In this episode of Hand in Hand, we sit down with Morgan Buchsbaum, a woman who radiates joy despite having navigated immense loss and challenges. Morgan shares her deeply personal journey as the primary caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 glioblastoma and given only six months to live. Her world, already deeply intertwined with her mother's as an only child of a single parent, came crashing down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morgan recounts the extraordinary circumstances of getting married by her mother's bedside and her transformative experience at the mikvah, which brought unexpected spirituality, community, and peace during an overwhelmingly dark time. Following her mother's passing just four days after the wedding, Morgan grappled with overwhelming depression and the loss of her identity as a full-time caregiver. She found purpose and healing by leaning into her Jewish faith and community, working at the Friendship Circle, and eventually having a daughter, Esther, named after her beloved mother.

This episode explores resilience, finding meaning in grief, the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the profound impact of the Torah and Mitzvot in life's most challenging moments. Join Amanda and Morgan as they delve into a story that beautifully blends personal struggle with universal truths and timeless Jewish wisdom, illuminating paths to connection and hope even when surrounded by darkness.

This episode features Allegra, a mother of five whose life has been a testament to spiritual and physical resilience. Allegra’s journey began at just eight years old when a virus resulted in paralysis, sparking her first profound understanding of the connection between body and soul. This early experience set her on a spiritual path which led to her conversion to Judaism. Decades later, she faced another life-altering health crisis, this time a cardiac arrest that required open-heart surgery.In this powerful conversation, Allegra shares how these descents into physical illness led her to a spiritual ascent. She discusses finding unshakable trust in God (bitachon), the surprising lessons of her healing process, and the immeasurable support of a community that showed up when she needed it most. Her story is a moving exploration of faith, identity, and the profound wisdom that comes from facing mortality and choosing to live with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose.

In this deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Randi, a woman who survived a devastating car crash only to face the unimaginable loss of her newborn son, Spencer, a couple years later. She shares how she and her husband navigate the raw reality of grief, and how Jewish wisdom and acts of kindness have become a path to healing and hope. Randi’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring bond of love and the ways we can keep lost loved ones close; through meaning, mitzvot, and community.

At just 17, Amanda’s world shattered with the tragic loss of her best friend. The years that followed were marked by grief, depression, and a search for deeper meaning. Something shifted finally during a conversation with a Rabbi on a trip to Israel - a step toward something that began to fill that inner void and offer her new purpose. Then, another trial: a cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her new worldview and the support of her Rabbi and newfound community got her through. Now cancer-free and deeply rooted in her faith, Amanda shares her journey of grief, healing, and the eternal wisdom of chassidus that changed everything.

Welcome to Hand in Hand, a podcast about navigating life’s toughest moments and the resilience that helps us through. Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe's teaching that physical and spiritual health are deeply connected, we explore stories of healing and hope. Each episode blends timeless Jewish wisdom, personal journeys, and universal truths to offer comfort and strength. Whether you're seeking comfort, strength or a community this space is for you! ✨💕