-for-life/

To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Life-Guidance-Emotional-Lubavitcher/dp/0826690149

Email Rabbi Shmotkin: lettersforlife@chabad.org

Visit the website: Lettersforlife.info

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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About the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, is widely considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. His influence transcended sectarian and geographic borders, with people from all walks of life seeking his wisdom, comfort, and counsel. As the seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, he personally mentored hundreds of thousands through meetings and correspondence. The Rebbe advised world leaders and influential figures including Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

For more information, visit: https://TheRebbe.org

Rabbi Levi Shmotkin and his book Letters for Life

This is Part 2 of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean’s interview with Chasidic scholar and educator, Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, author of “Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.”

In the universal quest for coping with the inevitable challenges that threaten our peace of mind, and after years of studying the Rebbe’s vast correspondence, conducting interviews, and sifting through the archives, Rabbi Shmotkin writes about twelve themes on emotional wellness from the Rebbe’s counsel. They are clear, sensible, and sometimes surprising tools for building a strong and resilient self despite life’s setbacks.

Drawing from 3,000 years of Jewish wisdom, the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l would firmly and lovingly advise each of them how to attain inner health, harmony, and wholeness. Through poignant excerpts from letters, compelling stories, and practical takeaways, Letters for Life makes the Rebbe’s wisdom accessible to all. It is an enlightening and enthralling read for any person seeking emotional equilibrium in an off-balanced world.

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show Notes:

Featured Guest: Rabbi Levi Y. Shmotkin

Featured Book: Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Purchase Link: Chabad.org/lettersforlife

To Purchase in Israel: https://www.sifreiorhachaim.co.il/product/letters-for-life/

To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Life-Guidance-Emotional-Lubavitcher/dp/0826690149

Email Rabbi Shmotkin: lettersforlife@chabad.org

Visit the website: https://Lettersforlife.info

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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About the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, is widely considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. His influence transcended sectarian and geographic borders, with people from all walks of life seeking his wisdom, comfort, and counsel. As the seventh leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, he personally mentored hundreds of thousands through meetings and correspondence. The Rebbe advised world leaders and influential figures including Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

For more information, visit: https://TheRebbe.org

Rabbi Levi Shmotkin and his book Letters for Life - Interview Part 2



On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer Heather Dean interviews Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, the Founder of Jews for Judaism. Rabbi Kravitz’s book, “Know What to Answer When Someone Challenges Your Faith.”

In this interview, Rabbi Kravitz addresses several Tishrei-related topics from “Know What to Answer,” giving us much to ponder as we journey into the New Year.

Jews for Judaism strengthens and preserves Jewish identity by responding to religious coercion, promoting critical thinking skills, and providing spiritual guidance and support.

“Know What to Answer ...” helps readers tackle life’s toughest challenges to one’s faith with clarity, confidence, and wisdom. Rabbi Kravitz says this book is a guide to navigating critical issues such as missionary coercion, anti-Semitism, and intermarriage, all while reinforcing a strong sense of Jewish identity.

Drawing from the weekly Torah portions, Rabbi Kravitz illuminates the timeless teachings of the Jewish Bible through thought-provoking insights and real-life stories. With a style that promotes critical thinking and authenticity, this book offers practical guidance to respond effectively to questions about faith and tradition.

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

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Show notes:

Featured Guest: Rabbi Bentzion Y. Kravitz

Featured Book: “Know What to Answer When Someone Challenges Your Faith”

To Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Know+What+to+Answer%3A+When+Someone+Challenges+Your+Faith&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&crid=2LCSK5GMY7VH1&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C2586&ref=nb_sb_noss

Visit Jews for Judaism Website: https://www.jewsforjudaism.org/

Email Jews for Judaism: ask@jewsforjudaism.org

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Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz and his book Know What to Answer When Someone Challenges Your Faith: Tishrei

On this episode of “613 Books” podcast, producer/host Heather Dean interviews author and international speaker, Raquel Kirszenbaum about her book, “Stop Hurting, Start Healing.”

This is both a self-help book and memoirs which takes readers on her dynamic quest from despair and difficulty to resilience and happiness. From the very first page, Raquel’s powerful guide envelopes us in a warm embrace, leading us through the transformative process of healing, forgiveness, compassion, and ultimately self-acceptance.

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!
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Show notes:

Featured Guest: Raquel Kirszenbaum

Featured Book: Stop Hurting, Start Healing

Link to Purchase this book: https://www.amazon.com/Hurting-Start-Healing-Raquel-Kirszenbaum/dp/1962522199

Follow Raquel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelkirszenbaum/

To Invite Raquel to speak to your community, school or organization: raqueldidio@gmail.com

Show Announcer for 613 Books Podcast: Michael Doniger

Michael’s contact info, voice-over samples, and demo: https://michaeldoniger.net/en/home/

SUBSCRIBE to “613 Books” Podcast and discover new books every week!

Raquel Kirszenbaum and her Book Stop Hurting, Start Healing Encore Part One

“613 Books” podcast spotlights a different author every week in an interview hosted by veteran broadcast and podcast producer Heather Dean.  
If you love to read, or write, books geared to Jewish readers, this podcast is for you!
After her extraordinary 14-year career broadcasting celebrity interviews for MTV, E! Entertainment Television and Associated Press (AP) Radio, Heather upgraded her life and career, which is centered on Torah values.

Interested in advertising your product or service to a Jewish audience? Heather offers a fantastic 4-Episode Sponsorship Package of this podcast, For details, contact Heather Dean Productions:
http://www.heatherdeanproductions.com/new-contact/

You can buy your copy of Heather’s fascinating and inspiring memoir, "Searching for Heather Dean" on Amazon.