Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Maayan Beitsch, a molecular neuroscience research scientist, histology specialist at the Weizmann Institute, and seminary teacher, who is also a wife and mother. Maayan describes how she fell in love with sea kayaking after joining a Weizmann team and now kayaks at sunrise with a women’s group in Ashdod, finding it spiritually grounding, supportive of nervous system regulation, and a way to daven while alone on the water. She shares that kayaking helped her recover balance after a stillbirth, months of bedrest, and a traumatic October 7 birth amid sirens and hospital chaos, and she connects kayaking’s “flow state” to improved stress handling and work focus. She discusses kayaking during wartime near Gaza, hopes to start a kayaking group for frum women, and recommends donating to Keren Shemesh, which supports Beit Shemesh families affected by the Iran war and missile damage.

00:00 Meet Maayan Beitsch

00:31 Podcast Mission Intro

01:29 A Pasuk in the Sea

02:06 Davening Dedication

02:42 Family and Career Snapshot

03:27 How Kayaking Began

04:27 Sunrise Routine Logistics

05:08 Ocean Mindset and Thrill

07:05 Gear and Sea Kayaks

10:02 Hashem in the Water

11:20 More Than Once a Week

12:42 Letting Go of Control

13:40 Kayaking During Wartime

14:57 Sirens on the Sea

15:49 Kayaking as Me Time

16:14 Loss and Bedrest

18:09 October 7 Birth Crisis

21:06 Kayaking Finds Her Again

22:20 Flow State Survival

23:51 Rescues and Training

24:24 From Control to Presence

24:58 Flow at Work Not Home

25:58 Brain Benefits of Exercise

26:48 Community Support Donation

28:14 Movement and Sisterhood

29:12 Final Wrap Up

00:00 Return After Loss

00:53 Back Into Motion

01:21 War Time Travails

01:48 Podcast Updates

02:11 Mini Episode Setup

03:19 Libi Trains For Life

05:59 Closing

In this episode of 'Frum Women in Motion,' Ellen Z. Goldberg interviews Rifky Obstfeld, a wife, mother of three, and program director at a martial arts school. Rifky, a third-degree black belt, shares her inspiring journey from starting martial arts at age 18 to representing the USA in the Maccabiah games in Israel, where she earned two silver medals and one bronze. She discusses balancing her Orthodox Jewish faith with her passion for karate, the challenges and triumphs along her path, and how fitness can be a spiritual endeavor. Rifky also talks about her daily routine, curriculum development for her karate students, and the importance of setting and achieving personal goals. The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating physical and spiritual strength and encourages women to start their fitness journey with achievable steps. The podcast supports the Bat Melech organization, aiding women in Israel from abusive homes.

00:00 Meet Rifky Obstfeld: Martial Arts Mom

00:28 Balancing Faith and Fitness

01:51 A Day in the Life of Rifky

02:41 Spiritual Dedication and Fitness

03:19 Developing Karate Curriculum

04:28 Rifky's Martial Arts Journey

10:28 Competing in the Maccabiah Games

14:28 Family and Fitness

23:36 Encouraging Women in Fitness

27:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell