Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories with Chana Weisberg

51

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.

52

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.

53

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.

54

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.

55

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.

56

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.

57

Rising Higher Than My Disorder

Mar 9, 2021

52:00

Chana Weisberg interviews Miriam Raskin about her journey to overcoming her eating disorders and depression and ultimately thriving in life with the discovery of the depth of Chassidic teachings.

58

Despite Shocking Tragedy, She Says Chabad Is Staying

Mar 2, 2021

56:56

An inspiring conversation with Mrs. Shternie Wolf, Chabad’s emissary in Hanover, Germany, who suddenly lost her husband, Rabbi Benny Wolf, yet she remains determined to stay and continue their life work there.

59

From Non-Jewish Roots to a Chassidic Scholar and Teacher

Feb 23, 2021

45:10

From a young age, Ani Lipitz always wondered about her purpose in our world. When she discovered Chassidic teachings, she felt she knew what life she wanted to lead.

60

The Boxing Champion Who Wouldn't Fight on Shabbat

Feb 16, 2021

47:52

Dmitry Salita, boxing champion and promoter, shares his journey towards Jewish observance, and his challenges, motivation and inspiration along the way.

61

From Rapper to Rabbi

Feb 9, 2021

1:14:57

An interview with Rabbi Motti and Rochel Flickstein about their incredible journey towards Jewish observance and their transformation to Chabad emissaries in Delaware.

62

Meet the Bruks

Feb 2, 2021

1:05:37

Join this podcast as Chana Weisberg masterfully interviews people from all walks of life, uncovering their inspiring and amazing stories. Listen to the latest episode, or any of the past interviews, to discover extraordinary people with extraordinary stories.

63

Suicide Prevention

Jan 27, 2021

56:02

How two young women began an awareness revolution, and what you need to know to help someone in trouble. Interview by Chana Weisberg with Ella Steinmetz, director of Cteen, Chabad of Sarasota; Leigh Hershkovich-Ioffe, safeTALK instructor and Creative Director of the Cteen International; and Jack Miller of Gelt Financial.

64

A Chassidic Family in Turkey?

Jan 21, 2021

57:01

An interview with Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Chitrik, the Chabad shluchim living in Turkey.

65

How the Chinese Girl Who Became Jewish Found Her Soulmate

Jan 14, 2021

43:14

An interview with Elisheva and Dovid Martinetti. Elisheva was born in China; and Dovid in Italy. In their youth, both were inspired to convert to Judaism. Hear the remarkable story of their journeys, and their dreams and aspirations in building their own family.

66

I Survived, but I Also Thrived

Jan 7, 2021

1:04:09

An interview with Rabbi Avremi Zippel and his mother, Rebbetzin Sharonne Zippel by Chana Weisberg. Rabbi Avremi is an abuse survivor and tells the story of how he overcame his past and looks forward to the future. The Zippels are Chabad shluchim (emissaries) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

67

Debunking the Myths of Orthodox Life

Jan 1, 2021

59:04

A window into hasidic Jewish family life, dating, intimacy and raising children, through the prism of youthful Chabad couple, Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler, in conversation with Chana Weisberg.

68

A Chinese Girl's Journey to Judaism

Dec 24, 2020

50:40

In conversation with Elisheva Martinetti and Sofya Tamarkin. Elisheva was born in North-East China, studied in Israel and Australia before converting to Judaism, and now teaches Chassidic thought in London. Sofya is a writer who was born in the Soviet Union and discovered Elisheva on one of her many world travels. Together, they talk about their personal growth and the impact of their story.

69

Practical Solutions in Times of Emotional Turmoil

Dec 17, 2020

49:02

A candid interview by Chana Weisberg with Rus Devorah Wallen, LCSW, ACSW, founder of Toratherapeutics, who shares real tools to improve our emotional wellbeing during our new ‘normal’ in these trying times.

70

On the Frontlines: An Interview with Chassidic Health Professionals

Dec 11, 2020

56:41

Watch a live interview with healthcare professionals Masha Donat and Estee Gourarie, chasidic women in the medical field, who share the latest from the battle against Covid-19, in conversation with Chana Weisberg from Chabad.org.

71

Kabbalist Tells All

Aug 23, 2026

1:06:59

Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf opens up about being the child of survivors and how the Rebbe guided his career in teaching the secrets of the Torah.

72

To Russia with Love

Dec 24, 2024

1:08:14

The oys and joys of moving to Rostov, Russia, and serving a Jewish community that has reawakened after 70 years of Communist repression.

73

Religious IDF Soldier: How 10/7 Changed My Life

Sep 24, 2024

45:01

An IDF officer and his wife open up on turning mourning into growth, living on behalf of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and how the 10/7 Massacre inspired them to pursue a military career.

74

A Secret Mission From My Neighbor, the Rebbe

Aug 16, 2026

58:41

A fatal car accident, infidelity, and a kind rebbetzin catapulted Hensha from Ohio to Chasidic Brooklyn, where she married a widower with five children and settled across the street from the Rebbe.

75

This Jew Spent 20 Years in an Ashram

Aug 9, 2026

1:03:31

A "chance" encounter with a rabbi and a medical scare rekindled Arnie Herz's Jewish soul and inspired him to live a full Jewish life and share it it with others.

76

I Almost Converted to Islam!

Aug 2, 2026

1:04:46

A rising performer, Deborah Jacobi pined for spirituality. A meal in a sukkah and meeting the Rebbe changed her course forever.

77

Syncing With My Soulmate

Jul 27, 2026

1:06:13

After she left a Christian cult, she reconnected with her boyfriend--now husband--and embarked on a life journey of sharing Judaism with others.

78

My Daughter Gave Birth While Her Husband Was Dying

Jul 20, 2026

1:01:16

When tragedy struck, the rabbi needed to find inner strength, faith, and focus to be there for his daughter, his grandchildren, and most of all himself.

79

Full Circle in the Arctic Circle

Jul 13, 2026

57:55

When this Air Force chaplain was sent to remote Greenland, he knew it was G-d's will. He also knew he had a lot of preparing to do.

80

I Was a Missionary, But It Felt All Wrong!

Jul 6, 2026

48:38

Raised by a mother who was struggling with mental health issues, Leah turned to the church for support. A trip to Israel (and a lot of conversations) finally helped her find her way back to Judaism.

81

The Prison Rabbi

Jun 29, 2026

1:05:12

Rabbi Binyomin Scheiman shares about how he sees the good in every person and every circumstance and built a community of ex-criminals.

82

She Raised Her 7 Orphan Siblings

Jun 22, 2026

45:51

Now a successful real estate broker and philanthropist, Naomi Streicher shares her personal approach to challenges, charity, setbacks, and faith.

83

The Rebbe's 99-Year-Old Cousin

Jun 15, 2026

1:02:46

Rebbetzin Hadassah (Schneerson) Carelbach shares about her father's heroism under Communism and during the Holocaust, how they rebuild their lives afterward, and what gives her satisfaction today.

84

I Begged the Rebbe to Come to My Wedding

Jun 8, 2026

51:41

Rabbi Shabse Alpern was a kid from Brooklyn, whom the Rebbe sent to Brazil. Hear how the Rebbe's blessings, directives, and lessons have been the guiding light of his life

85

My Jewish Identity: Made in China

Jun 1, 2026

1:09:54

Yaakov Schy spent years living and working in rural Asia, where he discovered that everyone had a tribal identity except for him. That led him to rediscover Judaism.

86

I Was in a Coma and the Doctors Gave Up on Me

May 25, 2026

54:25

Nikki's turnaround came when a rabbi came into her room with a shofar. She went on to publish his book after he was murdered by terrorists.

87

Jewish Identity: Made in China

May 25, 2026

1:09:55

Yaakov Schy spent years living and working in rural Asia, where he discovered that everyone had a tribal identity except for him. That led him to rediscover Judaism.

88

How a Baptist Girl from the Deep South Became a Chabad Rebbetzin

May 18, 2026

1:13:40

It took a trip to Germany and a lot of self-discovery for Eliana to find her place in the Jewish community. Today, together with her husband, she leads a small Jewish community in South Africa.

89

The Man Behind Jews for Judaism

May 11, 2026

1:00:43

Rabbi Kravits shares how he almost fell prey to missionaries in college and how he devoted his life's work to equipping Jews with the knowledge and confidence they need to stand up for their faith.

90

My Baby Died on the Operating Table

May 4, 2026

1:06:12

After experiencing searing loss, Elissa Felder found comfort in caring for the departed. When her grandchild died decades later, she needed to do the unimaginable.

91

The Rabbi and the Skinhead

Apr 27, 2026

59:40

Cameron was steeped in white supremacy and neo-Nazi hate. In prison, he met a Chabad chaplain, and his life changed forever.

92

Miracle After Miracle Saved My Husband

Apr 20, 2026

1:08:22

When her husband felt chest pains, Lieba knew something was off. Little did she know how her faith in G-d would play a major role in helping him survive what would come their way.

93

The Pianist Who Chopped Off Her Finger

Apr 13, 2026

55:33

Katia Bolotin's unlikely journey from Friday night concerts to Shabbat observance had plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way.

94

Hosting a Seder in a City Without Cars

Mar 30, 2026

1:08:19

Life lessons from welcoming thousands of visitors to the first ghetto in the world, making connections, and lighting up souls.

95

My Husband Has Not Said a Word for Over a Decade

Mar 23, 2026

1:06:12

Since the dreaded diagnosis, Dina and Rabbi Yitzi have emerged as a power couple whose faith, determination, wonder, and joy have inspired millions.

96

She Was Anti‑Religious, He Wasn't Jewish

Mar 16, 2026

1:10:10

How Divine providence, a car crash, a Shabbat table, and countless twists and turns brought two souls to Torah and to each other.

97

The Dutch Film Star Who Found Shabbat

Mar 9, 2026

1:01:52

Smadar Morag was acting, acting, and riding a wave of fame, but Judaism filled a hole in her soul she never knew existed.

98

How She Overcame Her Mother's Trauma

Mar 2, 2026

57:40

Rishe Deitsch, longtime editor of Chabad women's magazine, shares about her challenging childhood, her own triumphs, and what she's most proud of in her life.

99

No Contradiction: Torah and Science

Feb 24, 2026

56:04

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch details how his scientific expertise deepens his understanding of Torah and strengthens his faith, and how he maintains his proud Jewish identity in secular environments.

100

The Rebbe Guided My Life

Feb 17, 2026

1:04:57

A legendary Chassidic personality shares how the Rebbe remained a presence in her life ever since she first met him as a toddler in Paris.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories with Chana Weisberg

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories with Chana Weisberg

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