Explore every episode of the podcast Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko

After more than 100 episodes and over a million downloads, Tzipora Grodko sits down for her final episode as host of Stories of Hope, this time in the guest chair across from Nachi Gordon. What began as a one month experiment they hoped might reach a thousand people grew into a show that changed how the frum world talks about being single. Tzipora opens up about what it really took to do this work week after week while living the very thing she was talking about, and why she decided now is the time to pass the torch.

This is an honest and emotional goodbye from the woman who started it all, and a look at the parts of the last two years that never made it on camera. Tzipora and Nachi reflect on how it all began, what the movement has become, and what she wants anyone still waiting to know. The podcast will continue with a new host, and Tzipora isn't going anywhere.

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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► Western Wall Prayers

Submit your name, and the names of your loved ones, to be prayed for at the Kotel.

https://www.westernwallprayers.org?a_aid=689ea0c620351

On this week's Stories of Hope, Tzipporah sits down with Naftali Engel, the founder of The Rebbe's Choice, and his wife Remi. Within a few weeks of each other, Naftali was pushed out of the business he had built since his yeshiva days, and Remi lost her own job just months after having a baby. They open up about losing their sense of who they were, the moment Remi threw in the towel with Hashem, and the day she found herself crying on the floor.

This is an honest conversation about what happens to a marriage, and to emunah, when the rug gets pulled out from under you. Remi and Naftali share how they held on to each other when everything else fell apart, why they both lean on therapy, and how breaking down can be exactly what lets you grow.

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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► The Ezras Nashim App

A completely free app bringing Jewish women together through Torah, Tefilla, Tzedaka, and Chesed, working toward one million mitzvos every month, one small moment at a time.

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Ahuva and Yoely share their journeys through difficult first marriages, divorce, and finding love again in an unexpected way. Their experiences taught them the importance of trusting their instincts and remembering that the goal is not simply to get married, but to build a healthy, happy marriage.

After their divorces, they connected through Facebook despite coming from very different backgrounds and initially believing they wouldn’t be a match. Their relationship grew into a loving marriage and family.

Their message highlights the importance of bitachon (trust in Hashem), taking action toward finding a partner, and staying open to possibilities beyond your expectations. They also share advice on navigating blended families with patience, compassion, and respect.

This episode was brought to you in part by:

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►  Western Wall Prayers

If you need support, if you need tefillia we are here for you.

WesternWallPrayers.org

On this week's Stories of Hope, Tzipporah sits down with CB Levovitz, a single mom of four who has lived through two divorces, a marriage tested by addiction and recovery, and a rock bottom she wasn't sure she would come back from. CB opens up about the shame no one talks about, the summer her whole community knew what she was going through, and the phone call to her family that changed everything.

This is not a story with a wedding at the end, and that's exactly the point. CB shares how she rebuilt her life one step at a time, what she wants every single parent to hear, and why she believes Hashem's timing has been perfect all along.

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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On this week's Stories of Hope, a woman who spent years being told by shadchanim she didn't fit the mold sits down with a man who rebuilt his life from scratch after a divorce left him raising seven children alone. Ali and Natan's paths could not have looked more different, one moving toward Orthodoxy through a bar in Jerusalem, the other moving through it and out the other side of a small religious community that made it clear divorced people weren't welcome to stay. What brought them together was a J-Swipe match neither of them expected to lead anywhere.

This is a conversation about the parts of the frum world that don't get talked about enough, the loneliness, the pressure to fit a mold, and what it actually takes to build a family after everything falls apart. Ali and Natan get honest about blending nine kids, the terror of a first marriage with zero warning, and the moment a shopping cart full of unfamiliar groceries made it all feel real. Their story doesn't wrap up neatly, and that's exactly the point.

Sarah and Shua Lefkowitz share a story unlike any other on Stories of Hope, one that begins in profound loss and unfolds into a marriage built on what Shua calls expansive love. Sarah spent ten years navigating dating with an unshakeable sense of certainty about where her life was headed, telling friends and family about a very specific vision for her future husband years before she ever crossed paths with him. Shua, meanwhile, walked through the hardest chapter of his life after losing his first wife, learning along the way what it looks like to hold grief and joy in the same hand.

Together they open up about blending two families, honoring a beloved memory while building something entirely new, and the surrender it takes to trust that the life you actually have, even one that looks nothing like what you planned, might be exactly the one you were meant for. For anyone who has ever wondered if they missed their window, or whether their story just doesn't fit the mold, this conversation offers a different way to think about waiting, loss, and hope.

To Contact Sarah and Shua:
Sarahclefkowitz@gmail.com 
RabbiLef@gmail.com

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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Rachel and Shilo's story starts with a camping trip and an offer to help pitch a tent that got firmly turned down. From there, a summer of friendship slowly turned into something neither of them expected, and Shilo shares something very personal that he's never spoken about publicly before.

Five years and three kids later, Rachel and Shilo open up about what it took to get to the chuppah, what keeps their marriage strong, and the big leap of faith they're about to take next. It's a story about what happens when you stop asking whether someone matches on paper and start paying attention to who they really are.

To contact Rachel and Shilo:

shilojackz@gmail.com

rachelzylb@gmail.com

 @LeaveHouseHeadHome  on Youtube and Instagram

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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Rachel spent years believing that meeting the right person would feel like a movie, complete with instant certainty and butterflies. But after decades of dating, she realized that butterflies were never what made someone right for her. When she finally met Asher at 47, what she felt instead was comfort, respect, emotional intelligence and a connection that continued to grow.

In this episode, Rachel and Asher open up about heartbreak, loneliness, second chances and the very different journeys that eventually brought them together. Their story explores what real love actually feels like, why it may not arrive the way you imagined and how something far deeper can grow when you stop looking for the movie moment.

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:
 
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Maya and Avi Cohen open up about a side of infertility that almost never gets talked about in the jewish community.. Shortly after Maya was diagnosed with MRKH, she tried to end things with Avi rather than hold him back from having a family of his own. Avi refused to walk away, standing by her through years of uncertainty about what their future would even look like.

Maya and Avi share what it took to get to where they are now, from the shame Maya carried for years to the surrogate who became like family, and the community that showed up for them in ways they never expected. It's an honest, moving conversation about faith, marriage, and refusing to give up hope.

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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► Western Wall Prayers

Submit your name, and the names of your loved ones, to be prayed for at the Kotel.

https://www.westernwallprayers.org?a_aid=689ea0c620351

Hila and Nadav Fluss met through Shagririm Balev, a friends-set-up-friends dating initiative that has quietly produced hundreds of engagements in just a few years, and their story shows exactly why the model works. Hila grew up between Israel and South Korea chasing music, theater, and a life she wasn't ready to trade in for marriage, while Nadav spent nearly eight years dating without finding anything serious, always chasing the "Disney moment" instead of the right person. Raised across Israel, the Philippines, Holland, South Africa, and the U.S. as the son of a diplomat, Nadav eventually realized that the spark he kept waiting for wasn't the point, and that real relationships are built through communication and effort rather than instant magic.

Together, Hila and Nadav open up about the self-work that got them there: Nadav's realization that he needed to stop leaving the moment things got emotionally difficult, and Hila's decision to evaluate partners rationally before letting herself get swept up in excitement. They talk candidly about the fear of commitment so many daters carry, the value of having a trusted ambassador in your corner instead of facing an overwhelming sea of options alone, and what it actually took to go from "he seems like a good guy" to building a life together with a baby now on the way. Anyone who feels stuck in a pattern of dating without direction, or who wonders whether waiting for a feeling is holding them back from a real relationship, will find a lot to sit with in this conversation.

This week's episode is brought to you in part by:

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Maya Rockowitz was 24 and two semesters into a master's program in social work, when she lost her father suddenly and without warning, on a Shabbos that she now recognizes was filled with signs she couldn't have understood in the moment. In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Maya opens up about that Shabbos, about being the one who found him, and about the year and a half since, navigating grief while trying to build a life, date, and eventually get married without the person she calls her rock.

Maya and her host talk candidly about what it actually means to grieve while dating, the pressure to put on a brave face, and why suppressing pain only pushes people further from the person they love. Maya shares the small rituals that keep her connected to her father, the friends who showed up and the ones who didn't, and the hard-won belief that grief isn't something you move on from, it's something you learn to move with. Anyone who has experienced loss, is single and struggling to navigate life without someone they need, or simply wants to understand how to better support a grieving friend will find something here worth holding onto.

This episode was brought to you in part by:

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Mountain View by Shefa Living is a new, master-planned Torah-centered community in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, built on halacha, achdus, and authentic Yiddishkeit. 350 acres, with a shul, mikvah, yeshiva, and eruv on-site.

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Rena and Shaya Weinstein are logging in from opposite corners of an extraordinary life: Rena serving as an active-duty JAG officer in the United States Air Force stationed in England, and Shaya, a physical therapist originally from Teaneck, NJ, along for one of the most unpredictable rides in Jewish marriage. From a chance meeting at a Chabad Shabbat lunch in Miami to a breakup that sent them to opposite sides of the globe, Rena to Wichita, Kansas, Shaya to Israel, their story is a testament to timing, trust, and the belief that nothing is too hard for God, not even Kansas.

Together they open up about keeping Shabbos alone in the middle of a wheat field, dating long distance across a six-hour time difference, and building a marriage that's spanned Kansas, Israel, Cambridge, and the English countryside, with a baby now along for the journey. Their conversation is a powerful look at resilience, communication, and finding purpose in the most isolating chapters of life, with a message for anyone waiting for their own plans to finally align: God knows your zip code, and nothing is too hard for Him.

This episode was brought to you in part by:

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Rifki Holtzberg, born without legs in Brooklyn, shares her journey of adapting to life and overcoming challenges. She credits her parents for instilling confidence and independence. Rifki discusses her experiences in high school, where lack of accessibility made her feel different. She works full-time in marketing and enjoys party planning, despite physical limitations. Dating has been difficult, with people often judging her based on her appearance rather than her personality. Rifki actively participates in her family's Chabad activities, hosting around 200 people weekly. She drives independently using modified cars and remains hopeful for the future, relying on faith and family support.

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Adam and Kaley's journey to marriage is anything but ordinary. From heartbreak, illness, and years of waiting to a series of seemingly impossible events that brought them together, they share how faith, healing, and personal growth shaped the path that led them to each other. Their story explores navigating loss, overcoming doubt, finding purpose through unexpected challenges, and learning to trust Hashem even when life doesn't make sense. 

Together, they reflect on what it's like to date later in life, the fears that come with commitment after years of searching, and the lessons they've learned about relationships, self-worth, and building a meaningful marriage. Whether you're single, dating, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on patience, resilience, and the belief that every step of the journey can prepare you for what's ahead.

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Dr. Lightman has spent decades caring for children and families, but in this conversation he shares what he believes is fueling so much anxiety in today’s shidduch world. From plastic surgery and extreme dieting to mental health stigma, résumé culture, and parental pressure, he argues that too many people are chasing an image of perfection instead of focusing on character, values, and genuine compatibility. Drawing from his experience as a pediatrician, he discusses the real impact these pressures have on young people and why trust, honesty, and confidence matter far more than appearances. 

The conversation also explores difficult topics that many families avoid: anxiety medication, eating disorders, fertility fears, medical disclosures in dating, and the growing pressure surrounding age and marriage. Along the way, Dr. Lightman shares stories from his life—from growing up in South Africa and serving in the military to raising a family of seven—and offers a perspective rooted in faith, resilience, and the belief that every person has inherent value beyond what can ever fit on a résumé. 

This episode was brought to you in part by:

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https://www.arkia.com/en/content/about-arkia

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► Woodridge Trauma Institute

An intensive two-week therapy program for deep, lasting healing from trauma and long-standing emotional wounds, offering the depth of inpatient treatment while participants return home each day. Led by Dr. Eli Kauffman, limited openings remain in their August cohort.

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Caleiv and Chana Jeantine join us for an unforgettable conversation about one of the most unlikely journeys to Judaism you'll ever hear. Caleiv, the son of Haitian immigrants and a gifted musician who grew up playing piano in his father's gospel church, and Chana, raised in a small Seventh-Day Adventist community down south, met at church, married within a matter of months, and set out to build a life centered entirely around God. What began as a simple commitment to wake up and study the Tanach together every single morning slowly turned their whole world upside down.

The more they learned, the more the contradictions piled up, until they could no longer ignore what the text was plainly telling them. Their search cost them their church, took them through a messianic detour, and eventually led them to the doors of Chabad of Augusta, where they showed up every Shabbat for two years before formally converting. They open up about the fear, the heartbreak, and the sense of betrayal that came with walking away from everything they were raised to believe and why they're convinced that if you sit down and truly study the words with intention, you never know where they might lead you.

Ari and Gitty Klein, the family behind the iconic Klein’s Ice Cream brand, join us for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had. Ari shares the remarkable story of how his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor who lost his wife and eight children in the Shoah, rebuilt his life from nothing and founded what would become one of the most recognizable kosher food brands in America.

But the heart of this episode is something even bigger. Both Ari and Gitty made the extraordinary decision to donate a kidney to complete strangers, later inspiring their son to do the same. They discuss the fears, emotions, family conversations, and life-changing moments that came with giving someone a second chance at life, and why they believe every person has the ability to make an impact, even if it looks different than theirs.

This episode was brought to you in part by:

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► Resunize

Shidduch resumes shouldn't live in random screenshots, notebooks, and lost scraps of paper.
Resunize keeps every resume, note, and piece of feedback organized in one clean place.

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In this week's episode of Stories of Hope, Ariel and Koby Gold sit down for one of the most courageous and important conversations we've ever had on this podcast. Koby opens up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression, the childhood isolation that shaped him, and the terrifying manic episode that landed him in a closed psychiatric ward in Israel, while his wife Ariel was home alone with a three-week-old baby. From the first signs of hypomania during a family trip to California, to the sleepless nights where Koby genuinely believed he was Moshiach, this episode holds nothing back about what bipolar disorder really looks like inside a marriage.

But this episode is so much more than a mental health story. It's a story about a wife who chose to stay, a husband who chose to fight, and a couple who discovered that you don't get over the hardest things in life, you get through them, together. Ariel and Koby speak honestly about the loneliness of mental illness, the danger of stopping your medication when you start feeling better, the role of faith in the darkest moments, and what it actually takes to rebuild after something that shakes everything. If you or someone you love has ever felt alone in their struggle, this episode will make you feel seen.

This episode was brought to you in part by:

► PZ Deals

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The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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► Resunize

Shidduch resumes shouldn't live in random screenshots, notebooks, and lost scraps of paper.

Resunize keeps every resume, note, and piece of feedback organized in one clean place.

https://resunize.com/mm

In this week's episode of Stories of Hope, Yossi and Dave Levinger, two brothers who haven't started dating yet, sit down for one of the most refreshingly honest and entertaining conversations we've ever had on the podcast. From the pressures of the shidduch world and the expectations of matchmakers to what it really means to be "ready" to date, the brothers open up about their decision to move out of their parents' house, build financial independence, and become the best versions of themselves before entering a serious relationship. What starts as a fun, lighthearted conversation quickly becomes a deep and honest look at self-awareness, confidence, identity, and the courage to be yourself even when the world is telling you to stay in the box.

The episode also dives into the weight of family expectations, the question of kollel vs. working, the role of parents in dating decisions, and why so many young people start dating before they're truly ready. Yossi and Dave bring humor, rawness, and real talk that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt pressure to fit a mold, whether you're pre-dating, mid-dating, or just trying to figure out who you are and what you actually want.

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

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In this week’s episode of Stories of Hope, Sarah Sheindel and David share the deeply personal story of how they found each other after years of heartbreak, uncertainty, and feeling like marriage might never happen. David opens up about spending nearly two decades dating without ever finding the right connection, while Sara shares the reality of re-entering the dating world as a divorced single mother of four children, including a daughter with severe medical needs. Together, they speak honestly about rejection, resilience, self-worth, and the pressure people feel when they think they’ve “fallen behind” in life.

What makes their story so powerful is not just that they eventually got married, but how unexpected their journey was. From dating apps and difficult conversations to learning how to become a stepfather and blending a family together, this episode is filled with raw vulnerability, humor, hope, and perspective for anyone navigating dating, divorce, loneliness, or self-doubt. Sara and David’s story is a reminder that life rarely unfolds the way we imagine, but sometimes the things we thought disqualified us are exactly what lead us to the right person.

To contact David:
@yusimmattressco | yusimmattress@gmail.com

To contact Sarah Sheindel:
@sarahkorenblit

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

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► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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► JWed

Over 4,000 verified Jewish marriages started on JWed.

For over 25 years, JWed has helped serious singles find the right person.

https://www.jwed.com/?campid=1871

In this week’s episode of Stories of Hope, Naomi Nachman and her husband Zvi Nachman share the incredible story of how one spontaneous decision changed the course of their lives forever. From Naomi leaving Australia alone at 21 with barely any money and a one-way dream to building a life in New York, to the unexpected Thanksgiving night where the two first met, this episode is packed with wisdom about dating, risk-taking, marriage, faith, and refusing to settle for mediocrity.

The conversation dives deep into the pressures of modern Jewish dating, financial expectations surrounding marriage, raising independent children, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to build the life you truly want. Naomi also opens up about how she accidentally became one of the first major kosher food influencers, building a career that took her from personal chef to cookbooks, cruises, media, and worldwide recognition. This episode is honest, inspiring, funny, and filled with practical life lessons about ambition, bitachon, family, and creating your own path.

This episode was brought you in part by:

► PZ Deals

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In this week’s episode of the Stories of Hope, we sit down with Zeldy Broyde and Malky Mayerfeld to explore one of the most difficult and least understood topics: surviving sexual abuse and finding a path forward. Through raw honesty and lived experience, Zeldy shares how her own pain led to the creation of Ray of Hope, now a lifeline for thousands of survivors. This conversation goes beyond awareness. It is about breaking silence, rebuilding identity, and redefining what healing actually looks like

From navigating dating and relationships to confronting shame, rejection, and the fear of never being loved, this episode offers a perspective most people never hear. It challenges assumptions, reframes what it means to be a survivor, and shows how deep pain can coexist with growth, meaning, and even joy. Whether you are struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand, this is a conversation that can change how you see others and yourself.

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

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The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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The only online platform that lets you browse & connect with vetted mental health and wellness professionals who serve the Jewish community. Find a pro who gets your vibe and your values.

Visit: https://content.jcn.io/Okclarity

To join as a professional visit: https://content.jcn.io/OKclarity

In this episode of Stories of Hope, Samantha shares an incredibly raw and powerful journey through life’s most unexpected challenges, from heartbreak and loss to raising children with unique abilities. What begins as a story about dating struggles and an unlikely JSwipe success quickly unfolds into something much deeper: a conversation about faith, resilience, and what it really means to build a family when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Through it all, Samantha’s perspective is both honest and uplifting. She opens up about navigating grief, parenting children with special needs, and maintaining a strong marriage and sense of purpose through it all. Her story isn’t about everything working out perfectly, it’s about learning how to move forward, find meaning, and embrace the life you’re given with strength and gratitude.

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

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The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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In this week’s episode of Stories of Hope, Rena and Shloime Berkowitz share a deeply personal and powerful journey through dating struggles, infertility, financial hardship, and mental health challenges. From moments of feeling completely lost to navigating some of the darkest periods of their lives, they open up about what it really took to keep going, and how their relationship, faith, and resilience carried them through. 

Through raw honesty and hard-earned perspective, this episode explores what it means to hold onto hope when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s a story about struggle, growth, and finding light in places you never expected, for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or searching for purpose.

This episode was brought you in part by:

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Nechama and Shmuel share a deeply honest and unexpected journey of finding each other, two people from completely different worlds who never should have crossed paths, yet somehow did. From Nechama’s search for identity, independence, and a life in Israel, to Shmuel’s unconventional path through school, the army, and quiet loneliness, their stories unfold with raw vulnerability. Both describe the tension of building full lives while still feeling something missing, and the powerful realization that you don’t have to pause your life while waiting for the right person.

What makes their story remarkable isn’t just how they met, but how they got there: choosing authenticity over pressure, growth over expectations, and trust over control. Through moments of doubt, faith, and personal rebuilding, they each found clarity, not by chasing a relationship, but by becoming who they needed to be. Their message is simple but powerful: live honestly, don’t limit your path, and trust that what’s meant for you can find you anywhere.

This episode was brought you in part by:

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Eat the way Torah intended and transform your health, The Fit Jew blends proven nutrition with timeless halacha to help you lose weight, boost energy, and build a sustainable lifestyle. 

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In this powerful conversation, Ellie and Shira Bashvili share their unexpected journey, from a random meeting in Jerusalem to building a life together that defies everything you’d expect on paper. Ellie, who is completely blind, opens up about independence, identity, and why being blind is actually the least interesting thing about him.
This episode goes deeper. It’s about how we perceive others, the assumptions we make, and what it really means to connect on a human level. From dating without expectations to building a marriage rooted in awareness, communication, and growth. This conversation will challenge the way you think about relationships, limitations, and what truly matters.

To contact Ellie and Shira: shiraskaist51@gmail.com

This episode was brought you in part by:

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Rachel spent years feeling stuck, watching everyone around her move forward while she was barely getting set up, sometimes just once a year. The constant disappointment took a real toll on her confidence, but one message kept her grounded: everything happens b’zmano, in its right time. Izzy, on the other hand, was coming out of a painful, traumatic relationship that forced him to step back and do real work on himself. When they first met, the timing wasn’t right. Instead of forcing it, they walked away, something most people don’t have the clarity or courage to do.
Years later, after growth, healing, and completely separate journeys, a random “possessed” text message reconnected them. This time, everything was different. Honest conversations, real self-awareness, and a willingness to do things the right way led them back to each other, stronger, clearer, and ready. Their story is a powerful reminder that the right relationship is not about rushing, it is about becoming the right person first.

This episode was brought you in part by:

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In this powerful conversation, Shlome and Henchy share their deeply personal journeys through marriage, divorce, and ultimately finding a second chance at love. Raised in tight-knit Chasidic communities where marriage often happens very young, they open up about what it was like to enter relationships before truly understanding themselves, and how those experiences shaped the rest of their lives. Their story sheds light on the traditional shidduch process, the pressures young people can face, and the emotional realities behind decisions that can affect families for generations.
Today, the couple is using what they’ve learned to help others build healthier marriages and stronger families. Drawing from painful lessons and years of personal growth, they speak about communication between parents and children, emotional preparedness for marriage, and the importance of modeling strong relationships at home. Their message is ultimately one of hope: that healing is possible, second chances are real, and with honesty and guidance, the next generation can build deeper, more authentic relationships.

To contact Shlome and Henchy, email: kesheremail@gmail.com & henchy7460@gmail.com

This episode was brought you in part by:

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Leo Dee shares the unimaginable story of losing his wife Lucy and daughters Maya and Rina in a Hamas terror attack while traveling in Israel. In this deeply moving conversation, Leo and his wife Aliza open up about grief, resilience, faith, and the long journey toward healing. Leo reflects on how tragedy reshaped his perspective on pain, explaining how learning to understand emotional “triggers” helped him slowly move forward rather than remain stuck in the past. His story reveals a powerful approach to life after loss: accepting the past, choosing the future, and finding purpose even after unimaginable heartbreak.

Aliza shares her own journey of navigating over two decades of singlehood, the emotional toll of dating, and the lessons she learned about hope, resilience, and trusting God’s plan. Together, Leo and Aliza discuss rebuilding a life after tragedy, the courage it takes to keep trying when life feels broken, and the importance of honesty, communication, and faith in building a meaningful future. Their story is a remarkable reminder that even in the darkest moments, it is still possible to choose hope and begin again.

This episode was brought you in part by:

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In this episode of Stories of Hope, Rabbi Jamie and Ilana Cowland share the journey that shaped their life’s mission. From London to Israel, they reflect on the pivotal moments that led them to dedicate their lives to bridging gaps within the Jewish world . Rabbi Jamie explains how he realized traditional kiruv models were no longer reaching people the same way , which ultimately led to the creation of Justifi, taking participants around the world to confront real human suffering and awaken a deeper sense of purpose. Ilana speaks about the courage it took to choose conviction over comfort and how that decision changed everything.

They also open up about raising idealistic, confident children in a world of comfort and distraction . With honesty and vulnerability, they discuss parenting through struggle, redefining success, and helping children discover their own mission. This conversation is a powerful exploration of purpose, relationships, and living with intention.

This episode was brought you in part by:

► PZ Deals

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You want clothing that looks good. That you can find in coordinating yet age-appropriate styles. That doesn’t break the bank. That you can buy when you need it (and not only 6 months in advance).

Leader Kids is for you. real kidswear, for real moms.

https://leader-kids.com/?utm_source=storiesofhope&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=stories_of_hope

In this unforgettable episode of Stories of Hope, Clair and Yitzchok share a journey that defies every expectation. From adoption and identity struggles to secret university studies, dangerous relationships, deportation, and a deep spiritual unraveling, Clair’s path took her across continents and cultures before ultimately bringing her back to her roots . Yitzchok’s story runs parallel: divorce, loneliness, unwavering faith, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep believing when the future feels uncertain. Their individual roads were anything but simple, yet every twist led them closer to something neither of them saw coming.

What happens when two 38-year-old singles, both carrying full lifetimes of experience, meet at a Shabbos table in Miami? Ten days later, they knew. This episode is about faith through confusion, gratitude through pain, and the courage to keep searching for truth even when it costs you everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story still has a chapter waiting to unfold, this conversation will remind you that hope has a way of showing up exactly when it’s meant to.

To connect with Yitzchak and Claire:
Email: Hello@thepemberleygroup.com
Instagram: @claireofpemberley

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

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The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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► Western Wall Prayers

It’s starting next week! 40 days through Purim and Pesach.

https://www.westernwallprayers.org?a_aid=689ea0c620351

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► Jewish legacy stories

Jewish Legacy Stories preserves real Jewish family histories through thoughtful interviews, archival photos, and legacy films so voices and lessons aren’t lost over time.

https://jewishlegacystories.com

In this episode of Stories of Hope, Yisroel and Devorah Feder share the part of marriage most people hide. Married young, disconnected from the start, and eventually separated, they open up about years of struggle, loneliness, public judgment, and the quiet pain their family carried. With honesty and humility, they talk about what it feels like to believe your marriage is broken beyond repair, and the shame that often comes with that reality 

What makes this conversation powerful is not just that they got back together, but how they did. Through dating each other again, therapy, hard self-reflection, and learning how to truly see one another, Yisroel and Devorah rebuilt something real, slowly and imperfectly. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, or afraid that their story is already over. It’s a reminder that hope doesn’t come from pretending things are perfect, it comes from refusing to give up when they’re not 

To contact Yisroel: marc@jayfeder.com

To contact Devorah: devorah@jayfeder.com

This episode was brought you in part by:

► PZ Deals

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► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

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► Jewish legacy stories

Jewish Legacy Stories preserves real Jewish family histories through thoughtful interviews, archival photos, and legacy films so voices and lessons aren’t lost over time.

https://jewishlegacystories.com

In this deeply honest and moving episode, Yisroel Kerner and Elana Kerner share their personal journeys through dating, identity, mental health, and finding each other in Israel. From navigating labels and social pressure to speaking openly about depression, therapy, and self-acceptance, they unpack what it really means to be “ready” for marriage. Their story challenges the boxes people are placed into and highlights how growth, struggle, and authenticity are not obstacles to love, but the very things that lead to it. 

This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and deeply validating for anyone who has ever felt out of place, pressured by systems, or afraid that their challenges make them “less than.” Yisroel and Elana show how honesty, emotional safety, and respect for each other’s journeys became the foundation of their relationship, and why the right person doesn’t overlook your story, but honors it.

To contact Yisroel & Elana Kerner, email: elanakerner@gmail.com

This episode was brought you in part by:

► PZ Deals

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► Chesed 24/7 — RUN 24.7

Help keep Chesed rooms running in 30 hospitals

Join the live 5K at American Dream Mall (Feb 22, 2026) or sign up as a raiser—every mile keeps the rooms going.

https://run4chesed.org

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► Torat Imecha - Nach Yomi Siyum

Thousands of Jewish women worldwide are completing a two-year Nach Yomi journey. Celebrate the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi Siyum on February 15 in Woodmere, NY—or at local siyumim in Boston, Chicago, Boca, and Phoenix.

https://go.ou.org/siyum26

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► Jewish legacy stories

Jewish Legacy Stories preserves real Jewish family histories through thoughtful interviews, archival photos, and legacy films so voices and lessons aren’t lost over time.

https://jewishlegacystories.com

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This episode of Stories of Hope is a raw and deeply moving conversation with Hadassah and Yossi Chen, who share their journey through unimaginable grief, faith, marriage, and growth after the loss of their daughter, Navi. They speak honestly about navigating childhood illness, loss, bitachon, and how pain can either break a person, or transform them. This is not just a story of loss, but a story of light, resilience, and purpose, and what it means to keep moving forward when life brings you to zero.

Lezecher nishmat Nava Ruth bat Yosef

To contact Hadassah and Yossi: Hadassahchenproductions@gmail.com

This episode was brought you in part by:

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In this deeply honest episode, Deena Flaks and Kalman Flaks share their raw, unfiltered journeys through years of dating, heartbreak, faith, doubt, and resilience—before finally finding each other later in life.

Deena opens up about dating from 19 to 36, going out with over 200 people, navigating pressure, intuition, burnout, and the quiet fear of “maybe something is wrong with me.” Kalman shares his path through community leadership, divorce, public scrutiny, choosing joy, and continuing to build others even when life didn’t go according to plan.

Together, they speak candidly about singlehood, delayed marriage, trust in Hashem, emotional clarity, red flags vs. intuition, the damage of gossip, and what actually matters when choosing a partner. This conversation is not about segulos or shortcuts—it’s about faith, patience, self-honesty, and believing you didn’t miss your moment.

If you’re single, supporting someone who is, or carrying quiet doubts about your timeline, this episode will make you feel seen.

Watch until the end for powerful advice for singles, parents, and anyone struggling with fear, comparison, or loss of hope.

To contact Deena and Kalman Flaks:
📧 deens611@gmail.com

This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:

► PZ Deals

Download the app and never pay full price again!

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_____________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka

https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful

_____________________

► Chesed 24/7 — RUN 24.7

Help keep Chesed rooms running in 30 hospitals

Join the live 5K at American Dream Mall (Feb 22, 2026) or sign up as a raiser—every mile keeps the rooms going.

https://run4chesed.org

_____________________

► B’Sefer Chayim

When you get married—or marry off a child—you plan for the future. You make thoughtful choices. You lay the foundation for what comes next. Life insurance is one of the cheapest, simplest, smartest things you can do.

Life insurance isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a basic.
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They waited. They struggled. They almost walked away—more than once.

After 12+ years of painful dating, self-doubt, fear, therapy, and deep inner work, Michal and Nadav finally found each other in the most unexpected way. This is not a fairy tale. 
It’s a raw, honest conversation about loneliness, faith, surrender, rejection, healing, and why the journey doesn’t end when you get engaged.
If you’ve ever felt “behind,” broken, or afraid it may never happen—this story is for you.
You can reach out to Nadav and Michal via email: Nadavslovin@gmail.com and Michalslovin@gmail.com

To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko 

This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:

► PZ Deals

Download the app and never pay full price again!

https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp 

_________________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka

https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful

_________________________

► B’Sefer Chayim

When you get married—or marry off a child—you plan for the future. You make thoughtful choices. You lay the foundation for what comes next. Life insurance is one of the cheapest, simplest, smartest things you can do.
Life insurance isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a basic.

www.bseferchayim.org    

_________________________

► Torat Imecha - Nach Yomi Siyum

Thousands of Jewish women worldwide are completing a two-year Nach Yomi journey. Celebrate the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi Siyum on February 15 in Woodmere, NY—or at local siyumim in Boston, Chicago, Boca, and Phoenix.

https://go.ou.org/siyum26

_________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

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In this powerful episode, Simi Polonsky, shares her journey through love, devastating loss, widowhood, remarriage, divorce, and rebuilding life with faith and honesty.

She speaks openly about grief, anger at Hashem, motherhood, shame, resilience, and what it truly means to choose life when nothing feels certain.

This conversation explores how to live with hope without waiting for things to work out, how to sit with pain without becoming a victim, and how faith can evolve through suffering.

A raw, honest discussion about loss, healing, and finding beauty in the middle of the story — not the end.

You can follow Simi on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelifeofsimi/?hl=en 

To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko 

This episode was brought you in part by:

►PZ Deals

Download The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Again

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___________________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

https://pushkapp.cc/soh

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

►Shas 4 Shidduchim

Shas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.

Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.

www.Shas4shidduchim.org 

___________________________

► B’Sefer Chayim

When you get married—or marry off a child—you plan for the future. You make thoughtful choices. You lay the foundation for what comes next. Life insurance is one of the cheapest, simplest, smartest things you can do.

Life insurance isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a basic.

www.bseferchayim.org    

___________________________

►Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

www.soh.plus 

What happens when two ambitious, thoughtful Jews—raised with identity but not observance—begin asking deeper questions about truth, purpose, and God? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Jenna and Justin share their journeys back to Judaism, from college campuses and law school to Israel, yeshiva, marriage, and parenthood.

They open up about the beauty and the struggle of becoming religious, navigating dating as baalei teshuva, building a marriage rooted in faith, and confronting real-life challenges like postpartum depression, identity shifts, career pressure, and spiritual comparison. With wisdom, vulnerability, and warmth, Jenna and Justin reflect on mentors, slow and sustainable growth, daily consistency, and what it truly means to serve Hashem in the trenches of everyday life.

This episode is for anyone who’s searching, growing, questioning, or simply trying to live with more intention—right where they are. 

You can contact Jenna and Justin Maio via email: jenna@modernjewishgirl.com

For any questions or suggestions please email us at SOH@meaningfulminute.org

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

https://pushkapp.cc/soh

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

►Shas 4 Shidduchim

Shas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.
Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.

www.Shas4shidduchim.org 

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

www.soh.plus 

What does it mean to create hope while still living in pain?

In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Haddasa Manela shares her extraordinary journey of building and leading Bonei Olam of Florida while navigating more than a decade of infertility and loss. Instead of waiting for her own “happy ending,” Hadassah chose to act — raising millions of dollars, funding treatments for countless couples, and helping bring over 100 babies into the world.

With vulnerability, clarity, and courage, Haddasa speaks about grief, bitterness, faith, taking breaks, setting boundaries, and finding purpose even when the answers don’t come. This episode is not about easy miracles or neat resolutions — it’s about resilience, honesty, and the quiet strength of continuing to show up.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, stuck in waiting, or unsure how to keep moving forward when life doesn’t unfold as planned, this conversation will make you feel understood — and less alone.

You can reach out via email: Haddasamanela@gmail.com or Boneiolamflorida@gmail.com 

Or follow Hadassa on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/bydaza or via email: https://www.instagram.com/boneiolam_florida

for more information visit:
 www.Charidy.com/knockout

www.Boneiolam.org/florida

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

https://pushkapp.cc/soh

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

►Shas 4 Shidduchim

Shas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.

Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.

www.Shas4shidduchim.org 

___________________________

►JCCGCI Holocaust Survivors Need You Now!

For over 50 years, JCCGCI is one of the largest providers of Holocaust survivor support services in the world. Their programs are designed to help survivors maintain their independence and dignity while living in their own homes. 

There are approximately 10,000 Holocaust survivors living in New York City today- and every day, JCCGCI sees survivors struggling to afford food, heat, medical care, transportation, and homecare. They cannot wait.

👉Please Donate and Support the Light Up Their Lives campaign at:

www.JCCGCI.org/lightuptheirlives 

In this deeply moving and honest conversation, Chana and Meir Horowitz share a story that unfolds at the intersection of love, loss, faith, and resilience.

They take us through their very first dates, their vastly different backgrounds, and the powerful connection they felt almost instantly — only to have everything change when Chana’s mother suddenly passed away in the middle of their dating journey. What followed was grief, uncertainty, and some of the hardest questions a couple can face early on: Do we continue? Can we hold space for pain and still build a future?

Together, Chana and Meir speak candidly about navigating shidduchim through loss, dating while grieving, choosing love in the face of fear, and how struggle can become a source of profound depth and light. Chana also opens up about her journey through an eating disorder, healing, and self-worth — offering hope and guidance to anyone silently struggling.

This episode is raw, compassionate, and deeply validating for anyone who has faced heartbreak, loss, or felt “too broken” to be loved. It’s a conversation about choosing life, choosing growth, and trusting that even the hardest descents can lead to the greatest ascents.

You can contact Chana and Meir via email: Info.dayinmyjewishlife@gmail.com and zackhorowitzwfs@gmail.com and you can find them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayinmyjewishlife/ 

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

https://pushkapp.cc/soh

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

►Shas 4 Shidduchim

Shas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.

Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.

www.Shas4shidduchim.org 

___________________________

►JCCGCI - Holocaust Survivors Need You Now!

For over 50 years, JCCGCI is one of the largest providers of Holocaust survivor support services in the world. Their programs are designed to help survivors maintain their independence and dignity while living in their own homes. 

There are approximately 10,000 Holocaust survivors living in New York City today- and every day, JCCGCI sees survivors struggling to afford food, heat, medical care, transportation, and homecare. They cannot wait.

👉Please Donate and Support the Light Up Their Lives campaign at:

www.JCCGCI.org/lightuptheirlives 

What happens when two young adults — both raised secular in Montreal — suddenly feel like something is missing? And what happens when one of them, at only 21, is diagnosed with a massive tumor and told she has Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

In this deeply moving episode of Stories of Hope, Amanda and Aaron share their intertwined journeys of loss, searching, healing, faith, and love. Their story begins with tragedy, continues across continents, leads them through Israel’s streets and hospital corridors, and ultimately brings them home — spiritually and literally.

Amanda opens up about losing her best friend in a tragic accident, years of anxiety, and the moment a cancer diagnosis led her not to bitterness but to profound clarity and connection with God. Aaron describes searching for meaning across Southeast Asia, only to discover that the spark he was chasing had been inside him all along. Their paths collided at exactly the right moment — with unmistakable signs that their meeting was divinely orchestrated.

Today, the two of them run an unofficial Chabad house for friends who are seeking warmth, Shabbos, community, and authenticity. Their home overflows with guests, music, and meaning.

You can contact Aaron and Amanda via email:  sarahrivahspiro@gmail.com or connect via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadawnspiro 

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

https://pushkapp.cc/soh

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

►  ReKindle

This film presents the powerful, deeply personal accounts of two survivors of the Café Rimon double suicide bombing in Jerusalem. 

This documentary is a tribute to the lives lost, the resilience of those who survived, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through Nochi Krohn’s and Ovadia Waxler’s story, viewers witness the lasting impact of terror and the extraordinary strength required to keep choosing life, day after day.

Exclusively available via Meaningful Minute Plus:

www.soh.plus

When Malka and Yaakov walked into the studio, no one knew the magnitude of the story they were about to reveal. What began as a routine pregnancy quickly spiraled into fear, medical crises, heartbreak, and impossible decisions — including being told by doctors and rabbinic leadership to terminate.

But something inside Malka said no.

In this raw, emotional and deeply moving episode, the Slatus family shares their journey of faith, fear, resilience, and the miraculous life of their son, Shaya — a child with Down syndrome who survived life-threatening heart defects, repeated hospitalizations, and surgeries that doctors doubted would help.

This episode is for anyone who has ever faced the unknown, battled inner conflict, or questioned their strength. Their courage will change the way you look at special-needs parenting, faith, and what it means to show up for the people you love — even when the world tells you not to.

You can reach out to Malka and Yaakov Slatus via email: Malka.slatus1@gmail.com and  emerald5736@gmail.com 

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

https://pushkapp.cc/soh

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►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

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►  ReKindle

A new documentary exclusively on Meaningful Minute Plus

Coming Dec. 13th!

www.soh.plus

In this raw, deeply emotional interview, Kayla shares her near-death experience, religious trauma, postpartum depression, and the moment she thought she no longer believed in Judaism. At the same time, Shmuel — a rabbi — reveals what it was like to stay married while watching his wife lose her faith.

Together, they walk us through:
✨ Kayla’s clinical death and what she experienced on “the other side”

 ✨ How trauma, doubt, and anger at God pushed her to rebuild her relationship with Hashem

 ✨ The conflicts, fear, and love inside a marriage where two people choose completely different religious paths

 ✨ Shmuel’s “Red Line System” — the tool that saved their marriage

 ✨ How they’re raising children with honesty, curiosity, and spiritual autonomy

 ✨ Why most couples give up too soon — and how to reconnect even when your values change

Their story is messy, human, hilarious, painful, and unbelievably hopeful. From rebuilding trust to reshaping their identities, from navigating Shabbos under one roof to opening their home to struggling teens—this episode is an emotional roller coaster with a soul.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, your faith, or your relationship, this conversation will hit deep. This is Stories of Hope at its most honest.

You can follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/questioningtheanswers?igsh=MXh5NTJxdWJ6NHpxZQ==  and Shmuel here: https://www.instagram.com/nishmasi_online / https://www.youtube.com/@Nishmasi 

For more information about the organization ‘The Vaad’ that Kayla founded to help Agunos visit https://vaadlinyaneiigun.org/ as well as in this article: https://mishpacha.com/hope-unchained/ 

This weeks episode is sponsored by Tzipora’s brother and sister-in-law Noach and Michal Grodko, of Adina Las Vegas in loving memory of Michal’s brother Mordy, Morrdechai Ben Dan Zev Moshe A”H, in honor of his first Yartzheit. 

Mordy had a deep love for connecting with people, with HASHEM  and with the deeper truths in life. He asked real questions, he cared deeply, and he lived with sincerity and authenticity. Anyone who crossed his path felt uplifted by his warmth, and his light continues to shine through the people whose lives he touched. 

May his neshama have an Aliya

This episode is also sponsored by:

► Nafshi 

A musical evening with Shulem Lemmer, Benny Friedman, Joey Newcomb, Yehuda Green and Eli Marcus: This is Nafshi!

7th of December at Kings Theater!

https://colelchabad.events/mm 
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►Pizza Biza

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► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.
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► Meaningful Minute Plus

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Editor: Sruly Saftlas

On this week’s episode of Stories of Hope, host Tzipora Grodko sits down with Ronni and Gavriel Rabin — a couple whose love story feels like it was written in Heaven. She was a divorced grandmother rediscovering herself. He was a widower, a Vietnam veteran, a convert to Judaism, and absolutely not looking for love. But one unexpected phone call — sparked by a charity donation — set off a chain of events neither of them could have imagined.

What followed? Lightning-bolt moments, cross-country conversations, a first meeting straight out of a movie, and a love that blossomed at ages 79 and 67. Their journey spans Montana cabins with no electricity, spiritual awakenings, deep loss, and ultimately, a miraculous second chance at love.

This is a story about timing, faith, courage… and the magic that happens when you stay open to the unexpected.

You can reach Ronni and Gavriel via email: Ronni.Rabin@gmail.com

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

 https://pushka.cc/

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.

https://betterthanasegulah.org/

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

Www.soh.plus

In this profoundly moving conversation, Chaya and Shmily Morgenstern open up about their journey through love, loss, and resilience. From navigating the Chasidic dating world and living with Kallmann syndrome to surviving a near-fatal car accident and rebuilding life after traumatic brain injury, their story is one of courage, faith, and unshakable authenticity. 

Together, they reveal how vulnerability and realness — not perfection — form the strongest foundation for love. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, healing and connection are possible when we lead with honesty, gratitude, and hope.

You can reach out via email to Chaya: Chayam7750@gmail.com Shmilisings@gmail.com and Shmily: Shmilisings@gmail.com

You can listen to Shmily’s song of gratitude after his accident here: https://youtu.be/zp5QjE1DDE8?si=d93tRVq3cM-krZb- 

And hear his medical story https://youtu.be/jjeNimlWloE?si=sKlEo5qZzNLO4D4m 

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

 https://pushka.cc/

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.

https://betterthanasegulah.org/

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

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In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Allie and Yehudah open up about their unique journeys through faith, love, and perseverance. Allie shares the emotional reality of navigating years of dating in a close-knit community—watching her siblings marry, facing loneliness, and ultimately finding peace and strength within herself. Yehudah, a South African-born Israeli Air Force officer, reveals how his path—from moving countries to embracing vulnerability—led him to meet Allie in the most unexpected way. Together, their story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the beauty of timing that only feels divine in hindsight.

You can email Allie at AllieSina93@gmail.com and Yehudah at yehudah@krinkin.co.za

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

 https://pushka.cc/

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

►Kigel Coaching

Have you been trying to lose weight — again and again — only to feel frustrated, tired, and stuck?

It’s time to try something different.

Meet Rabbi Reuven Kigel, the man behind the Eat Like Chazal 21-Day Challenge — a Torah-based approach to eating that’s transforming lives.

In just three weeks, participants have lost up to 10 pounds, reduced medications, and gained energy, clarity, and confidence — all while eating in a way aligned with Chazal’s timeless wisdom.

This isn’t another fad diet — it will help you develop a whole new lifestyle.

Join the Eat Like Chazal 21-Day Challenge today. For $500, you can transform your life forever.

Whatsapp Number for Men: https://wa.me/message/76KJWTKVAG5JJ1

Whatsapp Number for Women: https://wa.me/message/KCHVWWWP5WG7J1

http://www.thefitjew.com

___________________________

► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.

https://betterthanasegulah.org/

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

Www.soh.plus

In this heartfelt Stories of Hope episode, host Tzipora Grodko sits down with Shushy and Ben Turin — better known as Cooking in Heels and Eating in Flats — to share the incredible story of how fate, faith, and a delayed EL AL flight brought two unlikely souls together.
What began as an innocent Wi-Fi request at an airport turned into a 12-hour conversation that changed both their lives. From Shushy’s Brooklyn upbringing and strict seminary world to Ben’s yeshiva years in Israel and dreams of making Aliyah, their paths seemed worlds apart — until divine timing proved otherwise.
Through heartbreak, family resistance, and unexpected miracles, they discovered that love isn’t about fitting into a box — it’s about creating your own. Their story reminds us that Hashem’s hand is in every twist, turn, and timing — even when it feels impossible.
A tale of courage, faith, and finding your Bashert when you least expect it.
This episode is sponsored by:

► Western Wall Prayers

It’s starting next week! 40 days to Zos Chanukah. http://www.westernwallprayers.org?a_aid=689ea0c62035

____________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.
 https://pushka.cc/
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►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.
https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

► Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor

Eishet Chayil is a stunning new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon’s timeless poem to life through the stories of 24 extraordinary Jewish women — from Sarah to Esther and beyond. Featuring original artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, it’s both inspiring and accessible, celebrating the strength and faith of Jewish women across history. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz, this bestselling release makes a meaningful gift for any woman of valor.
Available now at EishetChayil.com Kehot.com

Use code SOH20 for 20% off

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► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.
Www.soh.plus

Shani thought her story was over. Yochanan was a single dad rebuilding from heartbreak.
Two people, both done with hope — until one weekend in Israel changed everything.
This is the real story of faith, loss, and second chances.

You can contact Shani and Yochanan via email:  Spollack@aish.edu Or Yochananpollack@gmail.com  

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.

 https://pushka.cc/

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

► Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor

Eishet Chayil is a stunning new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon’s timeless poem to life through the stories of 24 extraordinary Jewish women — from Sarah to Esther and beyond. Featuring original artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, it’s both inspiring and accessible, celebrating the strength and faith of Jewish women across history. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz, this bestselling release makes a meaningful gift for any woman of valor.

Available now at EishetChayil.com Kehot.com

Use code SOH20 for 20% off

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

Www.soh.plus

This week on Stories of Hope, Tzipora sits down with Dani and Raizel Namdar, better known as That Jewish Family, the couple behind the viral account sharing their journey of faith, family, and adventure. From growing up as Chabad shluchim in opposite corners of the world to finding each other through the shidduch system, Dani and Raizel open up about their unlikely love story, what they’ve learned about marriage and purpose, and how they built a life rooted in meaning while sharing it with millions online.

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

The easiest way to give Tzedaka.
 https://pushka.cc/
___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.
https://www.pizzabiza.com

__________________________

► Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.
https://betterthanasegulah.org/

___________________________

► Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor

Eishet Chayil is a stunning new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon’s timeless poem to life through the stories of 24 extraordinary Jewish women — from Sarah to Esther and beyond. Featuring original artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, it’s both inspiring and accessible, celebrating the strength and faith of Jewish women across history. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz, this bestselling release makes a meaningful gift for any woman of valor.
Available now at EishetChayil.com Kehot.com

Use code SOH20 for 20% off

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.
Www.soh.plus 

What does it take to move from the chaos of late-night clubs and DJ booths to a life of Torah, meditation, and deep inner peace? In this inspiring conversation, Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen shares his remarkable journey—from England’s underground music scene to years of wandering Asia in search of meaning, before finding his true home in Israel.

Rabbi Dov Ber opens up about the transformative power of meditation and martial arts, his encounters with humility and gratitude in East Asia, and how Judaism reframed everything he had learned about mindfulness and purpose. Together, we explore powerful questions: How do we face inner darkness without fear? What role does pain play in our growth? How do we cultivate kindness toward ourselves and others?

This episode goes beyond inspiration; it’s a guide to living more fully. Whether you’re seeking inner calm, healing from struggle, or looking to deepen your spiritual journey, you’ll walk away with insights that are both practical and profound.

You can find more information about Rabbi Dov Ber and contact him via his website: www.Rabbidovber.org 

This episode is sponsored by:

► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

 https://pushka.cc/

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.com

___________________________

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► 

Better than a Segulah

When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself.

Order your personalized Torah Study program today.

https://betterthanasegulah.org/

___________________________

► Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else.

Www.soh.plus