Meaningful People
Rabbi Elchanan Shoff took to the streets of downtown Chicago to answer the raw, unfiltered questions of everyday people—from devout Christians and curious Muslims to military moms and tourists from Poland. As an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, Rabbi Shoff opens up honest, thoughtful conversations about religion, identity, Israel, morality, gender, and what it truly means to coexist. This powerful episode of Ask Me Anything showcases the value of deep dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of truth across ideological lines. This episode was brought to you by: ►Skive Customized Software Without...
info_outlineMeaningful People
This is the extraordinary journey of Rabbi Mendy Chitric, a Chabad rabbi based in Turkey. Born in Tzfat and part of an 11th-generation Chabad family, Rabbi Chitric has spent the last 25 years serving the Jewish community in Istanbul — a city where Jewish life dates back 2,700 years. Originally planning to stay for just one year, Rabbi Chitric remained to answer the needs of a community facing significant challenges: assimilation, declining population, and a need for strong Jewish infrastructure. This video dives deep into Rabbi Chitric’s insights on:🕍 The rich Jewish history of Istanbul...
info_outlineMeaningful People
On Lag BaOmer, Mirlana Morris opens up about the life and legacy of her son Donny, who tragically passed away in the Meron disaster of 2021. In a deeply moving conversation, Mirlana shares intimate memories of Donny’s character — a vibrant, kind, and meticulous young man who touched countless lives with his quiet acts of kindness and sincerity. From his early years in Teaneck, NJ, to his transformative time at Yeshivat Sha’alvim in Israel, Donny stood out for his warmth, discipline, and inclusivity. Mirlana recounts the events of that painful night, the confusion and heartbreak that...
info_outlineMeaningful People
In this powerful and deeply insightful conversation, Rahel Bayar sits down with Nachi Gordon to discuss her journey from being a sex crimes and child abuse prosecutor in the Bronx to founding The Bayar Group, an organization dedicated to abuse and harassment prevention across North America. Rahel shares how her early aspirations in psychology shifted to law, leading her to work on some of the most difficult cases imaginable—domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. With years of courtroom experience and firsthand exposure to trauma, she eventually asked herself: Can this be...
info_outlineMeaningful People
Rabbi Kalish and Nachi Gordon sit down for the first ever live audience podcast at the Pesach at Bordeaux program. In this dynamic conversation, Nachi pressed R’ Kalish on every point: Why no tests in Yeshiva? Why no expulsions from Yeshiva? Why only show love to your students? This conversation is the clearest, most powerful window into Rabbi Kalish’s vision for Jewish education (chinuch) — and his answers will challenge how we all think about education. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher Bring...
info_outlineMeaningful People
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Meaningful People, we sit down with Adriana, the woman behind the viral “Non-Jewish Nanny” persona, to hear her remarkable story of transformation. What began as a nanny job for Orthodox Jewish families in Boca Raton led to a deep, personal journey that ultimately brought her to an Orthodox Jewish conversion. Adriana shares what it was like growing up Christian in Florida, how she was first introduced to Jewish customs through the families she worked for, and how the innocent questions and pure love of the children she cared for opened her eyes to...
info_outlineMeaningful People
What happens when an Orthodox rabbi takes to the streets of Times Square and invites people to ask him anything? In this riveting episode, Rabbi Shoff answers real, unfiltered questions from strangers on the street — from the Jewish perspective on marrying out of the faith, to whether Jews worship Trump, if they were behind 9/11 (yes, someone actually asked that), Jewish teachings on the afterlife, and so much more. This is one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve ever had — raw, honest, and thought-provoking. Got a question you’ve always wanted to ask a...
info_outlineMeaningful People
In this episode, we speak with Michal Lobanov, the wife of Alexander (Alex) Lobanov HY’D, who was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, while working as the head bartender at the Nova Music Festival near Kibbutz Re’im. Alex was a devoted father from Ashkelon, caring for his physically disabled parents and supporting his wife Michal, who was five months pregnant at the time of his abduction. Tragically, after enduring months of captivity, Alex was murdered by Hamas, and his body was recovered from a tunnel in Rafah on August 31, 2024. In this heartfelt conversation, Michal shares her...
info_outlineMeaningful People
In 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...
info_outlineMeaningful People
Lipa Schmeltzer is more than just a singer—he’s a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a man who has walked a deeply personal journey of growth and healing. In this powerful episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Lipa opens up like never before about his childhood, struggles with anxiety, the role of therapy in his life, and his evolving perspective on faith, music, and personal transformation. From the highs of his music career to the challenges he faced within the community, Lipa shares raw and honest reflections on finding balance, overcoming pain, and embracing his true self. He...
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/
____________________________________________________
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!
____________________________________________________
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:
►Blooms Kosher
Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.
https://bloomskosher.com
____________________________________________________
► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again!
https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp
__________________________________________________
► 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/website
__________________________________________________
► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka
https://pushka.cc/meaningful
__________________________________________________
► 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/
____________________________________________________
► 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
__________________________________________________
► 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
https://www.lemaanachai.org/en/project/Kimcha-DPischa-Pesach-Assistance-2025/?a=mm
____________________________________________________
► EDEN BET SHEMESH
A new community in Israel lead by Rabbi Beni and Chani Krohn
CONTACT US TODAY!
whatsapp - https://Wa.me/972526244600
Email - [email protected]
Phone number - +972526244600
____________________________________________________
► KosherWine.com - #1 Spot for Pesach Wines
Make sure you’re stocked for Sedarim! No schlepping. No last-minute runs.
✅ Nationwide shipping
✅ Expert picks
✅ One-click Pesach mixed cases
Free shipping with 15 bottles +
Make your Pesach smoother with https://www.kosherwine.com and order today!
Use code MM15 for $15 off your order of $300+
____________________________________________________
Order the brand new Meaningful People Game!
https://meaningfulminute.org/thegame
____________________________________________________
► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
https://apple.co/2WALuE2
https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO