299 - Navigation Pre-YT and YT Stress with Complex Personal Backgrounds - with Chaya Hinda

The Embodied Jewish Woman with Rena Reiser

As Pesach approaches, the stress of navigating family dynamics, expectations, and personal triggers can feel overwhelming—especially for those of us with complex backgrounds.

In this heartfelt conversation, Chaya Hinda and I explore what it means to prioritize our own needs, set boundaries with difficult personalities, and embrace the reality of our emotions rather than pushing them aside. We dive into the power of saying “no” with confidence, making the Seder meaningful even in unconventional settings, and shifting focus from external pressures to inner connection and joy.

With raw honesty and deep compassion, we also touch on the challenges of parenting when carrying personal trauma, the importance of speaking to ourselves with kindness, and how to balance self-care with communal and familial responsibilities.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of holiday expectations or struggled to find peace in the chaos, have a listen to this conversation. Our hope and tefillah is that you’ll walk away feeling validated, supported, and equipped with new perspectives to bring more ease and meaning into your Yom Tov experience.