Meaningful People

R' Shmuel Diamond | The Rabbi Who Didn't Believe in G-d

June 13, 2026·1h 18m
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this episode of the Meaningful People Podcast, Nachi Gordon sits down with Rabbi Shmuel Diamond for an unforgettable conversation about one of the most dramatic transformations you'll ever hear. Rabbi Diamond grew up completely secular in North London, in a world where the very idea of God was treated as ridiculous, and didn't learn the Aleph Beis until he was 21. He takes us back through his years of searching, traveling through India, chasing photography, and sinking deeper and deeper into drugs, until he hit a point so low he knew something had to change. Then came the small, almost absurd moment in a Manchester shop that he still points to as the night his teshuva truly began.   From there, the conversation follows his climb back, his move to Israel, and his journey to becoming religious. Rabbi Diamond shares how discovering Rabbi Manis Friedman's teachings on Tanya completely changed his approach to Yiddishkeit, taking him from a Yid who looked the part to someone who finally felt genuinely connected.   He also shares the story behind his "Journey to a Blessed Life" course, which is helping thousands rebuild their relationship with themselves, with others, and with Hashem. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals   Download the app and never pay full price again!   https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp   _________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App   The easiest way to give Tzedaka   https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful   _________________ ► EL AL   From the Hebrew announcements to the Israeli atmosphere onboard, flying EL AL feels like Israel before you even land. With nonstop flights to Israel and Jewish comfort from takeoff to landing, there's nothing like hearing: "ברוכים הבאים לישראל."   Book your next flight with EL AL: https://www.elal.com/eng/usa?utm_source=meaningful&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=gcny_incoming_usa&cid=s:el%7Cm:what%7Ccp:gcny%7Cct:incoming%7Cau:usa   _________________ ► Ness Vacation Homes   EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness.   OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet.   https://nessvacationhomes.com/   _________________ ► Gutnick Chumash   The Chumash that brings Rashi to life, weaving his explanations into the text with the Rebbe's approach. A favorite in homes, shuls, schools, and Chabad Houses worldwide. Synagogue Edition now 45% off, just $49.50 through June 19.   Visit KolMenachem.com or call 718-951-6328   _________________ ► UJA   UJA is at the center of Long Island's Jewish community with the shared purpose of strengthening our Jewish future.   https://ujafedny.org/five-towns   _________________ ► Rothenberg Law Firm   Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation   https://shorturl.at/JFKHH   _________________ ► Town Appliance   Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp   https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

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