Chapters with Chana

Summary In this engaging podcast episode, Chana Hirschowitz and her guest Shayna discuss their experiences growing up in the Chabad community, the challenges of maintaining their Jewish identity in Israel, and the journey of making Aliyah. They share personal stories about their upbringing, cultural encounters while traveling, and the evolution of their friendship. The conversation delves into the complexities of living as a Chabad in Israel, the impact of travel on their perspectives, and reflections on personal growth and future aspirations.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:01Exploring Chabad Identity03:31Living as a Chabad in Israel06:44Growing Up in Crown Heights09:36The Journey to Aliyah12:16Traveling and Cultural Connections19:56Personal Growth and Self-Discovery24:27The Rebbe's Influence and Personal Experiences27:16Travel Tales: Japan and Beyond30:01Arrested Abroad: A Wild Encounter in Mexico36:58Passport Troubles and Embassy Escapades42:41Life Decisions: Living in Israel and Future Aspirations

What if you had to explain your entire identity — not to defend it, but to survive it?In this powerful episode of Chapters, Chana sits down with Emily Samama, an Australian-Israeli neuroscience Graduate, to explore what it means to be indigenous to Israel. Through historical context, analogy, and deep learning, Emily breaks down Jewish indigeneity, ethnicity, and identity — not as slogans, but as truth.They discuss what it’s like growing up Israeli in Australia among people who had never met a Jew, the campus climate after October 7, and why education has become the Jewish people’s greatest form of empowerment. Emily’s clarity and research bring the answers — and the dignity — so many have been searching for.00:00Exploring Jewish Indigeneity38:37The Complexity of Indigenous Identity41:25Cultural and Historical Connections43:57The Misconceptions of Indigenous Status46:42The Intersection of Race and Ethnicity47:42Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict49:49The Importance of Education and Perspective52:29Concluding Thoughts on Jewish Identity

Sorella Abrahams shares her journey of personal growth and impactful work in Sydney's Jewish community. Emphasizing the importance of facing fears, she founded Abraham's Tent, inspired by her upbringing in a supportive home. This organization offers emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance to Jewish and non-Jewish patients and their families in hospitals,To get involved: https://www.abrahamstent.org.au00:00Facing Fears and Making a Difference03:05Creating a Supportive Community in Sydney06:49Being True to Yourself and Inspiring Others11:35The Journey of Opening Abraham's Tent32:21Abraham's Tent: A Cocoon of Warmth and Nourishment32:51Providing Support and Being an Anchor36:37Spreading Kindness and Changing Perceptions38:56Connecting with Jews and Being an Example41:16Facing Fear and Taking Action44:05Building a Strong Vision and Seeking Advice48:39Balancing Work, Family, and Mission53:47Supporting Abraham's Tent

In this conversation, Nikki Kingstlinger shares her journey of growing up in rural Australia, converting to Judaism, and becoming an advocate for Israel. She discusses the challenges of navigating relationships and maintaining her Jewish identity. Nikki emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and education in addressing antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She encourages open dialogue and humanizing each other's experiences. Nikki also highlights the need for unity and respect within the Jewish community and the broader world.

Rudy Rochman, an Israel activist and reserve paratrooper in the IDF, shares his perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts and addressing root causes to prevent further violence. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to building a peaceful future, proposing alternatives to the two-state solution and stressing the need for education, financial independence, and diversified sources of weapons for Israel. Additionally, he discusses challenges within the Israeli government and the importance of unity and respect in Israeli society, concluding with reflections on the future of the Jewish people and their role in global healing.00:00Understanding the Context: The Israel-Palestine Conflict11:28Addressing the Root Causes: Preventing Further Violence29:23Listening to Aspirations: Building a Peaceful Future30:51Investing in Infrastructure and Education for Palestinians31:21Creating a Reality that Fulfills the Needs of Israelis and Palestinians36:37The Role of Education in Changing the Narrative44:36Questioning the Intentions of the British and American Powers51:08Understanding the Core Needs of Israelis and Palestinians01:02:55Financial Independence and Diversification01:03:47Diversifying Sources of Weapons01:06:11Challenges of the Israeli Government and the Need for Unity01:11:58The Future of the Jewish People and Fulfilling Their Purpose01:17:55Overcoming Antisemitism through Unity and Fulfilling the Mission

Explore the intricate history of antisemitism and the compelling narrative of Israel in this episode with Alex Ryvchin. Author of the 7 Deadly Myths of Antisemitism from Chris to Kanye West, Zionism – The Concise History, and the Anti-Israel Agenda.  From ancient times to the present day, antisemitism has manifested in various forms, from religious persecution to political propaganda. We explore the roots of this prejudice and its impact on Jewish communities worldwide, tracing its evolution through pivotal moments in history. At the heart of our discussion lies the story of Israel – a nation born from the ashes of persecution and forged in the crucible of adversity. Join us as we confront the complexities and controversies surrounding Israel's history, grappling with questions of identity, sovereignty, and coexistence in the modern era. Through candid conversations and diverse perspectives, we strive to uncover the truth behind the headlines.

In this episode, join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Rebbetzin Chanie Klein, whose unwavering compassion envelops the lives of the traumatized 7/10 victims and 70,000 refugees to Eilat. Discover the extraordinary efforts to provide a Home away from Home in the darkest of times, centered in the small southern most city of Eilat. Join us on a narrative journey of love, resilience, and creating sanctuary in unexpected places, in the most difficult of circumstances.Please partner in this incredible organization by donating to: https://causematch.com/eilat/

Rabbi Chaim Miller is a renown author and speaker. He has authored over 17 books, including a full biography of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Turning Judaism Outwards, the Gutnick Chumash series, and the Practical Tanya Series, transforming people’s accessibility to the famed work of the Alter Rebbe.

Within a world filled with darkness, Rabbi Gourarie in the very special Chanukah episode re-explores the age old story of Chanukah. From the battle of the Macabees against the Hellenized Seleucids, to the 2023 modern day battle with Anti-Semitism, Rabbi Gourarie explores the battle of light over pervading darkness, how to somehow withstand the darkness, and find the truth within the pervading immorality within our modern society.

In this episode, Rabbi Simon Jacobson addresses the Israel-Gaza War and answers some difficult questions that have stifled the Jewish nation over the past week. The pain is so great, the unity is so strong, the anti-Semitism on social media feels blinding. We need guidance during this time, what was the Rebbe's response and what is our call to action?

In this episode, I have a very important conversation with Chayale Tzukernik about the very fundamentals of Judaism through the lens of Chassidus. So often we feel resentment towards parts of Judaism due to perhaps what we were taught or things we were berated about as children. So how do we relearn about G-d as adults, not though the lens of our parents and teachers but through Chassidus herself.

In this episode I interview Mrs Miriam Swerdlov about the unique relationship her family had with Rebbetzin Chana together with her personal journey from the USSR to Brooklyn. With sacrifice, pain, loneliness and heroism, follow the journey of Rebbetzin Chana like you have never heard it before.