Emmett and Rivka Gilles, a Chabad couple from New Haven, CT, have launched Shuva Full Circle, a first-of-its-kind podcast on the integration of transformative spiritual journeys into daily religious life.
Emmett and Rivka live in New Haven, where Emmett attended Yale Law School and works at a law firm and Rivka teaches in Cheder New Haven. Along the way, Emmett and Rivka have experienced firsthand—and observed their yeshiva and seminary friends navigating—the challenges of reintegrating into family, community, and professional life after learning how to live as a religious Jew.
Through the BT Center which they founded, they aim to build a community where those at every stage along this journey feel supported, understood, and equipped with the practical tools necessary to overcome their challenges and successfully integrate the infinite blessings of Torah learning into their daily lives.
The new podcast features interviews with prominent leaders, thinkers, or teachers within the Jewish world. Guests share practical tips and tools for applying the nuanced lessons of Torah in our marriages, parenting, careers, and communal spaces.
Listen to recent interviews with Rabbi YY Jacobson, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, Rivkah Slonim, and Sharon and Michal Weiss on the BT Center Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2090457.rss
With empathy, humor, and practicality, Shuva Full Circle brings much-needed attention to the challenges many face—baalei teshuva in particular—when building their own religious homes. Drawing upon their own personal journeys and the diverse experiences of their guests, Emmett and Rivka unpack the nature of these struggles, tackling issues that are frequently swept under the rug and reframing them as opportunities for personal growth.
With its first four episodes, the podcast has already attracted over 1,000 downloads from listeners across the world, tuning in to fresh insights, timeless wisdom, and practical advice on a host of relevant topics including:
Should baalei teshuva aspire to be just like those who grew up in religious homes, or do they have a special path in life?
What is the most important advice for a baal teshuva when first starting down the path of becoming religious? Who can they trust to give them honest, practical guidance along the way?
How do you know when a mentor or role model is not giving healthy advice?
Why is physical intimacy so important for a healthy marriage?
How can raising children together enhance a couple’s relationship rather than compete with their romance?
If one’s spouse is at a different level spiritually, should we try to change them or respect their decisions?
How can we recognize when religion has become an excuse for our own flaws or insecurities?
From nurturing abiding faith and finding a committed personal mentor to building lasting marriages around shared values and fulfilling intimacy, Emmett and Rivka invite their guests to share recipes for a holistic, sustainable religious life.
What is Shuva Full Circle all about?
Listen here to find out:
Emmett and Rivka started Shuva Full Circle based on their personal experience of going to yeshiva and seminary after college and then starting their family and careers. “We know the struggles many baalei teshuva face as they start new lives in the religious world,” Emmett explains. “Through our podcast, we provide practical tools to navigate those challenges, to inspire and empower others to embrace their unique paths and bring themselves fully into the families they raise, communities they join, and careers they pursue.” Rivka adds: “Integration is a never-ending process, and Baalei Teshuva especially need guidance every step of the way. Our podcast offers a resource where we can share insights, learn from one another’s experiences, and build the support we all need to create wholesome religious lives.”
Shuva Full Circle offers a roadmap to integrate transformative spiritual progress into the practice of everyday life. In so doing, the podcast provides rich guidance for those of all backgrounds, promising to galvanize much-needed conversations within the broader community on the fundamental importance of integrating our learning into our lives.
Emmett and Rivka welcome input from anyone interested in supporting Shuva Full Circle and the vision behind it. If you would like to be part of this important initiative or for further information, please visit www.btcenter.org or contact us directly at [email protected] or [email protected].
I cant wait to download! Can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt awkward around FFB crowds, shul, simchas just hanging with the boys.
I’m really excited to listen!
Amazing podcast. Thank you!!
Been a fan before this has come out. Love of what you guys stand for and how your live your lives. May this bring lots of continued Brochos to you and to everyone. Moshiach now!
I am so impressed with all of work for Bal Tshuvas it’s about time someone stepped up to the plate and did that!
I listened to the podcasts and they are very good!
There’s really a void needing to be filled. Many bal Tshuva don’t know where to turn to and get lost in the small stuff. Thank you for stepping up to the plate and doing something that that everyone knows needs to be done but you actually took action and did it. I wish you much success and all of your future endeavors and podcasts, and you should continue to inspire so many baal on Tshuva
What an awesome idea!
May you be blessed for helping so many people
great trailer! Anxiously waiting to hear your much needed podcast.
being a bt is very hard and a lot of times i miss the social cues of being Frum. but with the Bt center i can finally have peace of mind.
thank you for all the tireless work you guys do! may you continue to make more podcasts to help BTs like myself.
is there a link or page to donate? it would be a Schus to take part in this!
The last paragraph of the article
i would love support BT center to continue their holy work!
i am at a loss for words that someone steped up to the plate and actually made a place for BT to learn and grow!
very simple clear and beautiful
very nice!
nice job on your podcast
i cant wait for the podcast to be released
Look them up on Spotify