From Puerto Rico to Satmar: Malkie Wiener's Improbable Journey

From Puerto Rico to Satmar: Malkie Wiener's Improbable Journey

Author: Meaningful Minute September 6, 2025 Duration: 1:17:00

In this inspiring episode, Malkie Weiner shares her extraordinary life story: from her Catholic upbringing in Puerto Rico, to her family's unexpected spiritual search, their conversion to Judaism, and their eventual integration into the Hasidic community of Williamsburg.

Malkie opens up about:

 🌍 Growing up between two worlds:  Puerto Rican roots & New York life
🙏 Her father's spiritual quest that led the family to Judaism
✡️ The challenges and beauty of converting and becoming part of Klal Yisroel
đź’” Facing antisemitism as a child and finding strength in her faith
👩‍👧 Building her own Jewish family and embracing her Jewish identity

This is more than just a personal story. It's a testament to resilience, faith, and the beauty of Jewish unity across all backgrounds.

This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:


â–şBlooms Kosher

 

Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.

 

https://bloomskosher.com

 

______________________________________

 

â–ş Touro

 

Are you going back to Israel for Shana Bet or Shana Gimmel? If you'd like to get a jump start on your college degree while you're still learning, Touro Israel is the place for you.

 

You can take classes toward your degree while learning and living in Yerushalayim and seamlessly transfer to a Touro New York campus when you return. Bachelor's-level Touro courses are offered in a whole range of fields, including accounting, business, education, psychology, science, speech and more.

 

Classes start after Sukkos and are conveniently scheduled to accommodate your Yeshiva or Seminary schedule. You'll receive one-on-one guidance and personalized support to help you plan your next steps and you'll also have access to top faculty and career advisors. All this in a warm environment that aligns with your Torah values!

 

So get a head start today. Visit rmi.touro.edu/israel 

 

______________________________________



â–ş Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

 

 https://pushka.cc/meaningful 

 

_______________________________________

 

► Lalechet  

 

We're a team of kosher travel experts, here to carry you off to your dream destination swiftly, safely, and seamlessly in an experience you will forever cherish.

 

 https://www.lalechet.com

___________________________________________

 

â–şRothenberg Law Firm

 

Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!

 

Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation

 

https://shorturl.at/JFKHH

 

____________________________________

â–ş Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp

 

 

https://www.townappliance.com

 

 

https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

______________________________________

â–ş Meaningful Minute Plus

Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return.

 

https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/ 

 

______________________________________

 

â–ş Faith It Till You Make It

Join Rabbi Ari Bensoussan's course on Bitachon sponsored by Censible Marketing!

Your guide to keeping your faith in today's complicated world!


www.Meaningfulminute.org/censible 

 

____________________________________________________


â–ş Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

 

 

https://apple.co/2WALuE2 



https://spoti.fi/39bNGnO


Or wherever Podcasts are available!








Every week, Nachi and Momo sit down for a conversation that feels more like a discovery than an interview. Their Meaningful People podcast explores the journeys of fascinating individuals from across the Jewish world, though you don't need to be Jewish to find their stories compelling. These are artists, educators, thinkers, and community builders-people whose lives are driven by purpose. Each episode delves into the personal turning points, challenges, and inspirations that shaped them, moving beyond public personas to reveal the real human experience behind them. You’ll hear conversations that are as likely to be funny and lighthearted as they are profound and reflective, offering a genuine sense of connection. This isn't about abstract ideas, but about the lived wisdom that comes from a life examined. Tune in for a weekly dose of perspective that feels both uplifting and grounding, a reminder of the diverse paths that lead to a meaningful life. From Meaningful Minute, this podcast sits at the unique intersection of spirituality, self-improvement, and education, all through the power of personal narrative.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 298

Meaningful People
Podcast Episodes
Gila's Story: A Father's Mission to Save Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:32
In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Hammer opens up about his daughter Gila—her vibrant spirit, her struggles following a traumatic assault, and the painful journey that led to her tragic passing. He shares stories…
Matty Stein | I Was a Homeless Teen… Now I'm Living With Hashem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:46
In this episode of Meaningful People, we sit down with Matty Stein as she shares her remarkable journey of growing up in a non-religious home, moving from place to place, and suddenly facing financial collapse that left…
Mayor Eric Adams: The Truth About NYC & The Jews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:01
In this powerful interview, New York City Mayor Eric Adams opens up about his personal journey, his deep faith, and his commitment to protecting the Jewish community in New York and beyond. From his struggles growing up…
Perla Zaltzman | The Day My Daughter Drowned [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:52
In this emotional interview, Perla shares the heartbreaking story of the day her young daughter drowned and how that moment forever changed her life. Speaking with raw honesty, she opens up about the pain, the shock, and…
R' Yoni Fischer | "Stop Blaming This Generation" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
In this deeply emotional and honest conversation, Rabbi Yoni Fischer opens up about his journey, the vision behind his yeshiva, and the importance of meeting people with compassion, not judgment. From navigating generati…
Off the Record: A 9th of Av Conversation With R' Ari Bensoussan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:09
This Off the Record segment was filmed in the lead-up to Tisha B'Av — and it gets real. But this is only part of the conversation. To hear the rest, become a Meaningful Minute Plus member. 🎬 Sign up at MMplus.org to unlo…
What If We're Too Comfortable in Galus? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58
This isn't a typical podcast. It's the trailer for Homeless — our first-ever film. A raw, emotional journey into what it means to live in exile… and what it means to come home. If you've ever felt disconnected, if you've…
Shmulie Hartstein | The Most Avoidable Tragedy In Our Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:40
In this emotional and eye-opening interview, we sit down with Shmuie Hartstein, the founder of B'Sefer Chaim, an urgent initiative born out of heartbreak and driven by love. After witnessing the repeated devastation of f…