183. When the Rabbi Is Also the Mourner: A Conversation with Rabbi Elon Soniker About His Son, Uriel
In his first-ever podcast conversation, Aimee sits down with Rabbi Elon Soniker, author of Uriel’s Light, to talk about faith, family, and finding meaning after unimaginable loss. Rabbi Soniker shares the story of his son, Uriel, his brief but powerful life, and the light that continues to shine through his memory. Together, they explore what it means to grieve as a parent, as a rabbi, and as part of a community that often doesn’t know what to say or do in the face of perinatal loss.
This powerful conversation moves through so many of the questions we all wrestle with:
And how can faith and pain coexist without canceling each other out?
How do we grapple with unimaginable pain when there are no easy answers?
How can people show up for families after miscarriage, stillbirth, or other losses?
How do we talk to children about death or loss without frightening them?
Rabbi Soniker’s honesty, humility, and spiritual insight offer comfort and clarity — reminding us that grief and light can, in fact, exist together.
More about Rabbi Elon Soniker:
Rabbi Elon Soniker is the Rav of Congregation Anshei Shalom in West Hempstead, NY, and Judaic Studies Principal at Ohr Yisroel in New Jersey. Rabbi Soniker recently published a book titled “Uriel’s Light: Reflections on Tragedy and Emunah” in honor of his son Uriel z”l. The book contains letters, divrei Torah and reflections written during the brief life and the year following the passing of his baby son. Rabbi Soniker lives in West Hempstead with his wife and children.
Resources Mentioned:
View Rabbi Elon Soniker’s book Our Son Uriel's Light: Reflections on tragedy and Emunah
Pain is a Reality; Suffering is a Choice, by Rabbi Asher Resnick
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