Nietzsche said, "When you look long into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you." Today's episode deals with a horrible situation where someone retained his sense of meaning, faith, and belief despite staring into the abyss. Ephraim Rimel experienced just about the worst thing that a person could experience, and somehow moved forward with his belief in G-d and Torah intact. He acknowledged that his values were updated, but the same values that drove him before still drive him today.

This was a very difficult discussion, and frankly it is not easy listening. Yet Ephraim's experience is a testament to belief that survived in the face of unimaginable challenges. If we are to face life honestly and boldly, we need to listen to Ephraim's story of tragedy and faith, a story that is simultaneously painful and inspiring.

Please listen to and share this podcast, and let us know what you think on the Orthodox Conundrum Discussion Group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/432020081498108).

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Music: "Happy Rock" by bensound.com

Vatican & World News 24.01.2026