Not What I Expected—Abuse Survivor Shares His Story

Avremi Zippel in conversationl with Chana Weisberg

This Teen Strengthened Her Judaism and Fights Antisemitism

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Not What I Expected—Abuse Survivor Shares His Story

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.

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Topics:	Abuse

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Avremi Zippel in conversationl with Chana Weisberg

Rabbi Avremi Zippel is a Chabad rabbi in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Chana Weisberg is the editor of TheJewishWoman.org and host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.

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6 Comments

Anonymous ???????? via skokiechabad.org May 7, 2024

WOW!!
When I was 7 I was sexually abused. And it was horrible. Reply

Dassa New Jersey November 25, 2023

Since I listened to this, I have used you (rabbi avremi zippel) as my inspiration, my mentor and just aa a reason to continue fighting, cause you survived and so can I, and not only did you survive but you also thrived, which I wanna accomplish too Reply

cz July 12, 2023

This was very special to listen to. I think what makes him so special is the way he grew from what happened and used those tools in all the other aspects of his life as well. In other words, his whole life is enhanced and strengthened because of what he went through and how he healed from it.

Having said this, when people define him as one who went through abuse, I think this is a powerful compliment and is praiseworthy. The growth and tools that happened through the experience are clearly shining in this interview, in his personality, and I'm sure every area of his life. I don't think it is something to look at as 'another's issue in how they view survivors', but rather as a praise and goal to achieve. Reply

Jaqui D. Adam 1 May 7, 2023

This Man is very brave and has a lot to offer everyone around him. I see a Man who was a child who could not even conceive of how to protect himself from such an abuser... let alone the sexual aspect which tears away your right to your own self, body, hopes and wishes; some we are too young to dream. Leaving our Spirit with an irreconcilable black hole resting in that part of one's being until we meet a Rabbi like Avremi Zippel! Thank you for surviving and for being so brave and so Beloved!
Yes, Rabbi, Faith in the arms of G-d who held me as I wept and assured me that "they can only hurt your body, they can never touch your Soul, for your are my Child!" Decades later I still crawl up into my Beloved's arms and weep, for joy now, for you! Reply

jared postville May 3, 2023

I love how he says this is part of his story but his life is so much more than this. Deep and inspiring Reply

Thoughts May 3, 2023

There is much more for people to take into account than meets the eye. The wild stamped of proven-cancer-causing junk food is also abuse. But many don't know it, and many have questions, and thus, it is very difficult to brings across the message. People ask 'but kids like it'. (Just imagine 'a certain someone' saying this.) The truth is that it is just an addiction -- one gets used to different foods, just give it some time to get used to healthy foods. Also, good sleep etc. etc.
Also, with regards to emotional, it is extremely important that people give compliments and be welcoming. Many are, and they live peacefully. R' Yisroel Salanter would say that one's face is a reshus harabim ('public property'), and one should have a happy countenance.
(Like not suspecting of the entire world, and driving people nuts by micromanaging them; that's abuse!!!)
I'm not saying anything about anyone here, just bringing up some very important food for thought. (And 'food' here is pun-intended!:) Reply

Not What I Expected—Abuse Survivor Shares His Story

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