Anything But Traditional

Shaena Cantor Abramowitz, an educational leader and mother, shares her remarkable journey from her Modern Orthodox upbringing in New Jersey to living on the Arugot Farm in Israel. Shaena discusses her experiences of making Aliyah, the challenges of finding her bashert at 37, and her unique life raising three young children on a hilltop in the Judean hills. She also touches on the hardships and miracles related to fertility treatment, living through the Intifada, and the current Israeli war. Despite the adversities, Shaena and her husband Ari find deep meaning and purpose in their unconventional life. This heartfelt conversation provides listeners with inspiration and a profound insight into resilience, faith, and the power of community.Facebook Instagram Email01:26 - Childhood and Upbringing03:25 - High School and Seminary Years06:58 - Graduate School and Early Career09:48 - Making Aliyah and Early Experiences in Israel16:16 - Life on a Hilltop: Challenges, Rewards, and Community37:55 - Navigating Fertility Treatments46:20 - Postpartum Challenges and Support01:02:29 - Being An "Older" Parent*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening!

Yaakov Fein, better known as @theturntjew and @frumfitness, hails from Seattle, Washington, and has earned a reputation as both the king of Jewish memes and a dedicated fitness coach.In this episode, Yaakov opens up about his life’s journey, reflecting on his religious evolution, his career in fitness, and his experiences navigating the Orthodox Jewish community as a single man.He shares the pressures he faced growing up, the transformative role Jewish education played in his life, and how his popular meme page came to be.Yaakov also offers meaningful insights into his fitness journey, the importance of investing in yourself, overcoming peer pressure, and handling the weight of societal expectations.This is one episode not to be missed. So, tune in now and get ready to think, laugh, and be inspired!01:12 - Growing Up Jewish in Seattle02:55 - High School Journey: From Conservative to Orthodox07:10 - The Influence of NCSY and Choosing Yeshiva08:49 - Aliyah18:23 - Starting the Turnt Jew: A Meme Page Success26:57 - Balancing Humor and Faith29:13 - Becoming a Fitness Instructor 36:23 - Fitness Philosophy and Accountability42:03 - Personal Journey and Challenges44:27 - Dating and Community 01:03:20 - Advice for the Younger Generation*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Anything But Traditional,' the host welcomes fashion designer Daniella Faye, who shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a recognized name in the Jewish fashion industry. Daniella discusses her struggles with school due to ADHD and how she found solace and purpose in creativity. Raised in Chicago, she moved to Israel at the young age of 15. Despite countless challenges, including financial struggles and manufacturing mishaps, Daniella's resilience and determination shone through. Daniella also shares how influencer marketing helped her brand grow and the impact of her designs on women's confidence. She touches on the importance of loving and accepting oneself, and highlights the value of supportive relationships in both personal and professional realms.Shop now:Daniellafaye.com - Israel Daniellafayeusa.com - USA00:59 - Daniella's Fashion Journey01:32 - Early Beginnings 06:40 - Moving to Israel at 1511:02 - Pursuing a Career in Fashion18:03 - Meeting Dave and Starting a Family23:20 - Opening a Store on Hillel27:14 - Struggles with School and Creativity29:00 - Learning Through Trial and Error36:24 - Building a Brand Name47:38 - The Role of Influencer Marketing55:13 - Balancing Business and Personal Life58:49 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Anything but Traditional,' Shoshana Statsky, a remarkable woman who endured a decade-long infertility journey followed by a battle with breast cancer shares her story.This includes her struggles with painful intercourse due to vaginismus and unsuccessful surgery, her grueling experience with infertility treatments, and the overwhelming joy of finally becoming a mother to twins. She also shares the process of being diagnosed with breast cancer, the exhaustive treatments, and the unwavering support from her community. Throughout her narrative, Shoshana emphasizes the importance of choosing growth over despair, maintaining faith, and finding happiness amidst adversity. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, gratitude, and the strength of the human spirit.Listen and be inspired!01:12 - Shoshana's Childhood and Education06:20 - Meeting Her Husband 11:01 - Career Path: Becoming a Court Stenographer17:34 - Early Marriage and Health Struggles21:47 - Battling Depression and Finding Hope35:02 - Navigating Infertility Treatments53:16 - The Rollercoaster of Pregnancy55:31 - The Birth and Beyond01:06:26 - Aliyah01:10:00 - Pregnancy and Miscarriage During COVID-1901:13:03 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment01:21:59 - Community Support and Acceptance01:28:07 - Final Thoughts and Reflections*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening!

Shoshana Charnoff, known on stage as Shoshana Shazam, co-directed the JLIC (Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) program at Queens College, fostering Jewish learning and community for several years. Six years ago, she made aliyah with her family, settling in Israel to begin a new chapter. Today, Shoshana is an emerging Orthodox comedian and inspirational speaker, best known for her signature events, "Comedy and Emunah," which blend stand-up comedy with moving stories of faith. She is also an avid runner, dancer, cook, and a dedicated wife and mother to three children.In this episode, Shoshana shares her upbringing in Philadelphia, her shift from modern Orthodox to stronger religious observance, and her work in Jewish nonprofit organizations. A significant portion of the episode delves into Shoshana's challenging fertility journey, which involved multiple miscarriages, the birth of her children, and ultimately a life-changing hysterectomy. Through humor and deep faith, Shoshana navigates these personal hardships and uses her experiences to inspire others. The episode underscores the importance of resilience, faith, and authenticity in facing life's challenges.01:43 - Shoshana's Early Life and Upbringing03:25 - Influences and Inspirations13:06 - Choosing a Path in Israel25:11 - Meeting Robbie and Early Marriage28:36 - Career Beginnings and JLIC33:39 - Navigating the Orthodox Community37:40 - Aliyah38:59 - The Power of Laughter and Inspiration44:10 - Fertility Struggles and Triumphs55:06 - A Miraculous Pregnancy01:08:52 - Embracing Life's Challenges01:12:05 - Final Reflections *For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening!

Tasha Cohen made Aliyah from London in 2012. She has a strong background in entrepreneurship and operations management, having led multiple startups across various industries. For over twenty years, she has also been deeply committed to mind, body, and soul healing - a passion that took on new urgency after October 7.Understanding firsthand the physical and emotional toll of trauma, Tasha immediately took action. What started as transporting soldiers and supplies to bases quickly revealed a deeper need: physical and emotional support to IDF soldiers. In response, she founded Chayal’s Angels, a grassroots initiative that became an official nonprofit in April 2024.The episode delves into Tasha's personal journey, discussing her struggles with mental health, chronic pain, and her path to spiritual and physical resilience. Tasha shares her upbringing, her relationship with Judaism, and her evolution to integrate unconventional practices like tattoos into her spiritual life. She also discusses her various career paths, passion for childcare, and the importance of a balanced life that focuses on mind, body, and soul. 00:37 - Introducing Tasha Cohen: A Woman of Many Talents01:28 - Founding Chayal's Angels: A Mission of Healing03:38 - A Unique Relationship with Judaism05:21 - Tasha's Upbringing and Family Background08:23 - Struggles and Self-Discovery13:06 - Seminary Life and Personal Growth23:01 - The Significance of Tattoos in Tasha's Life30:04 - Career Paths and Ambitions33:58 - Mental Health Challenges and Healing36:16 - Exploring Somatic Therapies42:38 - Facing Life's Challenges Head-On44:12 - Personal Journey with Chronic Pain56:24 - Emotional and Physical Healing01:01:46 - Chayal's Angels: Helping Soldiers Heal01:12:28 - Faith and Resilience01:21:23 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening!

Eliot grew up in Southgate in North London, and his family was very involved in the small Jewish community there, including having a Shabbat table full of guests every week. Before making Aliyah in 2013, Eliot was Youth Director for a couple of communities in North London. Eliot lives in Jerusalem with his wife Rena and three daughters, Emunah, Hallel, and Nili, and works in marketing.In this episode, he discusses his life story, his transition to life in Israel, and his deep love for the land and people of Israel. Eliot reflects on the tragic loss of his brother, Nathanel, a young soldier who was killed in combat on October 7th, sharing insights into the profound impact this had on his family. Elliot discusses the support his family received during their unimaginable grief, the importance of unity and community, and how his brother's legacy lives on through acts of kindness and resilience. This episode underscores the heroism of soldiers and the strength found in communal bonds amidst adversity.To hear more from Eliot, listen to his podcast Hero Israel.And please feel free to check out this website dedicated to Nathanel Young. Am Yisrael Chai00:00 - Meet Eliot Young01:56 - Life in North London02:50 - Aliyah09:59 - Sibling Relationships and Family Dynamics18:29 - Nathanel's Personality and Legacy33:33 - Support and Community Response42:00 - The Day of October 7th50:16 - The Aftermath and Family Support51:58 - A Brother's Journey to Ashkelon58:09 - The Funeral and Community Support01:14:11 - A Lasting Impact01:21:13 - Moving Forward with Purpose*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

As a professional dating coach, Devorah Kigel has helped over 300 women get clarity in their dating lives and marry their bashert. She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. She has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant. Devorah and her husband, Reuven, who is the Campus Director for Emet Outreach, host Shabbos guests most weeks. Using humor and honesty, Devorah shares the entertaining personal journey that led her to develop powerful tools to have the relationships you desire. Her book “Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today’s Single Woman” published by Gefen was released September 2024 and is available on Amazon. Devorah has been featured in Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, Meaningful Minute, Torah Anytime and on aish.com.For more info: www.devorahkigel.comRabbi Reuven Kigel is Emet’s dynamic Campus Director, overseeing all of Emet’s campus programs—at Baruch college, St. John’s University, Queens College, and Adelphi University, as well as a multi-campus program in Forest Hills. He also serves as the Jewish chaplain for Baruch College. In 2022 he started an initiative to help 100k frum men get their health back by eating according to Chazal. You can find out more on www.thefitjew.comBorn during the heyday of communism to capitalist-aspiring parents in Kiev, USSR, Rabbi Kigel immigrated to the United States in 1978, as a young child. Rabbi Kigel has semicha from Rabbi Heineman in Baltimore, and has been a longtime member of the Passaic-Clifton community kollel. Rabbi Kigel graduated from the University of Michigan in 1995 with a degree in finance and spent 8 years working on Wall Street before switching careers to devote himself to the Jewish people.This conversation delves into his near-death experience, their financial struggles, the importance of faith and resilience during tough times, and their dedication to Jewish outreach, helping others find their bashert, and health initiatives.Enjoy the episode!00:00 - Meet the Kigels02:36 - Devorah's Early Life and Discovery of Orthodox Judaism10:59 - Rabbi Reuven's Background and Immigration Story17:08 - Rabbi Reuven's Car Accident and Spiritual Awakening30:12 - Financial Struggles and Career Transition47:51 - The Importance of Supportive Relationships50:11 - Becoming a Dating Coach51:16 - Challenges in Modern Dating57:48 - Balancing Career and Family01:04:29 - Health and Fitness Side Hustle01:08:21 - Final Thoughts and Reflections*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation! Channukah Sameach!!!

For over twenty years, Ronnie Baras has been traveling the world with his hypnotism and mentalism shows. He integrates comedy into his hypnosis routine to add flavor to a mesmerizing show. Ronnie is a certified hypnotherapist. Unlike most hypnotists, Ronnie goes to great lengths to entertain, without embarrassing either his audience or his hypnotism subjects. In addition to hypnotism, Ronnie also performs ‘mentalism’ shows where he demonstrates the ability to ‘read minds’ in an entertaining fashion. Every show is a unique event. No two shows are ever the same. What is consistent, however, is top-quality entertainment with a huge dose of humor and fun.Ronnie has performed several times in Las Vegas including headlining at the renowned Venetian Hotel. He performs weekly throughout the United States (and sometimes Canada) and has recently completed a performing tour in Israel. Listen as he shares his life's journey, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and his favorite parts of being a hypnotist in this episode. He can be contacted at Ronnie@ronniebaras.com or by phone at  240-305-7007 for bookings!00:00 - Introduction 05:19 - Ronnie Barris' Journey into Hypnosis07:51 - Growing Up in Silver Spring14:38 - Pranks and School Life17:45 - College Days and Hypnosis23:50 - Family Life and Hypnosis25:16 - Stress Management Hypnosis Session31:12 - Memorable Hypnotherapy Stories42:28 - Balancing Career and Family46:48 - Unexpected Challenges and Rewards55:03 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. If you would like to donate to continue the initiative, please send money via Zelle to tberg93@gmail.comThank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation! Channukah Sameach!!!

In this powerful episode, marketing expert, comedian, and mother of two, Joan Wiener, takes us on a deeply personal journey through her life. She shares her experiences of growing up in a conservative Jewish home on Long Island, facing the profound loss of her mother at just six years old, grappling with her religious identity, losing her roommate in a bus bombing, navigating a broken engagement, and battling infertility.Joan’s wit and resilience shine through it all, demonstrating how humor can be a source of strength even in the darkest moments.If you’d like to continue the conversation with Joan, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, or her website.00:00 - Meet Joan Wiener Levin01:37 Joan's Childhood and Family Background02:53 - The Loss of Joan's Mother10:09 - Joan's Path to Becoming a Comedian16:02 - Joan's Religious Journey24:07 - Finding Love and Marriage27:48 - A Traumatic Experience in Israel29:18 - Graduate School and the Pull to Israel31:17 - Navigating Personal Tragedy and Relationships36:31 - Life in San Francisco During the Dot-Com Boom39:09 - Challenges and Joys of Parenthood42:48 - The Journey of Aliyah 48:00 - Struggles with Judaism and Personal Beliefs*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. ** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested! Thank you for listening!

From surviving the horrors of 9/11 to the heartbreak of losing a spouse at a young age, Elia Weixelbaum’s journey has been quite the definition of anything but traditional. Hear as we dive deep into his experiences as a single father, the challenges and triumphs of blending two families, and the profound role his faith has played throughout his life. Now living in Rechovot, Israel, with his wife (my mom) — he is living his dream life.Listen to this story and be inspired by Elia's faith, resilience, determination, and positive attitude. It's truly an episode not to be missed!00:00 - Meet Elia Weixelbaum01:28 - Elia's Early Life and Family Dynamics06:54 - Education and Career Beginnings13:27 - Life in Greenwich Village and First Wife21:18 - Family Life, Moving to East Brunswick, Career Switch30:45 - 9/11 Experience and Aftermath47:36 - Stephanie's Passing and Its Aftermath58:48 - The Challenges of Single Parenthood01:02:04 - Dating and Blending Families01:12:41 - Facing More Losses and Life Challenges01:17:02 - Making Aliyah and Starting Anew01:24:17 - Reflections on Life's Journey and Future Expectations*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. ** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested! Thank you for listening!

David Beiss is an attorney and partner at Hunter Herman PLLC. His practice areas include complex commercial litigation and post-judgment enforcement. David was born with an extremely rare and painful skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). As a child and young adult, David mainly used a wheelchair for mobility but never let EB define his life or ambitions. As an advocate, David is dedicated to raising awareness and fundraising for rare diseases and helping those with disabilities achieve their goals. Thank you for listening!00:00 - Introduction to David Beiss02:00 - David's Early Life and Family Background05:14 - Understanding Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)31:37 - Yachad, Camp Simcha, and Kids of Courage43:14 - Navigating Yeshiva with a Disability47:40 - Impact of EB on Relationships55:14 - Fundraising and Advocacy Efforts57:52 - Career Path and Legal Profession01:07:03 - Involvement in Disability and Israel Advocacy01:10:47 - Final Thoughts and Messages*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. ** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested! Thank you for listening!

Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Giddy Ben Tzvi, is a lot more than Anything But Traditional's host, Tamar Ben Tzvi's husband. He currently lives in Neve Shamir in Ramat Bet Shemesh, is an avid lover of Torah, a massive religious Zionist, dedicated member of his shul Avnei Shamir, runner, and pick up ball player. Over the past 9 years, Giddy has held various positions in hi-tech and hi-tech adjacent companies. In this episode, we explore Giddy's life, various challenges, his relationship with God especially in dealing with infertility, the importance of living a more nuanced Jewish life and so much more. This is an episode you don't want to miss!Thank you for listening!00:00 - Introduction02:35 - Giddy's Early Life14:50 - Yeshiva and Israel Experience33:18 - Post-Yeshiva Reflections37:07 - Aliyah39:31 - Meeting Tamar and Early Marriage41:56 - Navigating Life's Challenges43:13 - Coping with Anxiety 56:06 - Fertility Journey and Faith01:08:22 - Tamar and Giddy Fun *For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!

Dr, David Leitner, better known as Dr. D., is a strategy and leadership consultant and a university lecturer. He specializes in using strategy to create team alignment and engaged followership. He is married and has three amazing kids. He is a disabled IDF veteran who suffers from CRPS. And is the only IPSC wheelchair competitor in Israel.In this episode of Anything But Traditional, Dr. David Leitner reflects on his upbringing as the son of a conservative rabbi, his life-changing experience in Israel, and his severe injury during military service that led to his struggle with CRPS. Dr. D discusses making aliyah on his own, building Bar Ilan into a more accessible university, and building a family and career despite chronic pain. Thank you for listening! 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Growing Up as a Rabbi's Kid05:06 Journey to Israel and Religious Transformation08:39 College Life and Struggles with Identity16:16 Military Service and Injury26:48 Living with CRPS31:26 Adapting to a New Reality41:44 Expanding Accessibility Efforts42:47 Handing Over the Role and Creating a Board43:43 Pursuing a PhD and Major Life Events46:00 Challenges and Triumphs in the Army51:11 Building A Family 01:01:26 Daily Life and Assistance01:10:12 Leadership and Followership01:14:57 Final Thoughts and Advice**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!

Shabbos Kestenbaum graduated from Harvard’s divinity school this past May, and is now suing Harvard University for failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism. This past Wednesday night, Shabbos addressed the Republican National Convention. Today, we hear the story of his past, present, and future. From Yeshivat Noam to Harvard Divinity School, he shares his evolving political ideologies, and emphasizes the importance of fighting for Jewish and American values, both domestically and abroad with his goal of greater unity and support for Jewish causes. Listen now. 00:00 - Introduction 01:57 - Early Life and Family04:26 - Educational Journey and Harvard Experience07:36 - Political Views and Ideologies08:16 - Experiences in Poland and Jewish Education19:30 - Reflections on American and Israeli Jewish Communities24:11 - Future Plans and Final Thoughts**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!

Chari Pere, creator of Miscarried: An Unspoken Cartoonmentary, worked as a creative director and illustrator/storyboard artist on projects for Red Bull, Jockey, Disney, Comedy Central, and Bud Light. She has created content for The Washington Post's The Lily and Mad Magazine and has collaborated with NYT bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and actress Mayim Bialik. Chari launched the "Unspoken" Cartoon series as part of the 2024 Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab Fellowship. Breaking Stigmas through Cartoons: An Interview with Shari PairIn this episode of Anything But Traditional, Chari shares her journey from childhood aspirations to her experiences working with major brands like Red Bull and Disney, and her profound personal journey through miscarriage and postpartum depression. The conversation delves into her efforts to break the silence around very important, yet often untalked about topics, through her comics and animated shorts, and is a powerful testament to using art to foster empathy and support others facing similar challenges.Website: https://www.charipere.com/Miscarried: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI7kEAYkUJIMichael's Miscarriage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E-9Nc66L2k&t=2sSubscribe to the "Unspoken" YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnspokenCartoonmentaryInstagram/Facebook: @charipereart**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!00:00 Introduction 01:29 Chari's Journey into Cartooning02:32 The Impact of Miscarriage on Chari's Work03:48 Creating Comics for Social Change08:58 Chari's Background and Early Influences16:24 Navigating Career and Motherhood20:16 Challenges and Resilience in Chari's Career27:26 Struggles and Miscarriages31:48 Postpartum Depression and Health Challenges34:19 Balancing Career and Family38:31 Finding Support and Breaking Stigmas49:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Kylie Ora Lobell is the president of KOL Digital Marketing, a marketing, PR, and ghostwriting firm for Jewish organizations, authors, and business owners. She is also an award-winning writer who has been published in the Jewish Journal of LA, Washington Post, LA Times, New York Magazine, Aish, Chabad, and Tablet. You can follow her on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram.In this episode, Kylie shares her extraordinary journey from a secular Christian upbringing to converting to Orthodox Judaism. She discusses her tumultuous childhood, questioning faith, and eventual embrace of Jewish practices after experiencing the warmth of the Jewish community. Kylie delves into her struggles with depression, postpartum depression, the challenges she faced in her conversion process, and how Judaism is misrepresented in the media. This episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes, offering a deep dive into the complexities and rewards of Kylie's faith and personal growth.**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!00:00 Introducing Kylie Ora Lobel01:55 Kylie's Childhood and Family Background03:42 Questioning Faith and Early Doubts14:52 Meeting Daniel and Exploring Judaism17:29 Discovering Chabad and Connecting with Faith21:41 Conversion Journey and Challenges33:28 Challenges and Reflections on Jewish Practices46:51 Postpartum Depression and Community Support01:01:09 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages

Today, Raphy Sassieni works at UserWay and plays a pivotal role in the vibrant Neve Shamir community of Ramat Beit Shemesh, loves mountain biking and has three beautiful children.However, his journey to this fulfilling life wasn't always smooth.At the young age of four, Raphy was diagnosed with cancer. Now, in remission for many years, the journey undoubtedly shaped both him and the course of his life.In this episode, we explore Raphy's transformative journey, his diverse upbringing, his dedication to the nonprofit sector, his love for Israel & Judaism, and his commitment to his community. Furthermore, Raphy imparts invaluable insights on parenting, emphasizing the importance of fostering each child's distinct individuality, a principle instilled in him by his parents multiple times during his own upbringing.So whether you're seeking inspiration, practical wisdom, or simply a heartwarming tale, tune in to this episode. It's certainly worth a listen!**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!

From public school kid to chossid, Sean (Zeesha) Littman shares his story of determination and perseverance in this week's episode of Anything But Traditional. Hear as he shares his religious journey, the epic story of how he met his wife Ilana, their journey to aliyah, having 5 daughters, his path to Ramat Beit Shemesh, and his awesome career in nonprofit marketing. Lastly, make sure to listen until the end as he shares more about his incredible new business, GiveSuite.com, a marketing solution for the nonprofit sector. To be in touch with Zeesha, you can email him at sean@catch22nonprofit.com. **For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram. You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do. Thank you for listening!

Rabbi David Schlusselberg received his Bachelor's degree in psychology and Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University. He has a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and currently works at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, and serves as the Mashgiach Ruchani. Last summer, he started his Instagram page, which now has over 12,000 followers, where he provides Jewish inspiration and education about Israel and antisemitism. He has lectured at Columbia, Princeton, NYU, Maryland, Rutgers, and a few other colleges.While his career is certainly fascinating, in this episode, we talk more about who Rabbi Schlusselberg is, his family, upbringing, dating experience, and immense struggle with anxiety. There's a lot in this episode - so listen and be inspired! Also, make sure to follow him on Instagram, check out his series Lessons From A Decade of Dating on YU Torah, and feel free to be in touch with him if you have any questions via email or phone 201-543-9308**For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries. Thank you for listening!