Meaningful People

In this week's episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Keshet Starr, CEO of Shalom Task Force and a leading advocate in the fight against domestic abuse in the Jewish community, joins Nachi Gordon for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about one of the most difficult issues facing the Jewish world today. Keshet shares what domestic abuse actually looks like behind closed doors, why it is often missed by friends and family, and how emotional, financial, spiritual, technological, and physical abuse can manifest in relationships. She also discusses the realities of working with survivors, the warning signs people should recognize, and why abuse is far more prevalent than many realize.
 
The conversation explores why victims often struggle to leave abusive relationships, the unique challenges that exist within Orthodox Jewish communities, and the role that stigma and silence continue to play. Keshet also offers practical guidance for those dating, newly married, or concerned about someone they love, sharing red flags to watch for and the importance of healthy communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution. This is an important discussion about awareness, prevention, and ensuring that those who need help know they are not alone.



This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:
 
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In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast,  and  dive into one of the biggest struggles facing the Jewish world today: are we creating people who truly think, feel, and connect… or are we just creating followers? From anxiety and burnout to authenticity, leadership, inner purpose, and the fear-based versions of Yiddishkeit many people quietly wrestle with, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level inspiration. Rabbi YY Jacobson challenges listeners to stop seeing themselves as powerless products of "the system" and instead rediscover the "prophet" inside every Jew. 
 
The episode also explores painful but deeply relevant topics like division within the Jewish community, trauma, parenting, mental health, spirituality, and why so many young people feel disconnected despite living more comfortable lives than any previous generation. Rabbi YY shares powerful insights about anxiety, ego, relationships, healing, and what it really means to have a relationship with Hashem that brings a person alive instead of consuming them. This is one of the most raw, philosophical, and emotionally charged conversations we've ever had, and one that will challenge the way you think about Judaism, identity, and yourself. 



This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals
 
Download the app and never pay full price again!
 
https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp 
 
_________________
 
► Colel Chabad Pushka App
 
The easiest way to give Tzedaka
 
https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful
 
_________________
 
► EL AL
From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing:  "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."
Book your next flight with EL AL:
https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm_source=meaningful&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=gcny_incoming_usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa
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► Kosher Klaf
 
This episode is brought to you by Kosher Klaf. Head over to KosherKlaf.com or call 516-737-5436 to check out their incredible selection. Plus, use coupon code meaningfulminute at checkout for free shipping!
 
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► Ness Vacation Homes
 
EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION 
Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.
OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE 
Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.
 
https://nessvacationhomes.com/
 
_________________
 
► Town Appliance
 
Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp
 
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In this week's episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Dr. David Rosmarin challenges one of the biggest assumptions people have about mental health: that anxiety is something to eliminate. A Harvard professor and leading anxiety expert, Dr. Rosmarin explains why trying to avoid discomfort may actually be making people weaker, more anxious, and less resilient. From parenting and dating to fear of failure, public speaking, and panic attacks, this conversation explores why anxiety might not be the enemy at all.
The episode also dives into anxiety in the frum world, the pressures of shidduchim, eating disorders, fear-based parenting, and how vulnerability creates stronger relationships. Dr. Rosmarin shares practical strategies for dealing with anxiety, including the four-step framework he uses with patients, while Nachi opens up about his own fears and experiences throughout the conversation. This is a deeply honest and surprisingly empowering discussion about learning to stop running from fear and start growing through it.



This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals
 
Download the app and never pay full price again!
 
https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp 
 
_________________
 
► Colel Chabad Pushka App
 
The easiest way to give Tzedaka
 
https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful
 
_________________
 
► Naava Kodesh
 
For the first time, Aliyah is starting to feel truly doable for mainstream, frum working families.
Hear directly from families already living it at a Naava Kodesh event near you.
 
https://events.naavakodesh.org/mm
 
_________________
 
► Resunize
 
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► Ness Vacation Homes
 
EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION 
Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.
OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE 
Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.
 
https://nessvacationhomes.com/
 
_________________
 
► Town Appliance
 
Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp
 
https://www.townappliance.com
https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Rabbi Manis Friedman returns for one of the most thought-provoking conversations yet. From modern dating and marriage to masculinity, loneliness, relationships, and what it really means to need another person, Rabbi Friedman challenges some of the most accepted ideas in today's world. He explains why he believes marriage is not about compromise, why dating has become so broken, and why so many people feel alone even while surrounded by others.
The conversation then takes a deeper turn into Yiddishkeit, purpose, and Rabbi Friedman's controversial belief that Hashem "needs" us. He explains why he believes this idea changes everything about mitzvahs, relationships, Mashiach, and the meaning of being Jewish. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode will leave you thinking differently about your relationship with other people, with yourself, and with Hashem.
 
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals
 
Download the app and never pay full price again!
 
https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp 
 
_________________
 
► Colel Chabad Pushka App
 
The easiest way to give Tzedaka
 
https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful
 
_________________
 
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► Town Appliance
 
Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp
 
https://www.townappliance.com
https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

This episode dives into one of the most talked about trends in the Jewish world right now: Rolex raffles. Are they a creative, effective way to raise money for important causes, or are they feeding into something deeper and more problematic? We unpack the criticism, the psychology behind incentivized giving, and whether intention really matters when it comes to tzedakah. Along the way, the conversation expands into bigger questions about values, culture, and how we balance growth, authenticity, and reality in today's world.
 
But that's just the surface. This episode also takes a powerful turn into the lives of working guys, those navigating life after yeshiva, and challenges the labels and assumptions placed on them. From shidduchim to identity, from learning vs working to what it really means to be a "Ben Torah," this is an honest, nuanced discussion about responsibility, balance, and redefining success in a way that actually reflects Torah values.

Join Meaningful Minute Plus for a follow up to this episode.

www.mmplus.org
 
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals
 
Download the app and never pay full price again!
 
https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp 
 
_________________
 
► Colel Chabad Pushka App
 
The easiest way to give Tzedaka
 
https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful
 
_________________
 
► 49 Gates by Dovid Lichtenstein
 
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► Ness Vacation Homes
 
EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION 
Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.
OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE 
Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.
 
https://nessvacationhomes.com/
 
_________________
 
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