What If We’re Too Comfortable in Galus?

In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Hammer opens up about his daughter Gila—her vibrant spirit, her struggles following a traumatic assault, and the painful journey that led to her tragic passing. He shares stories of Gila’s infectious joy, her kindness, and her larger-than-life presence, as well as the challenges she faced when navigating pain and despair. Through this heartfelt interview, Rabbi Hammer reflects on the importance of open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention. He speaks about the founding of Gila’s Way, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and providing support for families in crisis. This discussion is not only a tribute to Gila’s memory but also a powerful call to action: to break the stigma, to listen more deeply, to validate the struggles of those around us, and to never ignore the signs of someone in pain. More information can be found here: https://gilasway.com/ If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ______________________________________ ► Shaar This is a Timeless Honor, timely opportunity. Each site will have unique design and amenities including ample walkways, beit hesped, onsite shiva room, and parking. A Sha’ar representative will be onsite to help navigate and facilitate the funeral. Both Sha’ar HaZeitim and Sha’ar HaMenuchot combines the holiness of burial in Yerushalayim with the serenity reserved for the most exclusive private cemeteries. Brokers Wanted: Help families worldwide purchase cemetery plots in Israel. Contact: [email protected] Over 275 Plots sold and 300 currently in Contract. ______________________________________ ► Keren Hashana Imagine the opportunity to partner daily with the Lubavitcher Rebbe in giving Tzedakah You donate in amounts the number of days in the coming year–this year 355–and Keren Hashana disburses the Tzedakah on your behalf -- twice every day! Once before Shachris and once before Mincha. This guarantees that you will give Tzedaka every day of the year. It’s not important how much you give, the idea is to give Tzedaka every day! MyKerenHashana.com ______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushka.cc/meaningful   _______________________________________   ► 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 ___________________________________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ____________________________________   ► Masbia:   Feeding the needy is a huge mitzvah - especially during the holidays. Make this New Year sweeter for everyone. Sponsor a meal. Send a digital Shanah Tova card. Spread joy, and do a world of good. and it's all tax deductible. www.Masbia.org/hh25 ______________________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.   https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/   ____________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2 https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available!

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 faith 👩‍👧 Building her own Jewish family and embracing her Jewish identity This is more than just a personal story. It’s a testament to resilience, faith, and the beauty of Jewish unity across all backgrounds. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ______________________________________   ► Touro   Are you going back to Israel for Shana Bet or Shana Gimmel? If you’d like to get a jump start on your college degree while you’re still learning, Touro Israel is the place for you.   You can take classes toward your degree while learning and living in Yerushalayim and seamlessly transfer to a Touro New York campus when you return. Bachelor’s-level Touro courses are offered in a whole range of fields, including accounting, business, education, psychology, science, speech and more.   Classes start after Sukkos and are conveniently scheduled to accommodate your Yeshiva or Seminary schedule. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance and personalized support to help you plan your next steps and you’ll also have access to top faculty and career advisors. All this in a warm environment that aligns with your Torah values!   So get a head start today. Visit rmi.touro.edu/israel    ______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful    _______________________________________   ► 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 ___________________________________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.   https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/    ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2  https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available!

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: https://www.instagram.com/mattysteinspeaks/ This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► Meaningful Minute Plus On Meaningful Minute Plus: MM+ is where the full experience happens. Members get: 🎙 Bonus episodes you won’t hear anywhere else 📺 Exclusive live streams with your favorite guests 🎥 Extended interviews & uncut conversations ✨ Early access to upcoming content and new projects Your membership doesn’t just unlock content — it powers us to keep creating and reinvesting in more Torah, more inspiration, and more growth for our community. 👉 Join today and get access to everything waiting for you inside MM+. https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/    ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com   ______________________________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful  _______________________________________   ► 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 ___________________________________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH ►  We Are Off The Page - Real Stories & Jewish Wisdom If you crave real stories, raw emotion, and Jewish wisdom that actually speaks to your life, then go follow @WeAreOffThePage – brought to you by top real estate investor and philanthropist, David Lichtenstein.   It’s not just another feed. These videos and stories make Torah feel alive — personal, moving, and impossible to scroll past. It’s the kind of content that feeds your soul, not just your screen time.   Go follow @WeAreOffThePage right now, and join the growing community bringing Jewish life off the page… and into your heart.   https://www.instagram.com/weareoffthepage   ______________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp   ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2  https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available! Editor: Sruly Saftlas

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 of young Jews to stand tall and fight hate Why this upcoming election is so critical for New York’s future His visits to the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s resting place and the spirituality that drives him Mayor Adams delivers a clear message: Jews should not live in fear — no more fleeing, this is the generation that must fight back. Watch until the end for an emotional story about how his words gave strength to Israeli soldiers preparing for battle. 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 _______________________________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful  _______________________________________   ► 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 ___________________________________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   _________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.   https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/    ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2  https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available!  

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 every parent, guardian, and loved one needs to hear. From water safety awareness to the emotional reality of grief, Perla’s words provide comfort, perspective, and a reminder to cherish every moment with those we love. If you or someone you know has experienced loss, this story may offer a sense of connection and understanding. Watch now for a moving, unforgettable reminder about the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. Today, Perla honors Moussia’s memory through her children’s book It’s Not Over When We Say Goodbye and her work with Team Protect, raising awareness to help prevent similar tragedies.  💻 Learn more about Team Protect: https://teamprotect.org This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide. https://bloomskosher.com ______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushka.cc/meaningful  _______________________________________ ► 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 ___________________________________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH ____________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing. https://nrspay.com _________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp  ______________________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/  ______________________________________ ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible  ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. https://apple.co/2WALuE2  https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available! Editor: Sruly Saftlas Join Channel memberships To Gain Access To Exclusive Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHYp-o1OlEVnMRoXLoaaOA/join

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. https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/   This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ►Blooms Kosher   Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.   https://bloomskosher.com _______________________________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushka.cc/meaningful    _______________________________________   ► Magen Fund Adopt an IDF soldier for $180 and support our chayalim with essential daily and spiritual items.   https://israelmagenfund.org/kits/   _______________________________________   ► 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 ___________________________________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   _________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible   ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2   https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available!   Editor: Sruly Saftlas

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 MMplus.org to unlock the full episode, plus our new documentary Homeless, behind-the-scenes clips, livestream replays, and more exclusive content.

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 Jewish women diagnosed with breast cancer. www.weareww.org      

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: www.9av.plus  

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 counterterrorism policies and founding the Jewish Children’s Museum in Ari’s memory. This is more than a story of loss—it's a story of strength, legacy, and the unwavering spirit of a mother who refused to let her son be forgotten. Meaningful Minute Tisha Baav Documentary  “Homeless” is here. A film that will make you feel. Watch now → www.9av.plus   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 _______________________________________   Fasting can be tough — headaches, nausea, and fatigue can drain your energy. That’s why so many rely on FastAid by Kollel Toronto, a slow-release capsule you take before the fast so it helps when you need it most.   ► FastAid - Feel the difference this Tisha B’Av Created under the guidance of Rav Shlomo Miller and Rav Yaakov Hirschman, FastAid comes in versions with caffeine, Tylenol, Advil, or electrolytes. It’s halachically approved, easy to take, and just $12 a pack.   Available at most kosher supermarkets, Judaica stores, pharmacies, mikva geshefts, and online at https://www.Kollel.com.   Support Torah learning and make fasting easier — take FastAid and feel the difference.   _______________________________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful  _______________________________________   ► Toveedo Visit- https://toveedo.com/   Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________   ► Magen Fund Adopt an IDF soldier for $180 and support our chayalim with essential daily and spiritual items.   https://israelmagenfund.org/kits/    _______________________________________   ► 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 ___________________________________________   ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ____________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   _________________________________________ ► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp     https://www.townappliance.com     https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp ______________________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.   https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/    ______________________________________   ► Faith It Till You Make It Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan’s course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing! Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world! www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible    ____________________________________________________ ► Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     https://apple.co/2WALuE2  https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO Or wherever Podcasts are available! Editor: Sruly Saftlas