Off the Record: A 9th of Av Conversation With R' Ari Bensoussan

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

In this emotional and eye-opening interview, we sit down with Shmuie Hartstein, the founder of B’Sefer Chaim, an urgent initiative born out of heartbreak and driven by love. After witnessing the repeated devastation of families who lost a parent without life insurance, Shmuel decided enough was enough. With raw honesty, he shares the story that led him to launch B’Sefer Chaim—an awareness campaign dedicated to ensuring that no Jewish family ever faces financial ruin in the wake of personal loss. This isn’t about business. It’s about responsibility. About protecting those we love. About building a future where dignity, security, and foresight replace panic, shame, and last-minute fundraisers. 👉 Visit https://www.bseferchayim.org/ to learn more and take action. Don’t wait. This conversation could change a life—maybe yours. Email them today: [email protected]   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  _______________________________________   ► 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  

In this wide-ranging and deeply honest episode, Dovid Bashevkin unpacks one of the most pressing and overlooked issues in the Jewish world today: the fragmentation of the Orthodox community and the illusion of unity we like to project. With humor, vulnerability, and rare clarity, he explores why we’re lonelier than ever despite packed shuls and buzzing WhatsApp groups, how labels like “Modern Orthodox” and “Yeshivish” have shifted from ideological statements to institutional shorthand, and what it would actually take to foster real achdus, not just feel-good unity, but the kind that demands humility, discomfort, and real work.   Dovid doesn't just point to problems; he calls for a fundamental shift in how we build community, raise children, and see ourselves in relation to other Jews. He challenges the frum world to stop outsourcing spiritual leadership to secular institutions and to reclaim the responsibility of engaging with the entire Jewish people, across lines of observance, geography, and history. This conversation dives deep into questions of identity, leadership, and personal responsibility, offering a sobering yet hopeful vision for what Jewish life could look like if we stopped waiting for the shofar and started living like redemption is already possible.   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      _______________________________________   ► Toveedo     Visit- https://toveedo.com/   Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________   ► 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 ______________________________________   ► 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

Chanie Werzberger’s life reads like a dramatic novel, but every moment is real. In this emotional and powerful interview, Chanie shares her incredible journey: from a childhood in Argentina torn apart by her parents' separation, to a secret escape with her father to America, her entrance into the Satmar Hasidic world, and the many painful transitions she endured as a young girl without her mother. We explore her resilience through being moved from home to home, her complicated but deep love for her father, her eventual reconnection with her estranged mother after 21 years, and the health battles she fought for her daughter, Simmy. From a child longing for love to a mother fighting for her child’s life, Chanie’s story is one of strength, transformation, and unshakable faith. This interview is a testament to the human spirit, the power of choice, and the miracles that can arise even in the darkest moments. You can purchase Chanie’s book here: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422644539.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqXqdSJfA1WItrXf2PlkJzo2qePOPGggv-SJQKX8Fc6GKd5UryP   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  _______________________________________ ► Say Kaddish -  the Ultimate Sign of Love and Respect For centuries, we have honored our parents and loved ones who have passed on by reciting Kaddish in their merit. Saying Kaddish serves as a great virtue and does wonders for the soul of the deceased. https://saykaddish.com/ _______________________________________ ►YIEP Now enrolling: The YIEP online Counseling Master’s program is fully CACREP-accredited and designed for frum adults seeking a meaningful and flexible career in mental health.  Enrollment is now open for our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s cohort, beginning this August. The program is fully online, follows the Jewish calendar, has competitive pricing, and is designed to support working adults and busy families — so you can advance your career while balancing life. Learn more and apply now at https://theyiep.com/new/ — or call or WhatsApp me at 917-861-6707 with any questions. _______________________________________ ► Toveedo Visit- https://toveedo.com/ Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________ ► 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  ______________________________________ ► 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

Danielle Renov—best known as the creative force behind “Peas, Love & Carrots”—joins the Meaningful People Podcast not to share recipes, but to open up about something far more raw and real: living through war in Israel as a mother. In this emotionally charged episode, Danielle shares what life is like in Yerushalayim under missile fire, separated from her husband and holding down the home with extraordinary resilience. She opens up about fear, faith, and motherhood in a war zone—describing what it means to remain strong for her children while the world around her is shaking, quite literally. From her roots in the Five Towns to raising a family in Israel, Danielle speaks about the deeper spiritual mission of living in Eretz Yisrael, the complicated emotions surrounding Aliyah, and why she refuses to leave even in the most dangerous moments. This conversation is not just about war—it's about the strength of Jewish mothers, the reality of daily life in Israel, and the unshakable emunah that guides Danielle through it all. Hear how one of the Jewish world’s most beloved influencers was navigating some of the most difficult days of her life—with raw honesty, deep faith, and surprising humor.   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    _______________________________________   ► Say Kaddish - the Ultimate Sign of Love and Respect   For centuries, we have honored our parents and loved ones who have passed on by reciting Kaddish in their merit. Saying Kaddish serves as a great virtue and does wonders for the soul of the deceased.   https://saykaddish.com/  _______________________________________   ► Toveedo Visit- https://toveedo.com/   Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________   ► 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   ____________________________________ ► Growtha - We get you more leads.   https://growtha.com __________________________________________________ ► 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 ______________________________________   ► 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 special Gimmel Tammuz episode, we reflect on the legacy, leadership, and transformative vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, 31 years after his histalkus. Featuring moving conversations with Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, Rabbi Yosef Bronstein, and Rabbi Shlomo Katz, this episode explores how the Rebbe's teachings continue to shape Jewish life today, from his unmatched scholarship and moral clarity, to his relentless optimism and unconditional Ahavas Yisrael.   Whether you're Chabad, not Chabad, or simply searching for deeper meaning in your Yiddishkeit, this episode offers a powerful reminder of the Rebbe’s call to action: to learn Torah with purpose, love every Jew as part of yourself, and transform the world—one mitzvah, one encounter, one soul at a time.     Sichos in English is the leading publisher of Chassidus in English. We bring you the authentic, timeless teachings and guidance of the Rebbe, and the earlier Chabad Rebbes, presented in clear, accessible English.   Head to sie.org/mpp and enjoy an exclusive listener discount for Meaningful People!

Yishai Fleisher joins Nachi Gordon for a powerful conversation that dives deep into the heart of Am Yisrael. Broadcasting from the diaspora, but with his soul in Israel, Yishai opens up about the war with Iran, his personal longing to return to the front lines, and the spiritual and political crossroads facing the Jewish people today.  From his work in Chevron and his role as a councilman in Efrat, to organizing international tours with figures like Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Yishai shares the mission behind his advocacy for a stronger, prouder Jewish state. This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of Aliyah, the erosion of Israel’s global narrative, the beauty and struggle of sovereignty, and why taking small steps—like buying an apartment or drinking Israeli wine—can anchor the Jewish future in Eretz Yisrael. It's a passionate, no-holds-barred discussion about Jewish identity, responsibility, and the road ahead. 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 _____________________________________________________ ► Toveedo Visit- https://toveedo.com/   Use Promo Code MM10 for 10% off! _______________________________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!   Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   ______________________________________   ► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka    https://pushka.cc/meaningful __________________________________________________ ► Growtha - We get you more leads.   https://growtha.com __________________________________________________ ► Uri Kaufman: American Intifada: American Intifada: From acclaimed historian Uri Kaufman—whose analysis of the Yom Kippur War was hailed as a "masterpiece" by the CIA's Center for Intelligence—comes the urgent new book: "American Intifada: Israel, The Gaza War and the New Antisemitism."   "American Intifada"—Truth that cuts through propaganda. Essential reading for understanding our moment. Available now on AMAZON from Republic Book Publishers. Order now: https://a.co/d/dXoz8AP __________________________________________________ ► NRS Pay - Honest, clean credit card processing.   https://nrspay.com   __________________________________________________ ► 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 __________________________________________________ ► 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