Anything But Traditional

Tamar Ben Tzvi

Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and family dynamics are no exception. In the Orthodox Jewish community, there's a common perception of what a traditional family should look like. But the truth is, families are as diverse as life itself, and it's time to create a more open and accepting space within our community. If your family doesn't fit the mold, you're not alone. Our mission is to initiate a conversation about Jewish families, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding for all. We want to inspire young families to rethink and reimagine what a thriving Orthodox Jewish family can be, even when facing adversity. Join us as we explore the myriad paths that families have taken, both by choice and circumstance, to reach their unique destinations. This is an original podcast by Tales Of.

  1. 06/12/2025

    Life’s Not a Factory, It’s a Farm: Shaena Cantor Abramowitz

    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 Email 01:26 - Childhood and Upbringing 03:25 - High School and Seminary Years 06:58 - Graduate School and Early Career 09:48 - Making Aliyah and Early Experiences in Israel 16:16 - Life on a Hilltop: Challenges, Rewards, and Community 37:55 - Navigating Fertility Treatments 46:20 - Postpartum Challenges and Support 01:02:29 - 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.com Thank you for listening!

    1h 15m
  2. 06/05/2025

    Rethinking The Blueprint of Life: Yaakov Fein (@theturntjew/@frum.fitness)

    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 Seattle 02:55 - High School Journey: From Conservative to Orthodox 07:10 - The Influence of NCSY and Choosing Yeshiva 08:49 - Aliyah 18:23 - Starting the Turnt Jew: A Meme Page Success 26:57 - Balancing Humor and Faith 29:13 - Becoming a Fitness Instructor 36:23 - Fitness Philosophy and Accountability 42:03 - Personal Journey and Challenges 44:27 - 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.com Thank you for listening!

    1h 15m
  3. 05/22/2025

    The Fabric of Resilience: Daniella (Faye) Farin

    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 - USA 00:59 - Daniella's Fashion Journey 01:32 - Early Beginnings 06:40 - Moving to Israel at 15 11:02 - Pursuing a Career in Fashion 18:03 - Meeting Dave and Starting a Family 23:20 - Opening a Store on Hillel 27:14 - Struggles with School and Creativity 29:00 - Learning Through Trial and Error 36:24 - Building a Brand Name 47:38 - The Role of Influencer Marketing 55:13 - Balancing Business and Personal Life 58:49 - 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.com Thank you for listening!

    1h 1m
  4. 05/15/2025

    Choosing Happiness Against All Odds: Shoshana Stavsky

    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 Education 06:20 - Meeting Her Husband 11:01 - Career Path: Becoming a Court Stenographer 17:34 - Early Marriage and Health Struggles 21:47 - Battling Depression and Finding Hope 35:02 - Navigating Infertility Treatments 53:16 - The Rollercoaster of Pregnancy 55:31 - The Birth and Beyond 01:06:26 - Aliyah 01:10:00 - Pregnancy and Miscarriage During COVID-19 01:13:03 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment 01:21:59 - Community Support and Acceptance 01:28:07 - 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.com Thank you for listening!

    1h 37m
  5. 05/08/2025

    Laughter, Faith, and Fertility: Shoshana Charnoff

    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 Upbringing 03:25 - Influences and Inspirations 13:06 - Choosing a Path in Israel 25:11 - Meeting Robbie and Early Marriage 28:36 - Career Beginnings and JLIC 33:39 - Navigating the Orthodox Community 37:40 - Aliyah 38:59 - The Power of Laughter and Inspiration 44:10 - Fertility Struggles and Triumphs 55:06 - A Miraculous Pregnancy 01:08:52 - Embracing Life's Challenges 01:12:05 - 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.com Thank you for listening!

    1h 15m
  6. 05/01/2025

    Mind, Body, and Soul: Tasha Cohen

    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 Talents 01:28 - Founding Chayal's Angels: A Mission of Healing 03:38 - A Unique Relationship with Judaism 05:21 - Tasha's Upbringing and Family Background 08:23 - Struggles and Self-Discovery 13:06 - Seminary Life and Personal Growth 23:01 - The Significance of Tattoos in Tasha's Life 30:04 - Career Paths and Ambitions 33:58 - Mental Health Challenges and Healing 36:16 - Exploring Somatic Therapies 42:38 - Facing Life's Challenges Head-On 44:12 - Personal Journey with Chronic Pain 56:24 - Emotional and Physical Healing 01:01:46 - Chayal's Angels: Helping Soldiers Heal 01:12:28 - Faith and Resilience 01:21:23 - 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.com Thank you for listening!

    1h 24m
  7. 04/24/2025

    Legacy of Nathanel Young, A True Hero of Israel: Eliot Young

    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 Chai 00:00 - Meet Eliot Young 01:56 - Life in North London 02:50 - Aliyah 09:59 - Sibling Relationships and Family Dynamics 18:29 - Nathanel's Personality and Legacy 33:33 - Support and Community Response 42:00 - The Day of October 7th 50:16 - The Aftermath and Family Support 51:58 - A Brother's Journey to Ashkelon 58:09 - The Funeral and Community Support 01:14:11 - A Lasting Impact 01:21:13 - 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.com Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation!

    1h 28m
  8. 01/13/2025

    Becoming Frum and Navigating Finances: Rabbi Reuven and Devorah Kigel

    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.com Rabbi 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.com Born 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 Kigels 02:36 - Devorah's Early Life and Discovery of Orthodox Judaism 10:59 - Rabbi Reuven's Background and Immigration Story 17:08 - Rabbi Reuven's Car Accident and Spiritual Awakening 30:12 - Financial Struggles and Career Transition 47:51 - The Importance of Supportive Relationships 50:11 - Becoming a Dating Coach 51:16 - Challenges in Modern Dating 57:48 - Balancing Career and Family 01:04:29 - Health and Fitness Side Hustle 01:08:21 - 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.com Thank you for listening and strengthening the Jewish nation! Channukah Sameach!!!

    1h 15m
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and family dynamics are no exception. In the Orthodox Jewish community, there's a common perception of what a traditional family should look like. But the truth is, families are as diverse as life itself, and it's time to create a more open and accepting space within our community. If your family doesn't fit the mold, you're not alone. Our mission is to initiate a conversation about Jewish families, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding for all. We want to inspire young families to rethink and reimagine what a thriving Orthodox Jewish family can be, even when facing adversity. Join us as we explore the myriad paths that families have taken, both by choice and circumstance, to reach their unique destinations. This is an original podcast by Tales Of.