#132: When We See You Again: Grief, Trust & the Light That Comes Through with Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Rachel Goldberg-Polin on Faith, Grief, and Meaning After Hersh’s Captivity | From the Inside Out Hosts 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 SPONSORS Colel 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.com Finding 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/OtfUxl Shefa 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 BIO Rachel Goldberg-Polin Rachel 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 COMMUNITY Join the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 130, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have: 💫 Instagram   / fromtheinsideout.podcast   💫 Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0W4PRglR5B4kC 💫 YouTube    / @fromtheinsideoutpodcast   CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Rachel Goldberg-Polin 01:59 Tzedakah and Opening Blessing 02:59 Choosing Torah and Mitzvot 06:01 First Day at Orthodox School 09:13 Learning Shabbat and Davening 11:51 Always Learning Jewish Wisdom 13:17 Hersh and Frankl in Captivity 20:16 Sponsor Break OkClarity 21:37 Trusting Hashem Without Answers 26:38 Modeh Ani After October 7 34:56 Broken Heart and Kintsugi 39:57 Living With Loss and Telling Truth 42:58 Book Not a Memoir 43:37 Hallway to Next World 46:11 Living Without Answers 46:57 Nova Festival Chesed 48:43 One Act of Kindness 52:26 Love Stronger Than Death 54:58 Finding Joy After Loss 59:13 Broken but Still Me 01:02:33 Toxic Positivity Antidote 01:04:55 Hashem Gives and Takes 01:07:14 Thank God I Believe 01:07:59 God Doesn't Ask Us 01:12:13 Closing Quotes and Blessings