Send us Fan MailRachel Goldberg-Polin on Faith, Grief, and Meaning After Hersh’s Captivity | From the Inside OutHosts Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein interview educator and author Rachel Goldberg-Polin about her book When We See You Again, her family’s life in Jerusalem, and the loss of her son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken hostage from the Nova Music Festival on October 7 and later murdered after 328 days in captivity. Rachel recounts her path into Orthodox Jewish life starting in eighth grade at an Orthodox day school, describes how tefillah and Torah have sustained her, and shares how Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning—relayed to her through released hostage Or Levy—became a tool for enduring suffering by finding purpose. She discusses Modeh Ani, trust in Hashem amid uncertainty, grief as an expression of love, “toxic positivity” versus “tragic optimism,” and verses and teachings that frame this world as a hallway to the next.EPISODE SPONSORSColel Chabad Colel Chabad is one of Israel’s oldest continuously operating charities, supporting families with food security, widows & orphans, and emergency relief.  Their Pushka (Charity Box) App makes it easy to turn inspiration into action with simple daily giving—small “micro-donations” that add up to real impact over time. To join thousands of daily givers, download the Pushka App on iOS or Android and start giving today: https://pushkapp.cc/Inside Discover and donate to Colel Chabad here: https://colelchabad.org/ OKclarity.comFinding the right therapist or coach can be one of the most challenging parts of seeking help — even with a great referral, the person isn't always the right fit. That's where OKclarity.com comes in. OKclarity.com is an online platform featuring hundreds of Jewish therapists, psychiatrists, coaches, nutritionists, and support groups, where you actually get to meet the person through videos and introductions before deciding whether to move forward with a first session. More than 10,000 people have already benefited from OKclarity.com, and it's not just a directory for those seeking help — if you're a mental health practitioner, therapist, or coach, you can list yourself on the platform too, so the people who need you can find you. Visit OKclarity.com today: https://go.jcn.io/OtfUxlShefa Living & Yeshiva of Glade Valley:Shefa Living is a warm, growing Jewish community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina — offering families the rare combination of natural beauty, affordable living, and authentic Torah life, all in one place. At the heart of the community is Yeshiva of Glade Valley, a school built on the understanding that every child is created with a unique soul, unique strengths, and unique needs. With small classrooms, close rebbe and morah relationships, strong Torah values, and a deep focus on emotional balance, confidence, and creativity, it's a place where children can truly feel seen — and where families can breathe a little deeper. Learn more here: https://yeshivagv.com/GUEST BIORachel Goldberg-PolinRachel Goldberg-Polin is an educator, mother, and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller When We See You Again. Born in Chicago and now based in Jerusalem with her husband Jon and their daughters, Rachel became a voice that moved millions during the 328 days her son Hersh was held hostage in Gaza after being taken from the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. Hersh was murdered in captivity alongside five other hostages. Through her writing and speaking, Rachel continues to share the rare wisdom, faith, and tragic optimism she has carried through unimaginable loss — opening up something in the souls of everyone she touches.You can find Rachel’s new book here: https://a.co/d/0hhTa1wK CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Rachel Goldberg-Polin01:59 Tzedakah and Opening Blessing02:59 Choosing Torah and Mitzvot06:01 First Day at Orthodox School09:13 Learning Shabbat and Davening11:51 Always Learning Jewish Wisdom13:17 Hersh and Frankl in Captivity20:16 Sponsor Break OkClarity21:37 Trusting Hashem Without Answers26:38 Modeh Ani After October 734:56 Broken Heart and Kintsugi39:57 Living With Loss and Telling Truth42:58 Book Not a Memoir43:37 Hallway to Next World46:11 Living Without Answers46:57 Nova Festival Chesed48:43 One Act of Kindness52:26 Love Stronger Than Death54:58 Finding Joy After Loss59:13 Broken but Still Me01:02:33 Toxic Positivity Antidote01:04:55 Hashem Gives and Takes01:07:14 Thank God I Believe01:07:59 God Doesnt Ask Us01:12:13 Closing Quotes and BlessingsCOMMUNITYJoin the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 101, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have:💫 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fromtheinsideout.podcast/ 💫 Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0W4PRglR5B4kC 💫 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheInsideOutPodcast?sub_confirmation=1