In this raw, deeply emotional interview, Kayla shares her near-death experience, religious trauma, postpartum depression, and the moment she thought she no longer believed in Judaism. At the same time, Shmuel — a rabbi — reveals what it was like to stay married while watching his wife lose her faith.
Together, they walk us through:
✨ Kayla’s clinical death and what she experienced on “the other side”
✨ How trauma, doubt, and anger at God pushed her to rebuild her relationship with Hashem
✨ The conflicts, fear, and love inside a marriage where two people choose completely different religious paths
✨ Shmuel’s “Red Line System” — the tool that saved their marriage
✨ How they’re raising children with honesty, curiosity, and spiritual autonomy
✨ Why most couples give up too soon — and how to reconnect even when your values change
Their story is messy, human, hilarious, painful, and unbelievably hopeful. From rebuilding trust to reshaping their identities, from navigating Shabbos under one roof to opening their home to struggling teens—this episode is an emotional roller coaster with a soul.
If you’ve ever questioned your path, your faith, or your relationship, this conversation will hit deep. This is Stories of Hope at its most honest.
You can follow Kayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/questioningtheanswers?igsh=MXh5NTJxdWJ6NHpxZQ== and Shmuel here: https://www.instagram.com/nishmasi_online / https://www.youtube.com/@Nishmasi
For more information about the organization ‘The Vaad’ that Kayla founded to help Agunos visit https://vaadlinyaneiigun.org/ as well as in this article: https://mishpacha.com/hope-unchained/
This weeks episode is sponsored by Tzipora’s brother and sister-in-law Noach and Michal Grodko, of Adina Las Vegas in loving memory of Michal’s brother Mordy, Morrdechai Ben Dan Zev Moshe A”H, in honor of his first Yartzheit.
Mordy had a deep love for connecting with people, with HASHEM and with the deeper truths in life. He asked real questions, he cared deeply, and he lived with sincerity and authenticity. Anyone who crossed his path felt uplifted by his warmth, and his light continues to shine through the people whose lives he touched.
May his neshama have an Aliya
This episode is also sponsored by:
► Nafshi
A musical evening with Shulem Lemmer, Benny Friedman, Joey Newcomb, Yehuda Green and Eli Marcus: This is Nafshi!
7th of December at Kings Theater!
https://colelchabad.events/mm
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Editor: Sruly Saftlas