In this deeply personal episode of Stories of Hope, Tzipora Grodko sits down with Jewish singer Yoni Z (Yoni Zigelboum) and his wife Ashley Eden, just days after their wedding.
From heartbreak and long years of waiting, to finding true love at age 33, Yoni and Ashley share the raw, emotional, and inspiring journey that led them to each other. Ashley opens up about her roots in Mexico to making Aliyah, and building a new life rooted in Torah. Yoni reflects on navigating singlehood in the public eye, dealing with judgment, loneliness, and the transformative power of community and hope.
They discuss Ashley’s journey from a secular upbringing to a life of religious devotion. They explore the struggles of dating in the Orthodox world, and Yoni’s decision to take a break from music to focus on finding the right partner. They share how they met through a shidduch, the people who guided them along the way, and the impact of community support during their single years.
This episode also highlights the emotional toll of being single in a family-centric religious environment, and how married individuals can be more mindful and inclusive. Yoni and Ashley speak openly about the power of hospitality, the importance of avoiding judgment, and their shared commitment to supporting other singles still waiting for their match.
This is more than a love story — it’s a story of resilience, faith, and never giving up on what’s meant for you.
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To get in touch you can email: Yonismusic@gmail.com
To contact Tzipora Grodko with suggestions, comments or questions, you can email: SOH@meaningfulminute.org or message her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tziporagrodko
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Editor: Sruly Saftlas
Special thanks to Binyamin Korn Photography for letting us use the wedding video.
