Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko

What does it take to move from the chaos of late-night clubs and DJ booths to a life of Torah, meditation, and deep inner peace? In this inspiring conversation, Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen shares his remarkable journey—from England’s underground music scene to years of wandering Asia in search of meaning, before finding his true home in Israel.

Rabbi Dov Ber opens up about the transformative power of meditation and martial arts, his encounters with humility and gratitude in East Asia, and how Judaism reframed everything he had learned about mindfulness and purpose. Together, we e...

What happens when two devoted Christian musicians discover that their path leads not deeper into church life, but straight to Torah and Am Yisrael?

In this inspiring conversation, Yosef Daniel and Jezliah Villarreal share their remarkable story—from growing up in Sabbath-keeping churches in Texas and facing the expectations of ministry families, to encounters with Jewish festivals, Messianic movements, and eventually the life-changing realization that Hashem was calling them to Judaism.

You’ll hear about:

After years of heartbreak, waiting, and struggle, Shoshi and Johnny share their incredible story of hope, recovery, and miracles.

She thought marriage and children might never come. He hit rock bottom:  divorce, bankruptcy, and addiction. But when they reconnected after 17 years, everything changed.

From pain to healing, from surrender to gratitude, their story shows that miracles do happen and that love can be found when the timing is right. Today, they’re married for 14 years, raising six children, and living with deep gratitude every single day.

You can contact Shoshi and Johnny via...

Dini and Itzik Weinberg open up about their incredible journey of faith, family, and resilience. From their humble beginnings in Jerusalem to building a thriving life and business together in New York, their story is filled with challenges, sacrifices, and powerful lessons. 

In this conversation, they share what it was like to navigate divorce and second marriages at a young age, how they blended their families into one, and the role of faith and manifesting in helping them build a future they once only dreamed of. 

Dini reflects on ho...

Jessica and Lenny’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the beauty of divine timing. Jessica grew up moving around the world as the daughter of a US military family, eventually becoming more observant. Lenny grew up in Philadelphia in a secular Russian family and found his way to Judaism through friendships, trips to Israel, and years of learning in yeshiva. 

Both navigated challenges in dating as baalei teshuva until, against all odds, they were matched by artificial intelligence!

From transatlantic Zoom dates to a whirlwind engagement after only a week in...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Chana Hindy and Yossi Tauber open up about their journey—from unexpected medical diagnoses and family challenges to finding each other in the Hasidic shidduch world.

They share how a hospital volunteering shift became the unlikely beginning of their love story, the importance of honesty in dating, and how shared values can form the foundation for a strong marriage. Along the way, they discuss breaking stigmas, embracing imperfections, and the four levels of love that can transform a relationship.

Whether you’re single, married, or simply insp...

In this heartwarming episode of Stories of Hope, Ami and Eric Feinstein share their remarkable love story — from blind dates and missed connections to building a beautiful marriage of over two decades.

They open up about:
 -  Their unique paths to becoming religious
- The persistence (and second chances!) that brought them together
-  Lessons from navigating shidduchim as baalei teshuva
-  The mentors, mindset shifts, and faith that made all the difference
- Wisdom from 20 years of marriage, parenting, and partnership

Whether you’re single, dating, or married...

In this special Stories of Hope episode, Tziporah Grodko sits down with a fellow single woman for a raw, honest conversation about waiting, mourning, and holding on to faith when life doesn’t go as planned.

But this is just the beginning.

The full, unfiltered episode — along with exclusive Stories of Hope content and livestreams — is available only for PLUS members.

🎧 Watch the full episode now at:
👉 www.SOH.plus

In one of the most powerful and groundbreaking episodes of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Estee and Dovi Greenbaum—an extraordinary couple reshaping what divorce, remarriage, and co-parenting can look like. Both previously married with children, Estee (a divorce attorney) and Dovi open up about their personal journeys through pain, healing, and ultimately, growth.
What makes their story remarkable? Their blended family model includes harmony, mutual respect, and even close friendships with their ex-spouses—all for the sake of the children. In a world where post-divorce drama often dominates, Estee and Dovi show us that peace is n...

A Chinese Movie Star & Puerto Rican Wall Street Analyst’s Journey

This is the incredible true story of Matt and ‪Yael Trusch —a Chinese movie star from Houston, Texas, and a Wall Street analyst from Puerto Rico—who each found their Jewish identity in the most unexpected places… and ultimately found each other. Once a rising actor in Chinese television, Matt was living a life of glamor and fame. But a chance encounter with a Chabad rabbi in Shanghai turned his life upside down — or rather, right-side up. Yael, a powerhouse in the world of finance, was climbing...

From Divorce to Destiny: Sara & Shlomo’s Unbelievable Love Story

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, we sit down with Sara and Shlomo Izekovitz to hear a love story that defies all expectations. Sara shares her powerful journey from becoming religious at age nine, navigating the challenges of being a ba'alas teshuva in the dating world, enduring a difficult marriage and divorce, and raising three children as a single mom. Just when she thought her path was set, everything changed.

Enter Shlomo—six years younger, never married, and heading to Harvard Law Scho...

Michael and Esther Bogart shared their inspiring life stories. Michael, a former Navy musician and substance abuse counselor, recounted his journey from addiction to spiritual awakening, including his conversion to Judaism and his work with the Lubavitcher Rebbe's teachings. 

Esther, a neuroscientist, discussed her experience of singlehood and the challenges of ambiguous loss, emphasizing the importance of community and resilience.

They met unexpectedly through mutual friends and quickly realized their connection. Their story highlights the power of faith, community, and perseverance in overcoming life's challenges.

This e...

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 richness and painful antisemitism, yet she found healing and strength in...

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 far beyond just a love story — it’s about breaking down societal judgments, embracing differences, and finding...

🎙 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, affirmations, and deep spiritual work. At 41, she met Yosef in the streets of the Old City i...

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
- How they met and recognized their deep soul connection
- Overcoming reservations about dating with children
- The importance of emotional safety...

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:

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 eye, dealing with judgment, loneliness, and the transformative power of...

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 eventually, single parenthood. For 13 years, she raised seven children on her own—leaning on Emunah, gratitude, and music to carry he...

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 even a surprising detour into astrology and astronomy eventually led him back to Judaism—with a spark ignited in a...

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, experiencing divorce while raising two young kids, and enduring public criticism for his post...

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 questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or messa...

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 their faith, their community, and each other. Their story is one...

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 discover that true connection transcends boundaries. They open up about the struggles of being the eldest sibling watching younger ones marry first, the pressures of m...

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 the role of faith and community in his healing process, while Michelle stressed the need for non-judgmental support. Their story underscores the resilience of the...

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 are today. This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws at you, hope and faith can lead...

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 miracles that led to their marriage and the birth of Jackie’s first child, a beautiful baby gi...

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 about his upbringing, the challenges he faced, and what ultimately led him to America.  

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 daughters with a mother figure. 

Tune in to hear their st...

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 married and how he found comfort in his spiritual connections.

Together, they offer powerf...

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 apart, and seemed to be moving on—especially after Aaron e...

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 story offers a fresh perspective on Judaism—one seen through the eyes of those experiencing its richness for the very first ti...

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 feels almost destined. From moments of struggle to finding connection and joy, Erica and Al...

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 devotion, building a relationship grounded in faith, trust, and a deep connection. Together, they faced publi...

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 feeling disconnected. It wasn’t until an unexpected moment during a volunteering trip to Thailand that Aaron’s passion for Judaism was r...

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 and left an engineering degree at Johns Hopkins to restart her studies, and build a new life in I...

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 challenges. 

Through it all, one constant remained: his unwaverin...

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 with an unforeseen future without her partner. 

Yet, at the heart of this nar...

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 Israel at 16. Determined to succeed, he independently earned his GED by teaching himself all his English courses f...

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 collaboration—combining his expertise in the food industry with her extensive netwo...