Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko

4d ago

What happens when two young adults — both raised secular in Montreal — suddenly feel like something is missing ? And what happens when one of them, at only 21, is diagnosed with a massive tumor and told she has Hodgkin’s lymphoma? In this deeply moving episode of Stories of Hope, Amanda and Aaron share their intertwined journeys of loss, searching, healing, faith, and love. Their story begins with tragedy, continues across continents, leads them through Israel’s streets and hospital corridors, and ultimately brings them home — spiritually and literally. Amanda opens up about losing her best friend in a tragic accident, years of anxiety, and the moment a cancer diagnosis led her not to bitterness but to profound clarity and connection with God. Aaron describes searching for meaning across Southeast Asia, only to discover that the spark he was chasing had been inside him all along. Their paths collided at exactly the right moment — with unmistakable signs that their meeting was divinely orchestrated. Today, the two of them run an unofficial Chabad house for friends who are seeking warmth, Shabbos, community, and authenticity. Their home overflows with guests, music, and meaning. You can contact Aaron and Amanda via email: sarahrivahspiro@gmail.com or connect via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadawnspiro This episode is sponsored by: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushkapp.cc/soh ___________________________ ►Pizza Biza Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations. https://www.pizzabiza.com ___________________________ ► 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: www.soh.plus

Dec 8

When Malka and Yaakov walked into the studio, no one knew the magnitude of the story they were about to reveal. What began as a routine pregnancy quickly spiraled into fear, medical crises, heartbreak, and impossible decisions — including being told by doctors and rabbinic leadership to terminate. But something inside Malka said no . In this raw, emotional and deeply moving episode, the Slatus family shares their journey of faith, fear, resilience, and the miraculous life of their son, Shaya — a child with Down syndrome who survived life-threatening heart defects, repeated hospitalizations, and surgeries that doctors doubted would help. This episode is for anyone who has ever faced the unknown, battled inner conflict, or questioned their strength. Their courage will change the way you look at special-needs parenting, faith, and what it means to show up for the people you love — even when the world tells you not to. You can reach out to Malka and Yaakov Slatus via email: Malka.slatus1@gmail.com and emerald5736@gmail.com This episode is sponsored by: ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushkapp.cc/soh ___________________________ ►Pizza Biza Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations. https://www.pizzabiza.com ___________________________ ► ReKindle A new documentary exclusively on Meaningful Minute Plus Coming Dec. 13th! www.soh.plus

Dec 1

In this raw, deeply emotional interview, Kayla shares her near-death experience, religious trauma, postpartum depression, and the moment she thought she no longer believed in Judaism. At the same time, Shmuel — a rabbi — reveals what it was like to stay married while watching his wife lose her faith. Together, they walk us through: ✨ Kayla’s clinical death and what she experienced on “the other side” ✨ How trauma, doubt, and anger at God pushed her to rebuild her relationship with Hashem ✨ The conflicts, fear, and love inside a marriage where two people choose completely different religious paths ✨ Shmuel’s “Red Line System” — the tool that saved their marriage ✨ How they’re raising children with honesty, curiosity, and spiritual autonomy ✨ Why most couples give up too soon — and how to reconnect even when your values change Their story is messy, human, hilarious, painful, and unbelievably hopeful. From rebuilding trust to reshaping their identities, from navigating Shabbos under one roof to opening their home to struggling teens—this episode is an emotional roller coaster with a soul. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your faith, or your relationship, this conversation will hit deep. This is Stories of Hope at its most honest. You can follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/questioningtheanswers?igsh=MXh5NTJxdWJ6NHpxZQ== and Shmuel here: https://www.instagram.com/nishmasi_online / https://www.youtube.com/@Nishmasi For more information about the organization ‘The Vaad’ that Kayla founded to help Agunos visit https://vaadlinyaneiigun.org/ as well as in this article: https://mishpacha.com/hope-unchained/ This weeks episode is sponsored by Tzipora’s brother and sister-in-law Noach and Michal Grodko, of Adina Las Vegas in loving memory of Michal’s brother Mordy, Morrdechai Ben Dan Zev Moshe A”H, in honor of his first Yartzheit. Mordy had a deep love for connecting with people, with HASHEM and with the deeper truths in life. He asked real questions, he cared deeply, and he lived with sincerity and authenticity. Anyone who crossed his path felt uplifted by his warmth, and his light continues to shine through the people whose lives he touched. May his neshama have an Aliya This episode is also sponsored by: ► 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 ___________________________ ►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 -------- Editor: Sruly Saftlas

Nov 24

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

Nov 17

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

Nov 10

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

Nov 3

In this heartfelt Stories of Hope episode, host Tzipora Grodko sits down with Shushy and Ben Turin — better known as Cooking in Heels and Eating in Flats — to share the incredible story of how fate, faith, and a delayed EL AL flight brought two unlikely souls together. What began as an innocent Wi-Fi request at an airport turned into a 12-hour conversation that changed both their lives. From Shushy’s Brooklyn upbringing and strict seminary world to Ben’s yeshiva years in Israel and dreams of making Aliyah, their paths seemed worlds apart — until divine timing proved otherwise. Through heartbreak, family resistance, and unexpected miracles, they discovered that love isn’t about fitting into a box — it’s about creating your own. Their story reminds us that Hashem’s hand is in every twist, turn, and timing — even when it feels impossible. A tale of courage, faith, and finding your Bashert when you least expect it. This episode is sponsored by: ► Western Wall Prayers It’s starting next week! 40 days to Zos Chanukah. http://www.westernwallprayers.org?a_aid=689ea0c62035 ____________________ ► 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 ___________________________ ► Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor Eishet Chayil is a stunning new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon’s timeless poem to life through the stories of 24 extraordinary Jewish women — from Sarah to Esther and beyond. Featuring original artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, it’s both inspiring and accessible, celebrating the strength and faith of Jewish women across history. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz, this bestselling release makes a meaningful gift for any woman of valor. Available now at EishetChayil.com Kehot.com Use code SOH20 for 20% off ___________________________ ► 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

Oct 26

Shani thought her story was over. Yochanan was a single dad rebuilding from heartbreak. Two people, both done with hope — until one weekend in Israel changed everything. This is the real story of faith, loss, and second chances. You can contact Shani and Yochanan via email: Spollack@aish.edu Or Yochananpollack@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 ___________________________ ► Eishet Chayil — The Woman of Valor Eishet Chayil is a stunning new book by Rabbi Yossi Marcus that brings King Solomon’s timeless poem to life through the stories of 24 extraordinary Jewish women — from Sarah to Esther and beyond. Featuring original artwork by Israeli artist Lia Baratz, it’s both inspiring and accessible, celebrating the strength and faith of Jewish women across history. Dedicated to the women of Nahal Oz, this bestselling release makes a meaningful gift for any woman of valor. Available now at EishetChayil.com Kehot.com Use code SOH20 for 20% off ___________________________ ► 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