We all know too well, life can get busy, so often we're rushing around with to-do lists and day-to-day tasks, but every once in a while we have to slow down to check in with ourselves, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. And that's exactly what we are about to do right now.

I am revisiting a beautiful conversation with Rabbi Steve Leader.

And let me tell you, this one has stuck with me.

It's all about life, loss, and the profound way in which the two intertwine.

Rabbi Leader served as the senior rabbi of the

Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles for 37 years before recently retiring. He's witnessed

the many ways death teaches us how to live and love more deeply by showing us not only what is

gone, but also the beauty of what remains.

In both his sermons and his best-selling books, Rabbi Leader shares messages and poses questions

that cause us to stop and consider the lives we're leading. He reminds us just how beautiful

life is and that in the end, nothing matters but love.

Whenever I talk to rabbi leader, my soul feels so filled and it feels comforted.

I hope yours will too.

No matter what religion you do or do not follow, I promise you will walk away from this conversation feeling inspired to live

a truer life and to do so right now. I'm Hoda Cotney. Welcome to my podcast, Making Space. One of my favorite people on the planet is sitting across from me, not on the phone,

not on Zoom, face to face. And this is the way I like to sit with you, Rabbi Leader, because you have eyes that are extremely understanding and also knowing.

And from the very first time I interviewed you,

I sat across from you.

And before you even said three words,

I felt something so spiritual and powerful and strong.

And I guess I just want to say, first of all,

I'm happy to be with you.

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