Meaningful People

2d ago

A Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach turned into a scene of terror. In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, we sit with a father and community leader who survived the Bondi Beach terror attack. His children were nearby. What he first thought were fireworks quickly became gunshots. Within moments, people were running, hiding, and falling. He shares, in real time, what it was like to be there: – realizing the danger – hiding with his daughter – searching desperately for his son – trying to help the wounded while protecting his child This conversation was recorded shortly after the attack, while the pain was still raw. It is honest, emotional, and unfiltered. We also speak about what came next. Lighting the menorah that night. Explaining fear to children. Holding onto faith and responsibility when everything feels shaken. This episode is not about headlines or politics. It's about survival, parenthood, community, and choosing light in the aftermath of terror. Our hearts are with all those affected by this attack, including the family of Rabbi Elie Schlinger, a beloved husband, father, and community leader who was killed. A link to support the Schlinger family is included below, as mentioned in the episode. If this story resonates, please consider sharing it. Support the Schlinger family: https://www.charidy.com/elischlanger/613Help?utm_source=15mp

6d ago

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Jewish music icon Yaakov Shwekey opens up about the evolution of Jewish music, the responsibility of an artist, and the deeply personal moments that shaped his life and career. From unforgettable camp memories and behind-the-scenes studio stories to the creation of his upcoming massive Shabbos project, Shwekey reflects on legacy, inspiration, and the transformative power of music. He shares raw stories about loss, fatherhood, kindness, and how music can lift broken hearts—from hospital rooms in Israel to Shabbos tables around the world. Music producer Donny Gross joins to give a rare inside look at the creative process behind their most ambitious project yet: a multi-hour Shabbos experience meant to reconnect families to song, tradition, and joy. If you love Jewish music, appreciate authenticity, or just need a dose of inspiration—this episode is for you. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _______________________________________ ►Blooms Kosher Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide. https://bloomskosher.com ______________________________________ ►Banana Blast Rentals Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh _______________________________________ ► The Kichel Collection It's here just in time for Chanukah🥳 The Kichel Collection 5! Available at your favorite Judaica store or get it here! 👇 Feldheim(20% off Chanukah Sale!): https://feldheim.com/the-kichel-collection-5 Amazon: https://a.co/d/7gGIVoJ _______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful _______________________________________ ► 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 _______________________________________ ►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 ______________________________________ ► ReKindle This film presents the powerful, deeply personal accounts of two survivors of the Café Rimon double suicide bombing in Jerusalem. This documentary is a tribute to the lives lost, the resilience of those who survived, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through Nochi Krohn's and Ovadia Waxler's story, viewers witness the lasting impact of terror and the extraordinary strength required to keep choosing life, day after day. Exclusively available via Meaningful Minute Plus: https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/programs/rekindle-black-firday-teaser-website-fd8c10

Dec 6

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rabbi Elchanan Shoff (Los Angeles, USA) and Rabbi Michal Weichbrod (Yehuda, Israel) for a rare, honest, and passionate conversation about one of the most charged topics in the Jewish world today: Do Jews belong in America—or is it time to move to Eretz Yisrael? Together, they dive into: 🇺🇸 The spiritual role of Jews in America 🇮🇱 The mitzvah and meaning of living in Israel 🧠 How to make decisions based on Torah, not fear 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Raising children, chinuch, army service, and communal responsibility 📜 What Chazal, Rishonim, and Gedolim really say about Aliyah 🔥 The tension between idealism and practical reality This is not a political debate. It's a deep, thoughtful exploration of Hashem's ratzon, Jewish destiny, and how to live a life of purpose in today's world. If you care about Klal Yisrael, if you've ever wondered about Aliyah, or if you just want to hear two sincere, passionate voices hash out a big question—this episode is for you. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide. https://bloomskosher.com ______________________________________ ►Banana Blast Rentals Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh _______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful _______________________________________ ►Givat Hashalva Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim. https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN _______________________________________ ► 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 _______________________________________ ►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 ______________________________________ ► ReKindle A new documentary exclusively on Meaningful Minute Plus Coming Dec. 13th https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/programs/rekindle-black-firday-teaser-website-fd8c10

Nov 29

GET MEANINGFUL MINUTE PLUS RIGHT NOW FOR 50% OFF! mmplus.org In this eye-opening conversation, Nachi Gordon sits down with Zvi Gluck, founder of Amudim, for one of the most important and raw episodes we've ever released. From drug use and gambling in our schools, to secrets hidden behind closed doors, to real stories of crisis, denial, healing, and hope — Zvi pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in our community. We discuss: — How common drug and alcohol use truly is — The rise of gambling addiction among teens — Why prevention MUST start earlier — What yeshivas still don't understand — Abuse, denial, and the cost of silence — The lifesaving impact of proper education — Real stories of families on the brink — and those who found healing — What parents need to know right now This conversation is honest. It's uncomfortable. But it's necessary. If you're a parent, educator, community member — or simply someone who cares — you need to hear this. For more information about Amudim: https://amudim.org/ Join December 7–8 the Unite to Heal 36-hours livestream: https://unitetoheal.com/ This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide. https://bloomskosher.com ______________________________________ ►Banana Blast Rentals Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions. https://bananablasts.com https://wa.link/i4qlgh ______________________________________ ► The Business Organizer The Business Organizer is a game-changing resource for entrepreneurs who have big vision but feel stuck hitting the same roadblocks. If you know what you want to achieve but feel overwhelmed, misaligned with your team, or like the business is running you—not the other way around—this is for you. If you're ready to regain control and scale with confidence, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if Sruly is the right fit for your company's needs. Call or WhatsApp 347-939-9959 https://wa.link/5sxy1e Email info@srulyschonfeld.com For testimonials from real entrepreneurs, visit SrulySchonfeld.com _______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushka.cc/meaningful _______________________________________ ► 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. _______________________________________ ► 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 ______________________________________ ►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 ______________________________________ ► Nafshi A musical evening with Shulem Lemmer, Benny Friedman, Joey Newcomb, Yehuda Green and Eli Marcus: This is Nafshi! 7th of December at Kings Theater! https://colelchabad.events/mm

Nov 22

In this gripping 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. _______________________________________

Nov 15

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/ _____________________________________

Nov 8

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: 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 ______________________________________

Nov 1

The Miracle After the Darkness – Michal Weinstein's Unbelievable Story When Michal Weinstein was just ten years old, her father — a respected diamond dealer and Israeli diplomat — vanished without a trace. For nearly two decades, her family lived in painful uncertainty, surrounded by rumors, fear, and unanswered questions. In this gripping episode, Michal opens up to Nachi Gordon about the shocking twists that followed: corruption at the highest levels, a decades-long mystery, and an unimaginable discovery that finally brought truth and closure 19 years later. From her childhood in Far Rockaway and the day her father disappeared, to the miraculous moment his body was found and the profound faith that carried her through it all — Michal's story is one of resilience, justice, and divine providence. This isn't just a true crime story — it's a testament to faith, family, and the power of never giving up hope. 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 ______________________________________ ► 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.