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 is Elke's story of resilience and perserverance. Elke has since started an organization to help those struggling with PPD. Tikvaseinu is there there to provide critical resources and support to women struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. They aim to provide...

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 desperation and addiction. Shawn was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to prison at the age of twenty-one, where he began a search for a life of meaning. He is the author of the recent release ‘Conviction’ documenting his life story. Contact Shawn at Phone #...

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 she was forced to endure the barbaric cruelty of Auschwitz and the Death March to the Ravensbruck concentration camps. After experiencing unspeakable atrocities simply because of her faith, Dolly emigrated to America, got married, and now lives in Boro...

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 their Jewish identity in this special episode of the Meaningful People Podcast. ____________________________________   ►Meaningful People Whatsapp Channel Join our brand new Meaningful People WhatsApp Channel! Exclusive content,...

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 Director of Arena Sober Living. In all his time, he has yet to meet someone incapable of healing.   Sony has developed a philosophy on how he thinks our communities can change the world for the better. He hosts the Brainstorm podcast, where he...

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 as one of Israel’s most inspiring women, Rachelle advocates for Jewish unity before audiences worldwide. She is a legendary pioneer for intensive text education for frum women. She is a longtime educator at Nishmat and the...

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 Goldwicht, and Rabbi Menachem Leiberman share their emotions and thoughts on the attacks.   The Rabbi of Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, Rav Weinberger's genuine and soulful teachings have become a pillar in the community and beyond,...

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 Daniella bas Naomi Chana ____________________________________ ►Meaningful People Whatsapp Channel   Join our brand new Meaningful People WhatsApp Channel! Exclusive content, breaking updates + more of Meaningful People right at your...

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 update WhatsApp or your filter is blocking the channel feature. The full episodes where these stories are extracted from can be found on our Podcast page, anywhere podcasts are listened to.   Apple...

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 and growing people, were killed in a horrible car accident on Chol Hamoed Pesach. The tragedy shook the Jewish people. At their funeral, Shaya, Yisroel’s father, asked that in exchange for their pure souls, we together help suggest and...

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 they perform in New Jersey! Buy tickets: https://buytickets.at/gronnyickyproductions?ref=mm _______________________________________________________ ► Town Appliance Message Town Appliance on WhatsApp ...

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 forced to flee his homeland at the age of 9 following the overthrow of the Shah. Arriving in the United States, he navigated the challenges of the public school system before discovering his true calling within the hallowed halls of Yeshivas. He has been working in the field...

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 an idea to a full-fledged air rescue organization in just a few years.  On a daily basis, Eli is busy organizing, staffing, and flying Hatzolah Air missions. In his spare time, he can be found fundraising for Hatzolah Air and running his...

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 is the author of the groundbreaking book From Boys to Men. Dr. Zimmerman is also the chair of Amudim’s advisory board and Magen New York’s clinical advisory board. He co-founded Congregation Sons of Israel, where he served as...

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 moving.   To get in contact with Yaakov, please email: [email protected] If you’d like to reach the organization he started, please email: [email protected] _______________________________________ ► Alpert & Associates  Need...

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 Director at Yachad, and her father Daniel Hermann, a clinical psycologist in Bergen County. We are listing the contact info for Atara, her father and her mother.  If you or someone you know is struggling with this, they are more than welcome to reach out to them...

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 to the brave men and women fighting to defend our country overseas. Aleph helps isolated people and shattered families persevere, giving them hope to overcome their devastating circumstances.  ____________________________________ Need Financial...

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 set to headline Madison Square Garden with Ishay Ribo in September 2023.   You can purchase tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/ishay-ribo-new-york-new-york-09-03-2023/event/3B005EA487310EC7   ____________________________________ Need...

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 campaign that would change people’s lives in motion, leading to the formation of the Ani Maamin Initiative. Thousands of people have developed deeper Emunah and Bitachon through the different projects of the initiative,...

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 life.   Mayer can be reached at: [email protected]   ____________________________________   Need Financial Planning and Life insurance?   Call Moshe Alpert!   Email: [email protected] for a free consultation, or head to...

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 a pillar of support and a lifeline for countless children and their families across the tri-state area.    The center provides around-the-clock respite services throughout the year. The center’s special education staff runs therapeutic programs, and...

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 and campus Rabbi at UCLA.   Olami is a global community committed to inspiring Jewish greatness. With 320 member organizations in 28 countries, Olami democratizes Jewish education and experience by offering high-impact one-on-one...

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, and Billings are connecting to their heritage because of the Bruks’ efforts and many miles on the remote highways of the nation’s fourth-largest state. As they have grown their family of five children,...

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. Advising, guiding, teaching, and feeding, they created a home and lasting impact for thousands of people.       This Episode is sponsored by the Newman Family L’zecher Nishmas Ruchama Perel Malka Leah Bat Aryeh Leib & Michy Nudell L'zecher Nishmas...

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]   Pre Order the #TailorMade Merch Now!   Click Here: https://meaningfulminute.myshopify.com/products/crewneck-sweatshirt       This Episode is sponsored by the Newman Family L’zecher Nishmas Ruchama Perel Malka Leah Bat...