Rolling with the Punches with Rabbi Eli Portal  - podcast cover

Rolling with the Punches with Rabbi Eli Portal

In this podcast, we talk with courageous individuals who have faced tremendous adversity to learn about their life experiences and to provide support to those who are battling similar challenges.

Episodes

Bonus Purim Episode! March to the beat of your own drum (Congenital Amusia/ Tone Deafness) with Yoni Burstyn

It’s been said that Music is the universal language of mankind. However that is not true for everyone. In this episode, we will hear from a leibedicka individual who utilizes all of his challenges and experiences to bring simcha to those around him. A big thank you to Yoni Burstyn for sharing his story and experiences with us. If you would like to appear on the show to represent a particular challenge, or if you have questions or comments or would like to be added to receive whatsapp updates, em...

Mar 06, 202345 min

E 24: From the Rabbi's Desk (Season 2 Finale) with Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein is quoted as saying "Being an Orthodox rabbi means being a servant of God and a servant of the community. It is a role of great responsibility and great honor." In this episode, we will hear from one of the great Mechanchim and Rabbanim of our generation; Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz. We discuss his experiences in these dual roles of Educator and Spiritual leader, including the rewards and the challenges he faces on a daily basis. We will also discuss the range of social and emotio...

Jan 06, 20232 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 24

E 23: Who are my parents? (The life of an adopted child) with Anonymous

“Adoption is not just about finding children for families, it is about finding families for children.” In this episode, we will hear about all of these details and more from a courageous young man who has been on a journey of discovering who he is, despite not always knowing where he came from. To learn more about Frumadoptee, check out their website at Frumadoptee.com. To be added to the Frum adoptee WhatsApp chat or to be connected with this weeks guest, send an email to [email protected]....

Nov 15, 20222 hr 54 minSeason 2Ep. 23

E22: And you shall rest on the seventh (Keeping Shemitah as a farmer) with Avichai Koch

Leaving one’s job for an entire year brings up many concerns and questions relating to one’s livelihood. How will I provide for my family? What if I lose my contracts with companies because I have taken a year off? Should I even bother being a farmer anymore? How will I spend my days during this year? Is it really necessary to observe Shemittah, maybe I can just do a היתר מכירה? What will people think of me when they see I don’t have a job this year? In this episode, we will hear from Avichai Ko...

Sep 12, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 22

E21: Run for your life (Escaping the war in Ukraine) with Rabbi Mendel Moskovitz

War does not determine who is right, only who is left. The current war in Ukraine has impacted thousands of our Jewish brothers and Sisters in that region. Their lives have been turned upside down, their infrastructure has been destroyed and their focus and energy are dedicated to getting basic food and clothing and staying alive. In this episode, we hear from Rabbi Mendel Moskovitz, who describes the scenes of war in Ukraine, his harrowing 60-hour escape, and the psychological impact the war ha...

Aug 04, 20221 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 21

E 20: Never again (Surviving the Holocaust) with Mrs. Leah Scharf

“He who has a why to live, can bear almost any how.” The Holocaust is an exhibit of just how evil and depraved humanity can get when people are driven towards the wrong goals. In this episode, we will hear the dramatic story of Mrs. Leah Scharf and her accounts of her childhood as a 10-year-old girl, living during the horrors of the Holocaust. As she shares the details of what it was like in holding camps and Burgenbelson it is clear that she embodies the following idea: Where there is no hope, ...

Jul 29, 20222 hr 45 minSeason 2Ep. 20

E19: Is it all in my head? (Anxiety and Depression) with Jessica Tsur

“Anxiety and fear are cousins but not twins. Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one.” In this episode, we will hear from an extraordinarily brave, courageous, and strong woman Jessica Tsur. Jessica shares her struggles with mental health and provides hope to those who feel that they can’t live a full life with a mental health diagnosis. Jessica uses her struggles to help others and teaches us that “Sometimes, when you’re in a dark place and you think you've been buried, you’ve actually been pl...

Jun 28, 20222 hr 48 minSeason 2Ep. 19

E18 Part II: From Gangs and Drugs to Torah and Mitzvos (The Journey of a Baal Teshuva) with Zach Sumner

Change is difficult, but not as difficult as staying stuck in a place where you don’t belong. The road to becoming a בעל תשובה is a process that entails a lot of hard work and sacrifice. In part 2 of this episode, we will hear how Zach discovered Judaism and how it would fit into his life, the tremendous sacrifices and difficulties he met along the way, and the beautiful life that Zach now lives building a family that is shomer Torah Umitzvos. A big thank you to Zach Sumner for sharing his story...

May 06, 20222 hr 48 minSeason 2Ep. 18

E18 Part I: From Gangs and Drugs to Torah and Mitzvos (The Journey of a Baal Teshuva) with Zach Sumner

Change is difficult, but not as difficult as staying stuck in a place where you don’t belong. The road to becoming a בעל תשובה is a process that entails a lot of hard work and sacrifice. In this 2 part episode, we will hear the amazing journey of Zach Sumner and how he overcame the difficulties in his life and ultimately returned to where he always belonged. A big thank you to Zach Sumner for sharing his story and experiences with us. To learn more about Olami's Online Yeshiva, check out their w...

Apr 29, 20221 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 18

E17: A Breathtaking Miracle (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) with Ben Taplin

We are required to praise Hashem for every breath that we take. Of course, we often don’t pay much attention to this critical task, as it is something that just happens for us without much thought. So take a deep breath and allow the appreciation to sink in. In this episode, we will hear the breathtaking story from a living miracle who was on Ecmo for close to 2 months, was placed into an induced coma, and survived despite being on the brink of death several times. A big thank you to Ben Taplin ...

Mar 22, 20222 hr 31 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Season 2 Premiere! Episode 16: My Father in Heaven (Loss of a parent at an early age) with Zezy Fuld

If you are old enough to love, you are old enough to grieve. In this episode, we will hear from a true warrior who found out that his father suddenly died on his 7th birthday. We will learn how he managed, practically, emotionally and spiritually. A big thank you to Zezy Fuld for sharing his story and experiences with us. To contact Zezy, reach out at: Israel: +972 55-500-1057, US: (1)-516-532-7902 or email at [email protected]. To learn more about Links check out their website at linksfamily.org ...

Feb 15, 20221 hr 25 minSeason 2Ep. 16

S1 E15:The making of a Meaningful Podcast (Season One Finale) with Nachi Gordon and Yaakov Langer

There are two kinds of people in the world; those who listen to podcasts and those who don’t. Podcasts have taken the world by storm. Almost everyone you know either listens to them, makes them, or is at least familiar with the concept of them. Podcasts are a great way to consume information or relax with entertainment. In this episode, we will hear from the Hosts of the Meaningful People Podcast on what it takes to create meaningful content. I hope this episode inspires you to find something th...

Dec 31, 20212 hr 40 minSeason 1Ep. 15

S1 E14: Sounds of Silence (Sensorineural Hearing Loss) with Michal Horowitz

Sometimes we don’t know what we’ve got until it’s gone. When we think of hearing loss many often picture either an older person who has trouble hearing or someone who was born without the ability to hear. The fact is, there are many different types of hearing loss. In this episode, we will hear from an accomplished and confident woman who learned to better understand the world, through blocking out much of the noise around her. To view transcription for this episode click on the following link: ...

Dec 20, 20211 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 14

S1 E13: A Disabled System (Shidduchim with a Physical Disability) with Tziona Levine

I used to wonder which is more painful, emotional pain or physical pain. I then entered shidduchim and got my answer. The process of shidduchim can be a grueling process for even the most eligible singles that have no medical issues. In this episode, we will hear from a newly married כלה, who tapped into her strength from previous difficulties to maintain her positivity as she reached the chuppah. A big thank you to Tziona Levine for sharing her story and experiences with us. To learn more about...

Nov 15, 20212 hr 36 minSeason 1Ep. 13

S1 E12: A sweet life, with less sugar (Type 1 Diabetes) with Melinda Strauss

The word diabetes can conjure up a variety of associations. One can think of obesity, needles, pregnancy, insulin, and sugar. In this episode, we will hear from a positive and energetic mother who recognizes everyday that life can be sweet even with Diabetes. A big thank you to Melinda Strauss for sharing her story and experiences with us. You can find her on social media @therealmelindastrauss. To learn more about Jewish Diabetes Association check out their website at jewishdiabetes.org. If you...

Oct 01, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 12

S1 E11: What's mine is yours (Kidney Donation) with Shmuel Spirgel

It’s much easier to live life once you‘ve saved one. Currently, there are approximately 100,000 individuals who are on the national kidney transplant waiting list. In this episode, you will hear from a remarkable individual who is not just known for the life he lives, but the life he’s given as well. A big thank you to Shmully Spirgel for sharing his story and experiences with us. To learn more about Renewal check out their website at renewal.org. If you would like to appear on the show to repre...

Aug 24, 20211 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 11

S1 E10: I guess it's my turn (Guest speaker at camp) with Eli Portal

Well, I guess it's my turn to share. After many requests, I have decided to share a recent speech I gave at a camp upstate. I want to thank all of you for your support and for joining me on this journey of "Rolling with the Punches". We are only beginning! If you would like to appear on the show to represent a particular challenge, or if you have questions or comments, email us at [email protected]. To partner with us or sponsor an episode email us at rollingwiththepunchespo...

Aug 01, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 10

S1 E9: Attacked for being a Jew (Facing Antisemitism) with Joey Borgen

Throughout Jewish History, the Jewish people have faced persecution, hatred, and deep-seeded antisemitism. From the ancient Egyptians to Nevuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. From the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust, the Jewish people’s existence has always been threatened, yet we have miraculously survived. In this episode, we will hear from a courageous individual who survived a terrible anti-semitic attack. We will hear how he became an advocate for Jewish safety and what we can all do to ...

Jul 11, 202154 minSeason 1Ep. 9

S1 E8: On a Different Derech (Parenting Kids in Crisis) with Anonymous

Sometimes the child who needs the most love, asks for it in the most unloving ways. In this episode, we will hear from a superwoman mother who has used her inner strength to work on herself, provide unconditional love to her children and bring stability and peace into her house. To learn more about Twisted Parent and the work they do, check out their website at twistedparenting.org. To SUBSCRIBE to Avi’s Whatsapp broadcast and receive lots of Chizuk: Whatsapp a request to: 718-902-6666. To liste...

Jun 24, 20212 hr 41 minSeason 1Ep. 8

S1 E7: Blissfully blisterful (Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex) with David Beiss

Epidermolysis Bullosa is one of those famous diseases you may know nothing about. EB is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, causing a lack of protein in the body that binds the layers of skin together. This leads to fragile and blistering skin. In this episode, we will hear from a courageous individual with EB simplex. Though few things are simple about his disease, he shows us how to live life positively even when it is filled with blisters. A big thank you to David Beiss for sharing his...

May 24, 20211 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 7

S1 E6: Single, but not alone (Life as an older male single) with Izzy Root

Human beings crave connection. We need it to survive. Much of our lives are focused on building relationships and connections with other individuals. In this episode, we will explore the experience of an older male single in the frum world. We will learn about the daily emotional, practical, and spiritual challenges that arise from living in a family-focused culture while living without one. It is my hope that in bringing awareness to the difficulties of living as an older single in the frum com...

May 06, 20212 hr 35 minSeason 1Ep. 6

S1 E5: Starving for Acceptance (Eating Disorders) with Aliza Blumenthal

Eating is a fundamental human need. It is like breathing, we need to eat to survive. For individuals with eating disorders, this natural process can be filled with guilt and shame. In this episode, we will hear from a strong and courageous woman how she overcame her eating disorders and started consuming life, by purging her negativity and starving her feelings of guilt and shame. A big thank you to Aliza Blumenthal for sharing her story and experiences with us. If you or someone you know is str...

Mar 18, 20211 hr 23 minSeason 1Ep. 5

S1 E4: Living life to the fullest with FD (Familial Dysautonomia) with Yehuda Blonder

Welcome to the world of FD or Familial dysautonomia, a rare genetic disorder accompanied by a variety of difficult symptoms. In this episode, we will learn about FD and hear from an individual who lives life with a passion and has learned to take difficult experiences and see them in the most positive light. A big thank you to Yehuda Blonder for sharing his story and experiences with us. To learn more about “Thank you Hashem” check out tyhnation.com. If you would like to appear on the show to re...

Mar 04, 202157 minSeason 1Ep. 4

S1 E3: A Life without sight but plenty of vision with Michael Levy (Blindness and Disability advocacy)

The eyes are the windows to the soul. In fact, Darwin himself, the father of the anti-religious theory of evolution was so baffled by the human eye and could only explain it as proof of G-d’s existence. In this episode, we will hear from someone who may not be able to see but certainly has a vision of a more inclusive world. A big thank you to Michael Levy for sharing his story and experiences with us. For this episode, we collaborated with Yad Hachazakah, the Jewish Disability Empowerment Cente...

Feb 21, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 3

S1 E2: Parenting a child with Down Syndrome with Rabbi Baruch Rabinowitz

Devastation, despair, extreme loss. These are some of the ways parents describe feeling after hearing that their child has down’s syndrome. In this episode, we will hear the recipe for turning that initial despair and devastation into feelings of happiness, appreciation and joy. A big thank you to Rabbi Rabinowitz for sharing his story and experiences with us. Rabbi Rabinowitz and his wife can be reached for chizuk and support at [email protected]. Here is the letter Rabbi Rabinowitz r...

Jan 24, 20211 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 2

S1 E1: The Pilot with Avi Davidson- A Story of Spinal Cord Injury

Take a moment; Lift up your hands, wiggle your toes, take a deep breath. Did you ever wonder how you do all of that? In this episode, we will explore the world of spinal cord injuries. We discuss the physical and emotional components as well as tools to help cope with all of the challenges we face. A big thank you to Avi Davidson for sharing his story and experiences with us.  If you would like to appear on the show to represent a particular challenge, or if you have questions or comments, ...

Jan 11, 20211 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Introducing "Rolling with the Punches". An all-new podcast providing support and education to the world about challenges.

If you would like to appear on the show to represent a particular challenge, or if you have questions or comments, email us at [email protected] . This show is available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to submit your questions for upcoming episodes. https://www.facebook.com/Rolling-with-the-Punches-101669291863891 http://instagram.com/rollingwiththepunchespodcast http://twitter.com/PunchesPodcast All information exchanged on this...

Dec 23, 20202 min