Meaningful People

By Meaningful Minute

Education Religion & Spirituality Judaism

What's Meaningful People about?

There are so many Jewish personalities and big people in the world. They all have a story on how they became who they are today.
Deep, unboundedly interesting, fun and uplifting, Meaningful People Podcast is a weekly opportunity for Nachi & Momo to talk to the Jewish world's meaningful people.

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Firsthand Witness: The Unce...

12.02.2023

This week we sat down and spoke with Yossi Landau from ZAKA. Founded in 1995, Zaka's volunteers arrive at the scene with one mission: to recover the bodies of those who die in an unnatural way. In Judaism, a person ...

Meaningful People episodes:

12.02.2023 Firsthand Witness: The Uncensored Truth About Oct. 7 \| ZAKA's Yossi Landau This week we sat down and spoke with Yossi Landau from ZAKA. Founded in 1995, Zaka's volunteers arrive at the scene with one mission: to recover the bodies of those who die in an unnatural way. In Judaism, a person ...
11.25.2023 Elke Pollak \| Addressing The Silent CRISIS In Our Community Just a few short years ago Elke Pollak found herself in the battle of her life. With Herself. Elke had just had a beautiful baby boy and while everyone around her was so joyful, her world was falling apart. This ...
11.18.2023 Finding G-d In Prison: The Story of Shawn Balva Raised in a secular home in Las Vegas, Shawn Balva was the star quarterback of his high school football team who dreamt of going pro. After dabbling with violence and crime, he lost control and spiraled into a life of ...
11.11.2023 Mrs. Dolly Rabinovich \| Holocaust Survivor Breaks Her Silence + Reaction To Oct. 7th Dolly Rabinowitz was born in Berehove (then Czechoslovakia, now Ukraine) to a rabbinical family. When she was 19, Dolly and her family were taken alongside the other Jews of the neighboring villages to the death camp of Auschwitz. From there ...
11.04.2023 On The Street: Asking Jews How They're Really Feeling Right Now Jewish people around the world are experiencing the traumatic effects of the aftermath of unimaginably horrific terror attacks in Israel. With antisemitism on a shocking rise, Nachi takes to the streets of Times Square to discover how passersby feel about ...
10.28.2023 Sonny Perlman, LMSW \| This Is Real Trauma Sony Perlman, LMSW, has been working in addiction recovery for over two decades. He is the Clinical Director of Our Place New York, a drop-in center for young men struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Sony is also the Clinical ...
10.21.2023 Hamas Killed My Son \| The Story of Rachelle Fraenkel Rachelle Fraenkel’s son Naftali was one of three teenage boys kidnapped and murdered by Palestinian terrorists in Israel on their way home for Shabbos in 2014. She was thrust into a public role, exhibiting tremendous courage, fortitude, and kindness. Recognized ...
10.14.2023 Am Yisrael Chai \| Conquering Unspeakable Darkness The terrorist attacks on the people of Israel have caused indescribable devastation and destruction. Seeing our people's suffering and being unable to help can be overwhelming and utterly exhausting. In this episode of the MPP, Rav Moshe Weinberger, Rabbi Elyada ...
10.08.2023 The Girl Who Doesn’t Ask Why \| Daniella Shor's Fight With Cancer Daniella Shor is in the midst of the fight of her life, Cancer. In this episode of Meaningful People, Daniella Shor tells us how she has overcome challenges and remained faithful during this journey. Daven For Daniellas full recovery: Chava ...
10.01.2023 Story Time: 7 Incredibly Meaningful Stories From Meaningful People Join our brand new Meaningful People WhatsApp Channel! Exclusive content, breaking updates + more of Meaningful People right at your fingertips! Join now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5NAOUFCCoQmgEUiy1Y Please note: if the link doesn’t work for you it is possible that you need to ...
09.23.2023 Joel Kaplan and Shaya Levin \| Remembering Elisheva and Yisroel Joel Kaplan and Shaya Levin are two extraordinary individuals living in New York. Their children were engaged to be married to one another when horrific tragedy struck. Five years ago, Yisroel Levin and his Kallah, Elisheva Kaplan, two incredibly inspiring ...
09.17.2023 An Honest Conversation Between Avraham Fried & Benny Friedman This is a special edition episode of Meaningful People Podcast. Avraham Fried sat down with his nephew Benny Friedman for an honest, raw conversations about life, music and a lot more! See Benny and Avremel on Chol Hamoed Succos when ...
09.09.2023 R' Yaakov Sadigh \| From Learning Quran in Iran to Teaching Torah Rabbi Yaakov Sadigh shared his unique journey from growing up in Iran in a century old Jewish family, which included visits to the tomb of Mordechai and Esther in Hamedan, Iran. He spent his early years in Iran and was ...
09.02.2023 Inside the High-Stakes World of Hatzolah Air With Eli Rowe Eli Rowe is a licensed pilot, a highly experienced paramedic, and the founder and president of Hatzolah Air. Eli's passion for emergency medicine and helping those in need are apparent and infectious and have facilitated him building Hatzolah Air from ...
08.26.2023 Dr. Shloime Zimmerman \| Discussing Sensitive Topics With Our Children Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder and director of a multi-disciplinary group mental health practice. He is a renowned speaker and consultant in the areas of child development, education, abuse prevention, and trauma. He ...
08.19.2023 Judaism at The Edge of The World: Yaakov Cruz’s story of Faith and service in the US Coast Guard Yaakov Cruz’s life journey took him from the countryside of Western Massachusetts to deep in Alaska. With many adventurous stops and inspiring changes along the way, the story of his quest for authenticity in his Jewish identity is meaningful and ...
08.12.2023 Reclaiming Her Life: Atara Lasky's Inspiring Tale of Battling Her eating Disorder Atara (Hermann) Lasky developed an eating disorder when she was in 8th grade. In this episode we delve into her story of her battle with this awful illness. She is joined on this episode by her mother, Chani Hermann, Associate ...
08.05.2023 R' Aaron Lipskar \| Advocating For Jews In Prison Rabbi Aaron Lipskar is the Executive Director of the Aleph Institute. Since its founding in 1981, Aleph has been in touch with thousands of people affected by incarceration. Aleph’s mission, that no one ever feel alone or forgotten, also extends ...
07.29.2023 Spotlight Edition: Akiva Turgeman \| The Heart of Israel’s Jewish Music In this Spotlight Edition of Meaningful People Podcast Nachi talks with one of Israels most popular singers, Akiva Turgeman. Akiva Turgeman’s hit single, “אל תעזבי ידיים” (Never Let Go) hit the top of the music charts in 2018. Akiva is ...
07.22.2023 Shloime & Feige Steinmetz \| A Family that Started a Movement of Faith after the Meron Tragedy Shloimi and Feige Steinmetz, self-proclaimed “simple Jews” from Montreal, were catapulted into international ambassadors for Emunah and resilience after the tremendous tragedy in Meron, where their son Dovi perished along with 44 others. Shloime’s eulogy for his son set a ...
07.15.2023 Crossing Borders of Faith \| Mayer Weiss's Journey from Hispanic Upbringing to Hassidic Judaism Through great travails, challenges, and opportunities, Mayer Weiss navigated his way to Judaism. His journey is an inspiring story of growth and renewal, from his roots in Mexico to his various stops along the path to a new way of ...
07.08.2023 How 2 Women Changed The World For Special Children & Their Families \| Jenine Shwekey & Chaya Bender Jenine Shwekey and Chaya Bender are the founders and directors of The Special Children's Center. The Center, as it is affectionately known, is full of laughter, learning, and love. Founded by Jeanine and Chaya in 1996, it has grown into ...
07.01.2023 R' David Markowitz \| The Jewish People Are Coming Back Rabbi David Markowitz is the Executive Vice President of Olami and managing director of vision and partnerships. A vaunted and acclaimed professional in the Jewish outreach world, he has worked in numerous outreach capacities, including the COO of Aish NY ...
06.24.2023 Incredible Adoption Story of the Chabad Shluchim in Montana \| R' Chaim and Rebbetzin Chavie Bruk Chavie and Chaim Bruk are the archetypes of Chabad shluchim. They live in Montana, welcoming Jews of all backgrounds into their Bozeman home, featuring home-cooked meals, inspiring singing, and deep spiritual discussions. Doctors, ranchers, and professionals from Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, ...
06.19.2023 Rebbetzin Leah Trenk \| Just Love Them Rebbetzin Leah Trenk (Bagry) is a renowned educator and mentor in Lakewood, NJ. She was the greatest source of strength of her late husband, Rabbi Dovid Trenk. The Trenks spent decades in Adelphia and Lakewood with open hearts and doors. ...
06.10.2023 Tzipora Grodko \| "There Is No Shidduch Crisis" Tzipora Grodko is a motivational speaker and singles advocate. Based out of Monsey, NY, Tzipora is a LMSW, a Transformative Coach, and a junkie for purpose, passion, & connection. Tzipora can be reached via her Instagram or email at [email protected] ...
06.03.2023 R' Shimon Russell \| Groundbreaking Jewish Parenting Tips Rabbi Shimon Russell is a psychotherapist in private practice in Yerushalayim. Rabbi Russell has semicha from Beis Medrash Govoah in Lakewood, NJ, and holds a master’s in Clinical Social Work. He is a popular author and speaker who has presented ...
05.27.2023 NEW Spotlight Series: How Zusha Reached 10 Million People This Month With Their Music In This New Spotlight Series, Nachi traveled to the home of Shlomo Ari Gaisin of Zusha to discuss his bands recent viral eruption on social media! Zusha debuts a brand new song at the end of the episode that was ...
05.20.2023 Healing Hearts & Finding Strength After Loss With Sarah Rivka Kohn Sarah Rivkah Kohn is the founder and director of Links, an organization that provides emotional support to children & teens who lost a parent. Sarah Rivkah was 9 years old when she lost her mother. In 2006, she started a ...
05.13.2023 R' Chaim Miller \| Crafting The Practical Tanya + The Path to His Yiddishkeit Rabbi Chaim Miller is a renowned author, speaker, and thought leader. He is the author of Turning Judaism Outward, the first full biography of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the multivolume Practical Tanya, which has set new standards in translating Chasidic ...
05.06.2023 Shaindy Plotzker \| Learning To Dance In The Rain Shaindy Plotzker is a popular singer and songwriter from Monsey, NY. She sings with passion, emotion, and electric energy, using her gift to inspire and uplift Jewish women and girls around the globe. Shaindy recognizes that “it’s all from above” ...
04.29.2023 Eli Schwebel \| Soundwaves of the Soul Eli Schwebel is a NYC Based Recording Artist & Producer. He attended the Rabbinical College of Long Island and Zicklin School of Business. At Baruch College Eli spearheaded the renaissance of Jewish Acappella music and created a vocally rich, pop-rock ...
04.22.2023 Finding The Lost Princess \| The Story of R' Yaakov Klein Rabbi Yaakov Klein is an author, musician, and speaker devoted to sharing the inner light of Torah through his books, music, and lectures. Over the last ten years, Rabbi Yaakov has shared his passion for Chassidus and the inner light ...
04.16.2023 The Power of a Community \| The Story of Malkie Jacobs' Perseverance Malkie Jacobs, who currently resides in New Rochelle with her husband and 3 kids, tells her story of hope, faith and resilience on this weeks episode of the Meaningful People Podcast. We thank Malkie for her courage and vulnerability. ____________________________________ ...
04.08.2023 Meaningful Stories From Meaningful People In this special edition episode of the Meaningful People Podcast we take another look at some of the most awesome stories told in our episodes. The order of the excerpts are as follows: Avraham Fried: Full Episode http://bit.ly/3ZKrEmC Rav Shlomo ...
04.01.2023 Menachem Poznanski \| A Journey of Redemption SPONSORS The WhatsApp status that’s there for your mental health
03.25.2023 Mattis Gilbert \| Helping Jewish Families Achieve Financial Stability Mattis Gilbert is the founder of RSK, Reb Shayaleh's Kitchen. RSK is on a mission to fulfill the dream of R’ Shayala of Kerestir: To create more self-sufficient, financially- independent families who no longer need to lean on charity. Each ...
03.18.2023 Maya Namdar \| Living For Liel SPONSORS The WhatsApp status that’s there for your mental health
03.11.2023 Respectful Parenting \| Insights From Blimie Heller Blimie Heller is a Parenting Coach, lecturer and founder of Unconditional Parenting. Blimie can be reached via her website: https://www.blimieheller.com SPONSORS The WhatsApp status that’s there for your mental health
03.04.2023 The Nomadic Jewish Couple \| The Homeless Journey of "That Jewish Family" Raizel and Dani Namdar are the creators of the world’s first Orthodox Jewish family vlog dubbed “That Jewish family” on various social media platforms. They educate followers about Jewish topics and customs inaccurately portrayed in culture. Their videos are lighthearted ...
02.25.2023 Guided By Grandpas Wisdom \| R’ Aryeh Wolbe Continues to Pass The Torch Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe was born in Yerushalayim and raised in New York. Rabbi Wolbe has been active in Jewish outreach since 1996 across the globe, including the US, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Canada, and Israel. Rabbi Wolbe’s passion for Mussar started ...
02.18.2023 Singing With Soul \| The Story and Music of Yitzy Waldner Yitzy Waldner is an elite and popular composer and producer of music. Now a household name in the Jewish music industry, Yitzy began his foray into the music scene as a member of the Amudei Shaish Choir. He did not ...
02.11.2023 R' Asaf Haimoff \| Finding Strength Through Grief: A Fathers Journey. In this weeks episode we sat down with R' Asaf Haimoff. R' Haimoff tragically lost his daughter Efrat to Cancer a couple of years ago. In this episode we discuss the journey of a father who found his strenght in ...
02.04.2023 From Grammy's to Gemara \| The Story of Ari Blau Ari worked in Hollywood as a comedy writer and producer for television shows on major networks such as NBC, CBS and Comedy Central. Most recently, he worked for The Late Late Show with James Corden, where he produced the famous ...
01.28.2023 R' Yehuda Kaszirer \| From The Bais Medrash to the Front Lines Saving Of Lives Rabbi Yehudah Kaszirer is the director of Bikur Cholim of Lakewood. Yehuda was born and raised in Flatbush. His mother, Mrs. Suri Kazsirer, is known as a one-person engine of giving. The Kazsirer family was close with the Novominsker Rebbe, ...
01.21.2023 R' Yussie Zakutinsky \| A Story of Patience, Humility and Prayer Renowned for his unique ability to teach lofty concepts in a down-to-earth way, Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky is a highly sought-after lecturer. Rabbi Zakutinsky learned in Yeshivas Shaar HaTorah where he received semicha from Rav Kalman Epstein. Rabbi Zakutinsky is the ...
01.14.2023 R' Shaul & Mrs. Brany Rosen \| Breaking Down Barriers - Founding ATime Almost 30 years ago, Brany Rosen and Rabbi Shaul Rosen found themselves struggling through infertility in a world that wouldn’t even say the word. There was no one to ask about doctors or from where to receive support. With Hashem’s ...
01.07.2023 R' Elkanah Shmotkin \| Broadcasting The Rebbes Legacy Rabbi Elkanah Shmotkin is the executive director of Jewish Educational Media (JEM), a multi-faceted organization dedicated to archival preservation and video presentation of the life and times of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Under Rabbi Shmotkin’s leadership, Jewish Educational Media has evolved ...
12.31.2022 R' Yossi Bensoussan \| The Spiritual Bounty Hunter Rabbi Yossi Bensoussan is the mashgiach ruchani at Yeshiva High School of Cleveland. A Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor with a laid-back attitude and trademark sense of humor, Rabbi Yossi speaks and counsels worldwide on issues involving teenagers, addiction, ...
12.24.2022 Special Edition: See The Light With Dr. Benjy Epstein \| Presented by Pause Here's something a bit different! Listen to or watch this video as you sit by your Chanukah candles and experience the light. What is Pause? A content platform developed in collaboration with leading Jewish mental health professionals, Pause™ is on ...

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