Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko

In this powerful conversation, Ellie and Shira Bashvili share their unexpected journey, from a random meeting in Jerusalem to building a life together that defies everything you’d expect on paper. Ellie, who is completely blind, opens up about independence, identity, and why being blind is actually the least interesting thing about him.This episode goes deeper. It’s about how we perceive others, the assumptions we make, and what it really means to connect on a human level. From dating without expectations to building a marriage rooted in awareness, communication, and growth. This conversation will challenge the way you think about relationships, limitations, and what truly matters.To contact Ellie and Shira: [email protected] episode was brought you in part by:►PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh

Rachel spent years feeling stuck, watching everyone around her move forward while she was barely getting set up, sometimes just once a year. The constant disappointment took a real toll on her confidence, but one message kept her grounded: everything happens b’zmano, in its right time. Izzy, on the other hand, was coming out of a painful, traumatic relationship that forced him to step back and do real work on himself. When they first met, the timing wasn’t right. Instead of forcing it, they walked away, something most people don’t have the clarity or courage to do.Years later, after growth, healing, and completely separate journeys, a random “possessed” text message reconnected them. This time, everything was different. Honest conversations, real self-awareness, and a willingness to do things the right way led them back to each other, stronger, clearer, and ready. Their story is a powerful reminder that the right relationship is not about rushing, it is about becoming the right person first.This episode was brought you in part by:►PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh

In this powerful conversation, Shlome and Henchy share their deeply personal journeys through marriage, divorce, and ultimately finding a second chance at love. Raised in tight-knit Chasidic communities where marriage often happens very young, they open up about what it was like to enter relationships before truly understanding themselves, and how those experiences shaped the rest of their lives. Their story sheds light on the traditional shidduch process, the pressures young people can face, and the emotional realities behind decisions that can affect families for generations.Today, the couple is using what they’ve learned to help others build healthier marriages and stronger families. Drawing from painful lessons and years of personal growth, they speak about communication between parents and children, emotional preparedness for marriage, and the importance of modeling strong relationships at home. Their message is ultimately one of hope: that healing is possible, second chances are real, and with honesty and guidance, the next generation can build deeper, more authentic relationships.To contact Shlome and Henchy, email: [email protected] & [email protected] episode was brought you in part by:►PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh

Leo Dee shares the unimaginable story of losing his wife Lucy and daughters Maya and Rina in a Hamas terror attack while traveling in Israel. In this deeply moving conversation, Leo and his wife Aliza open up about grief, resilience, faith, and the long journey toward healing. Leo reflects on how tragedy reshaped his perspective on pain, explaining how learning to understand emotional “triggers” helped him slowly move forward rather than remain stuck in the past. His story reveals a powerful approach to life after loss: accepting the past, choosing the future, and finding purpose even after unimaginable heartbreak.Aliza shares her own journey of navigating over two decades of singlehood, the emotional toll of dating, and the lessons she learned about hope, resilience, and trusting God’s plan. Together, Leo and Aliza discuss rebuilding a life after tragedy, the courage it takes to keep trying when life feels broken, and the importance of honesty, communication, and faith in building a meaningful future. Their story is a remarkable reminder that even in the darkest moments, it is still possible to choose hope and begin again.This episode was brought you in part by:►PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh

In this episode of Stories of Hope, Rabbi Jamie and Ilana Cowland share the journey that shaped their life’s mission. From London to Israel, they reflect on the pivotal moments that led them to dedicate their lives to bridging gaps within the Jewish world . Rabbi Jamie explains how he realized traditional kiruv models were no longer reaching people the same way , which ultimately led to the creation of Justifi, taking participants around the world to confront real human suffering and awaken a deeper sense of purpose. Ilana speaks about the courage it took to choose conviction over comfort and how that decision changed everything.They also open up about raising idealistic, confident children in a world of comfort and distraction . With honesty and vulnerability, they discuss parenting through struggle, redefining success, and helping children discover their own mission. This conversation is a powerful exploration of purpose, relationships, and living with intention.This episode was brought you in part by:► PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh______________► Leaders Kids ClothesYou want clothing that looks good. That you can find in coordinating yet age-appropriate styles. That doesn’t break the bank. That you can buy when you need it (and not only 6 months in advance).Leader Kids is for you. real kidswear, for real moms.https://leader-kids.com/?utm_source=storiesofhope&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=stories_of_hope

In this unforgettable episode of Stories of Hope, Clair and Yitzchok share a journey that defies every expectation. From adoption and identity struggles to secret university studies, dangerous relationships, deportation, and a deep spiritual unraveling, Clair’s path took her across continents and cultures before ultimately bringing her back to her roots . Yitzchok’s story runs parallel: divorce, loneliness, unwavering faith, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep believing when the future feels uncertain. Their individual roads were anything but simple, yet every twist led them closer to something neither of them saw coming.What happens when two 38-year-old singles, both carrying full lifetimes of experience, meet at a Shabbos table in Miami? Ten days later, they knew. This episode is about faith through confusion, gratitude through pain, and the courage to keep searching for truth even when it costs you everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story still has a chapter waiting to unfold, this conversation will remind you that hope has a way of showing up exactly when it’s meant to.To connect with Yitzchak and Claire:Email: [email protected]: @claireofpemberleyThis episode was brought you in part by:►PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh______________► Western Wall PrayersIt’s starting next week! 40 days through Purim and Pesach.https://www.westernwallprayers.org?a_aid=689ea0c620351______________► Jewish legacy storiesJewish Legacy Stories preserves real Jewish family histories through thoughtful interviews, archival photos, and legacy films so voices and lessons aren’t lost over time.https://jewishlegacystories.com

In this episode of Stories of Hope, Yisroel and Devorah Feder share the part of marriage most people hide. Married young, disconnected from the start, and eventually separated, they open up about years of struggle, loneliness, public judgment, and the quiet pain their family carried. With honesty and humility, they talk about what it feels like to believe your marriage is broken beyond repair, and the shame that often comes with that reality What makes this conversation powerful is not just that they got back together, but how they did. Through dating each other again, therapy, hard self-reflection, and learning how to truly see one another, Yisroel and Devorah rebuilt something real, slowly and imperfectly. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, or afraid that their story is already over. It’s a reminder that hope doesn’t come from pretending things are perfect, it comes from refusing to give up when they’re not To contact Yisroel: [email protected] contact Devorah: [email protected] episode was brought you in part by:► PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh________________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh________________► Jewish legacy storiesJewish Legacy Stories preserves real Jewish family histories through thoughtful interviews, archival photos, and legacy films so voices and lessons aren’t lost over time.https://jewishlegacystories.com

In this deeply honest and moving episode, Yisroel Kerner and Elana Kerner share their personal journeys through dating, identity, mental health, and finding each other in Israel. From navigating labels and social pressure to speaking openly about depression, therapy, and self-acceptance, they unpack what it really means to be “ready” for marriage. Their story challenges the boxes people are placed into and highlights how growth, struggle, and authenticity are not obstacles to love, but the very things that lead to it. This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and deeply validating for anyone who has ever felt out of place, pressured by systems, or afraid that their challenges make them “less than.” Yisroel and Elana show how honesty, emotional safety, and respect for each other’s journeys became the foundation of their relationship, and why the right person doesn’t overlook your story, but honors it.To contact Yisroel & Elana Kerner, email: [email protected] episode was brought you in part by:► PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh______________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh______________► Chesed 24/7 — RUN 24.7Help keep Chesed rooms running in 30 hospitalsJoin the live 5K at American Dream Mall (Feb 22, 2026) or sign up as a raiser—every mile keeps the rooms going.https://run4chesed.org______________► Torat Imecha - Nach Yomi SiyumThousands of Jewish women worldwide are completing a two-year Nach Yomi journey. Celebrate the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi Siyum on February 15 in Woodmere, NY—or at local siyumim in Boston, Chicago, Boca, and Phoenix.https://go.ou.org/siyum26______________► Jewish legacy storiesJewish Legacy Stories preserves real Jewish family histories through thoughtful interviews, archival photos, and legacy films so voices and lessons aren’t lost over time.https://jewishlegacystories.com______________► Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com

This episode of Stories of Hope is a raw and deeply moving conversation with Hadassah and Yossi Chen, who share their journey through unimaginable grief, faith, marriage, and growth after the loss of their daughter, Navi. They speak honestly about navigating childhood illness, loss, bitachon, and how pain can either break a person, or transform them. This is not just a story of loss, but a story of light, resilience, and purpose, and what it means to keep moving forward when life brings you to zero.Lezecher nishmat Nava Ruth bat YosefTo contact Hadassah and Yossi: [email protected] episode was brought you in part by:► PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh________________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh________________►Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com

In this deeply honest episode, Deena Flaks and Kalman Flaks share their raw, unfiltered journeys through years of dating, heartbreak, faith, doubt, and resilience—before finally finding each other later in life.Deena opens up about dating from 19 to 36, going out with over 200 people, navigating pressure, intuition, burnout, and the quiet fear of “maybe something is wrong with me.” Kalman shares his path through community leadership, divorce, public scrutiny, choosing joy, and continuing to build others even when life didn’t go according to plan.Together, they speak candidly about singlehood, delayed marriage, trust in Hashem, emotional clarity, red flags vs. intuition, the damage of gossip, and what actually matters when choosing a partner. This conversation is not about segulos or shortcuts—it’s about faith, patience, self-honesty, and believing you didn’t miss your moment.If you’re single, supporting someone who is, or carrying quiet doubts about your timeline, this episode will make you feel seen.Watch until the end for powerful advice for singles, parents, and anyone struggling with fear, comparison, or loss of hope.To contact Deena and Kalman Flaks:📧 [email protected] episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:► PZ DealsDownload the app and never pay full price again!https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _____________________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedakahttps://pushkapp.cc/meaningful_____________________► Chesed 24/7 — RUN 24.7Help keep Chesed rooms running in 30 hospitalsJoin the live 5K at American Dream Mall (Feb 22, 2026) or sign up as a raiser—every mile keeps the rooms going.https://run4chesed.org_____________________► B’Sefer ChayimWhen you get married—or marry off a child—you plan for the future. You make thoughtful choices. You lay the foundation for what comes next. Life insurance is one of the cheapest, simplest, smartest things you can do.Life insurance isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a basic.www.bseferchayim.org_____________________►Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com

They waited. They struggled. They almost walked away—more than once.After 12+ years of painful dating, self-doubt, fear, therapy, and deep inner work, Michal and Nadav finally found each other in the most unexpected way. This is not a fairy tale. It’s a raw, honest conversation about loneliness, faith, surrender, rejection, healing, and why the journey doesn’t end when you get engaged.If you’ve ever felt “behind,” broken, or afraid it may never happen—this story is for you.You can reach out to Nadav and Michal via email: [email protected] and [email protected] contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: [email protected] or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:► PZ DealsDownload the app and never pay full price again!https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _________________________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedakahttps://pushkapp.cc/meaningful_________________________► B’Sefer ChayimWhen you get married—or marry off a child—you plan for the future. You make thoughtful choices. You lay the foundation for what comes next. Life insurance is one of the cheapest, simplest, smartest things you can do.Life insurance isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a basic.www.bseferchayim.org _________________________► Torat Imecha - Nach Yomi SiyumThousands of Jewish women worldwide are completing a two-year Nach Yomi journey. Celebrate the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi Siyum on February 15 in Woodmere, NY—or at local siyumim in Boston, Chicago, Boca, and Phoenix.https://go.ou.org/siyum26_________________________►Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com

In this powerful episode, Simi Polonsky, shares her journey through love, devastating loss, widowhood, remarriage, divorce, and rebuilding life with faith and honesty.She speaks openly about grief, anger at Hashem, motherhood, shame, resilience, and what it truly means to choose life when nothing feels certain.This conversation explores how to live with hope without waiting for things to work out, how to sit with pain without becoming a victim, and how faith can evolve through suffering.A raw, honest discussion about loss, healing, and finding beauty in the middle of the story — not the end.You can follow Simi on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelifeofsimi/?hl=en To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: [email protected] or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko This episode was brought you in part by:►PZ DealsDownload The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Againhttps://app.pz.deals/install/soh___________________________► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh___________________________►Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com___________________________►Shas 4 ShidduchimShas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.www.Shas4shidduchim.org ___________________________► B’Sefer ChayimWhen you get married—or marry off a child—you plan for the future. You make thoughtful choices. You lay the foundation for what comes next. Life insurance is one of the cheapest, simplest, smartest things you can do.Life insurance isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a basic.www.bseferchayim.org ___________________________►Meaningful Minute PlusMeaningful 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

What happens when two ambitious, thoughtful Jews—raised with identity but not observance—begin asking deeper questions about truth, purpose, and God? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Jenna and Justin share their journeys back to Judaism, from college campuses and law school to Israel, yeshiva, marriage, and parenthood.They open up about the beauty and the struggle of becoming religious, navigating dating as baalei teshuva, building a marriage rooted in faith, and confronting real-life challenges like postpartum depression, identity shifts, career pressure, and spiritual comparison. With wisdom, vulnerability, and warmth, Jenna and Justin reflect on mentors, slow and sustainable growth, daily consistency, and what it truly means to serve Hashem in the trenches of everyday life.This episode is for anyone who’s searching, growing, questioning, or simply trying to live with more intention—right where they are. You can contact Jenna and Justin Maio via email: [email protected] any questions or suggestions please email us at [email protected] episode is sponsored by:► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh___________________________►Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com___________________________►Shas 4 ShidduchimShas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.www.Shas4shidduchim.org ___________________________► Meaningful Minute PlusMeaningful 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

What does it mean to create hope while still living in pain?In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Haddasa Manela shares her extraordinary journey of building and leading Bonei Olam of Florida while navigating more than a decade of infertility and loss. Instead of waiting for her own “happy ending,” Hadassah chose to act — raising millions of dollars, funding treatments for countless couples, and helping bring over 100 babies into the world.With vulnerability, clarity, and courage, Haddasa speaks about grief, bitterness, faith, taking breaks, setting boundaries, and finding purpose even when the answers don’t come. This episode is not about easy miracles or neat resolutions — it’s about resilience, honesty, and the quiet strength of continuing to show up.If you’ve ever felt unseen, stuck in waiting, or unsure how to keep moving forward when life doesn’t unfold as planned, this conversation will make you feel understood — and less alone.You can reach out via email: [email protected] or [email protected] Or follow Hadassa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bydaza or via email: https://www.instagram.com/boneiolam_floridafor more information visit: www.Charidy.com/knockoutwww.Boneiolam.org/floridaThis episode is sponsored by:► Colel Chabad Pushka AppThe easiest way to give Tzedaka.https://pushkapp.cc/soh___________________________►Pizza BizaDelight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.https://www.pizzabiza.com___________________________►Shas 4 ShidduchimShas for Shidduchim gathers hundreds of lomdim to complete Shas in 24 hours as a tremendous z’chus for Jewish singles to find their zivugim.Sponsor a daf for up to 3 people in need of a shidduch. A lomed is then assigned to learn in the z'chus of the names you submit.www.Shas4shidduchim.org ___________________________►JCCGCI Holocaust Survivors Need You Now!For over 50 years, JCCGCI is one of the largest providers of Holocaust survivor support services in the world. Their programs are designed to help survivors maintain their independence and dignity while living in their own homes. There are approximately 10,000 Holocaust survivors living in New York City today- and every day, JCCGCI sees survivors struggling to afford food, heat, medical care, transportation, and homecare. They cannot wait.👉Please Donate and Support the Light Up Their Lives campaign at:www.JCCGCI.org/lightuptheirlives