I Found God In Prison | The Story of Shawn Balva
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Raised in a secular home in Las Vegas, Shawn Balva was the star quarterback of his high school football team who dreamt of going pro. After dabbling with violence and crime, he lost control and spiraled into a life of desperation and addiction. Shawn was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to prison at the age of twenty-one, Shawn built a strong relationship with fellow inmate, Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin, who helped him search for a life of meaning.
LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN ONE OF THE THREE BOOKS 'CONVICTION' THAT WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY!!
He is the author of the recent release ‘Conviction’ documenting his life story.
Contact Shawn at
Phone # 702-580-8616
Email: Lcheirut@gmail.com
Website to buy the book : www.Shawnbalva.com
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I've been watching every episode, i love the people you have chosen to interview. I have learned so much. I am Christian but with everything going on in the world I've been trying to learn more about the Jewish religion, thank you for all the work that goes into these episodes.
Wonderful. Zechariah 8:22-23. No more empirical religion.
I am a privileged visitor for the past 36 years visiting Jewish inmates in many prisons trying to give them chizuk and a smile on their face. When I met Shawn, s special kedusha light penetrated from his face that I got a tremendous inspiration from him during me visiting him when he was incarcerated in Otisville. Shimon Grossman. Your podcast is very professional and inspirational in Emuna and Bitochen. Kol hakovod
Thank you, Shimon! - Shawn
Hey man. I've had a lot of struggles feeling connected to God throughout many times in my life, and I've never felt a deep connection with the Christian faith or many of it's members. I'd like to start anywhere to figure out more about Judaism. In Pensacola we only have one synagogue, and I'm wondering if someone like me, not deeply rooted in Christianity growing up, but born in it, would be allowed to attend?
Sorry for the awkward reply. I'm genuinely curious but I'm also very nervous about asking because of how I've been judged by so many for even asking questions concerning my own resolve.
@BoxheadHakx in my experience, it's just like church where anyone pretty much can wander in and attend. Be willing to be friendly and talk to people though, because synagogues often have extra security and extra worries these days.
@@jaykay415You definitely can not just wander in…ESPECIALLY as you correctly acknowledge with the heightened security with increased Jew hatred (self hate) in this world 🌎.
What a great interview! Shawn's message is meaningful to all who will hear it. Thanks to you all!
Wow wow wow. This interview was so positively inspirational. He took a negative and made it into such a positive. I learnt so much from his story. This is my favorite interview thus far! That’s saying a lot! ❤
Wow!!! - Shawn
Nachi and Momo, I am surprised that you didn't think of the fact that the number 23 represents psalm 23 which is מזמר לדוד ה' רועי לא אחסר- The lord is my shepherd!! That is the hidden meaning behind Shawn getting beaten 23 times which ultimately brought him to his religious homecoming.
Beautiful story, Shawn!! Your authenticity in the way you came to know G-d is so inspiring, especially in today’s inauthentic culture. Thank you for sharing and I pray for you much deserved success and happiness!!
22 years ago Jews saved my life and took me in. I had all the signs this was my path, but I ignored it. 4 years ago i hit rock bottom and then fell off a waterfall and could not walk for a few months, so I came back to this. Judaism. This has helped and rebuilt me.
Shawn I pray that you find that community that will help you grow and become a huge tzadik! May you find that special girl that will share in your mission of self growth and fulfillment! You have a tremendous amount of potential, I wish you the best of luck! U have a bright future ahead!
Amen! - Shawn
Amazing story. Not only does Shawn's story speak to those who went through the prison system, but even more so to those dealing with struggles in faith, which is all of us.
Very true!! - Shawn
Shawn! Your story is such a blessing. You encourage my faith and hope for my son. I shared this story with family. Hashem called you to prison not only to Teshuvah but He brought you back to your inheritance. Baruch Hashem! 👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you! - Shawn
Wow!!! You remind me of one of my friend! Her son is exactly you before.
Unfortunately he is getting marry to a non Jew soon….
😢😭He was raised by mommy same .
Just crying for him.And praying to Hashem to open up his eyes.
This is such an incredible and beautiful interview, Shawn is a real inspiration for the nation! Thank you for being so vulnerable with us and sharing your story! May Hashem continue to bless you with continued growth, health and happiness!! Wishing you much peace in your life!!!
Thank you! We have to be transparent! We are all human! - Shawn
Amen.
This is one of the most divine and inspiring and humbling talks I have heard in a long time. Shawn is so humble. I really don't have words. Tears well up. Thank YOU!
Thank you! -Shawn!
I think it's all been said. Amen to all of it. Just wow.
The only thing I want to add is 23 seconds of being beaten, plus 3 sincere prayers a day to be able to grow in Judaism equals 26. Yud-Kay-Vav-Kay ; HaShem who was with you all along and still is!!! May you ALWAYS feel Him with you!! May He give you continued strength on your incredible journey!!
Your a real inspiration to take ur challenges and turn them into personal growth and an opportunity to spread more light and good in the world. If more people would follow in ur footsteps the world would be a better place! May u be blessed with strength to continue inspiring others!
Thank you! - Shawn
Thank you, lots of inspiration from Shaun. I'd personally prefer if Momo kept his interjections a bit shorter. I want to hear the guest.
Chas v shalom. Momo and Nachi are the best!! - Shawn
Momo, I have to say you don’t realize how much insight and chizuk you gave shawn but I gained so much from it. You’re a deep smart person and your hashkafos are incredible! You have so much to say, I bet you would be a phenomenal speaker to give chizuk we all need it desperately!
Shawn you are a true inspiration, a real deal Torah jew. You bring a lot of Nachas to Hashem and light to the world. Keep it up! Especially now we need to be infused with as much chizuk in Emunah and Bitachon. You are leading the pack in the coming of Moshiach. If a n unaffiliated Jew can figure this out so clearly in prison even more so those of us who are “free”! Thank you for the wake up, we all need it! Regards from Yerushalayim a family of young and old who listened to this podcast together.
Thank you! - Shawn
What an uplifting, amazing episode !!
Wow. Wow. Each episode gets better and better
Thanx for what you do.
I wait each week for your content
Hatzlocha in all you do
This is an amazing episode, ❤ inspiring like all the other content you uploaded until now. Thank a lot
I'm so glad I heard your story. I hope it reaches the ears of all that need inspiration.
Incredible incredible
Story. My father was incarcerated also and it was inspiring to her another Jews inside perspective! Aleph was also instrumental in his release.
Wow! This episode was unreal! The journey he went through and the amount of emuna, bitachon, and strength he had/has is unreal!
Shawn Balva, May the rest of your life be blessed with Happiness and Peace! You are an inspiration! I pray that you will meet your Besheret soon!
Amen! - Shawn
Complete and total awe of this young man’s experience and how he found Hashem,Yasher koach young man keep growing!
Amazing story .
Such Hashgacha pratis and reward for his efforts and attempts.
(BTW, not gematria but tehilim 23 is very appropriate )
Wow how amazing and inspiring. He is incredibly inspirational. I am awe struck, I am so incredibly grateful for this podcast. Thank you Shawn for inspiring us!
Thank you!! -Shawn
Wow. I feel like I traveled that journey with him. What an intensely beautiful interview. Kol hakavod Shawn for all your strength and growth through so much pain.
Thank you! - Shawn
This was amazing!!! I have gained so much strength just in listening to this episode! By the way I love this podcast so very much!!!
Great message! I have a sibling a similar situation. I am sharing your story with him.
May H-shem be with him!- Shawn
What an inspiration this man is!!! Speechless!
Such a great episode. There is so much we can learn from him!! His emunah is just amazing.
Shaun, Unbelievable challenges and yet u were able to see Yad Hashem so often. U are very self aware and growth oriented and it was refreshing to hear your story. Your message at the end of knowing we are exactly were Hashem wants us to be, is an "old" statement, yet a powerful one to remember hourly!!!.May u have strength to keep seeing Hashem in your day to day. Be blessed with shefa brachos and keep inspiring others to be better Jews ! .......MP ...u two are great hosts and I enjoy every episode I get to watch.!!..thank u for showing us the special lives of so many of our beautiful neshamas...so much pain and struggles , yet so much faith and connection that keeps pple going despite it all!Be gebenched and be matzliach !!!
Gematria of 23, 23 backwards, Gav - gimmel and beis, 3 and 2. Gav is my son's name, meaning G-d is my strength. What an incredible inspiring story. It takes so much strength to go through an experience like this and make the choices you made! Kol hakavod
This was an unbelievable interview - an unbelievable person - Shawn Balva, your story inspired my whole family - I can't believe you went through what you did and survived and grew from it all. The takeaway I am left with is Hashem is with us no matter what the circumstance - and it's the inner work that truly sets us free. To feel close to Hashem, to believe in Hashem is a deep happiness, a peace we all seek - you found it in the darkest places, bzH we should all merit to find it in our own lives. Thank you for sharing
Not only Jews but also Christians I love it. I am trying and give this out to all to learn and follow this Amassing God I love Israel and pray for them for as long as I know ateast 50 yrs
Beautiful story. Great message. I can’t wait to read the book.
Enjoy! - Shawn
I wasn't familiar with this channel, but glad to have found it! Shawn's story is a classic redemption tale, while simultaneously being unique in its somewhat arcane Jewish context. I learned lots of new Judaic concepts!
Im turning red from shame when i listened to this podcast. I grew up frum from birth, you have such faith in hashem that very few frum from birth Jews have. You are demanding from all of us.
I hope to meet you one day, and take chuzik from your pure holy soul
Wow! I’m so blown away by Shawn what an inspiration u are!
Kinda gives me a whole new perspective on not to totally write ppl off bc of their terrible actions
bc ppl can totally do a 360 and do teshuva, turn their life around and become greatness!
Ppl can be forgiven and believed in and as momo and Shawn says they have a neshama they’re not bad ppl.. they may have to go through some tests but there always can be a light at the end of the tunnel.. it’s all in ur positive thinking.. and I really loved what Shawn said about having good thoughts.. “My body is imprisoned but my soul has the opportunity to grow so much and that’s where happiness comes from.”
Shawn, thank you for sharing, you are giving Inspiration for others to strength in Emunat Hashem, when The Time are difficult and very difficult, May You Be Bless to meet your True Bashert, your SoulMate B'Karov. Amen
My name is Zohara, different first name from the Post.🙏🇮🇱🕎
This episode is just SOMETHING,so powerful,so beautiful! Shawn you are a Prince!! Your steps to get to the core of your soul is so inspiring. Thank you and a lot of hatzlacha to all your new life!! B"H
Amen!! - Shawn
I used to visit some people in Ottisville. Rubashkin is such a pure angel. Always so sweet. A huge glow around him always. So kind and compassionate. He was always so sweet to me. You cannot even put his pure humble heart into words. Hashem should always Bless him. Amen 🙏. ❤❤❤❤
So incredible and inspiring!!!
Thank you for being such a continued source of inspiration, Shawn. God bless!
Wow the best!!!!, Shawn you are smart and strong in life and despite all the difficulties you just chose the good it's just amazing good luck in life😊
Extremely interesting episode. I’m sitting here listening mixed emotions of sadness & gladness.
2 points to mention.
1)How it says in holy books the god sends messengers of all types, as he pleases. Here god sent a black man so called Jew to awaken his Jewish soul to start searching the true ways of a Jew - all starts from a bacon sandwich after a day of Yom kipper fasting.
2) as we pray in Shul. At times the restroom is close by to the actual prayer room. I remember one day the Rabbi made a statement speech about making sure at all time the restroom door is closed to be able to pray properly. Gladly a plumber there donated a spring to close the door automatically so not to have issues with praying.
Thank you so much for this episode. I appreciate it so much. In our personal (mine) spiritual journey this is more meaningful than I have inner strength to share. TYSM. God bless you
Absolutely beautiful episode, thank you Shawn for the chizuk especially for those returning to their roots. There is truly no place Hashem can't reach to draw the neshama back to light. Much love!
The Rebbe HHMoshiach Hashem
Says 23 is Tovu in Gematria
טובו it's good with a vav
Van is drawing down it's like revealed good from now on only revealed Sweetness Amen VeAmen
I loved Shawn sharing. The interviewers speak to much . They should learn how to ask questions without speaking so much.
I GUESS THEIR ALWAYS MUST BE A CRITIC!!🤔
What a teshuvah story. May you find continued faith, strength and community. I found your story courageous and very uplifting. Yesher Koach.
This is beyond incredible! Shawn your an amazing inspiration 🙌
I appreciate you! - Shawn
Wow amazing episode (as usual)! Found this one so meaningful and powerful. Shawn Balva, you are an inspiration, keep your emuna strong and may Hashem help you spread more light!
Amen! - Shawn
Definitely one of the best interviews yet! Thanks for sharing this story of hopefulness and positivity!!
Thank you!! - Shawn
I randomly chose this podcast and episode to listen to and felt like it was exactly what I needed to hear! Shawn’s story was incredibly inspiring to me❤
I know the likely hood of this being seen is low but
I run a Jewish student union at my school with many secular Jews and I’m wondering how to get in contact with him to come speak
I live in the greater New York area decently convenient for anyone passing through
You didn't finish the story withe the car thif, he became a baal teshuvah
Wow my story would have been like his if I hadn't moved to Israel to live with my dad, also half mizrachi and also from a broken home started getting in trouble on the streets of nyc until Baruch hashem i was sent here
Great interview! Thank you for sharing your story Shawn. We all need to work on our bitachon especially now. May you continue to grow in Torah and continue to inspire people. May it be easy for you to find your zivug and may you have a true bayit neeman b'yisrael
Amen!! - Shawn
Am yisrael chai 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
What an amazing episode! After listening to this episode and learning Shaar Habitochon with Rav Shalom Rubashkin himself, just took it to a whole new level! Wishing you Shawn all the best in life and your emunah and bitachon will get you to marry a frum great girl whom you'll build a beautiful bais neeman beisrael!
Thank you! - Shawn
very inspiring to watch such jews experiencing the true freedom of the nechama in a body
Shawn, your story is truly inspirational! I'm going to recommend my daughter watch this wonderful interview, as she has gone through much of what you have gone through, which can help reinforce to her that with Emunah and Bitachon there is light waiting at the end of the tunnel.
Please if you need help, reach out to me!! - Shawn
Thank you very much.
Kol Ha Kavod! What an inspiration.
I love listening to the MP podcast on my long drives and have already recommended it to so many friends and family members. Though each episode is so captivating in its own way, this was one of my favorites. I love the wide scope of topics and interviewees brought onto this show. MP is now my most-listened-to podcast. Thank you for bringing us light in this often incredibly dark world.
Yossef Hatzaddik. Amazing story.
So true! Great comparison
Both handsome too! @@mamabear8323
Wow, Wow, Wow What a story!! thank you for sharing. I want that connection with Hashem but how do I get to a place where it's a working part of the mind and I'm happy, joyous and free?
23 is an incredible chapter in Tehillim/Psalms - Hashem is my shepherd..
This is amazing!!! thanks so much for sharing!!!!!!!
I would like to know the name of the black Jewish inmate. What a story!
Wow. Incredible.kol hakavod
Wow. Thank you for sharing your story with us. What a shining neshama, what beautiful people we Jews are❤️ thank you for your message and for your life. May you continue your life in strength and bitachon , in health goodness , build your own family in peace and joy!
Amen! -Shawn
Absolutely amazing story and turnaround. He looks so calm and composed, despite all that he went through. The power of א-ב-ג!
Shawn hold on tight. Unbelievable journey!
Beautiful story!! ❤❤❤
23: mizmor lidavid...gam ki eilaich bigay tzalmavet lo irah rah.
You guys do a great job interviewing and I appreciate Momo's interjections. Always very thoughtful provoking. Thank you!
shawn, take care of everything that has to do with your probation and whatever other things that might be holding you still in the states and then come home. your soul has been elevated to such a level that it can't be outside of Israel. you don't fit into galut any longer, u have risen above it. I have a feeling you will be done with your paperwork when we will be done with the war😂 perfect timing😂
Thank you! - Shawn
I just love the podcast. I am beginning to learn about Emunah and Bitachon. I have so many hashgacha stories. One cannot deny that Hashem is in every move we make. I have now found enough self-confidence to pass it forward by learning with a good friend of mine who is going through terrible, terrible pain, just as I am. I have pain 24/7. I know I am right where Hashem wants me to be. Just as Emunah and Bitachon helped Shawn Balva, it has helped me manage, though I have a long way to go. Yashar koach to both of you and Shawn. His mother is amazing. Hashem gives us all the tools we need. I can't wait to hear more podcasts. Shawn, you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing what could have been a very difficult journey. Hatzlacha going forward.
Re 23: Someone else may have already thought of this, but 23 is the gematria of "ke'eiv," pain. (It's also the gematria of k'av," like a father, but I don't think that's an apt comparison.
Really enjoyed this episode, a very unique story and perspective to get chizuk from! Thank you Nachi and Momo!
Shawn you are truly an inspiration! Wishing you continued success which you will iyH have with your tenacity and conviction!
Amen!! Thank you! - Shawn
Amazing thanks All of you guys keep going 🙏❤
Well done Shawn. Your message is very important especially at this time!! Sending love from Johannesburg, South Africa
Thank you!! -Shawn
This was an amazing episode I loved hearing your story Shawn! You are light it just goes to show if you want to grow you can no matter what situation you are in. I am related to Sholom Mordechai rubashkin he’s unbelievable I’m so glad that you had the opportunity to learn with him:)
Very insightful
Being an agunah for 22 years, I appreciate the message, "Know that HaShem put you in this place, no one else, and He did it for your benefit." Shawn HaShem should give you brocho and hatzlacha rabbah in EVERYTHING!!! As you want to give to others. And an excellent shidduch; someone who will see your incredible middos tovos and help you grow to even greater heights. Of course I am buying your book! I want to support you and share your critical message, especially at this time.
What an incredible journey! Hearing stories like this bring me closer to my Judaism.
Love the episode! Tysm for sharing your story 😊
Thank you Shawn for sharing your amazing and inspirational journey with us. I am a baalas Tschuva for many years, living in Jerusalem today with my husband, children and grandchildren who have all followed the Torah path. I would like to daven for your success in finding your true zivug and building a family together with nachas from children. May Hashem reward you, for all the pain you've been thru, with nachas in Torah and mitzvahs. We believe if you come and rebuild your new life here in Eretz Yisroel, together with Am Yisroel it will be only good. Esther T.
Meaningful people never disappoints. Always inspires. Shawn’s faith so rock solid. We could all use a dose of that especially in today’s climate!!! May u guys continue doing your holy work. Thank u.
The rubashkin story also taught me a great lesson in emunah. Nothing is impossible and hashem can help anyone!!!!!!
Amazing interview! Such an incredible story and incredible journey for Shawn.
Wow so beautiful
Wow. How incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much ❤
This makes me want to give tzedaka to Aleph Institute.
Do it!!! - Shawn
Conviction is taking action on your inspiration and uniting as a nation.
Thank you for being Brave and sharing with me and everyone else who listened.
It would only be right to share a truth about hope: To hope is vital. We are supposed to hope with complete belief WITHOUT the expectation that our outcome will be fulfilled. Outcome is not in our hands, but if we do not hope and our outcome happens we owe gratitude. If we do not get our outcome, we accept that we are exactly where we are supposed to be and continue to hope.
Why? 1 reason is because it is not the outcome that builds us, it is hoping that builds our relationship. So the outcome brings us to the place we need to be at that moment, but we are never alone we have a relationship built by the hope and trust and peace of mind that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
I hope this brings peace and brings you to a new level of understanding the connection of your journey.
Thank you for this podcast. It was exactly what I needed right now.
Well said! - Shawn
@Convict.ion_ thank you.
@Shawn, thank you for sharing your story! It is truly inspiring and I hope to use that inspiration to continue to grow in Judaism, through Emunah, Bitachon and lots of hard work. A wonderful, powerful finishing message.
Thank you Momo and Nachi for interviewing wonderful people!
Thank you! - Shawn
Good job very inspirational
I was literally glued watching this podcast! Loved hearing Shawn's story and the underlining message of having Emunah and Bitachon was definitely something I really needed to hear!
Thank you! - Shawn