Shtark Tank

Yaakov Wolff

If you are a Ben Torah in the workforce, this is the podcast for you!
Make sure to check out ShtarkTank.org for more meaningful content.
You can access bonus content and community events through our quiet Whatsapp Group https://chat.whatsapp.com/B5jEcBP5umZAHWk2ILBWTS

Feel free to reach out with feedback, or just to say hi: yaakovwolff@gmail.com

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136 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes136

Newest first

Oct 20, 2025 · 50 min
What's Our Role in This Historic Moment? Rav Moshe Taragin Reacts to the End of the War
With tremendous historical events unfolding, I couldn’t record a regular episode. This moment demanded more than another interview, it called for guidance and clarity. What does this new chapter in our history mean? What is our role right now? How do we balance the whirlwind of emotions — gratitude, pain, pride, and confusion — that we’re all feeling? I was grateful that Rav Moshe Taragin agreed to join me once again to help unpack these questions. There’s truly no one who combines such deep Torah knowledge with historical awareness and a living connection to Am Yisrael. Together, we explore how to: Hold joy and grief at the same time Express real hakaras hatov — to Hashem, to soldiers, to each other See the hand of Hashem in political and military reality Understand what this nes demands of us A special, timely conversation for anyone trying to make sense of this historic moment. Click here to order Rabbi Taragin’s books including: Reclaiming Redemption: Demystifying the Maze of Jewish History and To be holy, but human- Reflections upon my Rebbe, Harav Yehuda Amital
Sep 29, 2025 · 49 min
Yizkor 10.7: Remembering Fallen IDF Soldier David Schwartz ft. Joseph Gitler
As we prepare for Yom Kippur, we speak with Joseph Gitler about his son-in-law, David Schwartz HY”D—a ben Torah, law student, and IDF reservist in Handasah Kravit (combat engineering) who fell in Khan Younis on January 8, 2024 alongside his chavrusa Yakir Hexter HY”D. Joseph shares how David wove together strong learning with real-world duty, his years in Gush Etzion, his time at Reichman University law school, his gift for connecting across communities, and what it means to mourn while still choosing life and responsibility. We also hear about ongoing projects in David’s memory and the weekly Divrei Torah initiative that now reaches thousands. Links ⁠To join the David Schwartz Divrei Torah chat⁠ ⁠To watch the video from the Azkara⁠ Highlights Ben Torah in the world: David’s learning (Kli Yakar chavrusas, steady seder) and his drive to serve—both in the IDF and potentially in public service. Bridging worlds: Deep ties across communities (yeshiva, Chassidus, secular campus). Seeking dialogue without blurring values. Reichman law school: Culture shock, principled debate during the judicial protests, and the value of hearing people who think differently. Army service: Training, multiple rotations in Gaza with Tzanhanim commandos; pride in the unit’s work despite the dangers. January 8, 2024: The incident in Khan Younis; community and family response; what shiva looked like for parents of the almanah. National resilience: “The whole country has PTSD.” Practical takeaways: watch your friends and kids; speak up when you see someone struggling; get help involved. Living memory: A sefer of David’s Torah (written in yeshiva), a growing weekly parsha sheet in Hebrew and English, shul/Beit Midrash renovations, and a loans fund for farmers and soldiers—projects that carry his light forward.
Sep 21, 2025 · 56 min
Yamim Noraim Prep With Rav Moshe Taragin (From the Archives)
During Elul last year, we had one of our most powerful episodes. We spoke with Rav Moshe Taragin about Teshuva, spiritual growth and the Yamim Noraim experience. Whether or not you listened the first time around, its worthwhile to revisit as we prepare for the Yamim Noraim.
Sep 15, 2025 · 40 min
Rav Dovid Lichtenstein's Definition of Success
How do we define success as Bnei Torah in the workforce? I asked Rav Dovid Lichtenstein, who is a talmid chochom and real estate executive. We spoke about defining success in learning, at work, and in our relationship with technology. Rav Dovid's ideas are firmly grounded in Torah sources, but are also extremely practical.
Sep 8, 2025 · 46 min
Rabbi Dr. Yosef Sokol's Definition of Success (Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Rabbi, Professor)
Moshe Chaim started out as a successful Kollel yungerman. But soon after he transitioned to the workforce, he found himself in a therapists office, as his professional struggles had already started to spill over in to his marriage, emotional health, and other areas. This true story (with names changed) is the case study that Rabbi Dr. Yosef Sokol uses to introduce his book 'Becoming Godly'. The book combines Machshava from the Ramchal and others, along with psycholgy, to give a framework for religous growth. We spoke about having a healthy relationship with the past, as a neccesssary condition for building a better future. We also spoke about finding meaning at work, the role of labels, and some practical tips ahead of the Yamim Noraim. Please help us grow the show by leaving a 5-star review and hitting the subscribe button. Thanks! Guest Bio Rabbi Dr. Yosef Sokol (credentials) is a licensed clinical psychologist, professor at Touro University, and VA research scientist specializing in suicide prevention and recovery. He developed Continuous Identity Cognitive Therapy (CI-CT), an innovative approach that supports healing and recovery from suicide attempts and ideation. He has numerous peer reviewed publications and leads major research grants from the VA and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Dr. Sokol earned his PhD from Hofstra University, received semichah from Yeshivas Bais Yosef Novardok, and is the author of Becoming Godly: Integrating Torah and Psychology to Guide Us in Emulating Hashem. He is dedicated to bringing recovery-oriented, identity-focused approaches to healing individuals struggling with suicide.
Sep 1, 2025 · 47 min
Rav Simi Lerner's Definition of Success (Educator and Electrician)
It’s Elul, a time to prepare for the Yamim Noraim with the theme of Defining Success. When we take stock of our lives with a cheshbon hanefesh, we’re really asking: Where am I now—and where should I be? That’s the core question of this series: how to define success as a Ben Torah in the workplace. Many of our rabbeim push us toward ambitious goals in learning, but how do we balance those ideals with the blessed responsibilities of work, family, and community? This week’s guest is Rav Simi Lerner. Rav Simi is an educator in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, a passionate Hirschian thinker, and—on the side—an electrician in Beit Shemesh. We discuss how Rav Hirsch’s idea of Torah im Derech Eretz and other foundational principles can help us shape a grounded, realistic, and meaningful definition of success. 🎧 Before you listen: please take 10 seconds to help us grow by leaving a 5-star review and hitting subscribe. Thank you! References Judaism from Within podcast Rav Hirsch on Viduy
Aug 25, 2025 · 42 min
Rav Shimon Isaacson's Definition of Success (Rosh Yeshiva, former lawyer)
It’s Elul, and we’re focusing on Defining Success as Bnei Torah in the workplace. What does real success look like? Is it possible to set goals that are both ambitious and compassionate? This week, we sit down with Rav Shimon Isaacson, Rosh Yeshiva of Mevaseret. Before entering the world of Torah and chinuch, Rav Isaacson worked in Big Law in New York City. Many assume he left that life to escape its spiritual emptiness — but the truth is much more surprising. Summary In this episode, I sat down with Rav Shimon Isaacson, Rosh Yeshiva of Mevaseret, to trace his remarkable journey from Big Law associate to respected mechanech and community leader in Israel. Rav Isaacson shares how his wife’s passion for Aliyah shaped their family’s path, how he balanced intense Torah learning with a demanding legal career, and how an unusual arrangement of “lawyer in the summer, learner in the year” gave him the springboard into full-time chinuch. The conversation dives into big life questions: What makes for a successful decision-making process? How can a Ben Torah thrive in the workforce? What does passion in Avodas Hashem look like? Rav Isaacson also reflects on 30 years of Aliyah, the role of rebbeim as life guides, the value of combining Torah greatness with real-world experience, and how yeshiva can prepare talmidim for decades of growth ahead.
Aug 18, 2025 · 37 min
Summer Listening: Shu"t First Ask Questions Later [ft. Mr. Gedaliah Wielgus]
This is the third and final week of our Summer Listening Series, where I share some of the podcasts I enjoy on my commute. Next week, we’ll be back with a brand new episode—stay tuned. This week’s pick is from Shu"t First, Ask Questions Later, hosted by Rabbi Moshe Kurtz. This podcast truly takes advantage of the medium—bringing together voices from across the Jewish world to learn Torah in conversation. The featured episode is especially relevant to Shtark Tank listeners, as Rabbi Kurtz is joined by Mr. Gedalia Wielgus, a lawyer and talmid chacham, for a thought-provoking discussion about a wild case of Yibum. Check out Shtarktank.org for exclusive written articles!
Aug 11, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Summer Listening: Iyun Podcast [Does Torah Protect?]
While we’re on our bein hazmanim break and gearing up for some exciting episodes in Elul, I wanted to share a podcast I’ve been enjoying on my commute. This week’s recommendation is a thought-provoking episode of the Iyun Podcast, hosted by Rabbi Ari Koretsky — in my opinion, one of the best podcast hosts out there. Each episode takes a deep, nuanced look at issues like the Charedi draft and other pressing topics. In this episode, Does the Torah Protect?, Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Lifshitz offers a fresh and engaging perspective. The conversation ties closely to themes we explore on Shtark Tank, especially the relationship between the Beis Midrash and the outside world. Give it a listen — I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Sign up for our newsletter at ShtarkTank.org
Aug 4, 2025 · 37 min
Summer Listening: Hiking With Rav Asher [Shtark Tank Archive]
Over this Bein Hazmanim, I will be sharing some of the the podcasts which I have been listening to lately. This is from the Shtark Tank archives, one of our very early episodes, with Marc Lesnick.
Jul 28, 2025 · 51 min
9 Days Special: Rav Ari Katz Remembers Gush Katif
In 2004, Rav Ari Katz moved with his family to Gush Katif, to serve as Rosh Yeshiva of a local high school. Just over a year later, soldiers knocked on his door and told him to leave. In this 9 Days special episode, Rav Katz shares: What drew him to Gush Katif despite knowing the threats The beauty, unity, and spiritual strength of the community His firsthand account of the expulsion—including “the longest day of his life” How he and his community coped with the trauma, picked themselves up, and started again Why he believes October 7th began in the summer of 2005 Modern Day Churban? As we approach Tisha B’Av, the day we mourn our exiles and national losses, this story feels especially relevant. Because Gush Katif was not ancient history—its a kind of modern Churban, including the destruction of entire communities, shuls and schools. And yet, its a very complicated story. The 'disengagement' was the product of a Jewish government, and a Jewish army comprised of Jewish soldiers. The residents were not sent in to actual exile, they moved in to other parts of a flourishing and successful State of Israel. Rav Katz doesn't shy away from these complexities. Pain and Hope We spoke about pain and trauma, but we also spoke about resilience. After the final Mincha minyan, David Chatuel addressed the community. A year earlier, his preganant wife and all four of his children were murdered by terrorists. He got up and said "When tragedy strikes, you can crawl under your blanket—or you can get up and live." Guest Bio Rav Ari Katz is the Director of Sderot Hesder Yeshiva For More Make sure to sign up for exclusive written content at ShtarkTank.org For more on the Gush Katif Heritage Center click here For more on Sderot Hesder Yeshiva click here
Jul 21, 2025 · 52 min
Money, Meaning and Moving to Israel ft. Yaakov Ehrenkranz
Yaakov Ehrenkranz grew up in Memphis, learned in KBY and the Mir, got smicha from YU—and today helps dozens of families navigate the financial realities of life in Israel. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover his personal journey from the American South to Ramot Beit Shemesh, and his professional journey from options trading to financial advising. Check out ShtarkTank.org and subscribe for exclucive written content! This week will feature one listeners Aliyah journey. We talk about: Why real estate is the #1 financial challenge facing Olim What Americans get wrong about “affording Aliyah” How Israeli society creates more meaning—and more happiness The role of values in long-term financial planning Balancing money and shalom bayis And much more—including lessons from Rabbi Dr. Aaron Levine zt"l, the economics professor and Talmid Chacham who shaped his thinking early on.
Jul 14, 2025 · 49 min
No Barriers, No Masks ft. Rav Boruch Clinton
Rav Boruch Clinton spent two decades as a high school Rebbe before pivoting to a second career in IT. Along the way, he wrote prolifically about Torah, technology, and the challenges of working life — including a practical guide for Bnei Torah entering the workforce. In this episode, we explore: Why Rav Hirsch remains his intellectual and spiritual anchor How writing became his tool for learning, clarity, and impact What Torah actually says about choosing a career The dangers of romanticizing our generation’s nisayonos Why being a mentch is a core Torah value — especially at work Plus: the forgotten career that now pays $92K/year as an apprentice, the Hirschian take on Kabbalah, and how to push back respectfully when Torah values are at stake. “If you’re a Ben Torah in the Beis Medrash, you should be a Ben Torah in the boardroom. No barriers. No masks.” – Rav Boruch Clinton Resources Rav Boruch Clinton’s Substack: Bechol Drachecha “A Career Guide for Bnei Torah” by Rav Clinton (available via Amazon)
Jul 7, 2025 · 51 min
Despite Derailments and Detours, Rav Reuven Berman Focuses on the Destination
“Life is like a train. You might get derailed, but you know where the train needs to go. You get back on the track.” Rav Reuven Berman didn’t plan to leave chinuch. He made Aliyah with a dream job teaching Torah in Yerushalayim—but it quickly became clear that the math didn’t work. With five kids and growing responsibilities, he transitioned into the business world while trying to hold on to his identity as a ben Torah. In this honest and moving conversation, we cover: ✅ Being grouned in business while also connecting to yeshiva ✅ What he learned from a personal tragedy ✅ Why teaching—even part-time—can protect your neshama ✅ The power of a strong minyan ✅ How to stop dreaming of the “perfect community” and live in the one you’ve got ✅ And why every year in yeshiva still counts—even if you go to work later Reuven shares what helped him stay grounded through transitions, success, and grief—and why he still dreams of being back in the beit midrash full time. — Check out ShtarkTank.org for exclusice written content!
Jun 30, 2025 · 49 min
Dr. Jonathan Donath on the Joy and Pain of building Daily Giving
What happens when a full-time chiropractor with a busy practice, a big heart, and zero spare time decides to launch a global tzedakah revolution—one dollar at a time? This week on Shtark Tank, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Donath, founder of Daily Giving, a platform that’s quietly transformed the world of tzedakah. What started as a flash of inspiration in a shul lobby has turned into a global force for chesed, distributing over $24 million to 100+ vetted nonprofits (including ADI Negev) and empowering over 21,000 daily givers around the world. But the road wasn’t smooth. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Dr. Donath shares: 🧠 His powerful “epiphany moment” that sparked Daily Giving 💵 The emotional struggle of transitioning from volunteer founder to salaried CEO 🧘 How self-compassion and meditation saved him from burnout 📉 The surprising downside of professional success—and why he gave up Tuesdays 📚 The books, seforim, and mentors that changed how he thinks about purpose 🛠️ His evolving views on balance, ambition, fatherhood, and the cost of impact Resources Mentioned: 💸 Become a daily giver: DailyGiving.org 📘 Books: It's All the Same to Me and The Three Conditions by Moshe Gersht 📘 Radical Compassion by Tara Brach 🎥 Rabbi Alon Anava – “My Life After Death Experience”: Watch on YouTube📗 Living Emunah series by Rabbi David Ashear 📙 Living Legend – Biography of Rav David Grossman For More Shtark Tank go to ShtarkTank.org
Jun 23, 2025 · 46 min
Rav Shalom Rosner on the Legacy of Dr. Fred Rosner z"l
This week on Shtark Tank, we welcome Rabbi Shalom Rosner—Rav of Kehillat Nofei HaShemesh, Rosh Beit Midrash at Machon Lev, beloved Daf Yomi maggid shiur, and my uncle—for a deeply personal conversation about his father, Dr. Fred Rosner z”l. Check out the newly released Shalom Rav Birkon (bentcher) here. Born in Berlin in 1935 and rescued via Kindertransport, Dr. Rosner began life with no formal Jewish education. But he went on to become not only a world-renowned physician and medical ethicist, but a serious talmid chacham, translator, and teacher of Torah and halachic medicine. In this episode, we explore: The incredible story of Dr. Rosner’s late start in Torah learning—and how one summer of Mishnah changed everything His unwavering consistency and sense of mission, both in the hospital and the beit midrash The evolution of Jewish medical ethics, and how Dr. Rosner worked alongside gedolim like Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l Balancing public influence with personal humility The quiet legacy of a man who never wasted a moment, right up to the final day Along the way, we also discuss family, Shabbos zmiros, Rambam, professional responsibility, and what it really looks like to synthesize Torah and derech eretz—without compromising either. Check out ShtarkTank.org for more!
Jun 16, 2025 · 51 min
Israel at War ft. Tuvia Eisenman (Emergency Update+Regular Interview)
We recorded a regular Shtark Tank conversation with Tuvia Eisenman—about sales, chessed, and life in Israel. Then the war broke out. Tuvia was called back to reserve duty, and he joins us now from his IDF base with an emergency update. He walks us through the past few days, shares what it’s like on the ground in the Jordan Valley, and offers powerful reflections on what soldiers and their families are facing right now. After the update, we return to the original conversation, recorded just days earlier. Tuvia shares how a yeshivish kid from Passaic ended up serving in the IDF, building a sales career in Israel, and using those skills to raise millions for nonprofits around the world. We talk about the art of listening—how it drives both sales and parenting—and how he balances intense frontline experiences with raising a family and living a life of purpose. We also dive into the world of nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Tuvia offers a frank take on why most campaigns fall flat, how organizations can do better, and why peer-to-peer giving—though messy and personal—is actually one of the frum community’s greatest strengths.
Jun 9, 2025 · 46 min
From Stress to Serenity ft. Simon Baum
Simon Baum is a seasoned lawyer, a Daf Yomi maggid shiur (twice daily!), and a thoughtful voice on what it means to live an integrated Torah life while fully immersed in the workforce. But his real story begins not with success, but with a breakdown. In this moving and practical conversation, Simon opens up about: Hitting rock bottom after closing a billion-dollar deal Reframing his relationship with Hashem from stress to serenity Giving a Daf Yomi shiur as a path to deeper learning and community The relationship between professional success and spiritual growth Simon shares his high-powered legal career, his weekly flights between London and Israel, and the moment of inner collapse that made him question everything—even at the peak of outward success. Real growth came not from switching jobs—but from changing his view of what it means to live with Hashem. Guilt-based Yiddishkeit gave way to an honest, intimate relationship with the Ribbono Shel Olam. Simon moved to a Tel Aviv law firm, enabling a less frantic schedule and new consistency in his learning. His twice-daily Daf Yomi shiur has grown into a tight-knit chevra with shared values and simchas. Work isn’t just a B’dieved. Simon explains how his law career actually deepened his Torah—offering insights, challenges, and identity shifts he couldn't have experienced elsewhere. Simon explores how to grow spiritually without falling into toxic introspection, and how healthier self-worth leads to healthier avodah, relationships, and responses to stress. Olam HaYedidus by Rav Shlomo Wolbe Bikshu M’sham and K’savim by Rav Soloveitchik Crossing the Unknown Sea by David Whyte Money Quote: “Real relationships have closeness and distance. You don’t do Avodas Hashem just to tick boxes—you do it because it’s real, and you want to live it.” Chapters 00:00 Intro and Early Life 04:17 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change 10:02 Transforming Life: Practical Changes and New Perspectives 17:00 Integrating Faith and Daily Life: A New Approach 21:59 The Pilgrimage of Identity in Work 23:50 Crisis and Self-Discovery 27:19 Managing Stress and Relationships 31:17 Navigating Self-Reflection and Growth 35:39 Seeking Professional Help vs. Self-Help 41:50 Future Aspirations 44:00 Lightning Round
May 26, 2025 · 59 min
To Be Holy—But Human, The Legacy of Rav Amital (Pre Shavuos Episode) ft. Rav Moshe Taragin
As we prepare for Shavuos, Rav Moshe Taragin joins Shtark Tank to discuss his powerful new book on Rav Yehuda Amital zt”l, a towering educator who fused unwavering Emunah with deep compassion and realism. The conversation moves from personal to national—from the rehab ward of an IDF hospital to the historical arc of Jewish destiny—and touches on some of the most urgent questions facing Bnei Torah today: What does real long-term chinuch look like? Is Jewish identity dependent on Torah observance? How do we avoid turning ambition into burnout? What does it mean to live a life of Kiddush Hashem—in Israel or abroad? To order the book: To order in Israel To order in America 🧠 Key Topics: Faith under fire: Writing a sefer while in the ICU with his son The duality of chinuch: Rav Amital and Rav Lichtenstein as complementary voices Jewish identity beyond mitzvah observance: What Rav Amital taught us about Am Yisrael Kiddush Hashem as national mission: How Rav Amital redefined religious Zionism Hungarian vs. Lithuanian Torah cultures: Ambition, hasmada, and mental health Living b’achdus: What we can learn from Oslo, Rabin’s assassination, and post-October 7th Israel Careers, calling, and giving: Rav Taragin on choosing work that contributes to Yeshua Shel Olam 💬 Quotes to Remember: “Kiddush Hashem isn’t just an individual act—it’s the arc of Jewish history unfolding.” “Stories don’t just teach; they preserve a lost world and reframe our present.” “Rav Amital reminded us: You’re a human being before you’re a masmid.” More Shtark Tank! Make sure to sign up for our newsletter at ⁠ShtarkTank.org⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 07:11 The Role of Community and Family in Crisis 13:13 Authenticity in Education and Long-Term Impact 20:35 Jewish Identity and the Concept of Bechirah 27:21 Kiddush Hashem: Personal and National Perspectives 39:17 Lessons from the Oslo Accord and Internal Struggles 45:52 Balancing Ambition and Mental Health in Jewish Education
May 19, 2025 · 51 min
Your Personal Connection to Torah ft. Rav Tzvi Goldstein
What does it take to go from learning Torah to owning your unique chelek in Torah—and maybe even publishing it? In this powerful return to Shtark Tank, Rav Tzvi Goldstein joins us for a deep and practical conversation about writing, editing, publishing, and most of all—developing a personal connection to Torah that lasts beyond Yeshiva. Why your unique Torah insight matters—and why you might not have permission to keep it to yourself How Rav Hirsch and Rav Soloveitchik’s hashkafos shaped Rav Tzvi’s own Torah worldview Writing as a spiritual discipline: not just for clarity, but for growth and legacy What to do before you publish (and how much it really costs) Behind the scenes of editing seforim for Rabbanim and laymen alike Why Substack might be the best starting point for sharing your Torah And yes—why your writing doesn't have to wait until you're 60 Best Quotes “If you really have a unique Torah idea… you don’t have permission to keep it to yourself.” “Writing isn't just expression—it's clarity, chazara, and connection.” “Publishing a sefer isn't just about ego or status. It’s about celebrating Torah—with yourself, your family, and your community.” Thinking of Publishing? Rav Tzvi breaks down the entire process: Content edit → Copy edit → Proofread → Typesetting → Final read-through → Print or publish online. Whether you go with a major publisher or self-publish, he offers tips, costs, and what to expect—without the smoke and mirrors. For More from Rav Tzvi Check out this substack post on the same topic Order Rav Tzvi's book Halachic Worldviews