Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories with Chana Weisberg

1

She Prayed to Die and Learned to Live

Sep 6, 2026

1:01:04

Raised in a strict Christian home, Chaya Rivka was abused and afraid. Then she discovered her father's Jewish heritage and became a Jew herself, today living in Israel with dozens of grandchildren.

2

The Queen of Cleveland

Aug 30, 2026

1:23:00

Two sisters share what it was like to be raised by a woman who literally put her life on the line for Judaism in the Soviet Union time and time again.

3

I Rode My Ambulance Into the War Zone to Save Lives

Nov 28, 2023

42:30

Naomi Galeano is a medical volunteer for Israel's United Hatzalah. On the day of the Simchat Torah attacks in Israel, she rode to the danger zones to tend to the victims. Six weeks later, she's still saving lives every day.

4

Are Jews Safe on College Campus?

Nov 21, 2023

45:13

Three Chabad Shluchos (emissaries) serving university campuses discuss the rising antisemitism at their colleges and what they are doing to help students feel safer, prouder and even more connected to their Judaism. An interview with Miri Gourarie, Chabad at Penn State; Mushka Lipskier, Chabad at Tulane University; Naomi Drizin, Chabad at Columbia University.

5

Their Video of Jewish Pride went Viral

Nov 14, 2023

27:58

An interview with the Campus rabbi who didn't flinch in the face of an anti-Israel rally.

6

The Reality of an IDF Soldier’s Wife

Nov 6, 2023

35:43

Batya Bluming, wife of IDF staff sergeant, Yossi, shares what life feels like for the many Israeli wives whose husbands are right now at war, and what we can do to be of help for them.

7

Helping the Massacre Survivors in Eilat, Israel

Oct 30, 2023

50:51

Chani Klein shares her perspective on the ravaging effects of the war from her corner in Eilat, Israel, where close to 60,000 refugees have been relocated and there has also been an increase in soldiers at army bases. Together with her husband Rabbi Mendy, and their fellow Chabad of Eilat representatives, she does her part to bring comfort and support.

8

We Grabbed the Kids and Flew to Israel

Oct 16, 2023

16:36

Rabbi Mendel and Dini Polichenco of Chabad in California came to Israel with their family to visit army bases and provide support.

9

The View From the Lebanese Border

Oct 10, 2023

28:33

Living on the border with Lebanon for more than 30 years, Brocha Leah Sasonkin approaches the war with faith, optimism, and a willingness to lend a hand

10

The Inner World of an IDF Soldier

Oct 9, 2023

42:28

How does this brave American-born IDF soldier maintain his faith, positivity and humanity? A soldier shares his story.

11

Our Quadruplet Miracle Babies

Jul 14, 2023

48:28

When Sara experienced failed fertility treatment, she increased in mitzvot. When doctors advised the Gutoviches to reduce, they placed their faith in G-d.

12

The Woman Who Answers G‑d's Emails

Jul 13, 2023

32:15

Meet Chani Benjaminson, born in Rome, she speaks several languages and directs Chabad.org's Ask the Rabbi team.

13

Parenting a Child in Recovery

Jul 4, 2023

1:03:27

Rabbi Nechemia and Raizel Schusterman share their tips and experiences on parenting and how they helped their son recover from his addictions.

14

From the New York Times to Chabad.org

Jun 21, 2023

27:21

In advance of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, Chabad.org's News Editor shared his journey from materialistic Manhattan to observant Judaism.

15

From Counterculture to Chassidism

Jun 21, 2023

26:16

In advance of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, Tzvi Freeman shares the twists and turns of his path from Vancouver to Brooklyn.

16

The Rebbe’s Revolutionary Ideas in Education

May 18, 2023

45:29

A master educator shares personal guidance from the Rebbe.

17

The Day My Baby Was No More

May 11, 2023

30:03

Devorah Goldberg shares the story of her ectopic pregnancy loss and how her commitment to the laws of family purity played a pivotal role in detection and ultimately saved her.

18

I Am Blind and I Can Thrive

May 1, 2023

29:26

Hindy Markowitz, born as a blind preemie to a large, loving Jewish family, shares her life, her faith in G-d, her dreams and aspirations, as well as her many accomplishments as a writer, singer, sought-after speaker, and songwriter of "I Can Still See--Just Not Physically."

19

Not What I Expected—Abuse Survivor Shares His Story

Apr 20, 2023

52:43

Utah homegrown Rabbi and Shliach, Avremi Zippel shares his 20-year journey to reclaim his child's voice by prosecuting his abuser, writing a memoir, and becoming an advocate for sexual abuse survivors on his journey to healing.

20

This Teen Strengthened Her Judaism and Fights Antisemitism

Mar 23, 2023

37:10

Shoshana tried to "fit in" with the crowd and forget about Judaism, but her involvement with CTeen, the Chabad teen network, reignited her pride in Judaism. When she personally experienced antisemitism at school, she decided to fight back on social media, with "Teens Against Anti-Semitism".

21

Fumbling for Faith Through Illness and Tragedy

Mar 6, 2023

58:22

What is it like to wake up and see that your healthy child has suddenly passed away? What is it like to watch your dream of having a large family evaporate, as you fight a relentless cancer, and undergo non-stop chemo treatments? Ester Zirkind takes us along her journey searching for strength and faith.

22

They Found Each Other at Chabad

Feb 16, 2023

36:04

Cassandra, now Chava, Clark had a long journey till she found and converted to Judaism. Matt Iofe, whose parents were from Russia, knew almost nothing about Judaism. At Chabad, they each learned about their Jewish soul and they found their soulmate.

23

Why G-d Why? How to Believe in Heaven When It Hurts Like Hell

Jan 10, 2023

51:24

Rabbi Schusterman's young wife died suddenly at 36, leaving him with 11 children. His journey led him to a deeper exploration of Judaism's teachings in dealing with tragedy and finding comfort.

24

How a Hot Pink Washing Cup Transformed My Life

Jan 2, 2023

51:18

During her youth and while pursuing her career as a psychologist, Dr. Lana Tiersky was not interested in an observant lifestyle. That all changed when her children embarked on their own journeys of increased observance.

25

A Miracle Baby—But the Story Is Not Over Yet

Jan 2, 2023

41:14

After marrying, Sheina Goldberg thought that children would automatically follow—until they didn't. This is her miraculous story of finally giving birth to a child. She shares her challenges and struggles, and how she keeps growing.

26

A Mother's Greatest Loss and Her Way Forward

Jan 2, 2023

51:46

After she buried four of her eight children from a rare genetic disorder, Devorie Kreiman's son drowned, six weeks before his wedding day. This is her story of healing and faith.

27

A Jewish Girl Raised as an Orthodox Christian Finds Judaism

Jan 2, 2023

48:22

When at the age of eight, Hanna Butcher was enrolled in a Chabad Hebrew school she began her journey from Christianity back to her people.

28

Teen With Cystic Fibrosis: "My Challenges Don't Define Me"

Jan 2, 2023

34:45

Rosie Grossbaum is a high school student with an indomitable spirit who lives with the life-threatening disorder cystic fibrosis.

29

Are Near Death Experiences Real?

Aug 17, 2022

50:36

Nomi Freeman has been studying Near Death Experiences (NDEs) for more than a decade and has interviewed countless individuals about their personal experience.

30

Reinventing Herself to Share Mental Health Awareness

Aug 4, 2022

34:54

Chaya Rochel Zimmerman is a mother of 11 and a grandmother to many. She has become an author of novels in order to bring awareness about mental health, immigration, and other societal issues.

31

Grief and Faith After Loss

Aug 4, 2022

56:46

Due to a devastating diagnosis, after the birth of her two daughters, Chaya Hott was told she couldn't have any more children. A decade later, she was given the clearance for one more child. Her pregnancy ended with a son who passed away. Chaya speaks about her unfathomable grief, as well as hope and faith. Today, Chaya is the mother of a healthy baby boy.

32

The Impact of Abuse, Addictions, and Mental Health Challenges on Our Marriage

Jul 12, 2022

54:52

Meet Shua and Bashie Naparstek and learn how a marriage can withstand the greatest challenges.

33

From a Mormon in Utah to a Jew in Wisconsin

Jun 28, 2022

40:56

Basya Edelstein shares her journey, as someone who grew up as a Mormon in Utah, to discover her place in Judaism.

34

Can a Marriage Survive and Thrive Through Depression and Anxiety?

Jun 8, 2022

1:00:01

One month into marriage, Rabbi Ariel Margulies was suffering from depression and anxiety. Today, he and his wife Chana have built a beautiful, strong marriage and authored a book together called, "Thank You For Being You." They share insights into their raw and honest soul trek.

35

Behind Closed Doors

May 30, 2022

35:24

Meet Luiz Fernando and Amanda Chimanovitch: Though they don't consider themselves "religious", this couple wants to share the beauty of the mitzvah of mikvah.

36

A Fashion Entrepreneur’s Journey to Shabbat and Faith

Apr 28, 2022

55:57

As the daughter of Max Azria of the BCBG fashion empire, Joyce's life revolved around the pursuit of materialism until she began her own spiritual journey--to a life imbued with the beauty of Shabbat, mitzvot, and faith in G-d.

37

In Hungary: Doing Whatever We Can to Help the Ukrainian Refugees

Mar 24, 2022

43:15

Batsheva Oberlander, shlucha in Hungary, talks about her refugee work, and is joined by a refugee from Ukraine, who is en-route to Israel.

38

Shlucha in Ukraine Shares Her Harrowing Journey

Mar 24, 2022

40:18

Aliza Silberstein, Shlucha in Chernigov, Ukraine, shares what the last many days have been like for her and her family following the horrific outbreak of war.

39

"Not Alone": My Struggle With Mental Health Challenges

Mar 23, 2022

51:11

Bashi was diagnosed with bipolar, depression, and anxiety as a young mother. Through her challenges, she discovered her power of belief in G-d, the gift of Chassidic teachings, and the power of meeting and sharing with others.

40

Why I Became a Double Organ Donor

Dec 14, 2021

48:26

What type of person becomes an organ donor twice?! Meet Rabbi Ephraim Simon, a kidney and liver donor, and his supportive wife, Nechama, both Shluchim of Bergen County, New Jersey in a fascinating conversation with Chana Weisberg.

41

An Israeli Farmer Who Keeps Shemitah

Dec 14, 2021

30:10

Join Chana for a fascinating conversation with Ira Zimmerman, an Israeli farmer who shares what it's like to completely trust G-d for his livelihood for the entire sabbatical year.

42

It Happened in Our Community: Surfside Rabbi and Rebbetzin Share

Jul 4, 2021

54:47

On the frontlines in helping families of the Surfside condominium collapse, Rebbetzin Chani and Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, of The Shul of Bal Harbour, will be sharing the feelings in their community, as they talk with Chana Weisberg about the history of The Shul, and its pivotal role in the aftermath of the tragedy.

43

One Couple's Fight for Their Baby's Life

Jun 24, 2021

1:00:59

Meet Rabbi Eli and Chaya Rochel Estrin, authors of “Of Medicine, Miracles and Mindsets”, in a fascinating interview with Chana Weisberg, where the Estrins describe their story to save their miracle baby, the major challenges involved, and the lessons learned.

44

What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?

Jun 3, 2021

54:56

Michal Oshman, a successful executive at Tik Tok, shares how she suffered from anxiety and how that brought her to study Chassidut, observe mitzvot and write her best-selling book full of Jewish wisdom, What Would You Do If Your Weren't Afraid?

45

Jews by Choice, Not by Birth

Jun 3, 2021

1:04:35

Rifka and Shalom Chilungu share their story of their path to embracing Judaism, their inspiration and challenges, and what it's like to raise their children as a bi-racial couple.

46

Journey from Loss to Light

Apr 20, 2021

49:35

Nechama Laber shares how the untimely death of her father brought her to reach out to create a place of love for others and helped her raise her child with special needs.

47

Meet the Francis Couple: A School Principal and A Community Intervention Specialist

Apr 14, 2021

1:00:34

Rabbi Enan and Gitty Francis speak about education, anxiety, self-care, raising whole and healthy children, and challenges of our times.

48

Campus Shluchos Share Practical Tips and Inspiration for Passover

Apr 7, 2021

54:32

In conversation with Shifra Sharstein and Manya Lazaroff about Passover preparation and year-long activities at Chabad on college campus.

49

Project Heart for "At Risk" Youth

Mar 23, 2021

49:29

Rabbi Benny Zippel and Chaim Andruiser discuss how Project Heart helps at risk youth see theselves as the true gems that they are.

50

Cancer Survivor Faces IVF Treatment with Faith and Optimism

Mar 16, 2021

54:39

Chana Spiro battled a life-threatening cancer when she was 18. She is now undergoing treatment for infertility with her signature resolve and positive perspective.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories with Chana Weisberg

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories with Chana Weisberg

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