Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! What does a hospital chaplain actually do? What can you possibly say to a mother sitting beside her critically ill child? To a family facing an impossible medical decision? To someone who has just received devastating news? Alissa Thomas-Newborn is a board-certified Jewish chaplain who has been there for people during some of the most painful and frightening moments of their lives. And often, she says, her job isn't to have the right answer. It's to know how to be there when there isn't an answer. In this episode, Alissa takes us inside the world of hospital chaplaincy and shares what she has learned about suffering, grief, faith, hope, and simply being present. We talk about what families actually need when they're in crisis, why listening can sometimes be far more powerful than talking, and the things well-meaning people say that may hurt instead of help. Alissa also discusses the unique needs of Orthodox Jewish families in the hospital, the role of halacha and rabbanim in difficult medical decisions, and how a chaplain can help bridge the gap between families and medical teams. And perhaps most importantly: when someone you care about is going through something terrible and you have absolutely no idea what to say or do—what do they really need from you? YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA  Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

Welcome to the Relief from Grief podcast, where we talk with a broad spectrum of people about their life stories. My hope is that either you'll hear a story that is similar to your own or aspects of it that you can connect to. Even if an experience is very different from yours, perhaps you can find something within it, an element or an idea or a perspective, that really speaks to you or gives you insight into yourself. Some of the goals I hope to realize with this podcast include normalizing grief, bringing awareness to the general population and helping people recognize that certain thoughts and behaviors stem from grief. https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-me-a-book-for-teens-who-have-lost-a-parent/ https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-my-friends/

Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! Mrs. Yitta Miriam Weiss is a bereaved Bobby. The pain of losing a grandchild is profound, whether you are a Grandma, Bubby, Savta, or anything else. Mrs. Weiss eloquently depicts the ache of missing her grandchild. She speaks powerfully about walking the tightrope of her own grief while also supporting her children in theirs. A grandmother may have many other grandchildren, but this podcast raises an important awareness: no matter how many grandchildren a person may have, the loss of one is the loss of an entire world, and it hurts deeply. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA  Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

Some of the podcasts that receive the most feedback are those that delve into complex relationships. It might seem that if a relationship is challenging or even painful, losing a loved one within that dynamic wouldn't be as difficult or would provide a measure of relief. However, more often than not, that assumption doesn't hold true. In fact, the loss of a loved one within a difficult relationship can be even harder to navigate than when someone is in a typical relationship. Shira had complicated relationships with much of her family. But her father was always her supporter and cheerleader. The news of his illness was completely devastating for her, and it made the dynamics with her siblings more complicated than ever. Sometimes she felt as if they made decisions about her father’s treatment just to spite her. It was so hard and so hurtful. After his petirah she sat shivah by herself, without her family.  Now she holds onto the memories of the special moments she had with her father – the one thing that no one can take away from her. Grief hurts. But as crazy as it sounds, my hope is that the only kind of grief anyone should ever experience is grief from losing someone within a normal, beautiful relationship. https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-me-a-book-for-teens-who-have-lost-a-parent/ https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-my-friends/

Some of the podcasts that receive the most feedback are those that delve into complex relationships. It might seem that if a relationship is challenging or even painful, losing a loved one within that dynamic wouldn't be as difficult or would provide a measure of relief. However, more often than not, that assumption doesn't hold true. In fact, the loss of a loved one within a difficult relationship can be even harder to navigate than when someone is in a typical relationship. Shira had complicated relationships with much of her family. But her father was always her supporter and cheerleader. The news of his illness was completely devastating for her, and it made the dynamics with her siblings more complicated than ever. Sometimes she felt as if they made decisions about her father’s treatment just to spite her. It was so hard and so hurtful. After his petirah she sat shivah by herself, without her family.  Now she holds onto the memories of the special moments she had with her father – the one thing that no one can take away from her. Grief hurts. But as crazy as it sounds, my hope is that the only kind of grief anyone should ever experience is grief from losing someone within a normal, beautiful relationship. https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-me-a-book-for-teens-who-have-lost-a-parent/ https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-my-friends/

Chumi FriedmanDirector of HUG, a division of A Time for those who have experienced perinatal or infant loss ·       My sister-in-law had a stillborn. The one-year mark is coming up. Should I say something to her? ·       My brother lost an eleven-year-old son. But he was very special-needs. His bar mitzvah is coming up; they wouldn’t have made a real celebration anyway. Should I say something? ·       Does it make sense that my sister-in-law doesn’t want to talk about her loss while my brother-in-law wants to talk nonstop? I thought men are more reticent. ·       Is it better to say something cliché or just to say nothing? These questions and more are posed to Mrs. Chumi Friedman all the time. There is no “one-answer-fits-all” here. She doesn’t know the person you are wondering about. But you do. Come listen and hopefully gain some valuable insights.    https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-me-a-book-for-teens-who-have-lost-a-parent/ https://www.chevrahlomdeimishnah.org/product/i-wish-someone-would-have-told-my-friends/

Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! Hear the heartfelt reflections of Mrs. Devorie Kreiman, a mother whose story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Mrs. Kreiman shares her profound experiences of loss and resilience as she navigates the challenges of living with the knowledge of a rare mitochondrial disorder affecting her family. Through unimaginable grief and the joy of raising healthy children, she offers insights into the balance between personal choices and divine will, shedding light on the spiritual journey that accompanies such trials.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the complex emotions tied to parental grief and the societal pressures surrounding mourning. Mrs. Kreiman opens up about the struggle to reconcile appearances with internal turmoil, revealing how societal expectations often clash with the rawness of personal loss. Her candid sharing of personal stories and interactions with others who have faced similar tragedies highlights the deeply personal and evolving nature of grief, emphasizing the need for community support and the transformative power of accepting life's challenges.The conversation rounds off with a focus on healing and spiritual growth, where Mrs. Kreiman reflects on the importance of embracing support systems, such as therapy or medication, and the strength found in seeking help. She discusses the metaphor of "Lech Lecha" from the Torah, encouraging listeners to trust their unique paths and harness the power of resilience through everyday decisions. This episode is a testament to the potential for spiritual and personal growth, reminding us of the profound lessons in nurturing and acceptance that can emerge from adversity. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA  Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! Grief can be an overwhelming journey, but the enduring connections we hold with our loved ones can provide us with profound understanding and healing. Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Mrs. Elissa Felder, who shares the intimate story of her infant son Sam's passing 35 years ago. Her poignant recount of the brief yet impactful time with Sam, who faced severe medical challenges, reveals how these deep bonds transcend time and grief. Elissa insights into maintaining this connection with Sam illuminate the eternal nature of love and loss.We also explore the spiritual dimensions of life and death, focusing on the concept of the neshama, or soul, and its interplay with the physical body. Using metaphors like the glass blower, we delve into how the divine breath infuses us with life and purpose. Our conversation touches on traditional practices surrounding death, such as the significance of closing the eyes and mouth, which underscore the sacred nature of the body's journey. By examining these spiritual insights, we are reminded of the urgency to live life fully, cherishing the vessels that carry our souls.Finally, Elissa shares her personal path to healing and the lessons she learned from the deaths of her son and her mother. Through therapy and storytelling, she has found ways to keep their memories alive while supporting others on their grief journeys. Her reflections on finding meaning in suffering and the role divine intervention played in her experiences offer a source of comfort and strength to listeners who may be grappling with their own losses. Tune in to discover how these sacred passages from life to death can foster resilience and compassion. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA  Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! The world of mental health is ever-evolving, deepening our understanding of the brain, the causes of mental illnesses, and their treatments. In this podcast, we share the poignant story of Mrs. Aliza Bulow, whose beloved son Doni tragically died by suicide. Although his loss was devastating, it did not come as a shock. Doni had battled with suicidal thoughts for years, and his mother is grateful for their beautiful, loving relationship and the support she could provide during his struggles. She always hoped for a different outcome but acknowledges that 'He was born when he was supposed to be, and he died when he was supposed to.' If Doni were born today, perhaps better treatments might have been available. However, this was the journey Hashem chose for him. When the rabbi asked, 'What should we tell the community about Doni's cause of death?' both Mrs. Bulow and her husband insisted on honesty, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide. It is a mental health issue, and concealing it only complicates the grief. There is no shame in it, and through this podcast, Mrs. Bulow continues her mission to bring this message to light.  YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA  Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! Esther Goldstein radiates empathy. Esther’s childhood experiences with grief shaped the path her life took, and now as a highly sought-after therapist, her primary desire is to help her clients navigate their grief.Esther and I discuss the importance of connecting with clients on a personal level. Being a therapist isn't only about knowing the clinical facts and what the research says; it's about making genuine connections and respecting each other's experiences and personalities.Esther talks about transparency—being open about what you're experiencing - even with your children. It's okay to tell your children, "I'm a bit anxious about something, but I will work through it. You don’t have to worry." Speaking of transparency… come listen to Esther share her own experiences in taking a client role instead of a therapist role when she realized she would benefit from a therapist's help. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA  Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]