Yaakov Shwekey Like You've Never Heard Him Before

Yaakov Shwekey Like You've Never Heard Him Before

Author: Meaningful Minute December 13, 2025 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. From unforgettable camp memories and behind-the-scenes studio stories to the creation of his upcoming massive Shabbos project, Shwekey reflects on legacy, inspiration, and the transformative power of music.

He shares raw stories about loss, fatherhood, kindness, and how music can lift broken hearts—from hospital rooms in Israel to Shabbos tables around the world. Music producer Donny Gross joins to give a rare inside look at the creative process behind their most ambitious project yet: a multi-hour Shabbos experience meant to reconnect families to song, tradition, and joy.

If you love Jewish music, appreciate authenticity, or just need a dose of inspiration—this episode is for you.

 

This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:

 

► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again!



https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp

_______________________________________

 


►Blooms Kosher

 

Bring you the best Kosher products worldwide.

 

https://bloomskosher.com

 

______________________________________

 

►Banana Blast Rentals

 

Bringing exciting entertainment for all your occasions.

https://bananablasts.com

https://wa.link/i4qlgh

 

_______________________________________

► The Kichel Collection

It's here just in time for Chanukah🥳

The Kichel Collection 5!

Available at your favorite Judaica store 

or get it here!

👇

Feldheim(20% off Chanukah Sale!): https://feldheim.com/the-kichel-collection-5

 

Amazon: https://a.co/d/7gGIVoJ

 



_______________________________________

► Colel Chabad Pushka App - The easiest way to give Tzedaka

 

https://pushkapp.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 


______________________________________

 

►  ReKindle

 

This film presents the powerful, deeply personal accounts of two survivors of the Café Rimon double suicide bombing in Jerusalem.

This documentary is a tribute to the lives lost, the resilience of those who survived, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through Nochi Krohn's and Ovadia Waxler's story, viewers witness the lasting impact of terror and the extraordinary strength required to keep choosing life, day after day.

Exclusively available via Meaningful Minute Plus:


https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/programs/rekindle-black-firday-teaser-website-fd8c10


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
Elke Pollak | Addressing The Silent CRISIS In Our Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:09
Just a few short years ago Elke Pollak found herself in the battle of her life. With Herself. Elke had just had a beautiful baby boy and while everyone around her was so joyful, her world was falling apart. This is Elke'…
Finding G-d In Prison: The Story of Shawn Balva [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:33
Raised in a secular home in Las Vegas, Shawn Balva was the star quarterback of his high school football team who dreamt of going pro. After dabbling with violence and crime, he lost control and spiraled into a life of de…
On The Street: Asking Jews How They're Really Feeling Right Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:09
Jewish people around the world are experiencing the traumatic effects of the aftermath of unimaginably horrific terror attacks in Israel. With antisemitism on a shocking rise, Nachi takes to the streets of Times Square t…
Sonny Perlman, LMSW | This Is Real Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:57
Sony Perlman, LMSW, has been working in addiction recovery for over two decades. He is the Clinical Director of Our Place New York, a drop-in center for young men struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Son…
Hamas Killed My Son | The Story of Rachelle Fraenkel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:54
Rachelle Fraenkel's son Naftali was one of three teenage boys kidnapped and murdered by Palestinian terrorists in Israel on their way home for Shabbos in 2014. She was thrust into a public role, exhibiting tremendous cou…
Am Yisrael Chai | Conquering Unspeakable Darkness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:09
The terrorist attacks on the people of Israel have caused indescribable devastation and destruction. Seeing our people's suffering and being unable to help can be overwhelming and utterly exhausting. In this episode of t…
The Girl Who Doesn't Ask Why | Daniella Shor's Fight With Cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:07
Daniella Shor is in the midst of the fight of her life, Cancer. In this episode of Meaningful People, Daniella Shor tells us how she has overcome challenges and remained faithful during this journey. Daven For Daniellas…
Story Time: 7 Incredibly Meaningful Stories From Meaningful People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:47
Join our brand new Meaningful People WhatsApp Channel! Exclusive content, breaking updates + more of Meaningful People right at your fingertips! Join now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5NAOUFCCoQmgEUiy1Y Please note…
Joel Kaplan and Shaya Levin | Remembering Elisheva and Yisroel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:02
Joel Kaplan and Shaya Levin are two extraordinary individuals living in New York. Their children were engaged to be married to one another when horrific tragedy struck. Five years ago, Yisroel Levin and his Kallah, Elish…