Finding Joy: Dance in the Rain of Life

Led by Love

Catching Rabbanit Esther Toledano at a quiet moment requires patience, juggling her roles as a lecturer, senior teacher, author, bridal counselor, and host of Shabbat bread ceremonies and empowerment workshops. These, alongside her primary role as a mother of four. A chat with her is worth the wait.

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Toledano (39) was born to a devout Jewish family in Antwerp, Belgium. Her parents, a teacher and a diamond dealer, provided a warm and loving home that radiated hospitality and Jewish love. Even now, they remain her ultimate role models in integrity and goodness before Hashem and people.

It's clear that Rabbanit Toledano values every moment. Fluent in five languages (English, Flemish, French, Hebrew, and Yiddish), she excelled as a teacher early on, later specializing in mental health education according to Jewish wisdom, marriage counseling, and physiotherapy. In the past three years, with five books on Jewish family life published, she has become an author.

How did you start writing, and how have you accomplished so much in a short time?

(Smiling) "Months before I started writing, I suffered a severe disc herniation, keeping me bedridden for weeks. Being active by nature, I couldn't bear that much idle time. Writing became my relief from pain."

Her insightful books arose from notes taken after her marriage at 20, when she and her husband led a small Jewish community in France. "The antisemitism wasn’t as severe as today, but there was still a sense of not belonging. Our work included lectures, promoting family purity awareness, and bridal counseling. We felt we’d given enough and it was time to move to the Holy Land."

Her path might seem charmed, but Toledano says real growth comes from life's struggles. Now, she and her husband lead 'Bridge to the Jewish Home,' providing aid to brides and couples needing guidance.

When talking about her childhood and parents, her eyes sparkle. "To describe my parents, here's a childhood memory: I walked into my father's study while he polished diamonds. When he saw my fascination, he said, 'These diamonds are nothing; you are the real jewels.' Everything I am, I owe to my parents," she says emotionally.

Her books are inspired by those family values: 'Paths of Peace' addresses family unity and purpose, while 'Paths of Purity' covers family purity mitzvot. Several have been translated to French.

What happens during these events?

"They’re full of joy, lively music, even karaoke. I talk about topics like marital harmony, positive thinking, empowerment, relationships, and livelihood. We celebrate ‘mantras’ with tips, blessings, and success stories linked to Shabbat bread. The highlight? Lighting candles and making personal wishes amidst heartfelt prayer."

As a woman to women, how do you perceive today’s struggles balancing roles?

"Each generation faces its own challenges. Our foremothers had hand-washing laundry but more peace of mind. Today, complexity persists despite convenience. Great leaders of the past prayed to avoid these challenging times. Personal experience shows triumph through challenges births blessings.

"Embracing gratitude was transformative for me. I pray and thank Hashem for every blessing. Even struggles like weight gain are opportunities for gratitude and growth. Stand before the mirror, grateful for challenges, maintaining joy. Today's problem will be tomorrow's past."

Rabbanit Esther Toledano and Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi

What would you say to a woman unhappy with her reflection?

"Our worst enemy is perfectionism. Finding wholeness in our incompleteness opens the path to true contentment. Everyone seeks wellness, but it doesn't happen instantly. Learn to dance in life's rain. Why let weight struggles dampen your spirit? Love yourself now. Life's a journey; each challenge has its purpose."

To purchase Rabbanit Esther Toledano's books on Hidabroot Shop:

Paths of Peace - A Guide to Jewish Family Harmony

Paths of Shabbat Bread - Rituals, Recipes, and More

Sneak Peek into Paths of Shabbat Bread - A Vibrant Companion to the Ritual

Completing Opposites - Exploring Gender Differences

Here Comes the Bride - Comprehensive Bridal Counseling

For home events and Shabbat bread ceremonies, call 073-2221290 or email aviva@htv.co.il