From Puerto Rico to Satmar: Malkie Wiener's Improbable Journey
Meaningful People
In this inspiring episode, Malkie Weiner shares her extraordinary life story: from her Catholic upbringing in Puerto Rico, to her family’s unexpected spiritual search, their conversion to Judaism, and their eventual integration into the Hasidic community of Williamsburg. Malkie opens up about: 🌍 Growing up between two worlds: Puerto Rican roots & New York life 🙏 Her father’s spiritual quest that led the family to Judaism ✡️ The challenges and beauty of converting and becoming part of Klal Yisroel 💔 Facing antisemitism as a child and finding strength in her...
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Matty Stein | I Was a Homeless Teen… Now I’m Living With Hashem
Meaningful People
In this episode of Meaningful People, we sit down with Matty Stein as she shares her remarkable journey of growing up in a non-religious home, moving from place to place, and suddenly facing financial collapse that left her family homeless and living in dangerous neighborhoods. Through pain, confusion, and loss, Maddie discovered Judaism, community, and ultimately herself. Her story is raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring — a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a path to strength, faith, and hope. You can follow Matty on Instagram: This episode was made possible...
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Mayor Eric Adams: The Truth About NYC & The Jews
Meaningful People
In this powerful interview, New York City Mayor Eric Adams opens up about his personal journey, his deep faith, and his commitment to protecting the Jewish community in New York and beyond. From his struggles growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia to his health transformation, Mayor Adams shares how resilience and spirituality have guided his life and leadership. We also discuss: His personal story of overcoming adversity and faith in God The rise of antisemitism post–October 7 and how NYC is responding His now-legendary speech declaring “We are not all right” The responsibility...
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Perla Zaltzman | The Day My Daughter Drowned
Meaningful People
In this emotional interview, Perla shares the heartbreaking story of the day her young daughter drowned and how that moment forever changed her life. Speaking with raw honesty, she opens up about the pain, the shock, and the unimaginable grief of losing a child. But her story is not just about tragedy, it is about resilience, healing, and the strength it takes to keep going. Through her journey, Perla offers powerful lessons on coping with loss, navigating life after tragedy, and finding hope in the darkest of times. This candid conversation is more than a personal account, it is a message...
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R' Yoni Fischer | "Stop Blaming This Generation"
Meaningful People
In this deeply emotional and honest conversation, Rabbi Yoni Fischer opens up about his journey, the vision behind his yeshiva, and the importance of meeting people with compassion, not judgment. From navigating generational pain to cultivating emotional health in the Torah world, Rabbi Fischer shares his thoughts on healing, marriage, parenting, community, and connection—with wisdom, warmth, and humility. ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute released its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. This episode was made possible...
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Off the Record: A 9th of Av Conversation With R' Ari Bensoussan
Meaningful People
This Off the Record segment was filmed in the lead-up to Tisha B’Av — and it gets real. But this is only part of the conversation. To hear the rest, become a Meaningful Minute Plus member. 🎬 Sign up at to unlock the full episode, plus our new documentary Homeless, behind-the-scenes clips, livestream replays, and more exclusive content.
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“Mommy, Are You Going to Die?” | The Story of Shana Alayev’s Fight For Life
Meaningful People
Meet Shana Alayev, a wife, mother of four, and speech therapist who is facing stage four cancer with brutal honesty, raw humor, and unshakable emunah. In this emotional and deeply human conversation, Shana opens up about her journey: from a delayed diagnosis during pregnancy to navigating treatment, parenting through pain, and redefining faith, purpose, and resilience every single day. Her story isn't just about illness, it's about choosing hope when the path is unclear, and finding light in the darkest places. WonderWomen is a community dedicated to empowering and supporting young Orthodox...
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What If We’re Too Comfortable in Galus?
Meaningful People
This isn’t a typical podcast. It’s the trailer for Homeless — our first-ever film. A raw, emotional journey into what it means to live in exile… and what it means to come home. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, if you’ve ever stopped to wonder where Moshiach fits into your life — this is for you. 🎥 Watch the full film now:
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Devorah Halberstam: The Day My 16-Year-Old Son Was Killed for Being Jewish
Meaningful People
She Lost Her Son in a Terror Attack on the Brooklyn Bridge – Deborah Halberstam’s Story In this deeply emotional and powerful episode, Deborah Halberstam shares the heartbreaking story of her son Ari Halberstam, a 16-year-old yeshiva student who was murdered in a 1994 terror attack on the Brooklyn Bridge. Deborah recounts Ari’s unique upbringing, his deep connection to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and the chilling events leading up to the attack that took his life. She opens up about her personal grief, her years-long battle for justice, and how she transformed tragedy into activism—shaping...
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Shmulie Hartstein | The Most Avoidable Tragedy In Our Community
Meaningful People
In this emotional and eye-opening interview, we sit down with Shmuie Hartstein, the founder of B’Sefer Chaim, an urgent initiative born out of heartbreak and driven by love. After witnessing the repeated devastation of families who lost a parent without life insurance, Shmuel decided enough was enough. With raw honesty, he shares the story that led him to launch B’Sefer Chaim—an awareness campaign dedicated to ensuring that no Jewish family ever faces financial ruin in the wake of personal loss. This isn’t about business. It’s about responsibility. About protecting those we love....
info_outlineIn this powerful interview, we sit down with Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, a trailblazing deaf rabbi, to discuss his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the impact he is making in the Jewish Deaf community worldwide. He shares his experiences growing up deaf in a hearing world, his path to becoming a rabbi, and the work he is doing to make Torah and Judaism more accessible.
There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing Jews in Israel and around 40,000 to 50,000 worldwide, with communities in the U.S., Europe, and Russia. Many face limited access to Jewish education, Torah learning, and religious services due to a lack of sign language resources. Organizations such as the Jewish Deaf Foundation and The Israel Deaf Community Center are working to bridge this gap and create more inclusive opportunities.
This conversation is both inspiring and eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the resilience, faith, and dedication of Rabbi Soudakoff and the broader Jewish Deaf community. Watch now to hear his story and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and triumphs within this often-overlooked part of the Jewish world.
For more information, you can visit his website: https://chushim.org/
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To win $200 comment on YouTube under this episode, who you think that we will be recording a new episode of Meaningful People next week! And the first person who comments and gets it right, will also receive a Meaningful People Game!
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This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:
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► The Jewish Providence
Rhode Island Recruitment Committee is offering new families a FREE $50K housing contribution and FREE first year PHDS (Providence Hebrew Day School) tuition for all kids (+subsidized following years) moving into the city.
You can learn more about the campaign on their website at www.providencetorah.com and the in town Jewish School, Providence Hebrew Day School, on IG at https://www.instagram.com/phds_rhodeisland/
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► Eretz Hakodesh - Vote to Keep Israel Holy!
Over the years, liberal movements have gained significant influence as the primary representatives of the Jewish Diaspora. From this position, they have pushed agendas that impact crucial issues related to religion and state in Israel.
Eretz HaKodesh seeks to balance this influence by accurately reflecting the power dynamics of Jewish communities in the Diaspora and amplifying the voices of Orthodox communities dedicated to preserving the timeless values of the Torah and authentic Jewish tradition.
Click here to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Organization elections: https://bit.ly/41D1Ag0
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► Lema’an Achai - Donate to Families this Pesach!
Financial hardship is like being stuck in quicksand. Freedom feels very far away when your fridge is empty, and every night is spent worrying about overdue bills.
Lema’an Achai aren't just giving handouts to struggling families. They are lifting them up and accompanying them to freedom, through financial training.
This Pesach set a family free. Make a donation today
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A new community in Israel lead by Rabbi Beni and Chani Krohn
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