The Wildescast

Brushstrokes of the Soul - Healing through Art and Kabbalah in Israel

In this moving episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Israeli art therapist and visionary artist Rakefet Hadar (founder of Soul Pages) to explore the healing power of creativity in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Following the violent attacks on October 7th that devastated communities across Israel — including women living on a kibbutz — Rakefet shares how intuitive art journaling and Kabbalistic wisdom can serve as profound tools for emotional and spiritual healing. Together, she and Rabbi Wildes discuss the intersection of Jewish mysticism, art therapy, and resilience, uncovering how artistic expression can help survivors reclaim their voice, process trauma, and reconnect to the divine. 💡 Topics in this episode: • The transformative power of art for trauma recovery • How Kabbalah inspires Rakefet’s healing methods • Women’s emotional journeys after 10/7 • The role of spirituality in post-trauma growth 🖌️ Learn more about Rakefet’s work at https://soul-pages.com/ — Subscribe for more episodes on faith, spirituality, and resilience from the MJE Podcast. #ArtTherapy #Kabbalah #IsraeliArt #JewishHealing #RakefetHadar #RabbiMarkWildes #SoulPages #TraumaRecovery #MJEpodcast Website: jewishexperience.org Facebook: facebook.com/ManhattanJewishExperience/ Instagram: instagram.com/M_J_experience

Taking a Stand: Iran, Education, and Jewish Unity with Shabbos Kestenbaum

Rabbi Wildes sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to talk about Jewish identity, leadership, and the growing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people — from elite universities to global politics. They discuss Shabbos’ lawsuit against Harvard, media narratives on Iran, and the importance of Jewish education rooted in values, not just victimhood. A timely and honest conversation about unity, resistance, and hope for the Jewish future.

The Jewish Idea of Beauty - The Rabbi and the Student Ep. 4 (With Daniel Wallach)

Judaism doesn’t dismiss beauty—but it doesn’t worship it either. This episode begins with our human hunger for beauty, journeys through the tension between Greek and Jewish ideals, and arrives at a distinctly Jewish idea of beauty: one that’s rooted in holiness, shaped by restraint, and never far from the divine. We explore beauty’s power, its purpose, and its place on the path toward the divine.

How She Survived | Dr. Aliza Erber's Story | Yom Hashoah 2025

Last night at MJE’s Yom HaShoah event, we had the honor of hearing from Dr. Aliza Erber, a Holocaust survivor, medical doctor, and chaplain. As a hidden child during the war, Dr. Erber lost both of her parents in concentration camps. Her story was raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Over 100 people gathered to hear her speak and every single one left impacted. What made the evening even more meaningful was her honesty. She didn’t sugarcoat the trauma, and in doing so, gave everyone present a deeper appreciation of the strength, courage, and resilience of our people. May her words continue to echo, and may we never forget.

The Story of Israel: Unpacking History, Zionism & What Comes Next with Dr. Noam Weissman

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes is joined by Dr. Noam Weissman, the voice behind the acclaimed podcast Unpacking Israeli History. Together, they dive deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, explore the historical roots of Gaza, and ask the difficult questions: Is the two-state solution still viable? How should Israel be taught to the next generation—both Jewish and non-Jewish? What role does bias, history, and education play in shaping our understanding of Zionism? What are the biggest misconceptions about Hamas and Palestinian leadership? Dr. Weissman shares personal insights from decades of Israel education and breaks down complex issues with clarity and honesty, offering a nuanced look at one of the most polarizing topics of our time. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. 🎧 Listen to Dr. Weissman’s podcast: Unpacking Israeli History 🔔 Follow for more deep dives into Jewish thought, modern Israel, and meaningful conversation. #Israel #Gaza #Zionism #JewishEducation #MiddleEastConflict #UnpackingIsraeliHistory