Anything But Traditional

Shaena Cantor Abramowitz, an educational leader and mother, shares her remarkable journey from her Modern Orthodox upbringing in New Jersey to living on the Arugot Farm in Israel.

Shaena discusses her experiences of making Aliyah, the challenges of finding her bashert at 37, and her unique life raising three young children on a hilltop in the Judean hills.

She also touches on the hardships and miracles related to fertility treatment, living through the Intifada, and the current Israeli war.

Despite the adversities, Shaena and her husband Ari find deep meaning and purpose in their unconventional life.

This heartfelt conversation provides listeners with inspiration and a profound insight into resilience, faith, and the power of community.

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01:26 - Childhood and Upbringing

03:25 - High School and Seminary Years

06:58 - Graduate School and Early Career

09:48 - Making Aliyah and Early Experiences in Israel

16:16 - Life on a Hilltop: Challenges, Rewards, and Community

37:55 - Navigating Fertility Treatments

46:20 - Postpartum Challenges and Support

01:02:29 - Being An "Older" Parent

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening!

Yaakov Fein, better known as @theturntjew and @frumfitness, hails from Seattle, Washington, and has earned a reputation as both the king of Jewish memes and a dedicated fitness coach.

In this episode, Yaakov opens up about his life’s journey, reflecting on his religious evolution, his career in fitness, and his experiences navigating the Orthodox Jewish community as a single man.

He shares the pressures he faced growing up, the transformative role Jewish education played in his life, and how his popular meme page came to be.

Yaakov also offers meaningful insights into his fitness journey, the importance of investing in yourself, overcoming peer pressure, and handling the weight of societal expectations.

This is one episode not to be missed. So, tune in now and get ready to think, laugh, and be inspired!

01:12 - Growing Up Jewish in Seattle

02:55 - High School Journey: From Conservative to Orthodox

07:10 - The Influence of NCSY and Choosing Yeshiva

08:49 - Aliyah

18:23 - Starting the Turnt Jew: A Meme Page Success

26:57 - Balancing Humor and Faith

29:13 - Becoming a Fitness Instructor

36:23 - Fitness Philosophy and Accountability

42:03 - Personal Journey and Challenges

44:27 - Dating and Community

01:03:20 - Advice for the Younger Generation

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Anything But Traditional,' the host welcomes fashion designer Daniella Faye, who shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a recognized name in the Jewish fashion industry.

Daniella discusses her struggles with school due to ADHD and how she found solace and purpose in creativity.

Raised in Chicago, she moved to Israel at the young age of 15.

Despite countless challenges, including financial struggles and manufacturing mishaps, Daniella's resilience and determination shone through.

Daniella also shares how influencer marketing helped her brand grow and the impact of her designs on women's confidence.

She touches on the importance of loving and accepting oneself, and highlights the value of supportive relationships in both personal and professional realms.

Shop now:

Daniellafaye.com - Israel

Daniellafayeusa.com - USA

00:59 - Daniella's Fashion Journey

01:32 - Early Beginnings

06:40 - Moving to Israel at 15

11:02 - Pursuing a Career in Fashion

18:03 - Meeting Dave and Starting a Family

23:20 - Opening a Store on Hillel

27:14 - Struggles with School and Creativity

29:00 - Learning Through Trial and Error

36:24 - Building a Brand Name

47:38 - The Role of Influencer Marketing

55:13 - Balancing Business and Personal Life

58:49 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Anything but Traditional,' Shoshana Statsky, a remarkable woman who endured a decade-long infertility journey followed by a battle with breast cancer shares her story.

This includes her struggles with painful intercourse due to vaginismus and unsuccessful surgery, her grueling experience with infertility treatments, and the overwhelming joy of finally becoming a mother to twins.

She also shares the process of being diagnosed with breast cancer, the exhaustive treatments, and the unwavering support from her community.

Throughout her narrative, Shoshana emphasizes the importance of choosing growth over despair, maintaining faith, and finding happiness amidst adversity.

Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, gratitude, and the strength of the human spirit.

Listen and be inspired!

01:12 - Shoshana's Childhood and Education

06:20 - Meeting Her Husband

11:01 - Career Path: Becoming a Court Stenographer

17:34 - Early Marriage and Health Struggles

21:47 - Battling Depression and Finding Hope

35:02 - Navigating Infertility Treatments

53:16 - The Rollercoaster of Pregnancy

55:31 - The Birth and Beyond

01:06:26 - Aliyah

01:10:00 - Pregnancy and Miscarriage During COVID-19

01:13:03 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

01:21:59 - Community Support and Acceptance

01:28:07 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening!

Shoshana Charnoff, known on stage as Shoshana Shazam, co-directed the JLIC (Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) program at Queens College, fostering Jewish learning and community for several years.

Six years ago, she made aliyah with her family, settling in Israel to begin a new chapter.

Today, Shoshana is an emerging Orthodox comedian and inspirational speaker, best known for her signature events, "Comedy and Emunah," which blend stand-up comedy with moving stories of faith.

She is also an avid runner, dancer, cook, and a dedicated wife and mother to three children.

In this episode, Shoshana shares her upbringing in Philadelphia, her shift from modern Orthodox to stronger religious observance, and her work in Jewish nonprofit organizations.

A significant portion of the episode delves into Shoshana's challenging fertility journey, which involved multiple miscarriages, the birth of her children, and ultimately a life-changing hysterectomy.

Through humor and deep faith, Shoshana navigates these personal hardships and uses her experiences to inspire others. The episode underscores the importance of resilience, faith, and authenticity in facing life's challenges.

01:43 - Shoshana's Early Life and Upbringing

03:25 - Influences and Inspirations

13:06 - Choosing a Path in Israel

25:11 - Meeting Robbie and Early Marriage

28:36 - Career Beginnings and JLIC

33:39 - Navigating the Orthodox Community

37:40 - Aliyah

38:59 - The Power of Laughter and Inspiration

44:10 - Fertility Struggles and Triumphs

55:06 - A Miraculous Pregnancy

01:08:52 - Embracing Life's Challenges

01:12:05 - Final Reflections

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening!

Tasha Cohen made Aliyah from London in 2012.

She has a strong background in entrepreneurship and operations management, having led multiple startups across various industries.

For over twenty years, she has also been deeply committed to mind, body, and soul healing - a passion that took on new urgency after October 7.

Understanding firsthand the physical and emotional toll of trauma, Tasha immediately took action.

What started as transporting soldiers and supplies to bases quickly revealed a deeper need: physical and emotional support to IDF soldiers.

In response, she founded Chayal’s Angels, a grassroots initiative that became an official nonprofit in April 2024.

The episode delves into Tasha's personal journey, discussing her struggles with mental health, chronic pain, and her path to spiritual and physical resilience.

Tasha shares her upbringing, her relationship with Judaism, and her evolution to integrate unconventional practices like tattoos into her spiritual life.

She also discusses her various career paths, passion for childcare, and the importance of a balanced life that focuses on mind, body, and soul.

00:37 - Introducing Tasha Cohen: A Woman of Many Talents

01:28 - Founding Chayal's Angels: A Mission of Healing

03:38 - A Unique Relationship with Judaism

05:21 - Tasha's Upbringing and Family Background

08:23 - Struggles and Self-Discovery

13:06 - Seminary Life and Personal Growth

23:01 - The Significance of Tattoos in Tasha's Life

30:04 - Career Paths and Ambitions

33:58 - Mental Health Challenges and Healing

36:16 - Exploring Somatic Therapies

42:38 - Facing Life's Challenges Head-On

44:12 - Personal Journey with Chronic Pain

56:24 - Emotional and Physical Healing

01:01:46 - Chayal's Angels: Helping Soldiers Heal

01:12:28 - Faith and Resilience

01:21:23 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening!

Eliot grew up in Southgate in North London, and his family was very involved in the small Jewish community there, including having a Shabbat table full of guests every week.

Before making Aliyah in 2013, Eliot was Youth Director for a couple of communities in North London.

Eliot lives in Jerusalem with his wife Rena and three daughters, Emunah, Hallel, and Nili, and works in marketing.

In this episode, he discusses his life story, his transition to life in Israel, and his deep love for the land and people of Israel.

Eliot reflects on the tragic loss of his brother, Nathanel, a young soldier who was killed in combat on October 7th, sharing insights into the profound impact this had on his family.

Elliot discusses the support his family received during their unimaginable grief, the importance of unity and community, and how his brother's legacy lives on through acts of kindness and resilience.

This episode underscores the heroism of soldiers and the strength found in communal bonds amidst adversity.

To hear more from Eliot, listen to his podcast Hero Israel.

And please feel free to check out this website dedicated to Nathanel Young.

Am Yisrael Chai

00:00 - Meet Eliot Young

01:56 - Life in North London

02:50 - Aliyah

09:59 - Sibling Relationships and Family Dynamics

18:29 - Nathanel's Personality and Legacy

33:33 - Support and Community Response

42:00 - The Day of October 7th

50:16 - The Aftermath and Family Support

51:58 - A Brother's Journey to Ashkelon

58:09 - The Funeral and Community Support

01:14:11 - A Lasting Impact

01:21:13 - Moving Forward with Purpose

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

As a professional dating coach, Devorah Kigel has helped over 300 women get clarity in their dating lives and marry their bashert. She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. She has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant.

Devorah and her husband, Reuven, who is the Campus Director for Emet Outreach, host Shabbos guests most weeks. Using humor and honesty, Devorah shares the entertaining personal journey that led her to develop powerful tools to have the relationships you desire.

Her book “Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today’s Single Woman” published by Gefen was released September 2024 and is available on Amazon. Devorah has been featured in Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, Meaningful Minute, Torah Anytime and on aish.com.

For more info: www.devorahkigel.com

Rabbi Reuven Kigel is Emet’s dynamic Campus Director, overseeing all of Emet’s campus programs—at Baruch college, St. John’s University, Queens College, and Adelphi University, as well as a multi-campus program in Forest Hills. He also serves as the Jewish chaplain for Baruch College. 

In 2022 he started an initiative to help 100k frum men get their health back by eating according to Chazal. You can find out more on www.thefitjew.com

Born during the heyday of communism to capitalist-aspiring parents in Kiev, USSR, Rabbi Kigel immigrated to the United States in 1978, as a young child. Rabbi Kigel has semicha from Rabbi Heineman in Baltimore, and has been a longtime member of the Passaic-Clifton community kollel. 

Rabbi Kigel graduated from the University of Michigan in 1995 with a degree in finance and spent 8 years working on Wall Street before switching careers to devote himself to the Jewish people.

This conversation delves into his near-death experience, their financial struggles, the importance of faith and resilience during tough times, and their dedication to Jewish outreach, helping others find their bashert, and health initiatives.

Enjoy the episode!

00:00 - Meet the Kigels

02:36 - Devorah's Early Life and Discovery of Orthodox Judaism

10:59 - Rabbi Reuven's Background and Immigration Story

17:08 - Rabbi Reuven's Car Accident and Spiritual Awakening

30:12 - Financial Struggles and Career Transition

47:51 - The Importance of Supportive Relationships

50:11 - Becoming a Dating Coach

51:16 - Challenges in Modern Dating

57:48 - Balancing Career and Family

01:04:29 - Health and Fitness Side Hustle

01:08:21 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

Channukah Sameach!!!

For over twenty years, Ronnie Baras has been traveling the world with his hypnotism and mentalism shows. He integrates comedy into his hypnosis routine to add flavor to a mesmerizing show.

Ronnie is a certified hypnotherapist. Unlike most hypnotists, Ronnie goes to great lengths to entertain, without embarrassing either his audience or his hypnotism subjects.

In addition to hypnotism, Ronnie also performs ‘mentalism’ shows where he demonstrates the ability to ‘read minds’ in an entertaining fashion.

Every show is a unique event.

No two shows are ever the same.

What is consistent, however, is top-quality entertainment with a huge dose of humor and fun.

Ronnie has performed several times in Las Vegas including headlining at the renowned Venetian Hotel.

He performs weekly throughout the United States (and sometimes Canada) and has recently completed a performing tour in Israel.

Listen as he shares his life's journey, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and his favorite parts of being a hypnotist in this episode.

He can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at  240-305-7007 for bookings!

00:00 - Introduction

05:19 - Ronnie Barris' Journey into Hypnosis

07:51 - Growing Up in Silver Spring

14:38 - Pranks and School Life

17:45 - College Days and Hypnosis

23:50 - Family Life and Hypnosis

25:16 - Stress Management Hypnosis Session

31:12 - Memorable Hypnotherapy Stories

42:28 - Balancing Career and Family

46:48 - Unexpected Challenges and Rewards

55:03 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to [email protected]

Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

Channukah Sameach!!!

In this powerful episode, marketing expert, comedian, and mother of two, Joan Wiener, takes us on a deeply personal journey through her life. She shares her experiences of growing up in a conservative Jewish home on Long Island, facing the profound loss of her mother at just six years old, grappling with her religious identity, losing her roommate in a bus bombing, navigating a broken engagement, and battling infertility.

Joan’s wit and resilience shine through it all, demonstrating how humor can be a source of strength even in the darkest moments.

If you’d like to continue the conversation with Joan, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, or her website.

00:00 - Meet Joan Wiener Levin

01:37 Joan's Childhood and Family Background

02:53 - The Loss of Joan's Mother

10:09 - Joan's Path to Becoming a Comedian

16:02 - Joan's Religious Journey

24:07 - Finding Love and Marriage

27:48 - A Traumatic Experience in Israel

29:18 - Graduate School and the Pull to Israel

31:17 - Navigating Personal Tragedy and Relationships

36:31 - Life in San Francisco During the Dot-Com Boom

39:09 - Challenges and Joys of Parenthood

42:48 - The Journey of Aliyah

48:00 - Struggles with Judaism and Personal Beliefs

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested!

Thank you for listening!