Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories

Latest Episodes:

Cancer Attacked My Body, and I Discovered My Soul Feb 08, 2024

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Amanda Spiro lived a carefree, successful life and even worked as a model at one point. She was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21. Her frightening new reality helped her discover her Jewish soul and the hand of G-d guiding her all along.

A Costa Rican Story of Return Jan 29, 2024

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Tamarinado, Costa Rica, is known for its surfing and nightlife. Now, it has its own Chabad center, staffed by Rabbi Yaakov and Naomi (Nicolle) Rubinstein. Nicolle was not always religious and never imagined she'd one day serve as a religious guide to others. How did her life turn around?

From Buddhism to Judaism Jan 21, 2024

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Rivka Goldstein grew up in Singapore, where she always felt she was searching for something "big.” Her quest, which continued through her time at Harvard, led to her conversion to Judaism and eventually writing a book about the Jewish approach to leading a meaningful life.

"Hamas Demolished My House, But Not My Home" Jan 15, 2024

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For nearly two decades, the Pizems have bravely served the community of Sderot, just a kilometer from Gaza. Tzivia and her family narrowly survived the terrorist rampage, and her husband is still in their hometown, serving the many soldiers (and few civilians) there.

“Every Shabbat, I Host Dozens of IDF Soldiers at My Home" Jan 10, 2024

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Born in the Golan Heights, Batsheva Cohen was inspired by the teachings of Chabad. She established Chabad in downtown Chevron together with her husband Rabbi Danny, and literally "cooks for an army" as they host large groups of soldiers and civilians. Ever since the war, she's busier than ever servicing soldiers stationed near Chevron, and helping them to do more mitzvot.

Confessions of a Hassidic Feminist Dec 27, 2023

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Author, activist and co-director of a bustling Chabad House, Rivka Slonim has been breaking stereotypes, sharing information and inspiration, and making an outsized mark on the Jewish world for decades. Here's her story.

“I Am Calling You From Gaza” Dec 24, 2023

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Ezzy Morgenstern, serving in an elite unit of the IDF, shares how he and his friends feel after two months of war, and what keeps them going.

How I Got a Giant Menorah Into Gaza Dec 18, 2023

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In the past seven weeks, Rabbi Levi Mendelson slept very little. His main concern? Aid and relief for soldiers, the wounded and the displaced, and the hostages and victims’ families.

I Went Into Gaza to Help the Soldiers Dec 11, 2023

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Citizen-activist, co-founder of Ohr Chabad, and Chabad.org news reporter Bruria Efune speaks about how her family is dealing with war. They have brought toys and supplies to the displaced families, volunteered in a soup kitchen, and even taken a mission to the troops in Gaza.

I Saw Hamas Terrorists Right Behind My House! Dec 05, 2023

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After spending two days in her "safe room”, Michla and her family evacuated. They've now been spending the past 50+ days in a hotel room, having given their home to the IDF troops.