Mrs. Mindy Blumenfeld, LCSWMrs. Mindy Blumenfeld is positive and upbeat. She is smiley, and she makes you smile.You would never know that she lost her youngest son Hillel to cancer. Although she hasbeen profoundly impacted by her loss, she won’t let the pain bring her down intonegativity.She started writing about Hillel as a means of finding comfort. But really, her journeywith writing about her son began with the puppets she created when Hillel was firstdiagnosed at age six. Faced with the challenge of keeping him occupied during difficulttreatments, she created cute little puppets. These whimsical characters not onlyprovided a distraction for Hillel but also became a source of comfort throughout hisbattle, even during his relapse at the age of eleven and his subsequent years of illnessuntil he succumbed at age sixteen.While initially crafted for one young child, these puppets have surpassed their originalpurpose. They are now featured in a book designed to teach children about facingchallenges, and surprisingly, they have become valuable teachers for adults as well.The story of these endearing puppets has also earned a place on the Relief from Griefpodcast. Mrs. Blumenfeld's resilience and creativity shine through, turning a personal journey of pain into a story that just might make you smile.Click here to order the book https://www.israelbookshoppublications.com/store/pc/Hillel-and-the-Paper-Menschies-PRE-ORDER-29p10056.htm 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! Why was there a knock on the door at 1 a.m.? This could only mean something bad. But what? Mrs. Namdar could never have imagined that the Hatzolah personnel standing at her door were there to tell her the unthinkable: a drunk driver, Liel, no pulse. All she remembers is screaming, “NO! How can this be? It can’t be!” And so began her journey of grief—a path filled with immense pain. Yet, with her natural optimism, Maya shares how she began searching for answers. One place her search led her was to a deeper understanding of Moshiach. As she yearns for His arrival, she holds on tightly, saying, “He is coming.” “People make fun of me,” she admits. “I’ve even been called Mrs. Moshiach. But that’s okay. This is the only way I can survive. And I believe. I truly believe 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]

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! 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]

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]

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! "My son Zev was special." It’s a sentiment many bereaved parents will share about their child who was niftar. But Zevi wasn’t just special because of his love for people and life, his love for shul, and his intuitive, on-target perceptions. He was special because he was special needs.His mother, Miriam Kahn, dedicated her life to her beloved Zev. Whatever she could do for him, she did—and somehow, whatever she couldn’t do for him, she also did. Zev was very young when his parents divorced, but somehow, he understood that his mother could use space and love. And he gave it to her. He wasn’t just beloved to his mother, but to his sisters as well. Zev was a valuable and delicious part of their lives. And as his sisters married and became mothers, their children were never embarrassed or uncomfortable around their Uncle Zev—because he was Zev. When Zev was in his upper 20s, living at home wasn’t possible for him anymore. It was with great sadness and a lot of tears that she moved him into a home. But she constantly visited him and continued to shower him with love. And now that she had some time to herself, she went on her first vacation since Zev was born. It was there, in the hotel early one morning, that she got a phone call from the home. They told her, “Everything is not okay.” “What does that mean?” Miriam yelled. “He’s okay—like alive, right?” “I’m so sorry. A few hours ago, he was sleeping peacefully… and then he suddenly was niftar.” My special son with special needs. I love him so much. I miss him so much. Baruch Hashem, I have grandsons named after him. He lives on in our family. In our hearts and minds, he will never die. 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! Mrs. Chanie Delman is an exceptionally sympathetic person, deeply attuned to the pain of losing a baby who was born incompatible with life. She understands how a parent may struggle with this loss — not only with their own grief but also with the conflicting messages they may receive from family, friends, and even their own inner voices telling them, "It isn’t so bad." Mrs. Delman, who has worked with hundreds of women and couples facing this kind of loss, gently encourages parents with messages of validation and support. In this podcast, she shares important guidance on how to explain your needs to your spouse, how to seek support from family members and friends, and how to avoid being so hard on yourself after experiencing such a devastating loss. Chanie also speaks about the difference between pity and empathy — how most people long for empathy but deeply resent pity. She helps us understand how to become vessels of genuine empathy, showing real, heartfelt care for those going through such a difficult time. But perhaps the most powerful lesson is Chanie herself — a living example of compassion and understanding for those who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a stillborn or a baby who lived only a few minutes. 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/