Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko

Ari and Gitty Klein, the family behind the iconic Klein’s Ice Cream brand, join us for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had. Ari shares the remarkable story of how his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor who lost his wife and eight children in the Shoah, rebuilt his life from nothing and founded what would become one of the most recognizable kosher food brands in America.But the heart of this episode is something even bigger. Both Ari and Gitty made the extraordinary decision to donate a kidney to complete strangers, later inspiring their son to do the same. They discuss the fears, emotions, family conversations, and life-changing moments that came with giving someone a second chance at life, and why they believe every person has the ability to make an impact, even if it looks different than theirs.This episode was brought to 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______________► ResunizeShidduch resumes shouldn't live in random screenshots, notebooks, and lost scraps of paper.Resunize keeps every resume, note, and piece of feedback organized in one clean place.https://resunize.com/mm

In this week's episode of Stories of Hope, Yossi and Dave Levinger, two brothers who haven't started dating yet, sit down for one of the most refreshingly honest and entertaining conversations we've ever had on the podcast. From the pressures of the shidduch world and the expectations of matchmakers to what it really means to be "ready" to date, the brothers open up about their decision to move out of their parents' house, build financial independence, and become the best versions of themselves before entering a serious relationship. What starts as a fun, lighthearted conversation quickly becomes a deep and honest look at self-awareness, confidence, identity, and the courage to be yourself even when the world is telling you to stay in the box.The episode also dives into the weight of family expectations, the question of kollel vs. working, the role of parents in dating decisions, and why so many young people start dating before they're truly ready. Yossi and Dave bring humor, rawness, and real talk that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt pressure to fit a mold, whether you're pre-dating, mid-dating, or just trying to figure out who you are and what you actually want.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 week’s episode of Stories of Hope, Naomi Nachman and her husband Zvi Nachman share the incredible story of how one spontaneous decision changed the course of their lives forever. From Naomi leaving Australia alone at 21 with barely any money and a one-way dream to building a life in New York, to the unexpected Thanksgiving night where the two first met, this episode is packed with wisdom about dating, risk-taking, marriage, faith, and refusing to settle for mediocrity.The conversation dives deep into the pressures of modern Jewish dating, financial expectations surrounding marriage, raising independent children, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to build the life you truly want. Naomi also opens up about how she accidentally became one of the first major kosher food influencers, building a career that took her from personal chef to cookbooks, cruises, media, and worldwide recognition. This episode is honest, inspiring, funny, and filled with practical life lessons about ambition, bitachon, family, and creating your own path.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 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: elanakerner@gmail.comThis 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

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:📧 deens611@gmail.comThis 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

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: SOH@meaningfulminute.org 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 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: Haddasamanela@gmail.com or Boneiolamflorida@gmail.com 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