Nachi Gordon sits down with Ben Brafman, one of the most well known criminal defense attorneys in the country and a proud frum Jew. Ben opens up about sitting with clients at the worst moments of their lives, why he says he's "not the morality police," the Otisville visiting day he can never forget, and the hardest conversation of his career, with Super Bowl champion Plaxico Burress.   They also get into the pressures and shortcuts that lead good people into serious crimes, the damage lashon hara does in our community, keeping Shabbos while representing Sean Combs, and the Brafman family legacy, from the Torah his father saved on Kristallnacht to the lives his brother, Rabbi Aron Brafman, changed at Yeshiva of Far Rockaway.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Touro   Serious about your education and your Torah learning? Touro's Lander College for Men/Beis Medrash L'Talmud offers over 20 majors and pre-professional tracks, including finance, computer science, accounting, biology, psychology, pre-law, pre-dental and pre-med, plus honors pathways into New York Medical College and Touro College of Dental Medicine. Join the Open House on November 8.   https://lcm.touro.edu/openhouse     ► Ceremian Financial   Advice built on experience. Moshe Alpert and Ceremian Financial are fiduciary financial advisors offering wealth management, financial planning, retirement planning, and estate and legacy planning for families, professionals and business owners, so you can have real peace of mind that your finances are taken care of. Schedule your first conversation today.   https://ceremianfinancial.com/   [email protected]   718-644-1594     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp Timestamps:   0:00 Intro: "I'm Not the Morality Police" 3:29 Ben Brafman on Talking Clients Out of Suicide and an Affinity Fraud in Shul 6:25 No Mussar and No Shortcuts: The Hard Work Behind the Job 8:31 His Father, Kristallnacht, and the Torah Saved From a Burning Shul 9:39 Law School, Stand-Up Comedy, and Humor in the Courtroom 11:46 What Gets Frum Business People in Trouble 13:26 Otisville Visiting Day: "Tatti, Kum Aheim" 16:28 COVID Loans, False Applications, and Federal Sentencing 20:34 Mesira, Cooperating With the Government, and Pardons for Sale 24:34 The Chesed of the Jewish Community and Hospital Shabbos Rooms 28:26 Lashon Hara: "Be Like Ben" 31:26 Yiddishkeit vs. Career: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and a "Heart Surgery" 35:30 Making a Name: In the Zone and No Summers Off 37:58 The Hardest Conversation: Plaxico Burress 41:40 How Do You Defend Someone You Think Belongs in Jail? 43:26 Smicha Is Not a PhD: Kollel, Financial Pressure, and the Cheder in Ramat Eshkol 48:42 The Art of Cross-Examination and the Evidence You Can't Cross-Examine 54:22 No Shortcuts to Success, and Lawyers Burned by AI 56:03 Not Picking Up on Shabbos for Sean Combs 1:01:18 The Mafia Cops Case That Should Be a Movie 1:05:36 Best and Worst Advice, and Learning Daf Yomi 1:09:26 Ben and His Brother, Rabbi Aron Brafman 1:15:50 Sullivan & Cromwell and Frum Lawyers in Big Law 1:18:08 Closing and Meaningful Minute Plus  

On September 30, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was hijacked mid-air. A terrorist stabbed the pilot, the plane dropped 15,000 feet in under a minute, and for a few seconds nobody was flying it. Nachi Gordon sits down with Daniel Schlichter, who was sitting in the second row with his wife, two meters from the cockpit, and watched three Israeli passengers take the terrorist down while a dentist on board treated the pilot. Daniel handed them the headphones they used to tie him up.   Daniel walks through every minute: the empty cockpit, the off-duty pilots who took over, the flight attendant who told them to let the terrorist go, the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with part of the tail missing, and the first direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel. He also opens up about why a man who never considered himself religious now calls it a divine miracle, and what he believes all 174 people on that plane are still here to do.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     Timestamps:   0:00 Intro: "Nobody's Flying This Plane" 1:55 Daniel Schlichter on Boarding Flight FZ1073 Home From Japan 3:36 "Somebody Is Stabbing the Pilot": The Fight in the Cockpit 8:45 Losing 15,000 Feet in Under a Minute 11:31 The Miracles That Kept 174 People Alive and What It Did to Daniel's Faith 16:06 An Empty Cockpit and the Off-Duty Pilots Who Took Over 18:59 Not Trusting the Crew and Landing in Saudi Arabia 22:52 Am Yisrael Chai and the First Direct Flight From Saudi Arabia to Israel 25:05 "Kill Me, Kill Me": Why It Was Terror, Not a Fight Between Pilots 29:10 "I'm Not a Hero": Coming Home and Searching for Why 32:57 The Indian Pilot Who Opened the Door

This is not a typical episode. Nachi Gordon sits down in Yerushalayim with Arnold Roth, whose 15 year old daughter Malki was murdered in the Sbarro pizzeria bombing on August 9, 2001. Arnold shares who Malki was, the last "I love you" she exchanged with her mother, and the twelve hours the family spent searching for her before the 2 a.m. phone call from her brothers.   But the story doesn't end there. Ahlam Tamimi, the woman who planned the attack, was sentenced to 16 life terms, freed in the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal, and has been living openly in Jordan ever since, where she even hosted her own TV show. She is the only woman on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list, with a $5 million reward on her head, and Jordan still refuses to hand her over. Arnold explains why he calls the silence of governments and American Jewish leadership a betrayal, and what each of us can do about it.   Sign the petition to extradite Ahlam Tamimi: https://www.change.org/p/we-urge-the-president-and-secretary-of-state-of-the-united-states-to-do-everything-necessary-so-that-jordan-which-has-thwarted-this-process-for-years-finally-complies-with-its-treaty-obligation-and-with-fundamental-notions-of-justice   Learn more about the Malki Foundation: https://www.kerenmalki.org   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Touro   Serious about your education and your Torah learning? Touro's Lander College for Men/Beis Medrash L'Talmud offers over 20 majors and pre-professional tracks, including finance, computer science, accounting, biology, psychology, pre-law, pre-dental and pre-med, plus honors pathways into New York Medical College and Touro College of Dental Medicine. Join the Open House on November 8.   https://lcm.touro.edu/openhouse     ► Ness Vacation Homes   Eden Gardens' largest luxury home collection. Handpicked, high end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Daily 613   Daily 613 is writing Sifrei Torah in memory of the victims of October 7th. Every letter is a letter of remembrance, and the more that is raised, the more Sifrei Torah will be written. Be part of the next one.   https://causematch.com/daily613     ► Nishmasi   A new project from Rabbi Efrem Goldberg to strengthen your emunah. Eight WhatsApp communities, including shidduchim, fertility, finance, illness and more, with daily messages from Rabbi Goldberg tailored to your chapter in life. Find your community and join today.   https://nishmasi.org     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm for 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp Timestamps:   0:00 Intro: Not a Typical Episode 3:53 Arnold Roth on Who Malki Was and Her Last Summer 9:05 August 9, 2001: The Sbarro Bombing 11:19 Twelve Hours Searching for Malki 16:26 The Shiva and Silence From the Israeli Government 19:48 A Zionist Let Down: Ahlam Tamimi Walks Free in Jordan 24:16 How Tamimi Planned and Carried Out the Attack 29:49 The Arrest, 16 Life Sentences, and a Secret Court Transcript 32:31 No Real Interest From the US as Tamimi Becomes a Prison Celebrity 36:12 The Shalit Deal: Tamimi at the Top of Hamas's List 39:22 Tamimi's TV Show in Jordan and Arnold Roth's Trip to Washington 43:35 2017: The US Charges Tamimi and Posts a $5 Million Reward 46:33 Jordan Declares Its Extradition Treaty Invalid 49:11 "A Foremost Priority": The Biden Administration Letter That Went Nowhere 51:58 If the US Really Wanted Tamimi, They Would Get Her 53:26 Billions for Jordan and the Silence of American Jewish Leaders 1:00:36 Everyone Knows Where Tamimi Lives, and the King of Jordan's VIP Treatment 1:03:06 "A Betrayal": What Arnold Roth Would Say to Tamimi 1:04:42 What Justice Would Change, and Losing Son-in-Law Naftali 1:09:58 The Malki Foundation and Nachi's Call to Sign the Petition  

The shidduch system says stay in your lane: same hashkafa, same schools, and wait for the shadchan to call. Rivkah Fox thinks that's exactly what's keeping so many people single. With Blind Fate, the matchmaking platform she started on Instagram, she's throwing out the boxes and labels with anonymous bios, blind video dates and caricature resumes, and setting up couples the system would never put together, like a yeshivish guy with smicha and a modern Orthodox Ramaz grad who are now married with kids. Hundreds of singles in eight countries have gotten married through her setups, and instead of pushback, rabbanim and even a Rebbe's gabbai are calling her for help. Nachi Gordon pushes her on all of it: whether crossing hashkafa lines puts someone's Yiddishkeit at risk, why she calls image the biggest problem in the shidduch world, how she gets paid without becoming a debt collector, and the week an entire family turned on her over one green check on the Loop app.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Ness Vacation Homes   Eden Gardens' largest luxury home collection. Handpicked, high end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Shopify Guru   Store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru's Daniel gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change. Call 732-534-1404 or go to shopifyguru.io.   https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm for 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp

In this special throwback episode,Nachi Gordon sits down with Rivka Shotkin, a 16 year old from Passaic and the youngest guest in Meaningful People history. On January 31, 2021, a family ski trip in Tannersville ended when Rivka missed a turn on her last run of the day and went straight into a tree, breaking 11 bones, puncturing both lungs, and severing her spinal cord. She walks us through waking up in the ICU nine days later, three months of rehab during COVID without being able to see her family, and landing back in the hospital with septic shock just five days after finally coming home.   What makes this one special is how Rivka talks about all of it. She opens up about how unhappy she was before the accident, the strange sense of peace she felt that weekend, why she now calls her injury a gift, and what she wants the community to understand about treating people in wheelchairs. It's funny, honest, and genuinely inspiring.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Shopify Guru   Store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru's Daniel gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change. Call 732-534-1404 or go to shopifyguru.io.   https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Ness Vacation Homes   Eden Gardens' largest luxury home collection. Handpicked, high end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm for 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp     Timestamps:   0:00 Intro: Meet Rivka Shotkin, MPP's Youngest Guest Ever 4:02 Welcome to the Studio and Growing Up in Passaic 7:23 The Ski Trip to Tannersville That Changed Everything 10:10 Airlifted to Albany and Waking Up Nine Days Later 13:20 Learning Rivka Was Paralyzed and Eli Portell's Advice 15:49 Anger, Dark Humor, and Taking It in Stride 18:04 Three Months of Rehab During COVID 22:07 Punishment, Test, or Gift? 23:33 Coming Home, a Wedding Cake, and Septic Shock 27:29 How to Accept What You Never Signed Up For 29:45 Unhappy Before the Accident and a Strange Premonition 31:57 Choosing Happiness and Strength From Rivka's Parents 34:59 Brain Surgeon Dreams and How to Treat People in Wheelchairs 38:20 Emunah, Hashgacha, and Not Being Afraid of the Pain 42:36 Rivka's Second Rosh Hashanah 46:17 Camp Simcha and Rivka's Support System 49:06 Poetry, Dreams, and Determination

Nachi Gordon hosts a live panel on sexual abuse in the frum community, recorded at an event presented by Ray of Hope and Amudim right before Rosh Hashanah. He's joined by Amudim founder Zvi Gluck, Amudim's Director of Education Avi Landa, Amudim Clinical Director Dr. Miriam Lankry, and Ray of Hope founder Zelda Brody, who opens the evening by sharing her own story of abuse and the years of silent suffering that led her to build Ray of Hope. Using live audience polling throughout the night, the panel works through how well the community actually handles abuse, how young the conversation about bodies and boundaries with kids should start, and what to say and what never to say when someone discloses to you. From there the conversation moves into harder territory: which warning signs actually mean something, why going to a rav first is often not the full answer, when police need to be the first call, and how survivors navigate marriage, dating, and family relationships with relatives who still stay close to their abuser. Zvi, Avi, Miriam, and Zelda spend real time on why so many people still stay silent out of shame, push back hard on the idea that abusers often get more communal support than their victims, and close out the night on what they'd want every survivor in the room, and everyone listening at home, to walk away knowing.

  This week, Nachi Gordon sits down with Charlie Harari for a wide-ranging conversation about what it actually means to love someone, honor your parents, and do teshuva. Charlie unpacks how modern therapy culture has replaced the role of a rebbe for a lot of people, and argues that real love isn't validation, it's pointing someone toward Hashem even when that's uncomfortable to hear. From there the conversation moves through honoring parents even when the relationship is hard, why teshuva is really about identity rather than behavior, and why tragedy seems to shake people awake to Hashem faster than blessing does.   Charlie also talks about Kelil, the app and upcoming book he co-wrote to help people work through jealousy, honoring parents, and other areas of avodas Hashem that are hard to figure out on your own.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Values Over Valuables   A campaign encouraging people to live a value based life instead of buying whatever they can afford. Watch the video and take the pledge.   https://valuesovervaluables.org     ► Bench   American-style food, treats, and gifts from vendors across Jerusalem, delivered straight to your kid in Israel. A taste of home when you can't be there yourself.   https://benchjlm.com     ► Ness Vacation Homes   Eden Gardens' largest luxury home collection. Handpicked, high end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm for 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp

As we mark 25 years since September 11, we're revisiting Ari Schonbrun's extraordinary story of survival. Ari worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower. A series of seemingly ordinary delays left him running late that morning, placing him on the 78th floor when the first plane struck. Thrown to the ground by the impact and surrounded by smoke, fire, and chaos, Ari began searching for a way out. That search brought him to Virginia, a severely burned coworker who begged him not to leave her. Ari made her a promise and helped her down dozens of flights of stairs, refusing to abandon her even as they fought to escape with their lives. In this deeply moving conversation, Ari recounts the decisions, strangers, and extraordinary moments of Divine Providence that led them out of the tower, and how surviving September 11 forever changed his faith, his priorities, and the way he understands why he was spared.   Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Not Taught in School 4:50 A Beautiful Tuesday Morning 11:25 First Plane Hits 14:08 A Woman Screaming for Help 17:03 Finding a Way Out 19:04 A Phone Call in the Stairwell 21:36 Is There a Paramedic in the Building? 25:32 Finds Out it's a Terrorist Attack 29:20 Breaking Down in His Brother's Arms 32:38 Go Hug the People You Love 34:40 Twenty People, A Hundred Messages 35:45 Daddy's Got to Work 38:00 One Mitzvah at a Time 43:33 Only Four Survived 47:20 The Smoky Taste the Next Morning 50:44 Find Your Mission 57:33 Can You Come In at 11? 59:30 Cantor Fitzgerald's Promise 1:01:19 Whispers and Bricks

This week, Nachi Gordon sits down with Yudi and Chumi Herzberg to talk about the life, story, and legacy of their daughter Charlotte, who passed away in a car accident on June 2. Yudi and Chumi walk through what made Charlotte so uniquely herself, the note she left her mother the night before the accident, and how they found out and told the rest of their kids. They also talk candidly about the ups and downs since then, including recognizing the driver as a close family friend, and how they came to see the tragedy as coming entirely from Hashem rather than from any person to blame.   The conversation turns toward Shalom for Charlotte, the movement Yudi and Chumi built out of the accident, aimed at inspiring people to make peace in their own relationships. They share some of the thousands of stories that have poured in since Charlotte passed, from decades long feuds ending to siblings reconnecting, and talk about what it has meant to watch their daughter's legacy grow into something so much bigger than themselves.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Aura House   A sleek, flame free cold air diffuser that fills your home with a five star hotel scent, with no parabens or phthalates. A perfect wedding gift. Use code MEANINGFUL15 for 15% off.   https://aurahouse.com     ► Values Over Valuables   A campaign encouraging people to live a value based life instead of buying whatever they can afford. Watch the video and take the pledge.   https://valuesovervaluables.org     ► Voice 37 by Isaac Honig   An all natural vocal booster made with organic herbs that lasts 12 to 24 hours, made for singers and especially for chazzanim heading into the Yomim Noraim. Available on Amazon.   https://clyor.com/voice37 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N26UG0V/     ► Ness Vacation Homes   Eden Gardens' largest luxury home collection. Handpicked, high end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm for 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   Timestamps:   0:00 Intro 3:48 Charlotte's Personality and Big Feelings 8:55 The Note Charlotte Left the Night Before the Accident 15:49 Reliving June 2: How the Accident Unfolded 19:27 Yudi's Hope at the Scene and the Ride to the Hospital 23:19 Telling Their Other Children What Happened 25:27 Hatzalah, Neighbors, and the Community's Response 29:20 Recognizing the Driver as a Close Family Friend 33:18 Being on the Same Page as a Couple 35:09 Grief During and After Shiva 44:46 Seeing Hashem Clearly Through the Tragedy 47:46 Why They Chose the Name Shalom for Charlotte 52:18 Adjusting to Life After Shiva Ended 1:00:18 Turning Their Story Into Chizuk for Others 1:04:57 Rabbi Robino Eisenberger's Message on a Predestined Life 1:13:35 Stories of Shalom Pouring In From Around the World 1:20:29 The Goal of 100,000 Acts of Shalom 1:25:02 Visiting Charlotte's Grave 1:27:03 Preparing for a Simcha and Living Life Fully Today  

This week, Nachi Gordon sits down with philanthropists Yossi Hoch and Simcha Shain to talk about the world of tzedakah, from the pressure donors carry to the changing psychology of giving. They open up about what has shifted since their parents' generation, how technology and platforms like Charidy have reshaped fundraising, and why some of the most established organizations now struggle to compete with flashier, newer causes. Along the way they share candid stories about donors who quietly write six figure checks and others who give up their Shabbos soda money, and why both matter equally.   The conversation turns personal as Yossi and Simcha discuss the hidden shame that comes with losing the ability to give, the toll of unfulfilled pledges, and what it really means to give with a full heart rather than a full wallet. They also dig into Shuvu, the organization educating thousands of children across Israel, including former hostage Bar Kuperstein, and share the story of how each of them first got involved. It's a wide ranging, honest look at what tzedakah costs, what it gives back, and why every dollar, no matter the size, counts. Help Shuvu grow This episode is sponsored by:   ► PZ Deals   Never pay full price again when you download the PZ Deals app.   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka.   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Amudim - What Comes Next, Live in New York   Join Nachi Gordon moderating a powerful panel on healing from abuse, crime, and trauma. Free event, limited seating.   https://amudim.org/next     ► Shopify Guru   Store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru's Daniel gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change. Call 732-534-1404 or go to shopifyguru.io.   https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION. Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp Timestamps:   0:00 Intro: The $7 Postdated Check That Changed a Life 2:09 Meet Yosi Hach and Simcha Shain 3:38 A Billion Dollars a Year in Tzedakah 5:03 How Communal Wealth Has Changed 6:04 Technology's Impact on Fundraising 8:27 The Rise of Charidy and Online Giving 12:12 Donor Psychology: Has Giving Gotten Too Easy? 14:19 The Shrinking Value of $100 18:01 Can a Family of Five Live on $300K? 20:00 Tuition, Tax Credits, and Housing Costs 23:51 Advice for a 22 Year Old Starting Out 26:13 Investing in Yourself 29:35 Fundraising War Stories and the Hidden Stress on Donors 36:52 A Personal Story of Loss and Gratitude 39:17 Chesed, Unfulfilled Pledges, and Giving with a Full Heart 49:20 The Origins and Growth of Shuvu 55:19 Shuvu's Alumni, the War, and How Simcha Shain Got Involved 1:04:19 Mike Tress, Parting Advice, and Vetting a Charity  

Rabbi Benjamin Goldschmidt grew up in Moscow as the son of the city's chief rabbi, trained in Bnei Brak and Ponovezh, and spent a decade as assistant rabbi at Manhattan's Park East Synagogue — until he was abruptly and very publicly fired. In this raw conversation with Nachi Gordon, he opens up for the first time about that moment: the New York Post headline, the car crash he got into reading about himself, and the isolation of losing not just a job but an entire community. Out of that low point came Altneu, the congregation he and his wife built from nothing — starting with 40 people in their living room, then two and a half years of renting a different Manhattan venue every single week, never knowing until Thursday's email where Shabbos would be. Rabbi Goldschmidt walks through how that instability became the shul's strength, the breaking point that nearly ended the project, his father's advice that turned it around, and how it all led to buying a $35 million building on the Upper East Side. He also gets into what it's like leading a congregation through today's political climate in New York, and the loss of a beloved member that shook the whole community.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► 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     ► Shopify Guru   Store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru's Daniel gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change. Call 732-534-1404 or go to shopifyguru.io.   https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION. Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► El Al   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: ברוכים הבאים לישראל. Book your next flight with EL AL:   https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   Timestamps:   0:00 Intro: A Shul With No Address 2:57 Growing Up in Moscow as the Chief Rabbi's Son 8:47 Sent to Bnei Brak and Ponovezh at Twelve 11:40 Choosing the Rabbinate and the Lakewood "Freezer" Years 18:28 Becoming a Rabbi at Park East at Twenty-Four 23:52 A Decade as Assistant Rabbi at Park East 26:52 Getting Fired: The Sudden, Public Fallout 33:47 Losing a Job, Losing a Community 36:19 His Father's Parallel Story and the Birth of Altneu 44:20 Building a Shul on Wheels Across Manhattan 54:48 The Breaking Point and His Father's Advice 59:05 Buying a $35 Million Building on the Upper East Side 1:01:28 Building Altneu's Identity and Culture 1:10:01 From the Pulpit to Politics: Life in Manhattan Today 1:17:50 Confronting Antisemitism and What Makes a Movement Survive 1:22:00 Remembering Wesley 1:24:37 Closing  

Josh Livingstone is a husband coach who works almost exclusively with men, and in this episode he explains why so many well-intentioned husbands still leave their wives feeling unheard. He and Nachi unpack what he calls the real root of most marital friction: it's not a lack of communication, it's a failure to translate. Josh walks through the "headache test," the reason a wife asks her husband to do something 50 times, and why a woman getting controlling in a marriage is often a symptom of not feeling safe rather than a desire for power. He also explains why "I'm sorry you feel that way" is one of the worst things a husband can say, and lays out the right way to apologize: full ownership first, discussion second.   Josh shares stories straight from his coaching practice, including a wealthy client who was convinced a two-week trip to the French Riviera would fix his marriage, only to learn his wife just wanted a ten-minute walk around the block with him at night. He breaks down his four-step CORE method for turning insight into real change at home, and gets into why so many husbands were never actually taught how to show up for their wives in the first place. It's a candid, practical conversation about masculinity, leadership, and what it actually takes to make a marriage work.   The Husband Coach Website https://www.TheHusbandCoach.com Download my free guide "8 Steps to Connect" for husbands.    To chat with The Husband Coach https://TheHusbandCoach.com/book-a-call   Follow The Husband Coach on Instagram  https://Instagram.com/the husband coach   Join The Husband Coach WhatsApp Group https://chat.whatsapp.com/CnUQrf1qb9cAxwubgf8zFf   The Husband Coach WhatsApp Status 224.406.1547   Follow The Husband Coach on YouTube https://www.YouTube.com/@TheHusbandCoachOfficia This episode is sponsored by:   ► 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     ► Shopify Guru   Store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru's Daniel gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change. Call 732-534-1404 or go to shopifyguru.io.   https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION. Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappl  

Mendel Krashunsky is the founder of the Frum Health Club, a worldwide movement pushing Yidden to finally take their health seriously. He opens up about losing his father, an oligarch who lived a life of total luxury, to a preventable illness at just 38 years old, and how the grief sent Mendel into his own spiral of emotional eating that left him 70 pounds overweight and battling GERD before he'd even turned 20.   From there, Mendel and Nachi dig into why health gets treated as optional in frum life, even though it's a mitzvah straight from the Torah, covering ultra-processed food, GLP-1s like Ozempic, how to talk to kids about it, and the viral 10,000-steps-a-day challenge that's grown into a global movement with tens of thousands of followers. It's a raw, practical conversation about food, faith, and why taking care of your body isn't a contradiction to Yiddishkeit, it's part of it.   Join the Frum Health Club 30-Day Step Challenge! 🚶‍♂️ Walk 10,000 steps a day (Shabbos and Yom Tov excluded.) 🏆 Chance to win a Rolex worth $8,000 OR 💵 $8,000 cash 💵 Daily chance to win $100 💰 Just $39 to join   Sign up: https://wa.link/0w2nb2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frumhealthclub   This episode is sponsored by:   ► 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     ► KTYT – Win $1,000,000 for Your Shul   Take on a Kabbalah to stay quiet during a specific part of davening, and you're entered to win $1,000,000 for the shul, yeshiva, mikvah, or Torah project of your choice. Head to KTYT.org, make your Kabbalah, and pick which part of davening you're committing to.   https://ktyt.org/en/mpPOD     ► Shopify Guru   Store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru's Daniel gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change. Call 732-534-1404 or go to shopifyguru.io.   https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION. Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► El Al   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: ברוכים הבאים לישראל. Book your next flight with EL AL:   https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

Claire Blumenthal Zeitler was adopted into an Orthodox Jewish family as a baby — until, a year after her wedding, her biological mother tracked her down and revealed something nobody could have prepared her for: her biological father is part of the deposed royal family of Bahrain. In this deep dive with Nachi Gordon, Claire walks through the whirlwind of discovering she's half-Arab, the isolation of hiding it from her Chassidish community, and the identity crisis that followed — a woman raised frum and Ashkenazi who suddenly had to reckon with being 50% something she'd always been taught to fear. What follows is a wild journey: years spent chasing that other half of herself through the Old City, a Palestinian university, and life in Egypt and Dubai — dating across cultures and even studying as the first identified Jew at a Palestinian school. Then came October 7th, a devastating gut-check that forced her to confront who she really is, and the slow, incremental return to Shabbos, to her family, and ultimately to Israel. It's a raw, unbelievable story about identity, belonging, and finding your way home — literally and spiritually.   This episode is sponsored by:   ► 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     ► KTYT – Win $1,000,000 for Your Shul   Take on a Kabbalah to stay quiet during a specific part of davening, and you're entered to win $1,000,000 for the shul, yeshiva, mikvah, or Torah project of your choice. Head to KTYT.org, make your Kabbalah, and pick which part of davening you're committing to.   https://ktyt.org/en/mpPOD     ► Shopify Guru   Shopify store looks great but not selling the way it should? Shopify Guru gets under the hood and makes it actually work, no developer needed every time you want to make a change.    https://go.jcn.io/sgmp     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION. Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► El Al   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: ברוכים הבאים לישראל. Book your next flight with EL AL:   https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out today for a free case evaluation.   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp.   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

Moshe Tischler and Shloimy Zaltzman, two of the biggest names in Jewish wedding music, sit down with Nachi Gordon to trace how they broke into the industry, from meeting as yeshiva teenagers to Shlomi's near-miss record deal and the emotional moment years later when he watched another bandleader step into that same opportunity. They open up about what the job really costs, the travel away from their kids, showing up at full strength no matter how sick or drained they are, and the odd reality of being shy, private people who perform in the most public, high-stakes moments of other people's lives. They also dig into where Jewish music is headed, from the flood of new releases on platforms like 24Six to AI-generated singers (including a story about a bride who fell for a song by an artist who doesn't actually exist), and land on the same conclusion: raw, honest, unpolished authenticity beats anything overproduced. A warm, funny, surprisingly candid conversation between two friends who built parallel careers making other people's simchas unforgettable. Exclusive content on: www.mmplus.org   This is episode is brought to you in part by:   ► 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     ► ArtScroll   ArtScroll is celebrating 50 years of making Torah learning accessible to everyone, and they're marking it with a massive giveaway: $10,000 every single week for the next few weeks, adding up to over $50,000 total. No purchase necessary, just head to the link, scroll down, and fill out the short form to be entered. While you're there, check out the rotating weekly sale, with so many ArtScroll items at 50% off.   https://artscroll.com/50years     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION   Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► El Al   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: ברוכים הבאים לישראל.   Book your next flight with EL AL:     https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

Five years ago, Maya Namdar's world changed forever when a drunk driver took the life of her daughter Liel, just moments after a Shabbaton reunion in Woodmere. In her second appearance on Meaningful People, Maya returns to share the story in a way she never has before: the knock at the door, the screams that woke her neighbors, and the haunting last text Liel sent seconds before impact reminding a friend to say Shema. She opens up about the loneliness of grief, the guilt of not recognizing her daughter's quiet yearning for Moshiach until after she was gone, and the moment months later when she found Liel's phone alarm blaring under a pile of clothes, a "good morning" she now carries as a kiss from Hashem.   The conversation moves from raw pain into something deeper: how tragedy forced Maya into a real relationship with Hashem for the first time, why she believes the whole world has been made uncomfortable on purpose, and how a seven-year-old Liel once cried over the loss of the Beis Hamikdash while the rest of her family laughed it off. Maya makes the case that yearning for Mashiach isn't abstract theology, it's survival, and that every act of connection, gratitude, and unity is what hastens the Geula we're all waiting for. It's a raw, faith-filled conversation about loss, hope, and the promise that keeps her going.   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     ► BINA   After brain injury, a short conversation can feel like a miracle. BINA walks families through that world, helping them navigate life after brain injury and celebrate every moment of progress. Join us in making a world of difference for families facing this journey.   https://go.jcn.io/binaMP     ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: ברוכים הבאים לישראל.   Book your next flight with EL AL:   https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION   Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff takes us on a journey through the entire Jewish timeline, from Adam and Chava in Gan Eden to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, the long exile, and the prophecies surrounding the coming of Moshiach. Together with Nachi Gordon, they explore why history unfolds the way it does, what Chazal and the Nevi'im teach about the end of days, the role of Eretz Yisrael, and whether the events unfolding in today's world fit into a much larger picture.   They also tackle some of today's biggest questions: Is there a potential Moshiach alive in every generation? What does Judaism say about Iran, Gog and Magog, artificial intelligence, and the rapid changes shaping our future? Whether you're deeply familiar with these ideas or hearing them for the first time, this conversation challenges you to think differently about Jewish history, current events, and what our generation may be living through. Episode continue on Meaningful Minute Plus   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     ► Sofer.Ai   Sofer.ai is the AI platform built to unlock your Torah, combining powerful technology with the care Torah deserves.   Transcribe shiurim into clear text, generate summaries and outlines, and organize everything so it's searchable, printable, and never lost. With Maishiv, you can instantly find any idea across your entire collection.   Preserve your Torah. Access it anytime. https://go.sofer.ai/mp     ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE   Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet. https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

In this powerful conversation, Nachi sits down with Zahava Farbman, a crisis, trauma, and bereavement expert, to talk about what families really need after tragedy. Zahava shares why grief is not something people simply "get over," how to speak to children after painful loss, what not to say to someone in pain, and why we never really know what is happening behind closed doors. She also opens up about her work with Aleph Institute, supporting families of people in prison, and the shame and loneliness they often carry. A conversation about pain, resilience, faith, and renewed sensitivity. Extra content every week: https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/?preview=true#buynow   This episode has been made possible by:     ► 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   ► UJA UJA is at the center of Long Island's Jewish community with the shared purpose of strengthening our Jewish future. https://ujafedny.org/five-towns   ► EL AL From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE   Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet. https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance\ whatsapp

Yossi Farro has turned a mitzvah into a global mission. In this episode of Meaningful People, he shares how a childhood spent putting tefillin on strangers in New York grew into a journey that has taken him around the world, connecting with celebrities, billionaires, entrepreneurs, influencers, and everyday Jews. From chance encounters with actors to live streams and meetings with some of the biggest names in business, Yossi explains how persistence, authenticity, and a simple pair of tefillin opened doors he never imagined.    Along the way, Yossi discusses the Chabad philosophy behind mivtzoim, why he believes tefillin has the power to inspire lasting Jewish connection, and the remarkable stories that have kept him motivated through thousands of encounters. He also reflects on the Rebbe's tefillin campaign, outreach after October 7, lessons from some of the world's most successful people, and why his mission is only getting started.  Join Meaningful Minute Plus   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     ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION   Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE   Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp

On the ninth yahrzeit of Malki Klein, her father, Avrami Klein, joins Nachi Gordon to share the story of a daughter whose struggles were often invisible to the people around her. From learning challenges and school rejection to addiction and ultimately her tragic passing, this conversation explores the pain Malki carried, the misconceptions surrounding struggling teens, and the lessons her family learned through the hardest chapter of their lives.    More than a story about loss, this episode is about belonging. Avrami reflects on what Malki taught him about acceptance, connection, and the life-saving impact of making someone feel seen. Through deeply personal memories and hard-earned insights, he shares a message for parents, educators, neighbors, and communities: sometimes the difference between despair and hope begins with a single person who refuses to look away.  Watch the song about Malky's life ► 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     ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION   Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE   Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

This special Gimmel Tammuz episode of Meaningful People explores the Lubavitcher Rebbe's letters and the conversations, questions, and life experiences behind them. Rabbi Shais Taub, Shmuel Greene, and members of the Sichos In English team join Nachi Gordon to share stories of the Rebbe's correspondence with people from all walks of life and what those letters reveal about his perspective on life, purpose, relationships, challenges, and personal growth. Along the way, they share powerful stories of personal correspondence, unique relationships the Rebbe built with people from all walks of life, and the lessons that continue to resonate decades later. From a scientist searching for life in space to a struggling teacher seeking direction, These conversations offer a fascinating look at how timeless ideas can be applied to everyday life. This Episode was made possible by Sichos in English The English Letters is a brand-new series featuring thousands of previously unpublished English letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, edited and produced by Sichos In English and published by Kehos. Covering everything from marriage and parenting to faith, career decisions, and personal struggles, these letters offer the Rebbe's guidance in his own words, personal, practical, and timeless. Preorder Volume 1 now at  https://TheEnglishLetters.com

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Nachi Gordon sits down with Rabbi Shmuel Diamond for an unforgettable conversation about one of the most dramatic transformations you'll ever hear. Rabbi Diamond grew up completely secular in North London, in a world where the very idea of God was treated as ridiculous, and didn't learn the Aleph Beis until he was 21. He takes us back through his years of searching, traveling through India, chasing photography, and sinking deeper and deeper into drugs, until he hit a point so low he knew something had to change. Then came the small, almost absurd moment in a Manchester shop that he still points to as the night his teshuva truly began.   From there, the conversation follows his climb back, his move to Israel, and his journey to becoming religious. Rabbi Diamond shares how discovering Rabbi Manis Friedman's teachings on Tanya completely changed his approach to Yiddishkeit, taking him from a Yid who looked the part to someone who finally felt genuinely connected.   He also shares the story behind his "Journey to a Blessed Life" course, which is helping thousands rebuild their relationship with themselves, with others, and with Hashem. 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   ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa   ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/   ► Gutnick Chumash   The Chumash that brings Rashi to life, weaving his explanations into the text with the Rebbe's approach. A favorite in homes, shuls, schools, and Chabad Houses worldwide. Synagogue Edition now 45% off, just $49.50 through June 19.   Visit KolMenachem.com or call 718-951-6328   ► UJA   UJA is at the center of Long Island's Jewish community with the shared purpose of strengthening our Jewish future.   https://ujafedny.org/five-towns   ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Nachi Gordon sits down with Rabbi Tzadok Katz, a shadchan with over 23 years of experience, for one of the most honest and entertaining conversations about shidduchim you'll ever hear. From speed dating and picture sharing to the stigma facing working boys and the pressure that's been built into the system, Rabbi Katz pulls no punches about what's actually broken, and what's working better than people think. The conversation covers everything from how technology has completely transformed the shadchan's job, to why girls are maturing faster than boys and what needs to change, to the halacha of sharing information and how buried details may be behind most early divorces. Rabbi Katz also shares his philosophy on excitement, readiness, and why "getting the job done" is more complicated than it sounds. Whether you're a single, working with singles, or just fascinated by how the system actually works behind the scenes, this episode is a must-listen. 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 ► EL AL From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל." Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm\ source=meaningful\&utm\ medium=podcast\&utm\ campaign=gcny\ incoming\ usa\&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa ► Ness Vacation Homes EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet. https://nessvacationhomes.com/ ► Fine Toys and Gifts Have family in Israel? Send them something they'll actually love. Fine Toys and Gifts delivers American brand toys and gifts anywhere in Eretz Yisroel — LEGO, Playmobil, dolls, board games, and more — with flat rate shipping for just $12. https://www.finetoysandgifts.com ► Chasdei Lev Chasdei Lev sends truckloads of food and goods to thousands of Rebbes families across 27 communities nationwide. They're in the middle of a major campaign to expand their warehouse, and they need your help to get there. https://www.charidy.com/ChasdeiLev?utm\ source=MM&utm\ medium=podcast ► UJA UJA is at the center of Long Island's Jewish community with the shared purpose of strengthening our Jewish future. https://ujafedny.org/five-towns ► 12 Stones Realty Discover 12 Stones — a luxury private home community in the breathtaking Jerusalem Hills, combining nature, serenity, and elevated living just minutes from Jerusalem. Spacious homes, stunning views, and a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere. https://12-stones.co.il/landing/?utm\ source=MPP ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance\ whatsapp  

In this week's episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Keshet Starr, CEO of Shalom Task Force and a leading advocate in the fight against domestic abuse in the Jewish community, joins Nachi Gordon for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about one of the most difficult issues facing the Jewish world today. Keshet shares what domestic abuse actually looks like behind closed doors, why it is often missed by friends and family, and how emotional, financial, spiritual, technological, and physical abuse can manifest in relationships. She also discusses the realities of working with survivors, the warning signs people should recognize, and why abuse is far more prevalent than many realize.   The conversation explores why victims often struggle to leave abusive relationships, the unique challenges that exist within Orthodox Jewish communities, and the role that stigma and silence continue to play. Keshet also offers practical guidance for those dating, newly married, or concerned about someone they love, sharing red flags to watch for and the importance of healthy communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution. This is an important discussion about awareness, prevention, and ensuring that those who need help know they are not alone. 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     ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION   Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE   Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► UJA   UJA is at the center of Long Island's Jewish community with the shared purpose of strengthening our Jewish future.   https://ujafedny.org/five-towns     ► Naava Kodesh   For the first time, Aliyah is starting to feel truly doable for mainstream, frum working families.   Hear directly from families already living it at a Naava Kodesh event near you.   https://events.naavakodesh.org/mm     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com   https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast,  and  dive into one of the biggest struggles facing the Jewish world today: are we creating people who truly think, feel, and connect… or are we just creating followers? From anxiety and burnout to authenticity, leadership, inner purpose, and the fear-based versions of Yiddishkeit many people quietly wrestle with, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level inspiration. Rabbi YY Jacobson challenges listeners to stop seeing themselves as powerless products of "the system" and instead rediscover the "prophet" inside every Jew.    The episode also explores painful but deeply relevant topics like division within the Jewish community, trauma, parenting, mental health, spirituality, and why so many young people feel disconnected despite living more comfortable lives than any previous generation. Rabbi YY shares powerful insights about anxiety, ego, relationships, healing, and what it really means to have a relationship with Hashem that brings a person alive instead of consuming them. This is one of the most raw, philosophical, and emotionally charged conversations we've ever had, and one that will challenge the way you think about Judaism, identity, and yourself.  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     ► EL AL From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing:  "ברוכים הבאים לישראל." Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm source=meaningful&utm medium=podcast&utm campaign=gcny incoming usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa   ► Kosher Klaf   This episode is brought to you by Kosher Klaf. Head over to KosherKlaf.com or call 516-737-5436 to check out their incredible selection. Plus, use coupon code meaningfulminute at checkout for free shipping!     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

In this week's episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Dr. David Rosmarin challenges one of the biggest assumptions people have about mental health: that anxiety is something to eliminate. A Harvard professor and leading anxiety expert, Dr. Rosmarin explains why trying to avoid discomfort may actually be making people weaker, more anxious, and less resilient. From parenting and dating to fear of failure, public speaking, and panic attacks, this conversation explores why anxiety might not be the enemy at all. The episode also dives into anxiety in the frum world, the pressures of shidduchim, eating disorders, fear-based parenting, and how vulnerability creates stronger relationships. Dr. Rosmarin shares practical strategies for dealing with anxiety, including the four-step framework he uses with patients, while Nachi opens up about his own fears and experiences throughout the conversation. This is a deeply honest and surprisingly empowering discussion about learning to stop running from fear and start growing through it. 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     ► Naava Kodesh   For the first time, Aliyah is starting to feel truly doable for mainstream, frum working families. Hear directly from families already living it at a Naava Kodesh event near you.   https://events.naavakodesh.org/mm     ► 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     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Rabbi Manis Friedman returns for one of the most thought-provoking conversations yet. From modern dating and marriage to masculinity, loneliness, relationships, and what it really means to need another person, Rabbi Friedman challenges some of the most accepted ideas in today's world. He explains why he believes marriage is not about compromise, why dating has become so broken, and why so many people feel alone even while surrounded by others. The conversation then takes a deeper turn into Yiddishkeit, purpose, and Rabbi Friedman's controversial belief that Hashem "needs" us. He explains why he believes this idea changes everything about mitzvahs, relationships, Mashiach, and the meaning of being Jewish. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode will leave you thinking differently about your relationship with other people, with yourself, and with Hashem.   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     ► 12 Stones Realty Discover 12 Stones a luxury private home community in the breathtaking Jerusalem Hills, combining nature, serenity, and elevated living just minutes from Jerusalem. Spacious homes, stunning views, and a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere. https://12-stones.co.il/landing/?utm source=MPP     ► Zareinu Zareinu is transforming the lives of children with learning challenges by giving them the support, environment, and belief they need to thrive. Because every child deserves the chance to succeed, grow, and blossom. https://12-stones.co.il/landing/?utm source=MPP     ► Israel1Stop Israel1Stop is your trusted one-stop shop for buying real estate in Israel, with brokerage, legal services, property management, and more all under one roof. Mention this ad for $1,000 off your brokerage fee. 📞 516-319-3999 📧 [email protected] https://israel1stop.com   ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

This episode dives into one of the most talked about trends in the Jewish world right now: Rolex raffles. Are they a creative, effective way to raise money for important causes, or are they feeding into something deeper and more problematic? We unpack the criticism, the psychology behind incentivized giving, and whether intention really matters when it comes to tzedakah. Along the way, the conversation expands into bigger questions about values, culture, and how we balance growth, authenticity, and reality in today's world.   But that's just the surface. This episode also takes a powerful turn into the lives of working guys, those navigating life after yeshiva, and challenges the labels and assumptions placed on them. From shidduchim to identity, from learning vs working to what it really means to be a "Ben Torah," this is an honest, nuanced discussion about responsibility, balance, and redefining success in a way that actually reflects Torah values. Join Meaningful Minute Plus for a follow up to this episode. www.mmplus.org   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     ► 49 Gates by Dovid Lichtenstein   49 Gates by Dovid Lichtenstein reveals the hidden roadmap of Sefiras HaOmer and shows you how to turn each day into real growth.   Get it now: https://tinyurl.com/49GatesMPP     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

Answer the Polls Here: https://thisorthatpolls.com/events/pesach In this special live episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, the conversation goes beyond theory and straight into reality, marriage, connection, and what actually happens behind closed doors. Through live polling and raw discussion, we uncover surprising truths: nearly 70% of people didn't feel prepared for marriage, and almost half admitted they questioned their decision within the first year. But what does that really mean? Is struggle a red flag, or part of the process?   This episode breaks down what's really at the core of relationship tension. It's not communication, it's connection. From navigating conflict the right way to understanding why "I want a divorce" is often just a cry for help, this conversation offers a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on building a strong marriage. If you've ever wondered what separates couples who thrive from those who fall apart, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 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     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp     ► The Village   80% of people who get addicted relapse again and again. The Village stops the cycle, creating a world of healthy connection around people in recovery so they can finally move forward to lasting sobriety and beautiful lives.   https://www.charidy.com/thevillage?utm source=MeaningfulMinute&utm medium=sm&utm campaign=village  

Get 40% off Meaningful Minute Plus with code APRIL26 — and unlock the full, unfiltered episode. No one really prepares you for what marriage actually feels like. Not the first few months. Not the doubts. Not the expectations that quietly fall apart. In this Off The Record conversation, Kayla Levin breaks down the things most people don't talk about — from Shana Rishona struggles to miscommunication to the moments people quietly wonder, did I make a mistake? If you're newly married… thinking about it… or years in and still figuring it out — this one will hit. ⚠️ This episode cuts off midway. 👉 Join Meaningful Minute Plus to watch the full conversation.

Lakewood has become one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in America, and with that growth has come controversy, criticism, and a lot of misunderstanding. In this episode, we sit down with a key insider to break down what's really happening behind the headlines: the expansion, the backlash from surrounding towns, accusations of "hostile takeovers," and the viral narratives shaping public perception. From zoning battles and lawsuits to the reality of community life, this is a raw, unfiltered look at a story most people only hear one side of. We also go deeper into the role of Agudah, the challenges of representing a massive and diverse community, and the behind-the-scenes work that rarely gets attention. From fighting legislation to securing massive funding initiatives that could change Jewish education in America, this conversation reveals how decisions are made, who's really advocating, and why so many people misunderstand what's actually being done. 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 ► Givat Hashalva Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim. https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN ► Ness Vacation Homes EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet. https://nessvacationhomes.com/ ►Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp ► Sofer.Ai Sofer.ai is the AI platform built to unlock your Torah, combining powerful technology with the care Torah deserves. Transcribe shiurim into clear text, generate summaries and outlines, and organize everything so it's searchable, printable, and never lost. With Maishiv, you can instantly find any idea across your entire collection. Preserve your Torah. Access it anytime. https://app.sofer.ai/transcript/6eb71118-4131-44a7-b175-b415692834d7

From struggling to sit still in class to becoming one of the most impactful voices on and off the court, Zevi Samet's journey is anything but typical. In this episode, he shares how sports gave him confidence, how failure fueled his growth, and how a relentless work ethic during COVID completely transformed his life. What started as a drive to become a better basketball player turned into something much deeper,discovering purpose, discipline, and a connection to something bigger than himself. But the real story goes beyond basketball. Zevi opens up about building a platform to inspire others, creating a movement within his team, and using every moment, wins, losses, and everything in between, as an opportunity for impact. From emotional Shabbos experiences to leading teammates toward something meaningful, this is a story about growth, identity, and what it means to use your talent for something greater.   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     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

This episode of the Meaningful People Podcast dives into a reality most people don't want to talk about. How good, well-meaning people can end up making decisions that change their lives forever. Through real stories and firsthand insights from Project 432 and the Aleph Institute, we explore the hidden pressures, rationalizations, and "small" choices that can spiral into serious consequences. From financial shortcuts to moments of desperation, this conversation breaks down how it actually happens, and why it's happening more often than people think. But more importantly, this isn't about judgment,  it's about awareness. Whether you're in business, nonprofit work, or just navigating everyday decisions, the lessons here are practical and urgent: slow down, ask the right questions, and don't ignore your gut. Because sometimes the difference between staying safe and everything falling apart is just one decision in the moment.   Aleph Institute provides religious, emotional, and financial support and advocates for the needs of individuals and families impacted by the justice system. Project 432 is Aleph's awareness and education initiative to inspire current and emerging generations to achieve the highest Torah and legal standards and build lives of integrity and peace of mind. Learn more about their programs, curricula, and seminars at p432.org.   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     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

As war continues in Israel, daily life has completely lost any sense of normalcy. Sirens, uncertainty, and constant disruption have turned even the simplest routines into impossible challenges. In this powerful conversation, Danielle Renov shares what it actually feels like to raise a family under these conditions, where every decision, from going to the store to putting kids to sleep, is shaped by the unknown. Beyond the physical danger, she opens up about the emotional toll, the impact on children, and the deeper struggle of living without structure while trying to prepare for Pesach. The conversation then shifts into a raw and controversial discussion about Jews leaving Israel during the war, trust, and what it really means to rely on Hashem. Danielle challenges the mindset behind panic decisions, calling for stronger bitachon, unity, and internal growth rather than judgment. From personal loss to faith, from fear to resilience, this episode explores what it means to live through crisis with purpose, and why the path forward starts from within. Join Meaningful Minute Plus for more exclusive content throughout the week! www.mmplus.org   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     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   

Rod Bryant was once a Christian pastor with a thriving congregation of hundreds. Today, he teaches Torah to a global community of Noahides. In this conversation, Rod shares the remarkable journey that led him from growing up in a deeply devout Christian home in Louisiana to serving as a U.S. Army chaplain during the Gulf War, pastoring a large church, and ultimately leaving it all behind in pursuit of truth. What began as theological questions, especially about the nature of God, turned into a years-long search that led him to study Jewish texts, listen daily to Torah classes, and rethink everything he had once taught. Rod recounts the difficult moment when his search forced him to step away from the church he had built, sacrificing financial stability and reputation in order to follow where his study of Torah led him. Today he leads the Nativ Center, a community dedicated to teaching the Seven Noahide Laws and spreading universal ethical teachings rooted in the Torah. In this episode, he explains the Noahide path, the role of the Jewish people as a "light unto the nations," and why he believes the wisdom of the Torah offers a moral framework for the entire world.   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     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp      ► Pesach with Bordeaux    Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait!   Mention Meaningful Minute for a special deal!   Call/Text: 347-699-6120 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com   Chat with us on WhatsApp! https://wa.me/13476996120  

Born in Iran in the 1970s, Sammy grew up in a thriving Jewish community in Shiraz during the final years of the Shah's rule. But when the Islamic Revolution erupted, everything changed overnight. In this powerful conversation, he recounts what it was like as a child sensing the fear around him, hearing crowds chanting from rooftops, and eventually fleeing the country with his family. He shares the emotional memories of leaving Iran, the danger many Jews faced trying to escape, and why thousands of Jews still remain there today despite the risks. Sammy's story doesn't end with survival, it becomes a story of rebuilding. After arriving in America without speaking English, he eventually rose to an extraordinary career in finance while rediscovering his Jewish identity along the way. He opens up about assimilation, marrying his wife during her conversion process, the questions about faith that changed his life, and how Judaism ultimately gave him purpose, community, and meaning. From escaping a revolution to navigating faith, success, and responsibility, this episode is a remarkable journey of resilience, identity, and gratitude.   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     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  

This episode of the Meaningful People Podcast features Dovi Neuburger, a popular comedian and influencer who grew up as the son of a prominent rabbi and built his brand by poking at the frum world from the inside. In this conversation, he opens up about guilt over influencing younger followers, using religious culture as comedy material, and whether Jewish "inspiration" today is actually inspiration or just kosher entertainment. He challenges institutions, questions tuition, takes aim at the over-correction of emotional Judaism, and doesn't shy away from uncomfortable debates about shidduchim, schools, and community politics    It's funny, sharp, and at times confrontational. From Rabbi's son stereotypes to anti-Semitism content, from Thank You Hashem culture to whether kids should ever be thrown out of yeshiva, this episode doesn't tiptoe around anything. 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     ► Batya Kitchen   150+ Gluten-Free, Non-Gebrokts Recipes, Make-Ahead Tips, Holiday Guides, and Everything You Need for a Calm, Beautiful Pesach. Order now on Amazon.   https://amzn.to/4a1S1x7     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   

In this deeply personal episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Sruli Stern shares the hidden double life he lived for years as a compulsive gambler. From a childhood scratch-off card to high-stakes nights in Atlantic City, Sruli walks listeners through the slow escalation of an addiction that hijacked his logic, strained his marriage, buried him in debt, and nearly cost him everything. With raw honesty, he describes the lies, the rationalizations, the spiritual confusion, and the crushing moment when he lost his family's rent money and considered crashing his car rather than face the truth. What follows is a powerful story of rock bottom, confession, and recovery. Sruli opens up about coming clean to his wife, walking into his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting, rebuilding trust one step at a time, and confronting the deeper pain that fueled his addiction in the first place. This episode is not just about gambling, it is about accountability, faith, marriage, and the courage to change. Whether you have struggled personally or love someone who has, this conversation sheds light on a silent battle affecting more people than we realize and offers real hope that recovery is possible.   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     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Wruble & Co   Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step.   https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Ziltch   Stop paying credit card interest right now🛑 Now only $500, option of zero down🔥   516 441 2418 [email protected]   https://wa.link/y7m0zi     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp      ► Join Meaningful Minute on WhatsApp!   https://chat.whatsapp.com/FXkBN7IkceTJh0f4FISOf5     ► We Don't Gamble   Real success isn't hitting a parlay. It's walking away from insane social norms.    We Don't Gamble is a movement to step back from online and app-based betting and reclaim our standards as a community.   Abstaining from detrimental behaviors isn't simply avoidance. It's an identity of strength.  Let's raise the standard.   https://wedontgamble.com    

In this episode of Meaningful People, we sit down with Rabbi Avi Landa, LCPC, Mashgiach at the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore Middle School, Director of Education for Amudim, and Director of the Landa Counseling Center, to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing children and teens today: bullying. Drawing on his work in schools, private practice, and prevention programs worldwide, Rabbi Landa breaks down what bullying actually is (and isn't), why simplistic zero-tolerance approaches often fail, and how power dynamics and repeated behavior can deeply impact a child's sense of self. The conversation moves from theory to real, practical guidance for parents, educators, and communities: how to respond when your child is being bullied, when your child is the bully, and how empathy-driven intervention and education can genuinely change outcomes. We also explore the broader role of social-emotional learning in building healthier schools and safer communities. Landa Counseling Center: https://www.landacc.comAmudim: https://www.amudim.orgDarcheinu SEL Curriculum: https://www.darcheinu.orgOurPath SEL: https://www.ourpathsel.org   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     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp      ► Pesach with Bordeaux    Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait!   Mention Meaningful Minute for a special deal!   Call/Text: 347-699-6120 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com   Chat with us on WhatsApp! https://wa.me/13476996120  

In this episode, Emunah and Yaakov share their extraordinary journey from the Christian South to a fully observant Jewish life in Israel. Married young and raised in different Christian backgrounds, they describe years of deep questioning, searching for truth, and slowly uncovering Judaism, often completely on their own, without a Jewish community, rabbi, or guide. What began as questions about faith, practice, and God turned into years of living Jewish life in isolation, learning Torah, keeping Shabbat, and observing the holidays long before they ever met a Jew face-to-face.    They walk through the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of conversion, relocating to a Jewish community, completing their giyur, and making aliyah in the aftermath of October 7. From driving 10 hours every Shabbat to Atlanta, to converting and remarrying in the same week, this conversation is about conviction, sacrifice, and choosing responsibility over comfort. 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     ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION  Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE  Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/     ► Wruble & Co   Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step.   https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp      ► Pesach with Bordeaux    Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait!   Mention Meaningful Minute for a special deal!   Call/Text: 347-699-6120 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com   Chat with us on WhatsApp! https://wa.me/13476996120  

In this powerful episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Greenwald and later with Rabbi Ken Greenwald to reflect on the life, legacy, and impact of Ronnie Greenwald z"l, a man who quietly changed the lives of thousands.   From building Camp Sternberg into a haven for kids who didn't fit the mold, to negotiating on behalf of Jews imprisoned behind the Iron Curtain and in hostile regimes, this conversation reveals the heart, courage, and relentless compassion behind the legend. We talk about marriage, parenting, leadership, faith, forgiveness, and what it truly means to never give up on a person.   This is not just a story about accomplishments, it's a masterclass in loving Jews, believing in people, and living with purpose   Explore more of Rabbi Greenwald's legacy and work:   Rabbi Greenwald's Yeshiva: https://www.yeshivatiferet.com/ Rabbi Greenwald's Chinuch Podcast: https://youtu.be/eaLRIKAea5k Rabbi Greenwald's Biography: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422645352.html 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      ► Arkia   Fly smarter with Arkia, Israel's trusted airline for easy, reliable flights across Israel and to top international destinations. Book your next trip and travel with comfort and convenience:   https://www.arkia.com/en/content/about-arkia     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Dream Raffle   Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!  Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/      ► Pesach with Bordeaux    Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait!   Call/Text: 347-699-6120 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com   Chat with us on WhatsApp! https://wa.me/13476996120     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   

She grew up Catholic in Venezuela, never knowing Jews still existed, yet her family quietly lit candles, covered mirrors, and placed stones on graves. Centuries-old Jewish practices survived in her home without explanation, passed down in secret since the Spanish Inquisition.   In this episode, Reyna Simnegar shares her extraordinary journey from Venezuela to Judaism: uncovering crypto-Jewish roots dating back over 500 years, discovering her family's hidden mesorah, living through political collapse under Chávez, and ultimately converting Orthodox and building a Jewish life and family. From Schindler's List to UCLA, from Taco Bell to Jerusalem, this is a powerful story of identity, faith, exile, and return.   A rare, deeply personal conversation about Anusim, survival, and what it means to come home, even when it takes generations. 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     ► Move to San Antonio - The Other Texas   A growing Jewish community offering warmth, learning, affordability, and opportunity. Small-town feel, strong values, and a big future just outside Austin.   https://www.rodfeisholom.com/movetosa     ► Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN     ► Wruble & Co   Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step.   https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/     ► Dream Raffle   Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!  Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/      ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance    Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com  https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Tuvia Blau and Hindy Herman address one of the most painful and least talked-about struggles in our community: parental alienation and family estrangement. They unpack what estrangement actually looks like, how it develops, and why the emotional toll on parents and adult children alike can feel unbearable.   With honesty and compassion, Tuvia and Hindy explore both sides of the story, parents and children, touching on boundaries, shame, communication breakdowns, and the tools needed for healing. This conversation isn't about blame. It's about understanding, growth, and the possibility of rebuilding connection, even when it feels impossible. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Move to San Antonio - The Other Texas   A growing Jewish community offering warmth, learning, affordability, and opportunity. Small-town feel, strong values, and a big future just outside Austin.   https://www.rodfeisholom.com/movetosa     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH     ► Town Appliance    Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com  https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp   ► Pesach with Bordeaux 🌟 Pesach with Bordeaux 2026 is proudly partnered with Meaningful Minute to bring you amazing,inspiring and uplifting spiritual content this year!  🌟 Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year ✨🍷 This year—experience true *relaxation*, where every detail is taken care of. 😌🌸 Rooms are filling quickly — don't wait! 📞 Call/Text: 347-699-6120 🌐 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com 💬 Chat with us on WhatsApp!  https://wa.me/13476996120  

A father and son sit down for an unusually honest conversation about Jewish identity, continuity, and choice. Allen Horowitz was raised with a strong cultural Jewish pride but little religious observance; his son Meir grew up the same way, until a series of experiences slowly pulled him in a radically different direction. What begins as a familiar American Jewish story turns into something far more complex, touching on interfaith dating, generational expectations, and the quiet questions people are often afraid to ask out loud. As Meir's curiosity deepens, through travel, community, and personal struggle, father and son find themselves navigating a widening gap in worldview while trying to preserve trust, respect, and love. This episode isn't about convincing or converting; it's about watching a relationship adapt in real time as one person changes and the other learns how to respond. A raw, thoughtful look at faith, fear, autonomy, and what it really means to support someone you love, even when their path isn't the one you imagined. 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   ► 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   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ►Givat Hashalva   Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.   https://go.lyo.group/45mgCd1     ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp     ► Pesach with Bordeaux 🌟 Pesach with Bordeaux 2026 is proudly partnered with Meaningful Minute to bring you amazing,inspiring and uplifting spiritual content this year!  🌟 Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year ✨🍷 This year—experience true *relaxation*, where every detail is taken care of. 😌🌸 Rooms are filling quickly — don't wait! 📞 Call/Text: 347-699-6120 🌐 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com 💬 Chat with us on WhatsApp!  https://wa.me/13476996120  

Four years ago, Shaina's life changed forever.   Her husband, Yaakov—beloved, successful, devoted, admired—took his own life. In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Shaina speaks openly about what it's like to live through a tragedy that many are forced to hide, but she was never given the option to silence. She shares the painful reality of loving someone who was suffering invisibly, the strength it took to keep moving forward, and the unexpected blessing of authenticity in the aftermath. This episode goes beyond grief. It confronts the stigma around mental illness in the Jewish community, the cost of suffering in silence, and the courage it takes to talk when no one else will. Shaina challenges how we view suicide—not as weakness, but as a battle fought daily—and why telling the truth may be the only way to prevent the next tragedy. This is not an easy listen. But it is a necessary one.   For help and mental health resources please visit https://behindthefaces.org    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     ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH           ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp      ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!    Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/        ► Pesach with Bordeaux      🌟 Pesach with Bordeaux 2026 is proudly partnered with Meaningful Minute to bring you amazing,inspiring and uplifting spiritual content this year!  🌟 Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year ✨🍷 This year—experience true *relaxation*, where every detail is taken care of. 😌🌸 Rooms are filling quickly — don't wait!   📞 Call/Text: 347-699-6120 🌐 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com 💬 Chat with us on WhatsApp!  https://wa.me/13476996120

In this powerful episode, David Lichtenstein opens up about wealth, success, failure, and what truly gives life meaning. From business setbacks and rebuilding, to philanthropy, community responsibility, and personal resilience, this conversation challenges how we define success and where our real value comes from. It's an honest look at money, pressure, ego, and purpose, through a deeply Jewish lens grounded in lived experience.   The discussion goes far beyond finances, touching on tzedakah, leadership, cancel culture, failure, healing from trauma, Israel, and the responsibility to speak about uncomfortable but necessary topics. This is a raw, thoughtful conversation about courage, clarity, and living with conviction, even when it's unpopular.     This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:     ► Colel Chabad Pushka App    The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful   ► Torah Umesorah     Torah Umesorah equips teachers and schools to help every child thrive, support this work and help strengthen Jewish education by donating today.   https://content.jcn.io/MeaningfulMinuteTU   ► 7th Heaven Chocolate   high-quality, dairy-free chocolate that's ethically sourced and seriously good.   use code MPPfree for free shipping https://www.7thheavenchocolate.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoryFUtu BwTX2aYLCwtf8ykSbfR4dcurwUZAS8p C2ftD7WyjNN   ► 7th Heaven Chocolate   high-quality, dairy-free chocolate that's ethically sourced and seriously good.   use code MPPfree for free shipping https://www.7thheavenchocolate.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoryFUtu BwTX2aYLCwtf8ykSbfR4dcurwUZAS8p C2ftD7WyjNN   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► Town Appliance    Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp    ► Dream Raffle   Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!    Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets! https://thedreamraffle.com/    ► Pesach with Bordeaux   🌟 Pesach with Bordeaux 2026 is proudly partnered with Meaningful Minute to bring you amazing,inspiring and uplifting spiritual content this year!  🌟 Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year ✨🍷 This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. 😌🌸 Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait!   📞 Call/Text: 347-699-6120 🌐 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com 💬 Chat with us on WhatsApp!  https://wa.me/13476996120       Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:32 Early life and background 3:47 "My father was wealthy without money" 4:57 Wealth as a shallow metric of success 6:52 Community, comparison, and status 8:35 The sequoia trees and interlocking roots 10:06 Tablecloths, envy, and social pressure 11:50 Maaser and "show me the data" 13:13 Who the real community heroes are 14:14 Are rabbeim underpaid? 16:09 Giving tzedakah responsibly 17:32 Giving with your body vs your wallet 18:43 The burning palace and human responsibility 21:26 Applause, self-worth, and identity 23:05 The "levaya rule" and ignoring pressure 26:52 Pressure on major donors 29:30 Speaking about abuse, suicide, and taboo topics 34:01 Cancel culture in the frum world 40:17 Media, Zionism, and controversial conversations 47:38 Losing everything and rebuilding through Torah 51:47 Turning failure into fuel 56:55 Teshuva, forgiveness, and accountability 1:00:26 Israel, yeshiva world, and survival 1:07:40 Rav Gustman story and defending life

What goes through a person's mind when they're told—before even stepping into the courtroom—that they've been sentenced to 27 years in prison? In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin takes us inside the moments that changed his life forever: hearing the sentence, choosing emunah over despair, surviving years behind bars, and ultimately witnessing a miracle no one expected. This is not just a story about prison or justice—it's a masterclass in faith under fire, resilience in the face of total powerlessness, and what it truly means to trust Hashem when there is no visible way out. From the courtroom to solitary confinement, from despair to unexpected freedom, Rubashkin shares how emunah transformed punishment into purpose—and why the greatest freedom begins long before the prison doors open. A story of darkness, light, and the strength to keep believing when everything says not to.   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   ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful     ► Lalechet     We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.    https://www.lalechet.com   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance whatsapp  ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim!    Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!   https://thedreamraffle.com/  ► Pesach with Bordeaux 🌟 Pesach with Bordeaux 2026 is proudly partnered with Meaningful Minute to bring you amazing,inspiring and uplifting spiritual content this year!  🌟 Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year ✨🍷 This year—experience true *relaxation*, where every detail is taken care of. 😌🌸 Rooms are filling quickly — don't wait! 📞 Call/Text: 347-699-6120 🌐 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com 💬 Chat with us on WhatsApp!  https://wa.me/13476996120  

A Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach turned into a scene of terror.   In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, we sit with a father and community leader who survived the Bondi Beach terror attack. His children were nearby. What he first thought were fireworks quickly became gunshots. Within moments, people were running, hiding, and falling.   He shares, in real time, what it was like to be there: – realizing the danger – hiding with his daughter – searching desperately for his son – trying to help the wounded while protecting his child   This conversation was recorded shortly after the attack, while the pain was still raw. It is honest, emotional, and unfiltered.   We also speak about what came next. Lighting the menorah that night. Explaining fear to children. Holding onto faith and responsibility when everything feels shaken.   This episode is not about headlines or politics. It's about survival, parenthood, community, and choosing light in the aftermath of terror.   Our hearts are with all those affected by this attack, including the family of Rabbi Elie Schlinger, a beloved husband, father, and community leader who was killed. A link to support the Schlinger family is included below, as mentioned in the episode.   If this story resonates, please consider sharing it.   Support the Schlinger family: https://www.charidy.com/elischlanger/613Help?utm source=15mp