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 unexpected places—from table tennis competitions to her eventual path toward a life of Torah.

Amit, raised in New York, opens up about his own path to spiritual growth, his cancer diagnosis linked to 9/11, and ultimately, a shocking diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease just seven years into their marriage—with three small children and a fourth on the way.

Together, Tania and Amit walk us through their emotional, spiritual, and physical battles—and the decisions they made to keep joy at the center of their lives. From dancing in their living room to creating a home minyan, this couple is redefining what it means to live with purpose and faith in the face of adversity.

This is not just a story about illness—it’s a story about choosing life, over and over again.

To get in touch you can email:

Tania.friedlander@gmail.com

Amit.Friedlander@gmail.com

To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko

This episode was brought you in part by:

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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 strength in vulnerability. Whether you're dating, married, or supporting others on their journey, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and heart.

To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko

This episode was brought you in part by:

___________________________

►PZ Deals

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https://app.pz.deals/install/soh

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► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

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🎙 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 in a twist of fate that only Hashem could arrange.

🎬 Yosef, a former Emmy Board member and Hollywood producer, left behind glitz, red carpets, and material success when he realized it left him spiritually empty. Trading L.A. for Yerushalayim, he devoted himself to Torah and purpose — and found his soulmate when he least expected it.

👶 But the miracles didn’t stop there. Chaya Sara was told she had “no eggs”. Miraculously Chaya Sara became pregnant naturally after 40 days of tefillah at the Kotel. Their baby, Netanel Simcha, was born against all odds - but not without a terrifying emergency delivery, a life-threatening hemorrhage, and a second surgery that nearly claimed her life. Chaya Sara survived thanks to 17 blood transfusions, endless tefillos, and a commitment to say Mizmor L’Todah with heartfelt thanks — even in the darkest hours.

🕯 "You’re not alone. Even in the pain, even when it’s dark, Hashem is with you. And your story isn't over." — Yosef Behar

You can contact Chaya Sara and Yosef Behar via email at: Csrishappy31@gmail.com

To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko

This episode was brought you in part by:

___________________________

►PZ Deals

Download The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Again

https://app.pz.deals/install/soh

___________________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

https://pushka.cc/

___________________________

►Pizza Biza

Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

https://www.pizzabiza.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