When Life Takes a Turn: The Inspiring Story of Tania & Amit Friedlander | Stories of Hope Podcast In this deeply moving episode of Stories of Hope , we sit down with Tania and Amit Friedlander—a couple whose journey has been marked by remarkable resilience, courage, and unwavering faith. Tania shares her powerful roots, growing up in Austria as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor who escaped on the last train out of Lviv at just 16 years old. Her childhood was shaped by both cultural richne...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 49
What happens when two people defy the expectations of age, tradition, and dating norms — and find each other anyway? In this deeply honest and moving episode, Natalie and Jake Reyhanian share their journey of navigating the pressure-filled world of dating in Jewish communities. From awkward setups to unspoken stigmas, from age gaps to the power of meeting organically — they open up about the real challenges, personal growth, and the surprising way they finally connected. This conversation goes f...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 48
🎙 Stories of Hope with Tzipora Grodko | Ep. 45: From Hollywood to the Kotel — A Miracle Story of Faith, Love & New Life In this episode, Tzipora Grodko sits with Chaya Sara and Yosef Behar — a couple whose story feels like a movie script, only it’s real, raw, and Divinely orchestrated. 🌟 Chaya Sara once felt lost, disconnected from Judaism and unsure if marriage — let alone motherhood — would ever happen. After her divorce at 34, she began a self-love and healing journey marked by faith, a...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 46
From Divorce to Divine Connection: Rabbi & Rebbetzin Hecht’s Story In this powerful and inspiring interview, Rabbi Mordechai & Rebbetzin Gitty Hecht share their remarkable journey of finding healing, connection and love after divorce. Discover how they navigated past challenges, overcame societal expectations, and found their soul through trust, faith, and authentic communication. - Gitty’s journey of self-discovery after divorce - Rabbi Hecht’s unique approach to marriage counseling - H...
Jun 08, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 45
A Story of Unbreakable Faith: How One Man Overcame Tragedy and Found Hope In this deeply moving interview, Ephraim Rimel shares his extraordinary journey of resilience after losing his wife Tzipi and infant daughter Noam in a devastating car accident. Paralyzed from the waist down and facing immense personal loss, Ephraim reveals how faith, purpose, and an unwavering belief in God's plan helped him rebuild his life. Watch as he candidly discusses: Navigating grief after losing his spouse and chi...
May 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 44
In this deeply personal episode of Stories of Hope, Tzipora Grodko sits down with Jewish singer Yoni Z (Yoni Zigelboum) and his wife Ashley Eden, just days after their wedding. From heartbreak and long years of waiting, to finding true love at age 33, Yoni and Ashley share the raw, emotional, and inspiring journey that led them to each other. Ashley opens up about her roots in Mexico to making Aliyah, and building a new life rooted in Torah. Yoni reflects on navigating singlehood in the public e...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 43
In this unforgettable episode, host Tzipora Grodko welcomes Tzirel Liba and Yankel Greenberg, a couple whose individual journeys of faith, heartbreak, growth, and divine timing converge into a powerful story of hope and healing. Raised in a warm but non-observant Jewish home in Queens, Tzirel Liba always felt a deep connection to Judaism. Her path took her from Hebrew school curiosity to becoming a devoted Baalas Teshuva, navigating decades of spiritual searching, marriage, motherhood, and event...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 42
In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Stories of Hope , Tzipora Grodko sits down with Sheba and Orian Barzilay to explore their unique spiritual journeys, cultural identities, and the winding paths that led them both to a life of religious observance. Sheba opens up about growing up in a traditional Persian-Jewish home, navigating the shift from a modern Orthodox education to embracing mitzvot on her own terms. Orian shares how his Israeli-Yemenite background, life experiences, and ev...
May 04, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 41
In this powerful episode of the Stories of Hope podcast, we sit down with Danny and Hannah Schuster, a remarried couple who open up about their personal journeys through divorce, healing, and ultimately finding each other. Hannah shares what it was like growing up as one of Chabad miracle triplets, navigating early marriage, and facing the isolation of being a young divorcée in a community that didn’t know how to support her. Danny talks about being one of 12 children, bouncing between yeshivas,...
Apr 27, 2025•58 min•Ep. 40
This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt lost, judged, or uncertain about the future. Batya’s courage and honesty, combined with Dov’s unique insights, make for an inspiring and eye-opening discussion. Watch now, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more impactful conversations. To get in touch you can email: Dbpianko@gmail.com or find Batya on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batyapiankoart/ To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or q...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 38
Life has a way of testing our strength in ways we never expect. In this deeply moving episode of the Stories of Hope, host Tzipora Grodko sits down with Chaya and Moishe Chanin, a couple whose journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of hope. Chaya and Moishe open up about their personal experiences, sharing the challenges they have faced and the lessons they have learned along the way. Through moments of hardship, uncertainty, and loss, they discovered a deeper connection to t...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 37
In this heartfelt episode of Stories of Hope , Tzipora Grodko sits down with Meir and Tali Spector to discuss their incredible journey of love, resilience, and faith. Tali, from New Jersey, and Meir, from South Africa, share their unique dating experiences—navigating cultural differences, societal expectations, and the challenges of long-distance relationships. Their story unfolds through moments of doubt, determination, and humor, from JSwipe to international flights, as they ultimately discove...
Mar 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 36
In this heartfelt conversation, Moe and Michelle Srour, a Syrian Jewish couple, open up about their journey through dating, marriage, and healing. From navigating infertility and overcoming childhood trauma to finding deep love and faith in the process, their story is one of resilience, trust, and unwavering hope Michelle recounted her initial fears and the support she provided Moe. They emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and trust in relationships. Morris highlighted t...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 35
What happens when everything you thought you knew about yourself is challenged? In this deeply moving interview, Tehila shares her incredible journey of being adopted at just 2 days old, navigating the challenges of identity, mental health, and societal judgment. From misdiagnosed conditions to overcoming self-doubt, her story is one of resilience, faith, and ultimate triumph. Alongside her husband, Shaya, they discuss how love, strength, and a belief in something greater led them to where they ...
Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 34
In this powerful conversation, Jackie and Aharon Glaser share their extraordinary journey of finding love, faith, and purpose later in life. Jackie, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, reflects on her transformation from a secular upbringing in Australia to a deep connection with Judaism, ultimately leading to her marriage at 44. Aharon opens up about the challenges of single parenthood after a painful divorce and how love found him when he least expected it. Together, they recount the miracle...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 33
What happens when a Mexican Sephardi Yeshiva student crosses paths with a well-known Flatbush Ashkenazi girl? In this episode, Yaffa and Rabbi Nisso Palti share their incredible journey of finding each other despite cultural differences, and the unspoken "rules" of dating. Yaffa Palti is a beloved speaker, educator, and community leader, while her husband, Rabbi Nisso Palti, is a Torah educator and the rabbi of a thriving community and shul in Aventura. Originally from Mexico, Nisso opens up abo...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 32
In this powerful episode of the Stories of Hope podcast, Chanie and Josh Phillips share their deeply personal journeys of love, loss, and new beginnings. Chanie opens up about her marriage, divorce, and the years she spent raising three children as a single mom. After a decade of independence, she met Josh Phillips, leading to a second chance at love and a new chapter of life together. Josh, who became a widower with five daughters, shared his journey of navigating his loss while providing his d...
Feb 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 31
In this heartfelt episode, Bracha and Aharon open up about their personal journeys through dating, marriage, and faith in the Jewish community. They discuss the emotional challenges of dating, societal pressures, and maintaining trust in God's plan—even when things don’t go as expected. Bracha shares her experience growing up in a large family, navigating an engagement that didn’t work out, and finding strength in faith. Aharon reflects on the struggles of being the last of his friends to get ma...
Feb 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 30
Jenna never imagined that a trip to Israel with her grandmother would change the course of her life forever. She certainly didn’t expect to meet her future husband at just 16—on a grueling hike up Masada, no less. At the time, Aaron was nothing more than “the annoying guy” her grandmother insisted she hike with for safety. He wasn’t religious, and their connection seemed fleeting, just another passing moment in a teenage summer. But life had bigger plans. Over the years, they dated, drifted apar...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 29
Akiva and Chava, also known as 'House of Lev' have a unique journey that is nothing short of extraordinary. They went on a heartfelt quest for truth, faith, and a deep connection to something greater than themselves. Through their conversion to Judaism, they embarked on a transformative path, discovering the beauty, wisdom, and meaning woven into Jewish life. With profound insight and depth, they share the challenges, revelations, and moments of awe that shaped their spiritual journey. Their sto...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 28
This week’s episode brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, healing, and second chances. Both Erica and Alef open up about their personal journey of navigating the hardship of divorce at a young age and the profound challenges that come with starting over. With wisdom and vulnerability, they reflect on the strength it took to rebuild, and the courage required to open their hearts to love again. Set against the spiritually rich backdrop of Israel, their journey unfolds in a way that feel...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 27
In this deeply moving episode, Eda & David share the remarkable journey they faced during David’s legal challenges. What could have been an unbearable trial only revealed the strength of their bond. Every single day, Eda fought tirelessly for her husband, embodying the true meaning of love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. David’s love for Eda began long before these challenges—he knew she was “the one” from the time they were children. With a heart full of certainty, he pursued her with ...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 26
Raised entirely Catholic, Paula was affectionately called “the Jewish daughter” by her mother, who recognized Paula’s deep, innate connection to Judaism. While exploring her roots during college, Paula embarked on a journey toward conversion—but with one firm boundary: she vowed she would never become Orthodox. On the other hand, Aaron grew up in a loving Reform Jewish household, deeply connected to his heritage. Over time, however, he drifted from Judaism, dating a non-Jewish girlfriend and fee...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 25
We’ve heard countless stories about October 7th—of loss, challenges, miracles, and battles. Yet, one perspective remains untold: how the choice to go into battle profoundly impacts a marriage. Arky Staiman, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, was a paratrooper who later returned to the reserves as part of a unit dedicated to retrieving fallen soldiers. Since his first trip to Israel at 13, he felt deeply connected to the land. Avigail, raised in Teaneck, NJ, also felt Israel calling her heart a...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 24
For the first time in podcast history, we had the honor of interviewing the incredible woman behind the legend you know so well but have never truly met—Adina Black. From a life surrounded by crime, drug dealing at 12, violence and hardship, Nissim Black’s journey to becoming a global icon of faith and music is nothing short of remarkable. Despite growing up far from Judaism, his beloved mother instilled in him a deep respect for marriage—a value that stayed with him through unimaginable challen...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 23
In this profoundly moving episode of Stories of Hope, we journey through the heartrending tale of Malkie Magence, a woman faced with the devastating loss of her beloved husband, Moishe, who was suddenly taken from this world at the young age of 40. Left to navigate the overwhelming void with five little children, Malkie's story is one of resilience, courage, and an indomitable spirit. We delve deeply into the darkest moments of grief and despair, exploring the excruciating process of grappling w...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 22
Hoovee was no stranger to pain. At just 13 years old, she lost her father. By 16, she had undergone heart surgery, and at 20, she experienced the heartbreak of divorce. Yet, as a woman of remarkable resilience, she has dedicated her life to earning her PsyD in clinical psychology, focusing her research on the causes of divorce within the Orthodox Jewish community. Shaya, raised in the heart of Boro Park, shares his struggles in school, bouncing between multiple institutions before flying to Isra...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 21
As a single mother of three, Chava knew all too well the heartache of searching for love and yearning for a soulmate. Her own struggles inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others find their match. Open and vulnerable, she often shares how she spent countless nights in tears, praying for G-d to bring love back into her life. At 34, Hillel was a bachelor enjoying life while searching for his soulmate. Drawn to Chava’s matchmaking business, he arranged a meeting to explore a potential coll...
Dec 09, 2024•50 min•Ep. 20
Discover the extraordinary love story of Avrumi, a Skver Chassid, and Chani, a Chabad Argentinian, whose lives intertwined through the selfless suggestion of a remarkable woman named Miriam. At 26, Chani was living with a spinal malformation, while 22-year-old Avrumi was paralyzed from the waist down. Together, they courageously share their inspiring journey of hope, proving that no matter the challenges—be it disability, background, or hardship—there is always hope for love. Avrumi & Chani ...
Dec 02, 2024•48 min•Ep. 19
Meet David and Sima Coe! David, the son of a pastor, never imagined he would one day convert to Judaism and marry a woman whose father is a devoted Chabad Chassid. Their journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After both experienced the heartache of divorce—each raising six children—they faced the daunting uncertainty of what the future would hold. Would they find love again? Would a new partner embrace their children with the unconditional love they deserved? David and Sima candidly share th...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 18
