The Grief Journey By Mayrim

PODCAST · religion

The Grief Journey By Mayrim

When I launched Relief from Grief in 2022, I thought it would be a short-term project. But the feedback was overwhelming:•Grievers found inspiration and comfort.•Listeners who hadn’t experienced loss gained meaningful insights into grief.•Professionals shared how valuable the podcast was for their clients.I realized this podcast was meeting a deep, ongoing need — and I was determined to continue serving that need.I’m honored to partner with Mayrim, an organization dedicated to supporting families who have lost a child. Mayrim is the perfect partner because its founders and members understand the pain of loss firsthand. It’s my hope that each guest shares encouragement and understanding, helping listeners feel less alone. Together, we can find hope and comfort — one moment at a time.

  1. 26

    Rabbi Leo Dee: What if this is the way Hashem wanted it to be?

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!After Rabbi Leo Dee lost his wife and two daughters in a terrorist attack, people asked many “what if” questions. What if you hadn’t moved from England? What if the whole family had been in one car?“Every one of those what-ifs went through my mind many times,” he shares.But then another question emerged:What if this is the way Hashem wanted it?Obviously this is the way it was meant to be.Does it hurt? Terribly.But it wasn’t a mistake.Rabbi Dee made the conscious choice not to remain trapped in his grief, forgetting those around him. His three surviving children still needed their father.And so, through tears and pain, he told them: “We just lived Chapter One of our lives. Now we turn the page to Chapter Two.”There may always be pain.But they will live with as much simcha as they can.Is it always easy? No.Is it possible? Yes.Do you want to hear how?Click below. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  2. 25

    Mrs. Chaya Lasson; No Regrets Left in the Room

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!No Regrets Left in the RoomMrs. Chaya Lasson didn’t set out to become a voice for end-of-life care. But somewhere along the way, she stepped into a role she came to deeply love — director of Bridges Palliative Care.In many frum circles, the word hospice carries weight. It feels final. Frightening. Almost like surrender.But Chaya gently challenges that perception.Hospice, she explains, is not about giving up. It’s about comfort. About dignity. About bringing medical expertise into a moment when suffering can be eased. And often, when a patient becomes more comfortable, something shifts. Strength returns. Sometimes even enough to resume curative treatment.Her work isn’t only medical.It’s legacy work.She guides families through difficult conversations — not only about pain and comfort, but about the practical realities we tend to avoid: DNRs, advance directives, medical power of attorney, wills. Conversations that feel overwhelming. Or even frightening.Not morbid — but real.So that when the time comes, there are fewer unspoken words. Fewer rushed decisions. And fewer regrets left sitting in the room. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  3. 24

    Mr. Rob Airley: Into A Burning Building

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Mr.  Rob Airley looks  at a picture of his son, Binyamin, and asks the question no parent should ever have to ask: Why? Why did you run into that burning building?But he also knows the answer.Binyamin had always put others first. Chesed wasn’t something he did—it was who he was. Even though he didn’t have to go in, he ran forward to help save his fellow soldiers.There were hidden terrorists inside the building. Binyamin was killed.October 7th changed the world. For chayalim—and for the parents of chayalim—fear and anxiety took on a new meaning. So did bravery.Binyamin served in a combat unit, and his parents were deeply proud of him, even as they lived with constant fear. Today, the Airley family is preparing to send their next son to fight for Klal Yisrael.In this episode, we hear Binyamin’s story and learn about Beit Binyamin—the legacy that ensures his life continues to inspire.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  4. 23

    Mrs. Ester Katz Silvers; A Train Crash in the ’60s

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!It was the 1960s, in Wichita, Kansas. Back then, it was a small town with very few Jews, and the Jewish families stuck together as a close-knit community.One morning, Ester walked into the kitchen and saw her parents sitting at the table with an open newspaper between them. They were both looking at her — the kind of look that silently says, you tell her.“What happened?” Ester asked.“There was an accident,” her parents said. “A car–train accident. Four boys were killed.”One of them was a boy who worked in her father’s store — just two years older than Esther.In those days, no one talked about death. You didn’t process it. You didn’t sit with it. You simply went on. And so Esther went on too. Sometimes she thought about the boy, but she told herself to move forward, just like everyone else did.It wasn’t until many years later, when Ester wrote her first book, that she found herself writing about a train accident — slowly, unknowingly processing a loss that had stayed with her for over twenty years.Life later brought Ester to Shilo, in Eretz Yisroel, where she and her family were forced to face death again — this time through terror. Her children lost friends. Madrichim were niftar. Loss was no longer distant or unnamed.And this time, Ester did not turn away.Her parting message is simple: let them talk. Today, we have far more resources and support than in the past — but the most important thing remains the same. Children need space to speak, to ask, to remember, and to be heard.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  5. 22

    Mrs. Miram Israeli; Songs Of Strength

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Many of us know the song Ima Tagidi Li. It’s sung in moments of joy, trust, and quiet faith. What most people don’t know is that Mrs. Miriam Israeli wrote this song years earlier, after the birth of her oldest daughter — when her family was still growing, when children were being added one by one — a time when the thought that she would one day bury a child simply did not exist. But the unthinkable eventually became her reality.Throughout his illness, and after his petirah, Mrs. Israeli continued to compose and sing — songs of hope, songs of emunah. Because when a parent loses a child, the only way to keep going is with emunah. Miriam’s emunah and bitachon had been deeply ingrained in her from her parents.In this episode, Miriam shares her journey with honesty and gentleness — what it means to keep believing, to keep living, and to keep singing, even after the unthinkable has happened.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  6. 21

    Mrs. Feige Steinmetz; Asking why—and learning to accept that some answers never come.

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Do you remember where you were that Thursday night, Lag BaOmer, almost five years ago, when the stampede happened in Meron? Forty-five kedoshim were killed. And Dovi Steinmetz was one of them.That night, Feige Steinmetz stayed awake, frantic, trying to reach her son. She called him over one hundred times.“Dovi, if you don’t call me back, I’ll kill you,” she said—half joking, half desperate, like only a mother can be.  But he couldn’t call back. He had already been niftar.And so began Feige’s journey through grief.She spent time searching for answers—meeting with gedolim, asking questions, hoping to understand why. Eventually, she came to a painful acceptance: some questions will never be answered.But her son is never far from her heart.“Grief is always with me,” Feigie says. “Some days I tell it, Okay, today you’re in control. And other days, I tell it, Today, I’m taking control back.”In this episode, listen to a bereaved mother share her story— a story filled with deep pain, intense love, and quiet growth. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  7. 20

    Mrs.Chaya Teldon; A minute and Forever

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Grief can feel like a minute and forever. In this episode, a mother shares her journey with a son who lived with cystic fibrosis, underwent a double lung transplant, celebrated his bar mitzvah, and was niftar shortly after.We talk about the quiet choices that shape a family in loss: keeping life fair for siblings during endless hospital stays, preserving normalcy with schoolwork and chores, and refusing to erase a child’s presence from the home. She shares simple line, that is anything but simple. It is not bad, it’s sad; hold pain and joy in the same heart. She talks about how yearly milestones, and daily tefillah can hold you when answers can’t.For those unsure where to begin, she offers small, doable steps: such as saying a perek of Tehillim tied to a child’s age, and treating each mitzvah as a deposit in a loved one’s “account.” Along the way, her husband’s book, Eight Paths of Purpose, emerges as a gentle field guide for hard seasons.If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who might need it, subscribe for more meaningful stories, and leave a review so others can find us.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  8. 19

    Mrs. Elisheva Stein; To Isaac, Chavi, and Barry — With Love, Always.

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!You may have read her story in Ami Magazine — the kind of story that supposedly “doesn’t happen.” But it did. To Elisheva Stein.Losing two children and a husband is a reality most people can’t even imagine, let alone believe could truly happen. And yet, when you speak to Elisheva, she tells you something so simple, so startling: “I buy every book. I read. Books on emunah, books on Tehillim… I just try to live with joy, to live connected to Hashem.”Sometimes she admits that she looks upward and asks her own neshama, “Why did you agree to all this?” But listening to Elisheva doesn’t pull you down. It lifts you. It makes you realize how extraordinary Klal Yisroel is — how we move through the deepest pain with dignity, faith, and quiet strength.So come listen to Elisheva. Be moved. Be strengthened. But don’t call her “inspirational.”Because she’ll tell you, “What should I do? I wasn’t given a choice. So I try to do my best with what Hashem gave me.”Sorry, Elisheva… but to me, that is inspirational.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  9. 18

    Mrs. Sarah Rosner: A Mother’s Love: Fierce, Faithful, Forever

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Yossi was thriving in his yeshiva in Florida. But like any bochur, he was ready for bein hazmanim. Within the first few days of being home, though, his father noticed that Yossi was walking strangely. And after that, things seemed to get worse and worse.It was during COVID, and getting an appointment with a specialized pediatric neurologist was not easy. But, as only a mother can, Sarah called one doctor after another, persevering until she managed to get Yosef seen by a doctor at CHOP Hospital.Once he was there, things declined rapidly. The diagnosis of a brain tumor was not a surprise—but what shocked everyone was how quickly Yosef was deteriorating. This young, healthy teenage boy, who had barely ever caught a cold, was suddenly losing all function.Sarah was the most devoted mother, lovingly caring for her son through it all.It has now been three years since his petirah. Sarah continues to work on deepening her connection to Hashem, understanding the mind-body connection, and supporting others who find themselves in harrowing situations.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  10. 17

    Mrs. Sarah Guigue : Filling the Emunah Balloon

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!This episode begins with Miriam Ribiat sharing about her newly released book, Forever in Our Hearts.  Sarah immediately lights up. “Yes—I love that title!” she exclaims. “You see, I lost my baby. She was stillborn in my ninth month. But she’s alive forever inside of me. I light a Shabbos candle for her and bake challah l’iluy nishmas her. So yes, she may not be alive in this world, but she’s alive forever in my heart.”Sarah opens up about her journey through pregnancy, the devastating news of a very sick baby, and her growing emunah as she faced Hashem’s plan. She speaks about the deep pain, the isolation, and the strength it took to rise again.Listen as Sarah shares how she slowly rebuilt her connection with Hashem—one tefillah, one step, one breath at a time.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  11. 16

    Rabbi Shalom Hammer : Gila’s Way, Saving Lives

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us! Gila Hammer was a bright light who drew everyone in with her warmth and kindness. When she died from suicide at just 18 years old, her father, Rabbi Shalom Hammer, founded Gila’s Way — a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and education. As Rabbi Hammer says, “The only way I know to confront death is by helping to save lives.”In this moving episode, Rabbi Hammer shares his story — from the tragedy that changed his life to his work supporting traumatized IDF soldiers — and how he channels his pain into purpose through Gila’s Way, bringing awareness, hope, and healing to others.To find out more about Gila's Way you can visit the website at: Gilasway.comTo speak to Rabbi Hammer or to schedule a speaking tour you can email: [email protected]: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  12. 15

    Yaffa Dyckman, LCSW: Recognizing Life’s Optical Illusion

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!The morning after her baby passed away, Yaffa looked out the window and saw the sun shining. She couldn’t understand how the sun can shine when there was an empty crib in her home and baby clothes that would never be worn again.With time and a lot of inner work, she and her husband came to a new perspective. Yaffa describes life as an optical illusion: when you focus on only one part of the picture, it can hurt unbearably. But when you pull back and the picture shifts you can see something greater at play. Instead of feeling that they “lost” their son, they came to realize that they had gained 14 precious months with him. As Yaffa says, it is better to have had him for that time than for him never to have been born.Today, Yaffa is an LCSW who works extensively with clients on their trauma. She shares with us how trauma affects the body and mind—and how recognizing when you’re “stuck” can be the first step toward healing. With the right communication skills and openness to accept help or support from organizations, people can move forward in ways they never imagined.Yaffa misses her baby, who would be around 22 years old today. She feels the pain at times, but she doesn’t allow herself to stay stuck there. Instead, she chooses to look for faith and continue forward, finding the light in life even through loss.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

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    Mrs. Devorah Rosenfeld: My Special Sister Chanie

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Devorah was just five years old when she finally became a big sister. She adored her tiny newborn sibling, swaddled in pink, and stepped naturally into the role of the best big sister.At first, Devorah didn’t think it was unusual that her house was filled with nurses and therapists coming and going. To her, that was simply what a newborn needed. But as she grew older and noticed her friends’ relationships with their sisters, she realized that her own little sister, Chanie, was different. The things her friends did with their siblings were things she would never be able to do with Chanie—because Chanie was born with special needs.Still, Devorah's love never dimmed. She cared for Chanie, played with her, and shared her life with her. Their bond was unshakable. When Chanie was sick and in the hospital, Devorah spent as much time by her side as she could. Chanie would call, “Devorah, when are you coming?” And Devorah always came.Although their parents were equally dedicated, the sisterly connection between Devorah and Chanie was uniquely powerful. And when Chanie was niftar, Devorah was devastated. They may never have done the same things as other sisters, but their fierce love was beyond comparison.Today, Devorah’s home still holds Chanie’s presence. Pictures of her sister hang on the fridge. And when Devorah lifts her baby daughter—named Chanie—she whispers, “You are named after this special sister of mine. You share her name. You have a glorious namesake.”YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

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    Rabbi Akiva Sutofsky: The Lump in His Throat

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Rabbi Akiva Sutofsky was living a fulfilling life — a beloved school therapist, a devoted father, and especially close to his youngest son, Yitzy.One day, Yitzy complained of a sore throat. When he looked in the mirror with a flashlight, he noticed a large lump. The doctor diagnosed it as an infection and prescribed antibiotics — but they didn’t help. Nor did the next round.And so, the Sutofsky family’s routine life was turned upside down as they began the harrowing journey of cancer with their beloved son and brother, Yitzy.Yitzy was an intuitive, kind-hearted boy who easily connected with others. The entire community rallied around him, davening with love and urgency. He celebrated his bar mitzvah in a shul in Philadelphia, not far from the hospital where he was receiving treatment. And then, he began to speak with startling spiritual clarity:“Don’t be sad,” he would say. “My mission in this world is coming to an end. But if you ever feel down, do mitzvos and daven for my neshama. Maybe that will help ease your pain.”Yitzy was niftar surrounded by his family. The entire community mourned with them, deeply impacted by his brief but powerful life.In this episode, Rabbi Sutofsky shares the story of Yitzy’s illness and petirah, as well as the pain, faith, and growth that emerged from his grief.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

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    Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginzberg: Father and Rabbi: A Wearer of Two Hats

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!For many years, Rabbi Ginzberg supported families grieving the loss of a child. Then it happened to him. His daughter, Sarala, became ill and was nifteres at the age of seventeen.He reflects on the profound difference between being a supportive spectator and becoming an active participant in grief. And yet, even in the depths of his pain, he discovered what can help ease it. Yes, he misses her deeply. Yes, he wishes she had married and built a family like her friends. But he has found ways to stay connected to her—by doing what he can for her neshamah. In some ways, he says, he feels more connected to Sarala than to his living children whom he can see and speak to.In this episode, Rabbi Ginzberg shares how he finds nechamah through the words of gedolim and talmidei chachamim, and how we can lean into the ways our leaders have dealt with painful loss. After all, we are human and will feel the pain—but we also know that support exists in a Torahdik way.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

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    Dr. Hindie M. Klein: Remembering Aryeh Zev ben Nissan Yehudah – A Mother’s Grief, Forty Years Later

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!He was a precious little boy, born with cystic fibrosis. For nine and a half years, Aryeh Zev lived a life full of struggle — but also full of determination, and  friendship. Despite frequent hospital trips, he went to school and built strong friendships. He even had a special connection with the Ribnitzer Rebbe, who recognized the holiness of his neshamah.Now, forty years later, Dr. Hindie M. Klein’s grandchild just got married. At the Sheva Brachos, they spoke about Aryeh Zev — because his memory is still alive. His parents never let go of their beloved son’s presence in their lives.In this deeply honest episode, Dr. Hindie M. Klein shares how she and her husband each grieved in their own way — and how they learned to respect one another’s needs. While they were able to do big projects l’iluy nishmas their son, she reminds us that quiet acts of tzedakah or private mitzvos done at home are just as meaningful.And if you ever want to see the shoes of a little nine-year-old boy who left a huge imprint on the world — you can knock on Dr. Klein’s door. She still knows exactly where they are.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  17. 10

    Adina Kaplan: Saying Goodbye to My Best Friend

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Adina Kaplan was best friends with Miriam Holman since they were in diapers. While they didn’t quite get along as babies, as they grew older, they became close friends, forming a strong bond that carried them through elementary school, high school, seminary, and beyond. When Adina was just 18 years old, Miriam was diagnosed with a terrible illness. Adina became a tremendous source of support for Miriam, helping her navigate the fears and unknown that came with her diagnosis. Three years after Miriam’s diagnosis, she was hospitalized, and Adina’s life changed forever. Her days revolved around Miriam’s wellbeing. She was by her side day in and day out, always trying to do more and make ease Miriam’s pain. Unfortunately, Miriam passed away a few months later, leaving Adina grieving the loss of her dearest friend. When Adina got married a year and a half later, it was very hard for her to process that Miriam wouldn’t be there to celebrate her big day. She couldn’t believe her husband would never meet her best friend.Adina, along with Miriam’s family and friends, keeps Miriam’s memory alive. They talk about her, reminiscing on special times, commemorate her yahrtzeit together, and hold tight to the joy Miriam brought into the world.Adina remains closely connected to the Holmans, and they treasure their relationship with their daughter’s dear friend.Today, Adina runs Mayrim in Eretz Yisroel, continuing Miriam’s legacy by supporting bereaved families and helping them through their grief.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  18. 9

    Mrs. Miriam Kahn: My Doubly Special Son

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!"My son Zev was special." It’s a sentiment many bereaved parents will share about their child who was niftar. But Zevi wasn’t just special because of his love for people and life, his love for shul, and his intuitive, on-target perceptions. He was special because he was special needs.His mother, Miriam Kahn, dedicated her life to her beloved Zev. Whatever she could do for him, she did—and somehow, whatever she couldn’t do for him, she also did. Zev was very young when his parents divorced, but somehow, he understood that his mother could use space and love. And he gave it to her.He wasn’t just beloved to his mother, but to his sisters as well. Zev was a valuable and delicious part of their lives. And as his sisters married and became mothers, their children were never embarrassed or uncomfortable around their Uncle Zev—because he was Zev.When Zev was in his upper 20s, living at home wasn’t possible for him anymore. It was with great sadness and a lot of tears that she moved him into a home. But she constantly visited him and continued to shower him with love.And now that she had some time to herself, she went on her first vacation since Zev was born. It was there, in the hotel early one morning, that she got a phone call from the home. They told her, “Everything is not okay.” “What does that mean?” Miriam yelled. “He’s okay—like alive, right?”“I’m so sorry. A few hours ago, he was sleeping peacefully… and then he suddenly was niftar.”My special son with special needs. I love him so much. I miss him so much. Baruch Hashem, I have grandsons named after him. He lives on in our family. In our hearts and minds, he will never die.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  19. 8

    Chanie Delman, LCSW, PMH-C: No Such Thing as Too Short to Matter

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Mrs. Chanie Delman is an exceptionally sympathetic person, deeply attuned to the pain of losing a baby who was born incompatible with life. She understands how a parent may struggle with this loss — not only with their own grief but also with the conflicting messages they may receive from family, friends, and even their own inner voices telling them, "It isn’t so bad."Mrs. Delman, who has worked with hundreds of women and couples facing this kind of loss, gently encourages parents with messages of validation and support. In this podcast, she shares important guidance on how to explain your needs to your spouse, how to seek support from family members and friends, and how to avoid being so hard on yourself after experiencing such a devastating loss.Chanie also speaks about the difference between pity and empathy — how most people long for empathy but deeply resent pity. She helps us understand how to become vessels of genuine empathy, showing real, heartfelt care for those going through such a difficult time.But perhaps the most powerful lesson is Chanie herself — a living example of compassion and understanding for those who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a stillborn or a baby who lived only a few minutes.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  20. 7

    Esther Goldstein, LCSW: Human First, Therapist Second

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Esther Goldstein radiates empathy. Esther’s childhood experiences with grief shaped the path her life took, and now as a highly sought-after therapist, her primary desire is to help her clients navigate their grief.Esther and I discuss the importance of connecting with clients on a personal level. Being a therapist isn't only about knowing the clinical facts and what the research says; it's about making genuine connections and respecting each other's experiences and personalities.Esther talks about transparency—being open about what you're experiencing - even with your children. It's okay to tell your children, "I'm a bit anxious about something, but I will work through it. You don’t have to worry."Speaking of transparency… come listen to Esther share her own experiences in taking a client role instead of a therapist role when she realized she would benefit from a therapist's help.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  21. 6

    Rabbi Doniel Hexter: Messages of Hope from Our Gedolim

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!When Rabbi Doniel Hexter faced the profound grief of losing his 19-year-old son, he embarked on a quest for solace. His search led him to explore how revered gedolim have historically navigated their losses. Rabbi Hexter delved into a wealth of old letters and writings, uncovering a mosaic of grief and resilience that spanned generations. This research culminated in his book, Voices of Consolation, a compelling anthology that offers a rare glimpse into the personal hardships of our spiritual leaders.Despite his naturally reserved demeanor, Rabbi Hexter brings these stories to life in his podcast, providing insightful perspectives on using the wisdom of our gedolim as beacons during life’s darkest moments. His approach not only enriches our understanding of their teachings but also helps us understand that we are human and experiencing pain is normal.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  22. 5

    Mrs. Aliza Bulow: Beyond the Silence: Healing After Suicide

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!The world of mental health is ever-evolving, deepening our understanding of the brain, the causes of mental illnesses, and their treatments. In this podcast, we share the poignant story of Mrs. Aliza Bulow, whose beloved son Doni tragically died by suicide. Although his loss was devastating, it did not come as a shock. Doni had battled with suicidal thoughts for years, and his mother is grateful for their beautiful, loving relationship and the support she could provide during his struggles. She always hoped for a different outcome but acknowledges that 'He was born when he was supposed to be, and he died when he was supposed to.' If Doni were born today, perhaps better treatments might have been available. However, this was the journey Hashem chose for him. When the rabbi asked, 'What should we tell the community about Doni's cause of death?' both Mrs. Bulow and her husband insisted on honesty, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide. It is a mental health issue, and concealing it only complicates the grief. There is no shame in it, and through this podcast, Mrs. Bulow continues her mission to bring this message to light. YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  23. 4

    Mrs. Maya Namdar: They Call Her Mrs. Moshiach

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Why was there a knock on the door at 1 a.m.? This could only mean something bad. But what? Mrs. Namdar could never have imagined that the Hatzolah personnel standing at her door were there to tell her the unthinkable: a drunk driver, Liel, no pulse. All she remembers is screaming, “NO! How can this be? It can’t be!”And so began her journey of grief—a path filled with immense pain. Yet, with her natural optimism, Maya shares how she began searching for answers. One place her search led her was to a deeper understanding of Moshiach. As she yearns for His arrival, she holds on tightly, saying, “He is coming.”“People make fun of me,” she admits. “I’ve even been called Mrs. Moshiach. But that’s okay. This is the only way I can survive. And I believe. I truly believeYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  24. 3

    Mrs. Yitta Miriam Weiss: I’m Not Just a Grandmother, I Am THE Grandmother

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Mrs. Yitta Miriam Weiss is a bereaved Bobby. The pain of losing a grandchild is profound, whether you are a Grandma, Bubby, Savta, or anything else. Mrs. Weiss eloquently depicts the ache of missing her grandchild. She speaks powerfully about walking the tightrope of her own grief while also supporting her children in theirs.A grandmother may have many other grandchildren, but this podcast raises an important awareness: no matter how many grandchildren a person may have, the loss of one is the loss of an entire world, and it hurts deeply.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  25. 2

    Mrs. Elissa Felder: What Comes Next: For Them and For Us

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Grief can be an overwhelming journey, but the enduring connections we hold with our loved ones can provide us with profound understanding and healing. Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Mrs. Elissa Felder, who shares the intimate story of her infant son Sam's passing 35 years ago. Her poignant recount of the brief yet impactful time with Sam, who faced severe medical challenges, reveals how these deep bonds transcend time and grief. Elissa insights into maintaining this connection with Sam illuminate the eternal nature of love and loss.We also explore the spiritual dimensions of life and death, focusing on the concept of the neshama, or soul, and its interplay with the physical body. Using metaphors like the glass blower, we delve into how the divine breath infuses us with life and purpose. Our conversation touches on traditional practices surrounding death, such as the significance of closing the eyes and mouth, which underscore the sacred nature of the body's journey. By examining these spiritual insights, we are reminded of the urgency to live life fully, cherishing the vessels that carry our souls.Finally, Elissa shares her personal path to healing and the lessons she learned from the deaths of her son and her mother. Through therapy and storytelling, she has found ways to keep their memories alive while supporting others on their grief journeys. Her reflections on finding meaning in suffering and the role divine intervention played in her experiences offer a source of comfort and strength to listeners who may be grappling with their own losses. Tune in to discover how these sacred passages from life to death can foster resilience and compassion.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

  26. 1

    Mrs. Devorie Kreiman: Grief’s Unbearable Math

    Your feedback is what keeps us going. Whether it’s positive, constructive, or somewhere in between — we appreciate it all. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations for our podcast, please share them with us!Hear the heartfelt reflections of Mrs. Devorie Kreiman, a mother whose story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Mrs. Kreiman shares her profound experiences of loss and resilience as she navigates the challenges of living with the knowledge of a rare mitochondrial disorder affecting her family. Through unimaginable grief and the joy of raising healthy children, she offers insights into the balance between personal choices and divine will, shedding light on the spiritual journey that accompanies such trials.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the complex emotions tied to parental grief and the societal pressures surrounding mourning. Mrs. Kreiman opens up about the struggle to reconcile appearances with internal turmoil, revealing how societal expectations often clash with the rawness of personal loss. Her candid sharing of personal stories and interactions with others who have faced similar tragedies highlights the deeply personal and evolving nature of grief, emphasizing the need for community support and the transformative power of accepting life's challenges.The conversation rounds off with a focus on healing and spiritual growth, where Mrs. Kreiman reflects on the importance of embracing support systems, such as therapy or medication, and the strength found in seeking help. She discusses the metaphor of "Lech Lecha" from the Torah, encouraging listeners to trust their unique paths and harness the power of resilience through everyday decisions. This episode is a testament to the potential for spiritual and personal growth, reminding us of the profound lessons in nurturing and acceptance that can emerge from adversity.YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsK24OSmIYG_XWzeplhfmb8LJcWKphITh&si=untn3fmHLLaEEFNmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relief-from-grief-by-mayrim/id1788349916Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AvWNp0DrHqE5AVYJHooiK?si=ufpIObuGRumS5uFXmvrpgA Questions or feedback? Email me at: [email protected]

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

When I launched Relief from Grief in 2022, I thought it would be a short-term project. But the feedback was overwhelming:•Grievers found inspiration and comfort.•Listeners who hadn’t experienced loss gained meaningful insights into grief.•Professionals shared how valuable the podcast was for their clients.I realized this podcast was meeting a deep, ongoing need — and I was determined to continue serving that need.I’m honored to partner with Mayrim, an organization dedicated to supporting families who have lost a child. Mayrim is the perfect partner because its founders and members understand the pain of loss firsthand. It’s my hope that each guest shares encouragement and understanding, helping listeners feel less alone. Together, we can find hope and comfort — one moment at a time.

HOSTED BY

Miriam Ribiat

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