Episodes

  • Pilot Episode: "GETTING FREE" & Announcements

    Pilot Episode: "GETTING FREE" & Announcements
    Apr 22 2025

    Check back in next week for a brand new episode of The Franciska Show

    To book Franciska for your BAT MITZVA - email franciskakay@gmail.com

    Enjoy this pilot episode of "Getting Free" a new podcast hosted by the International Beit Din with Rabbanit Leah Sarna (a former guest on the Franciska Show).

    https://gettingfree.podbean.com

    Imagine finally escaping a marriage after years of abuse. But there’s one last step- you need your abuser’s permission to get a divorce. That’s the reality for the Jewish women in Getting Free, and countless others around the world. Their husbands use a religious tradition to trap them in marriages that should have ended a long time ago. But it doesn't have to be this way.

    To learn more about this issue, and to help put an end to it, please join the International Beit Din at our conference “Redefining Freedom” on May 21st with the Gruss Program at the NYU School of Law. To learn more and register go to https://www.internationalbeitdin.org/campaign-to-end-iggun/

    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • [RERUN] Jews & Food With Jill Sharfman

    [RERUN] Jews & Food With Jill Sharfman
    Apr 15 2025

    How to handle Diets on Shabbos?
    Why are eating disorders so common in the Orthodox community?

    Jill Sharfman NC (Nutrition Consultant), is the co-host of the nutrition podcast “Let My People Eat.” On each episode she helps to demystify confusing talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping kosher. She is a board-certified holistic nutritionist living with her family in Los Angeles. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and at https://letmypeopleeat.com

    Follow her on Instagram @jill_sharfman for more information and on Facebook @letmypeopleeatpodcast.

    www.jewishcoffeehouse.com
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Chasing Shadows: The Hunt for Justice in Get Refusal with Jennifer Lankin & Ezra Stone

    Chasing Shadows: The Hunt for Justice in Get Refusal with Jennifer Lankin & Ezra Stone
    Apr 8 2025
    In this episode of The Franciska Show, host Franciska discusses the complexities and behind-the-scenes efforts involved in helping women, known as agunot, who are unable to obtain a religious divorce (get) from their husbands. The episode features interviews with Jennifer Lankin, Interim CEO at ORA (Organization for the Resolution of Agunot), and Ezra Stone, a private investigator who specializes in tracking down recalcitrant husbands who refuse to grant their wives a get. Jennifer shares her journey into this work and explains ORA's community-focused approach to addressing get refusal. Ezra offers insights from his fieldwork, describing some of the challenges and strategies involved in locating and pressuring these husbands to comply with religious and legal obligations. The episode encapsulates the importance of community response, the use of private investigators in protracted cases, and the critical role that social culture and public pressure play in resolving these deeply rooted issues. 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 01:50 Special Guests: Ezra Stone and Jennifer Lankin 02:12 Jennifer Lincoln's Journey and Insights 03:54 Ezra Stone: The Private Investigator 05:57 The Role of Private Investigators in Get Refusal Cases 10:19 Challenges in Tracking Down Recalcitrant Spouses 11:36 Case Study: The Search for Naftali Shabani 22:24 Unexpected Encounters and Travel Stories 22:56 Investigative Techniques and Challenges 23:08 The Case of the Recalcitrant Brother 26:59 Legal and Ethical Considerations 27:56 Creative PI Strategies 29:02 The Big Daddy of Get Refusers 36:56 Social Media and Influencers 39:38 Security Issues in the Jewish Community 44:16 Closing Remarks and Reflections www.instagram.com/oraagunot Jennifer Lifshutz Lankin is the Interim CEO of ORA: The Organization for the Resolution of Agunot, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating abuse from the Jewish divorce process. ORA provides advocacy and support for agunot worldwide while also working to prevent get-abuse through education and awareness initiatives. Jennifer has been with ORA for nine years, shaping its programs, advocacy, and leadership. She holds a B.A. from Yeshiva University and a Master’s degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She currently lives in Jerusalem with her family. Contact Franciska @ franciskakay@gmail.com www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com
    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • Continuing the Conversation on Mixed-Orientation Dynamics

    Continuing the Conversation on Mixed-Orientation Dynamics
    Apr 1 2025
    In this episode, we continue the conversation from last week with a new perspective on the issue of dating and relationships within a community. Our guest shares her personal experience of dating someone who later disclosed being gay, discussing the emotional impact and the broader community implications. The conversation explores the difficulties faced by individuals who want to lead a committed lifestyle while dealing with same-sex attractions, the challenges in communication and transparency in dating, and the need for greater support and discussion within the community. The host also touches on the upcoming release of a new song and highlights the importance of providing visibility to underrepresented experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:58 Guest Introduction and Listener Interaction 02:43 Discussing Last Week's Episode 03:18 Personal Experience and Reflections 09:18 Impact and Emotional Aftermath 15:07 Community and Mentorship 23:32 Exploring Solutions and Final Thoughts 26:03 Conclusion and Farewell www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com franciskakay@gmail.com
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Embracing Choice; A Unique Perspective on Love and Faith -(Anonymous)

    Embracing Choice; A Unique Perspective on Love and Faith -(Anonymous)
    Mar 25 2025
    In this episode, the guest shares their experience growing up in a religious Jewish community, facing questions about their sexual orientation, and grappling with their faith. They describe their upbringing, moments of self-realization, and the challenges of reconciling their identity with community expectations. The guest discusses pivotal moments in high school, relationships with women, and the struggle to remain within the confines of their religious beliefs. They emphasize that attraction lies on a spectrum and not everything is black and white. Highlighting the ups and downs of their journey, including being fired from a meaningful job due to personal revelations, the guest underscores the importance of choice and staying true to one's faith while seeking acceptance and understanding. The conversation concludes with reflections on the complexities of maintaining privacy and trust in relationships and the hope for a future partner who understands and respects their journey.
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • "Breaking Open" - A Novel About Healing and Growth After a Broken Engagement - with Adina Edelman

    "Breaking Open" - A Novel About Healing and Growth After a Broken Engagement - with Adina Edelman
    Mar 18 2025

    This Episode is sponsored by Jump Into Shape

    www.jumpintoshape.fun

    About Our Guest:

    Adina Edelman is a book editor for Jewish publishers and self-publishing authors. She has worked on over 120 books of various genres and recently published her debut novel, Breaking Open. Adina has led multiple writing workshops and editing webinars, all with the goal of helping writers mine their message for gold. She is passionate about producing high-quality, relatable fiction for Jewish readers and is already working on her next book. She lives in Baltimore, MD.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/adinaedelman/

    https://israelbookshoppublications.com/products/breaking-open

    edelmanedits.com

    www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com

    franciskakay@gmaill.com
    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Rethinking Cultural Norms: Individual Choice in Jewish Life

    Rethinking Cultural Norms: Individual Choice in Jewish Life
    Mar 11 2025

    This Episode is sponsored by Jump Into Shape

    www.jumpintoshape.fun

    This episode features a deep and honest conversation inspired by the format of Joe Rogan's podcasts and focuses on the complexities of religious traditions and societal pressures within the Jewish community. The guest, who remains anonymous, discusses a variety of topics including the flaws in the education and religious guidance system, the influence of materialism, and the pressure to conform. Additionally, there is a debate over the merit and challenges of the 'Kollel' life, the culture of early marriages, and the reality of taking responsibility for one's path in life. The episode also touches upon the impacts of keeping up with community standards and proposes the need for updated, more individualized approaches to maintain traditions while adapting to modern challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:38 Sponsor Message: Jump Into Shape 02:46 Guest Introduction and Initial Banter 03:41 Guest's Background and Upbringing 04:36 Questioning the System 16:06 Materialism and Its Impact 24:31 Marriage and Life Experience 33:18 The Dynamics of Marriage and Socioeconomic Status 35:02 The Role of Seminaries in Marriage Preparation 35:59 Challenges of Late Parenthood in Western Culture 37:16 Preparing for Marriage: A Case-by-Case Approach 39:22 The Realities of Kollel Life 46:15 Materialism and Mitzvahification in Judaism 48:23 The Cost of Jewish Education and Keeping Up with the Joneses 51:38 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Celebrations 58:57 Final Thoughts and Reflections www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com franciskakay@gmaill.com
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Things You Should Know - Jewish Divorce & Beit Din - with Rabbanit Leah Sarna

    Things You Should Know - Jewish Divorce & Beit Din - with Rabbanit Leah Sarna
    Mar 4 2025
    Book Franciska for your event: franciskakay@gmail.com Navigating Jewish Divorce: In this episode of The Franciska Show, Franciska recaps a recent concert and discusses upcoming events. The main segment features Sarna, sharing insights on Jewish divorce and the Agunah crisis. Sarna details her upbringing in the Orthodox community, her work with the homeless in New Haven, and her academic journey at Yale. She explains the historical context of the Agunah crisis, the role of Batei Din, and her organization's innovative approaches to resolving Jewish divorces. They also discuss coercive control in abusive relationships and the importance of choosing the right Batei Din for divorce proceedings. Sarna emphasizes the need for community support for women in abusive marriages and outlines scenarios where her organization can intervene to prevent get extortion and facilitate fair divorces. 00:00 Introduction and Concert Recap 00:59 Guest Introduction: Sarna's Background 03:19 Discussing Jewish Divorce and Agona Crisis 06:36 Ideal Divorce Process and Challenges 10:09 Choosing the Right Bait Din 16:18 International Perspectives and Collaboration 18:40 Identifying and Addressing Get Extortion 22:39 Choosing the Right Beit Din 22:50 Halacha and Gender Dynamics in Divorce 23:59 Historical Context of the Agunah Crisis 26:56 Coercive Control in Marriages 30:56 Financial Implications of Divorce 32:52 Challenges in Leaving Abusive Relationships 35:45 Strategies for Securing a Get 38:03 Supporting Friends in Troubled Marriages 39:53 Community's Role Post-Get 41:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections About Our Guest: Rabbanit Leah Sarna is the Director of Public Education and Media for the International Beit Din and the Spiritual Leader of Kehillat Sha’arei Orah in Lower Merion, PA. An award-winning Jewish educator, she has taught Torah in Orthodox and Jewish communal settings around the world, and she particularly loves empowering women of all ages to feel ownership over the most complex areas of the Torah library. Her written works can be found in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Lehrhaus and the Jewish Review of Books, and she is currently writing a book of Torah and Halacha relating to pregnancy, birth and the beginning of life. Leah has extensive advanced higher Jewish education and holds a BA in Philosophy & Psychology from Yale University. lsarna@internationalbeitdin.org Gett First: https://bethdin.org/the-proper-timing-of-a-get/#:~:text=The%20Beth%20Din%20of%20America,at%20the%20earliest%20possible%20point. Equitable Division of Assets: https://bethdin.org/equitable-distribution-and-the-enforceability-of-choice-of-law-clauses-in-beit-din/ (they don't name who exactly they are writing this against) and the attached on how equitable distribution of assets works in Israel. IBD Links - internationalbeitdin.org Get Help: https://www.internationalbeitdin.org/get-help/ IBD mailing list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/n12Pgpa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalbeitdin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071877830319 www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com
    Show more Show less
    43 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup