Episode
She Left for the Military. I Left for Israel.
- Published
- Jul 12, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3763
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/90daa644
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Summary
Rena and Shaya Weinstein are logging in from opposite corners of an extraordinary life: Rena serving as an active-duty JAG officer in the United States Air Force stationed in England, and Shaya, a physical therapist originally from Teaneck, NJ, along for one of the most unpredictable rides in Jewish marriage. From a chance meeting at a Chabad Shabbat lunch in Miami to a breakup that sent them to opposite sides of the globe, Rena to Wichita, Kansas, Shaya to Israel, their story is a testament to timing, trust, and the belief that nothing is too hard for God, not even Kansas. Together they open up about keeping Shabbos alone in the middle of a wheat field, dating long distance across a six-hour time difference, and building a marriage that's spanned Kansas, Israel, Cambridge, and the English countryside, with a baby now along for the journey. Their conversation is a powerful look at resilience, communication, and finding purpose in the most isolating chapters of life, with a message for anyone waiting for their own plans to finally align: God knows your zip code, and nothing is too hard for Him. This episode was brought to you in part by: ► PZ Deals Download The PZ Deals app and never pay full price again. https://app.pz.deals/install/soh _________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka. https://pushkapp.cc/soh _________________ ► JWed Over 4,000 verified Jewish marriages started on JWed. For over 25 years, JWed has helped serious singles find the right person. https://www.jwed.com/?campid=1871