66. Are We Really Free? Rethinking Pesach, Mitzvot and the Meaning of Freedom — with Powerhouse Educator Rivky Slonim

Hi everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I’m Alex Segal and today, I am speaking with Rebbetzin Rivky Slonim.

Rivky is the Associate Director at the Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University. An internationally known teacher, lecturer, and activist, she travels widely, addressing the intersection of traditional Jewish observance and contemporary life, with a special focus on Jewish women in Jewish law and life. She is the author of the book, Holy Intimacy: The Heart and Soul of Jewish Marriage and editor of Total Immersion: A Mikvah Anthology as well as Bread and Fire; Jewish Women find God in the Everyday. She is also the mother of nine children.

Rivky is also someone very special to me. When I was just beginning my Jewish journey at Binghamton University, she was my personal teacher, role model and guide as I moved through the early stages of learning more about Judaism. I still remember the taste of her challah on Friday nights, the way she commanded a room of hundreds each week and how she really found love for every student that walked through her doors. 

When thinking about who to interview for a Pesach episode, she just felt like such a powerful choice. In this episode, we get into it and speak about:

-How she ended up at Binghamton University on shlichus

-How to reframe your mindset on Pesach so you don’t feel so overburdened and stressed out

-What the true definition of freedom is according to the Rebbe and how that manifests in everyday life

-Why the book of Shemos where we learn about Yetziyas Mitzrayim is such a feminine book of the Torah

-How a woman who is so forward facing and such a doer can then become a receiver, or mekabel in marriage

-A new approach if you’re not feeling so inspired by the mikvah experience, and how we can bring that mindset through all of the mitzvot we do

-The difference between spirituality and having a relationship with Hashem

-The most important thing to teach our children today

…and soooo much more.

As I said, Rivky is a powerhouse and this episode really delivers. I am so grateful she took the time to speak with us before Pesach and I hope this conversation gives you insights to bring with you throughout the holiday and beyond.