Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories

When Sara experienced failed fertility treatment, she increased in mitzvot. When doctors advised the Gutoviches to reduce, they placed their faith in G-d.

Meet Chani Benjaminson, born in Rome, she speaks several languages and directs Chabad.org's Ask the Rabbi team.

Rabbi Nechemia and Raizel Schusterman share their tips and experiences on parenting and how they helped their son recover from his addictions.

In advance of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, Chabad.org's News Editor shared his journey from materialistic Manhattan to observant Judaism.

In advance of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, Tzvi Freeman shares the twists and turns of his path from Vancouver to Brooklyn.

A master educator shares personal guidance from the Rebbe.

Devorah Goldberg shares the story of her ectopic pregnancy loss and how her commitment to the laws of family purity played a pivotal role in detection and ultimately saved her.

Hindy Markowitz, born as a blind preemie to a large, loving Jewish family, shares her life, her faith in G-d, her dreams and aspirations, as well as her many accomplishments as a writer, singer, sought-after speaker, and songwriter of "I Can Still See--Just Not Physically."

Utah homegrown Rabbi and Shliach, Avremi Zippel shares his 20-year journey to reclaim his child's voice by prosecuting his abuser, writing a memoir, and becoming an advocate for sexual abuse survivors on his journey to healing.

Shoshana tried to "fit in" with the crowd and forget about Judaism, but her involvement with CTeen, the Chabad teen network, reignited her pride in Judaism. When she personally experienced antisemitism at school, she decided to fight back on social media, with "Teens Against Anti-Semitism".

What is it like to wake up and see that your healthy child has suddenly passed away? What is it like to watch your dream of having a large family evaporate, as you fight a relentless cancer, and undergo non-stop chemo treatments? Ester Zirkind takes us along her journey searching for strength and faith.

Cassandra, now Chava, Clark had a long journey till she found and converted to Judaism. Matt Iofe, whose parents were from Russia, knew almost nothing about Judaism. At Chabad, they each learned about their Jewish soul and they found their soulmate.

Rabbi Schusterman's young wife died suddenly at 36, leaving him with 11 children. His journey led him to a deeper exploration of Judaism's teachings in dealing with tragedy and finding comfort.

During her youth and while pursuing her career as a psychologist, Dr. Lana Tiersky was not interested in an observant lifestyle. That all changed when her children embarked on their own journeys of increased observance.

After marrying, Sheina Goldberg thought that children would automatically follow—until they didn't. This is her miraculous story of finally giving birth to a child. She shares her challenges and struggles, and how she keeps growing.

After she buried four of her eight children from a rare genetic disorder, Devorie Kreiman's son drowned, six weeks before his wedding day. This is her story of healing and faith.

When at the age of eight, Hanna Butcher was enrolled in a Chabad Hebrew school she began her journey from Christianity back to her people.

Rosie Grossbaum is a high school student with an indomitable spirit who lives with the life-threatening disorder cystic fibrosis.

Nomi Freeman has been studying Near Death Experiences (NDEs) for more than a decade and has interviewed countless individuals about their personal experience.

Chaya Rochel Zimmerman is a mother of 11 and a grandmother to many. She has become an author of novels in order to bring awareness about mental health, immigration, and other societal issues.

Due to a devastating diagnosis, after the birth of her two daughters, Chaya Hott was told she couldn't have any more children. A decade later, she was given the clearance for one more child. Her pregnancy ended with a son who passed away. Chaya speaks about her unfathomable grief, as well as hope and faith. Today, Chaya is the mother of a healthy baby boy.

Meet Shua and Bashie Naparstek and learn how a marriage can withstand the greatest challenges.

Basya Edelstein shares her journey, as someone who grew up as a Mormon in Utah, to discover her place in Judaism.

One month into marriage, Rabbi Ariel Margulies was suffering from depression and anxiety. Today, he and his wife Chana have built a beautiful, strong marriage and authored a book together called, "Thank You For Being You." They share insights into their raw and honest soul trek.

Meet Luiz Fernando and Amanda Chimanovitch: Though they don't consider themselves "religious", this couple wants to share the beauty of the mitzvah of mikvah.

As the daughter of Max Azria of the BCBG fashion empire, Joyce's life revolved around the pursuit of materialism until she began her own spiritual journey--to a life imbued with the beauty of Shabbat, mitzvot, and faith in G-d.

Aliza Silberstein, Shlucha in Chernigov, Ukraine, shares what the last many days have been like for her and her family following the horrific outbreak of war.

Batsheva Oberlander, shlucha in Hungary, talks about her refugee work, and is joined by a refugee from Ukraine, who is en-route to Israel.

Bashi was diagnosed with bipolar, depression, and anxiety as a young mother. Through her challenges, she discovered her power of belief in G-d, the gift of Chassidic teachings, and the power of meeting and sharing with others.

Join Chana for a fascinating conversation with Ira Zimmerman, an Israeli farmer who shares what it's like to completely trust G-d for his livelihood for the entire sabbatical year.

What type of person becomes an organ donor twice?! Meet Rabbi Ephraim Simon, a kidney and liver donor, and his supportive wife, Nechama, both Shluchim of Bergen County, New Jersey in a fascinating conversation with Chana Weisberg.

On the frontlines in helping families of the Surfside condominium collapse, Rebbetzin Chani and Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, of The Shul of Bal Harbour, will be sharing the feelings in their community, as they talk with Chana Weisberg about the history of The Shul, and its pivotal role in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Meet Rabbi Eli and Chaya Rochel Estrin, authors of “Of Medicine, Miracles and Mindsets”, in a fascinating interview with Chana Weisberg, where the Estrins describe their story to save their miracle baby, the major challenges involved, and the lessons learned.

Rabbi Shlomo and Devorah Elkan, the co-directors of Chabad at Oberlin, one of the most progressive campus colleges, speak about their lives, what inspires them, and the challenges of today's youth.

Rifka and Shalom Chilungu share their story of their path to embracing Judaism, their inspiration and challenges, and what it's like to raise their children as a bi-racial couple.

Michal Oshman, a successful executive at Tik Tok, shares how she suffered from anxiety and how that brought her to study Chassidut, observe mitzvot and write her best-selling book full of Jewish wisdom, What Would You Do If Your Weren't Afraid?

Nechama Laber shares how the untimely death of her father brought her to reach out to create a place of love for others and helped her raise her child with special needs.

Rabbi Enan and Gitty Francis speak about education, anxiety, self-care, raising whole and healthy children, and challenges of our times.

In conversation with Shifra Sharstein and Manya Lazaroff about Passover preparation and year-long activities at Chabad on college campus.

Rabbi Benny Zippel and Chaim Andruiser discuss how Project Heart helps at risk youth see theselves as the true gems that they are.

Chana Spiro battled a life-threatening cancer when she was 18. She is now undergoing treatment for infertility with her signature resolve and positive perspective.

Chana Weisberg interviews Miriam Raskin about her journey to overcoming her eating disorders and depression and ultimately thriving in life with the discovery of the depth of Chassidic teachings.

An inspiring conversation with Mrs. Shternie Wolf, Chabad’s emissary in Hanover, Germany, who suddenly lost her husband, Rabbi Benny Wolf, yet she remains determined to stay and continue their life work there.

From a young age, Ani Lipitz always wondered about her purpose in our world. When she discovered Chassidic teachings, she felt she knew what life she wanted to lead.

Dmitry Salita, boxing champion and promoter, shares his journey towards Jewish observance, and his challenges, motivation and inspiration along the way.

An interview with Rabbi Motti and Rochel Flickstein about their incredible journey towards Jewish observance and their transformation to Chabad emissaries in Delaware.

How two young women began an awareness revolution, and what you need to know to help someone in trouble. Interview by Chana Weisberg with Ella Steinmetz, director of Cteen, Chabad of Sarasota; Leigh Hershkovich-Ioffe, safeTALK instructor and Creative Director of the Cteen International; and Jack Miller of Gelt Financial.

An interview with Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Chitrik, the Chabad shluchim living in Turkey.

An interview with Elisheva and Dovid Martinetti. Elisheva was born in China; and Dovid in Italy. In their youth, both were inspired to convert to Judaism. Hear the remarkable story of their journeys, and their dreams and aspirations in building their own family.

An interview with Rabbi Avremi Zippel and his mother, Rebbetzin Sharonne Zippel by Chana Weisberg. Rabbi Avremi is an abuse survivor and tells the story of how he overcame his past and looks forward to the future. The Zippels are Chabad shluchim (emissaries) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A window into hasidic Jewish family life, dating, intimacy and raising children, through the prism of youthful Chabad couple, Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler, in conversation with Chana Weisberg.

In conversation with Elisheva Martinetti and Sofya Tamarkin. Elisheva was born in North-East China, studied in Israel and Australia before converting to Judaism, and now teaches Chassidic thought in London. Sofya is a writer who was born in the Soviet Union and discovered Elisheva on one of her many world travels. Together, they talk about their personal growth and the impact of their story.

A candid interview by Chana Weisberg with Rus Devorah Wallen, LCSW, ACSW, founder of Toratherapeutics, who shares real tools to improve our emotional wellbeing during our new ‘normal’ in these trying times.