On this week’s episode of Stories of Hope, host Tzipora Grodko sits down with Ronni and Gavriel Rabin — a couple whose love story feels like it was written in Heaven. She was a divorced grandmother rediscovering herself. He was a widower, a Vietnam veteran, a convert to Judaism, and absolutely not looking for love. But one unexpected phone call — sparked by a charity donation — set off a chain of events neither of them could have imagined. What followed? Lightning-bolt moments, cross-country conversations, a first meeting straight out of a movie, and a love that blossomed at ages 79 and 67. Their journey spans Montana cabins with no electricity, spiritual awakenings, deep loss, and ultimately, a miraculous second chance at love. This is a story about timing, faith, courage… and the magic that happens when you stay open to the unexpected. You can reach Ronni and Gavriel via email: Ronni.Rabin@gmail.com This episode is sponsored by: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushka.cc/ ___________________________ ►Pizza Biza Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations. https://www.pizzabiza.com ___________________________ ► Better than a Segulah When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself. Order your personalized Torah Study program today. https://betterthanasegulah.org/ ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else. Www.soh.plus Edited by Sruly Saftlas

In this gripping, emotional, and deeply honest conversation, Shmelke Diamond opens up about his unlikely path—from a traditional Long Island Jewish upbringing to discovering Chabad as a teenager, navigating a lonely and self-taught journey into observance, and ultimately becoming a proud Satmar chasid. Shmelke shares powerful stories of identity, family tension, spiritual searching, and the moment he realized he had to choose between two worlds. He talks about the kindness that drew him into the Satmar community, his struggles with chronic illness, and how disability reshaped his understanding of purpose, humility, and faith. Whether you’re religious, secular, curious, or anywhere in between, this episode is a raw and inspiring exploration of what it means to find yourself—and to stand by what you believe, even when the world pushes back. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide. https://bloomskosher.com ______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushka.cc/meaningful _______________________________________ ► Banana Blast Rentals Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh _______________________________________ ► 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 _______________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH ____________________________________ ► Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Clickthrough&utm_campaign=meaningful-people-podcast ____________________________________ ► Eishet Chayil Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor is a new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon’s classic poem to life through the stories of 24 remarkable Jewish women — from Sarah and Miriam to Esther and beyond. Drawing on millennia of Jewish scholarship, especially the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the book celebrates women of faith, courage, and wisdom. Each verse is paired with contemporary artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, making the book both educational and inspirational for readers of all ages. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz who were killed on October 7, 2023, it stands as a tribute to Jewish women of valor throughout history. Already in its second printing, Eishet Chayil is an ideal gift for Bat Mitzvahs, brides, wives, and mothers. Available at https://www.eishetchayil.com and https://store.kehotonline.com/mobile/ Use code MM20 for 20% off when checking out on Kehot.com. _______________________________________ Editing team: Sruly Saftlas Shneur Novack

In this powerful street-side conversation series, Rabbi Shoff engages with people from all walks of life—soldiers, seekers, skeptics, spiritual strugglers, and even a Catholic seminarian—offering warmth, wisdom, and deep emotional insight. Through raw, unfiltered questions about faith, pain, Jewish identity, trauma, teshuva, and the search for meaning, he meets each person with empathy and clarity. Whether discussing a father drawn to Messianic Judaism, navigating religious hurt, wrestling with grief, or exploring the purpose of mitzvot and the afterlife, Rabbi Shoff gently reframes complex struggles into pathways toward healing, connection, and inner strength. This episode captures the heart of what makes these encounters so compelling: honest questions, compassionate guidance, and the timeless Jewish belief that every soul is capable of growth, love, and return. This video was made possible by: Skive - Customized Software Without The Custom Price Tag ► Check out their website: https://skive.co/ ► Email: info@skive.co ► Call: (786) 273-9188

In this profoundly moving conversation, Chaya and Shmily Morgenstern open up about their journey through love, loss, and resilience. From navigating the Chasidic dating world and living with Kallmann syndrome to surviving a near-fatal car accident and rebuilding life after traumatic brain injury, their story is one of courage, faith, and unshakable authenticity. Together, they reveal how vulnerability and realness — not perfection — form the strongest foundation for love. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, healing and connection are possible when we lead with honesty, gratitude, and hope. You can reach out via email to Chaya: Chayam7750@gmail.com Shmilisings@gmail.com and Shmily: Shmilisings@gmail.com You can listen to Shmily’s song of gratitude after his accident here: https://youtu.be/zp5QjE1DDE8?si=d93tRVq3cM-krZb- And hear his medical story https://youtu.be/jjeNimlWloE?si=sKlEo5qZzNLO4D4m This episode is sponsored by: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushka.cc/ ___________________________ ►Pizza Biza Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations. https://www.pizzabiza.com ___________________________ ► Better than a Segulah When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself. Order your personalized Torah Study program today. https://betterthanasegulah.org/ ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else. Www.soh.plus

In this deeply personal conversation, Mendel Mintz shares his journey of growing up in Crown Heights with a lifelong physical disability, building a life of community impact, and finding unexpected love with his wife, Miriam, a beloved special educator from Baltimore born with dwarfism. He opens up about their dream of building a family through IVF, the joy of being on the brink of shlichus together, and the unimaginable tragedy of losing Miriam to an extremely rare complication at the very height of their lives. Mendel reflects with searing honesty on grief, walking out of the hospital alone, wrestling with faith, and what it means to keep showing up for Hashem with real questions and no easy answers. He also shares how he’s turning pain into purpose through Miriam’s Library and Learning Center, a new educational hub in Baltimore dedicated to the children and values she lived for. To honor Miriam’s legacy and help bring this life-changing project to reality, you can make a meaningful difference here: https://www.charidy.com/Miriam/mm This episode is for anyone carrying loss, living with visible or invisible challenges, or searching for a way to transform heartbreak into a life of meaning. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushka.cc/meaningful _______________________________________ ► Banana Blast Rentals Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh ____________________________________ ► 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 ___________________________________________ ► Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Clickthrough&utm_campaign=meaningful-people-podcast ______________________________________ ► 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/ _____________________________________ Editing team: Sruly Saftlas Shneur Novack

In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Allie and Yehudah open up about their unique journeys through faith, love, and perseverance. Allie shares the emotional reality of navigating years of dating in a close-knit community—watching her siblings marry, facing loneliness, and ultimately finding peace and strength within herself. Yehudah, a South African-born Israeli Air Force officer, reveals how his path—from moving countries to embracing vulnerability—led him to meet Allie in the most unexpected way. Together, their story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the beauty of timing that only feels divine in hindsight. You can email Allie at AllieSina93@gmail.com and Yehudah at yehudah@krinkin.co.za This episode is sponsored by: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushka.cc/ ___________________________ ►Pizza Biza Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations. https://www.pizzabiza.com ___________________________ ►Kigel Coaching Have you been trying to lose weight — again and again — only to feel frustrated, tired, and stuck? It’s time to try something different. Meet Rabbi Reuven Kigel, the man behind the Eat Like Chazal 21-Day Challenge — a Torah-based approach to eating that’s transforming lives. In just three weeks, participants have lost up to 10 pounds, reduced medications, and gained energy, clarity, and confidence — all while eating in a way aligned with Chazal’s timeless wisdom. This isn’t another fad diet — it will help you develop a whole new lifestyle. Join the Eat Like Chazal 21-Day Challenge today. For $500, you can transform your life forever. Whatsapp Number for Men: https://wa.me/message/76KJWTKVAG5JJ1 Whatsapp Number for Women: https://wa.me/message/KCHVWWWP5WG7J1 http://www.thefitjew.com ___________________________ ► Better than a Segulah When one is faced with life challenges, the merit of Torah learning can effect miraculous salvations. Whatever your need – shidduchim, parnassah, zera kayama, health, nachas from one’s children – the merit of Torah study is a segulah you will want to rely upon. We understand your needs and provide a wide range of options to meet those needs. Whatever the circumstance, we can guide you to an appropriate course of Torah study to be completed by our team of elite Torah scholars. Let us help you help yourself. Order your personalized Torah Study program today. https://betterthanasegulah.org/ ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else. Www.soh.plus

In this extraordinary episode, Nachi Gordon sits down with Glenn Cohen — former chief psychologist of the Mossad, helicopter pilot, and trauma expert — for one of the most riveting conversations ever featured on Meaningful People. From rescuing soldiers in Lebanon to counseling hostages freed after October 7th, Glenn has witnessed the darkest sides of humanity — and the boundless strength of the human spirit. He shares powerful firsthand accounts from meeting newly released hostages, insights into Mossad’s secret world, and the psychology of resilience that enables ordinary people to do the impossible. With candor and compassion, Glenn reveals how people survive the unimaginable — not by avoiding pain, but by growing from it. He explains the concept of post-traumatic growth, the coping tools that saved lives in captivity, and why he believes every person is capable of far more than they think. This is not just a story about Israel, trauma, or espionage — it’s a masterclass in faith, courage, and the strength embedded in the Jewish soul. You can find more information at: https://www.glenn-cohen.com This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide. https://bloomskosher.com ______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushka.cc/meaningful _______________________________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH ____________________________________ ► Rentals of Distinction Looking for the perfect rental in Yerushalayim? Rentals of Distinctions is a company that cares and who you can trust. www.Rentalsofdistinction.com ____________________________________ ► 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/ _____________________________________ ► 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 ___________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ► Ketubah At Ketubah.com, every Kesubah is designed with care, blending timeless beauty with texts that are fully halachic, including RCA and Sephardic versions. Our team collaborates with rabbanim and mesadrei kiddushin to ensure each document is accurate and accepted without question. Choosing Ketubah.com means you arrive at your chuppah with peace of mind, knowing your Kesubah is both beautifully crafted and halachically sound. https://ketubah.com/meaningful-minutes/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Clickthrough&utm_campaign=meaningful-people-podcast ______________________________________