Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories

In advance of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, Chabad.org's News Editor shared his journey from materialistic Manhattan to observant Judaism.

In advance of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, Tzvi Freeman shares the twists and turns of his path from Vancouver to Brooklyn.

A master educator shares personal guidance from the Rebbe.

Devorah Goldberg shares the story of her ectopic pregnancy loss and how her commitment to the laws of family purity played a pivotal role in detection and ultimately saved her.

Hindy Markowitz, born as a blind preemie to a large, loving Jewish family, shares her life, her faith in G-d, her dreams and aspirations, as well as her many accomplishments as a writer, singer, sought-after speaker, and songwriter of "I Can Still See--Just Not Physically."

Utah homegrown Rabbi and Shliach, Avremi Zippel shares his 20-year journey to reclaim his child's voice by prosecuting his abuser, writing a memoir, and becoming an advocate for sexual abuse survivors on his journey to healing.

Shoshana tried to "fit in" with the crowd and forget about Judaism, but her involvement with CTeen, the Chabad teen network, reignited her pride in Judaism. When she personally experienced antisemitism at school, she decided to fight back on social media, with "Teens Against Anti-Semitism".

What is it like to wake up and see that your healthy child has suddenly passed away? What is it like to watch your dream of having a large family evaporate, as you fight a relentless cancer, and undergo non-stop chemo treatments? Ester Zirkind takes us along her journey searching for strength and faith.

Cassandra, now Chava, Clark had a long journey till she found and converted to Judaism. Matt Iofe, whose parents were from Russia, knew almost nothing about Judaism. At Chabad, they each learned about their Jewish soul and they found their soulmate.

Rabbi Schusterman's young wife died suddenly at 36, leaving him with 11 children. His journey led him to a deeper exploration of Judaism's teachings in dealing with tragedy and finding comfort.

During her youth and while pursuing her career as a psychologist, Dr. Lana Tiersky was not interested in an observant lifestyle. That all changed when her children embarked on their own journeys of increased observance.

After marrying, Sheina Goldberg thought that children would automatically follow—until they didn't. This is her miraculous story of finally giving birth to a child. She shares her challenges and struggles, and how she keeps growing.

After she buried four of her eight children from a rare genetic disorder, Devorie Kreiman's son drowned, six weeks before his wedding day. This is her story of healing and faith.

When at the age of eight, Hanna Butcher was enrolled in a Chabad Hebrew school she began her journey from Christianity back to her people.

Rosie Grossbaum is a high school student with an indomitable spirit who lives with the life-threatening disorder cystic fibrosis.

Nomi Freeman has been studying Near Death Experiences (NDEs) for more than a decade and has interviewed countless individuals about their personal experience.

Due to a devastating diagnosis, after the birth of her two daughters, Chaya Hott was told she couldn't have any more children. A decade later, she was given the clearance for one more child. Her pregnancy ended with a son who passed away. Chaya speaks about her unfathomable grief, as well as hope and faith. Today, Chaya is the mother of a healthy baby boy.

Chaya Rochel Zimmerman is a mother of 11 and a grandmother to many. She has become an author of novels in order to bring awareness about mental health, immigration, and other societal issues.

Meet Shua and Bashie Naparstek and learn how a marriage can withstand the greatest challenges.

Basya Edelstein shares her journey, as someone who grew up as a Mormon in Utah, to discover her place in Judaism.

One month into marriage, Rabbi Ariel Margulies was suffering from depression and anxiety. Today, he and his wife Chana have built a beautiful, strong marriage and authored a book together called, "Thank You For Being You." They share insights into their raw and honest soul trek.

Meet Luiz Fernando and Amanda Chimanovitch: Though they don't consider themselves "religious", this couple wants to share the beauty of the mitzvah of mikvah.

As the daughter of Max Azria of the BCBG fashion empire, Joyce's life revolved around the pursuit of materialism until she began her own spiritual journey--to a life imbued with the beauty of Shabbat, mitzvot, and faith in G-d.

Aliza Silberstein, Shlucha in Chernigov, Ukraine, shares what the last many days have been like for her and her family following the horrific outbreak of war.

Batsheva Oberlander, shlucha in Hungary, talks about her refugee work, and is joined by a refugee from Ukraine, who is en-route to Israel.