Gila's Story: A Father's Mission to Save Lives

Gila's Story: A Father's Mission to Save Lives

Author: Meaningful Minute September 13, 2025 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 of Gila's infectious joy, her kindness, and her larger-than-life presence, as well as the challenges she faced when navigating pain and despair.

Through this heartfelt interview, Rabbi Hammer reflects on the importance of open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention. He speaks about the founding of Gila's Way, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and providing support for families in crisis.

This discussion is not only a tribute to Gila's memory but also a powerful call to action: to break the stigma, to listen more deeply, to validate the struggles of those around us, and to never ignore the signs of someone in pain.

More information can be found here:
https://gilasway.com/

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:


►Blooms Kosher

 

Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.

 

https://bloomskosher.com

 

______________________________________

► Shaar

This is a Timeless Honor, timely opportunity. Each site will have unique design and amenities including ample walkways, beit hesped, onsite shiva room, and parking. A Sha'ar representative will be onsite to help navigate and facilitate the funeral. Both Sha'ar HaZeitim and Sha'ar HaMenuchot combines the holiness of burial in Yerushalayim with the serenity reserved for the most exclusive private cemeteries.

Brokers Wanted: Help families worldwide purchase cemetery plots in Israel. Contact:
sales@shaar.com

Over 275 Plots sold and 300 currently in Contract.

______________________________________

► Keren Hashana

Imagine the opportunity to partner daily with the Lubavitcher Rebbe in giving Tzedakah


You donate in amounts the number of days in the coming year–this year 355–and Keren Hashana disburses the Tzedakah on your behalf -- twice every day! Once before Shachris and once before Mincha. This guarantees that you will give Tzedaka every day of the year.

It's not important how much you give, the idea is to give Tzedaka every day!

MyKerenHashana.com

______________________________________



► 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

___________________________________________

 

►Rothenberg Law Firm

 

Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!

 

Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation

 

https://shorturl.at/JFKHH

 

____________________________________

► Town Appliance - Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp

 

 

https://www.townappliance.com

 

 

https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

____________________________________

 

► Masbia:

 

Feeding the needy is a huge mitzvah - especially during the holidays. Make this New Year sweeter for everyone. Sponsor a meal. Send a digital Shanah Tova card. Spread joy, and do a world of good. and it's all tax deductible.
www.Masbia.org/hh25


______________________________________

► 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/

 

____________


► 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
Ronnie Greenwald: The Rabbi Who Refused to Give Up on Any Jew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:35
In this powerful episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Greenwald and later with Rabbi Chananya Greenwald, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Tiferet in Yerushalayim (TJ), to reflect on the life, legacy,…
Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:33
She grew up Catholic in Venezuela, never knowing Jews still existed, yet her family quietly lit candles, covered mirrors, and placed stones on graves. Centuries-old Jewish practices survived in her home without explanati…
Parental Alienation: When Adult Children Cut Off Their Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:48
In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Tuvia Blau and Hindy Herman address one of the most painful and least talked-about struggles in our community: parental alienation and family estrangement. They unpack wh…
I cut my son off for becoming religious [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:52:06
A father and son sit down for an unusually honest conversation about Jewish identity, continuity, and choice. Allen Horowitz was raised with a strong cultural Jewish pride but little religious observance; his son Meir gr…
My Husband Fought a Private War No One Could See [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:15
Four years ago, Shaina's life changed forever. Her husband, Yaakov—beloved, successful, devoted, admired—took his own life. In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Shaina speaks openly about what it's like to live th…
David Lichtenstein | We Spoke About the Things No One Talks About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:27
In this powerful episode, David Lichtenstein opens up about wealth, success, failure, and what truly gives life meaning. From business setbacks and rebuilding, to philanthropy, community responsibility, and personal resi…
Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin | They Gave Him 27 Years. He Didn't Break. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:41
What goes through a person's mind when they're told—before even stepping into the courtroom—that they've been sentenced to 27 years in prison? In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin takes…
Surviving the Bondi Beach Terror Attack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:29
A Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach turned into a scene of terror. In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, we sit with a father and community leader who survived the Bondi Beach terror attack. His children we…
Yaakov Shwekey Like You've Never Heard Him Before [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:52
In this powerful and emotional conversation, Jewish music icon Yaakov Shwekey opens up about the evolution of Jewish music, the responsibility of an artist, and the deeply personal moments that shaped his life and career…
America vs Israel: The Debate Every Jew Needs to Hear. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:35
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rabbi Elchanan Shoff (Los Angeles, USA) and Rabbi Michal Weichbrod (Yehuda, Israel) for a rare, honest, and passionate conversation about one of the most charged…