Chavie and Tanya open the conversation by exploring the tension between being perceived as popular or “cool” but not actually feeling that way inside, and the journey towards truly accepting oneself feeling “cool” from within. Tanya reflects on her upbringing in Los Angeles as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivor Sam Menlo, who helped establish the contemporary Orthodox Jewish community in LA. She shares what it was like to grow up in the shadow of such a prominent family while navigating the challenges of being a child of divorce and often feeling like the “black sheep.” Chavie and Tanya discuss how essential it is to evolve within marriage and parenting, and how life’s ups and downs can ultimately be embraced as happy chaos.
Tanya Menlo-Heyman lives in Los Angeles with her husband, fellow LA native Avi Heyman, their four children, and a lively menagerie of dogs and cats. She is a community activist with deep roots in LA’s Jewish community. Her deep love for beauty, Judaism, and family—both human and furry—shapes a distinctive style that is entirely her own. Every detail of Tanya’s life is intentionally curated, reflecting her philosophy of using art, nature, and fashion to elevate the physical in her service to Hashem.
Referenced on the Pod
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This week’s episode is dedicated by a loving grandchild in memory of Reb Mendel and Chana Brook, who devoted their lives to raising their ten children, defending the Holy Land as members of the IDF, and sharing their love for Torah, G-d, and the Jewish people in every way possible. Not all heroes wear capes. Some simply wake up each day with wholesomeness in their hearts, gratitude to their Creator, and a commitment to doing what’s right and fighting the good fight. Mendel and Chana were those heroes, and they did so without fanfare. This episode is dedicated in honor of their hundreds of descendants around the world.
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.
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