Chapters with Chana

Chana Hirschowitz
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The stories of all our lives amalgamate into chapters. Into the mysteries of why we were born, reflections, introspections, celebrations and acceptances. Why are we here? What is our mission in this world? We are all in this storybook together, constantly writing, a multitude of crisscrossing genres. Why don't we just explore it all together? Obviously from chapter 1.

Episodes

  1. Chapter 12 | Sheina Nagel: From President Street to the Promised Land - Backpacking, Prison, and the Aliyah Quandary.

    12/23/2025

    Chapter 12 | Sheina Nagel: From President Street to the Promised Land - Backpacking, Prison, and the Aliyah Quandary.

    Summary In this engaging podcast episode, Chana Hirschowitz and her guest Shayna discuss their experiences growing up in the Chabad community, the challenges of maintaining their Jewish identity in Israel, and the journey of making Aliyah. They share personal stories about their upbringing, cultural encounters while traveling, and the evolution of their friendship. The conversation delves into the complexities of living as a Chabad in Israel, the impact of travel on their perspectives, and reflections on personal growth and future aspirations. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:01Exploring Chabad Identity 03:31Living as a Chabad in Israel 06:44Growing Up in Crown Heights 09:36The Journey to Aliyah 12:16Traveling and Cultural Connections 19:56Personal Growth and Self-Discovery 24:27The Rebbe's Influence and Personal Experiences 27:16Travel Tales: Japan and Beyond 30:01Arrested Abroad: A Wild Encounter in Mexico 36:58Passport Troubles and Embassy Escapades 42:41Life Decisions: Living in Israel and Future Aspirations

    46 min
  2. Chapter 11 | Emily Samama: Defending the Indigenous Identity of the Jewish People. The Education We All Needed After October 7.

    10/22/2025

    Chapter 11 | Emily Samama: Defending the Indigenous Identity of the Jewish People. The Education We All Needed After October 7.

    What if you had to explain your entire identity — not to defend it, but to survive it? In this powerful episode of Chapters, Chana sits down with Emily Samama, an Australian-Israeli neuroscience Graduate, to explore what it means to be indigenous to Israel. Through historical context, analogy, and deep learning, Emily breaks down Jewish indigeneity, ethnicity, and identity — not as slogans, but as truth. They discuss what it’s like growing up Israeli in Australia among people who had never met a Jew, the campus climate after October 7, and why education has become the Jewish people’s greatest form of empowerment. Emily’s clarity and research bring the answers — and the dignity — so many have been searching for. 00:00Exploring Jewish Indigeneity 38:37The Complexity of Indigenous Identity 41:25Cultural and Historical Connections 43:57The Misconceptions of Indigenous Status 46:42The Intersection of Race and Ethnicity 47:42Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 49:49The Importance of Education and Perspective 52:29Concluding Thoughts on Jewish Identity

    1h 21m
  3. Chapter 10 | Sorella Abrahams: A Modern Day Matriarch's Resolve to Open a Tent of Warmth for Those Most Vulnerable in Healthcare. A Story of Feeling Fears, But Doing it Anyways.

    06/19/2024

    Chapter 10 | Sorella Abrahams: A Modern Day Matriarch's Resolve to Open a Tent of Warmth for Those Most Vulnerable in Healthcare. A Story of Feeling Fears, But Doing it Anyways.

    Sorella Abrahams shares her journey of personal growth and impactful work in Sydney's Jewish community. Emphasizing the importance of facing fears, she founded Abraham's Tent, inspired by her upbringing in a supportive home. This organization offers emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance to Jewish and non-Jewish patients and their families in hospitals, To get involved: https://www.abrahamstent.org.au 00:00Facing Fears and Making a Difference 03:05Creating a Supportive Community in Sydney 06:49Being True to Yourself and Inspiring Others 11:35The Journey of Opening Abraham's Tent 32:21Abraham's Tent: A Cocoon of Warmth and Nourishment 32:51Providing Support and Being an Anchor 36:37Spreading Kindness and Changing Perceptions 38:56Connecting with Jews and Being an Example 41:16Facing Fear and Taking Action 44:05Building a Strong Vision and Seeking Advice 48:39Balancing Work, Family, and Mission 53:47Supporting Abraham's Tent

    1h 6m
  4. Chapter 9 | Nikki Kinstlinger: Reuniting with the Jewish Nation, as One of Our Strongest Warriors. A Story of Jewish Identity and Activism in the face of Antisemitism.

    05/06/2024

    Chapter 9 | Nikki Kinstlinger: Reuniting with the Jewish Nation, as One of Our Strongest Warriors. A Story of Jewish Identity and Activism in the face of Antisemitism.

    In this conversation, Nikki Kingstlinger shares her journey of growing up in rural Australia, converting to Judaism, and becoming an advocate for Israel. She discusses the challenges of navigating relationships and maintaining her Jewish identity. Nikki emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and education in addressing antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She encourages open dialogue and humanizing each other's experiences. Nikki also highlights the need for unity and respect within the Jewish community and the broader world.

    1h 39m
  5. Chapter 8 | Rudy Rochman: Fighting for Peace, The Perspective of a Pro-Palestinian IDF Paratrooper in Gaza.

    04/03/2024

    Chapter 8 | Rudy Rochman: Fighting for Peace, The Perspective of a Pro-Palestinian IDF Paratrooper in Gaza.

    Rudy Rochman, an Israel activist and reserve paratrooper in the IDF, shares his perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts and addressing root causes to prevent further violence. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to building a peaceful future, proposing alternatives to the two-state solution and stressing the need for education, financial independence, and diversified sources of weapons for Israel. Additionally, he discusses challenges within the Israeli government and the importance of unity and respect in Israeli society, concluding with reflections on the future of the Jewish people and their role in global healing. 00:00Understanding the Context: The Israel-Palestine Conflict 11:28Addressing the Root Causes: Preventing Further Violence 29:23Listening to Aspirations: Building a Peaceful Future 30:51Investing in Infrastructure and Education for Palestinians 31:21Creating a Reality that Fulfills the Needs of Israelis and Palestinians 36:37The Role of Education in Changing the Narrative 44:36Questioning the Intentions of the British and American Powers 51:08Understanding the Core Needs of Israelis and Palestinians 01:02:55Financial Independence and Diversification 01:03:47Diversifying Sources of Weapons 01:06:11Challenges of the Israeli Government and the Need for Unity 01:11:58The Future of the Jewish People and Fulfilling Their Purpose 01:17:55Overcoming Antisemitism through Unity and Fulfilling the Mission

    1h 33m
  6. Chapter 7 | Alex Ryvchin: The Deadly Myths of Antisemitism Exposed, Journey through Israel's Past, In Search of Truth.

    03/01/2024

    Chapter 7 | Alex Ryvchin: The Deadly Myths of Antisemitism Exposed, Journey through Israel's Past, In Search of Truth.

    Explore the intricate history of antisemitism and the compelling narrative of Israel in this episode with Alex Ryvchin. Author of the 7 Deadly Myths of Antisemitism from Chris to Kanye West, Zionism – The Concise History, and the Anti-Israel Agenda.   From ancient times to the present day, antisemitism has manifested in various forms, from religious persecution to political propaganda. We explore the roots of this prejudice and its impact on Jewish communities worldwide, tracing its evolution through pivotal moments in history.  At the heart of our discussion lies the story of Israel – a nation born from the ashes of persecution and forged in the crucible of adversity. Join us as we confront the complexities and controversies surrounding Israel's history, grappling with questions of identity, sovereignty, and coexistence in the modern era. Through candid conversations and diverse perspectives, we strive to uncover the truth behind the headlines.

    52 min
  7. Chapter 6 | Rebbetzin Chanie Klein: The Victims of 7.10, The 70 000 Refugees to Eilat, Combating Trauma, in the Most Unimaginable Circumstances, with Love.

    01/22/2024

    Chapter 6 | Rebbetzin Chanie Klein: The Victims of 7.10, The 70 000 Refugees to Eilat, Combating Trauma, in the Most Unimaginable Circumstances, with Love.

    In this episode, join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Rebbetzin Chanie Klein, whose unwavering compassion envelops the lives of the traumatized 7/10 victims and 70,000 refugees to Eilat. Discover the extraordinary efforts to provide a Home away from Home in the darkest of times, centered in the small southern most city of Eilat. Join us on a narrative journey of love, resilience, and creating sanctuary in unexpected places, in the most difficult of circumstances. Please partner in this incredible organization by donating to: https://causematch.com/eilat/

    37 min
  8. Chapter 5 | Rabbi Chaim Miller: Chassidus, The Revolution of the Tanya, It’s Influence on Modern Psychology, Karl Jung and the Subconscious, Kabbalah, Jewish Philosophy, Why is it relevant today?

    12/20/2023

    Chapter 5 | Rabbi Chaim Miller: Chassidus, The Revolution of the Tanya, It’s Influence on Modern Psychology, Karl Jung and the Subconscious, Kabbalah, Jewish Philosophy, Why is it relevant today?

    Rabbi Chaim Miller is a renown author and speaker. He has authored over 17 books, including a full biography of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Turning Judaism Outwards, the Gutnick Chumash series, and the Practical Tanya Series, transforming people’s accessibility to the famed work of the Alter Rebbe.

    1h 19m
  9. Chapter 4 | Rabbi Michoel Gourarie: The Fight for Light, The Purpose of Darkness, The Revisited Miracle of Chanukah

    12/06/2023

    Chapter 4 | Rabbi Michoel Gourarie: The Fight for Light, The Purpose of Darkness, The Revisited Miracle of Chanukah

    Within a world filled with darkness, Rabbi Gourarie in the very special Chanukah episode re-explores the age old story of Chanukah. From the battle of the Macabees against the Hellenized Seleucids, to the 2023 modern day battle with Anti-Semitism, Rabbi Gourarie explores the battle of light over pervading darkness, how to somehow withstand the darkness, and find the truth within the pervading immorality within our modern society.

    43 min
  10. Chapter 3 | Rabbi Simon Jacobson: The Israel-Gaza War, Hamas, Pain, Faith, Fear, Social Media, Anti-Semitism, Unity. What can I do?

    10/17/2023

    Chapter 3 | Rabbi Simon Jacobson: The Israel-Gaza War, Hamas, Pain, Faith, Fear, Social Media, Anti-Semitism, Unity. What can I do?

    In this episode, Rabbi Simon Jacobson addresses the Israel-Gaza War and answers some difficult questions that have stifled the Jewish nation over the past week. The pain is so great, the unity is so strong, the anti-Semitism on social media feels blinding. We need guidance during this time, what was the Rebbe's response and what is our call to action?

    1h 17m
  11. Chapter 2 | Revisiting G-d and Addressing Religious Resentment with Chayale Tzukernik

    10/04/2023

    Chapter 2 | Revisiting G-d and Addressing Religious Resentment with Chayale Tzukernik

    In this episode, I have a very important conversation with Chayale Tzukernik about the very fundamentals of Judaism through the lens of Chassidus. So often we feel resentment towards parts of Judaism due to perhaps what we were taught or things we were berated about as children. So how do we relearn about G-d as adults, not though the lens of our parents and teachers but through Chassidus herself.

    44 min
  12. Chapter 1 | From USSR to Brooklyn, Rebbetzin Chana and I with Mrs Miriam Swerdlov

    09/28/2023

    Chapter 1 | From USSR to Brooklyn, Rebbetzin Chana and I with Mrs Miriam Swerdlov

    In this episode I interview Mrs Miriam Swerdlov about the unique relationship her family had with Rebbetzin Chana together with her personal journey from the USSR to Brooklyn. With sacrifice, pain, loneliness and heroism, follow the journey of Rebbetzin Chana like you have never heard it before.

    32 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

The stories of all our lives amalgamate into chapters. Into the mysteries of why we were born, reflections, introspections, celebrations and acceptances. Why are we here? What is our mission in this world? We are all in this storybook together, constantly writing, a multitude of crisscrossing genres. Why don't we just explore it all together? Obviously from chapter 1.

Information

  • Creator
    Chana Hirschowitz
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chana Hirschowitz 2023
  • Show Website
    Chapters with Chana