Shtark Tank

What happens when you have a good job, mentors you trust, and a clear path forward — and you walk away anyway?Shlomo Ashkanazy (Co-Director, WashU JLIC) and Ami Yunger (COO, Mizrachi Canada) both built careers in the Israeli tech world before pressing pause to go on shlichut in North America. Neither choice was obvious. Neither was painless. And neither of them regrets it — mostly.In this conversation, they unpack the real calculus behind leaving stability for something harder to define. From their shared roots at Yeshivat HaKotel and OurCrowd, to navigating anti-Semitism on a college campus and in Toronto's streets, to Shlomo's gut-wrenching decision on Simchat Torah 2023 about whether to board a plane back to Israel — this episode doesn't stay on the surface.What we talk about:Why both of them credit OurCrowd — and its mission-driven culture — as the bridge between tech and shlichutThe nonlinear career path: real talk about professional anxiety, histadlus, and bitachonAmi on being COO of a Jewish nonprofit and why "COO" isn't just a fancy title for a shaliachShlomo on starting WashU JLIC from scratch — and what happened when 50 students showed up to his empty house on October 9th, 2023The anti-Semitism reality in Canada: bullets through shul windows, hiding event locations until 10 minutes before showtime, and how you maintain Zionist pride when it's being weaponized against youShlomo's still-unresolved guilt about not getting on a plane after October 7thThe 40-year test: how do you make a decision when the downside isn't catastrophic, but the stakes feel enormous?Guests:Shlomo Ashkanazy is Co-Director of JLIC at Washington University in St. Louis, which he and his wife founded as the inaugural couple. Ami Yunger is COO of Mizrachi Canada, where he supports the organization's growth across programming, operations, and community.

What does Hashem actually want from us, a life of total immersion in Torah, or engagement with the world?This is one of the oldest machlokos in Jewish thought. And Rav Rafi Dembovsky was torn.He struggled with the issues, and wrote a book with his findings.You can order it here.Episode DescriptionRafi was raised in Edgware. Educated at Hasmonean. Spent years all-in at Torah-only yeshivos and kollel. Then came time to choose a school for his son — and the tension he'd quietly carried for years exploded into a full-blown existential question.So he went back to the sources. And wrote a sefer.We trace Rafi's personal journey alongside the intellectual one — from teenage brachos in Bnei Brak to law school at Hebrew University. We get into the sefer itself, the haskama drama, and the Rabbanim who quietly loved it but wouldn't sign their names.In this episode:Torah-only as a mindset, not just a lifestyle choiceThe Rashbi/Rabi Yishmael machlokes — and what it really means for how you liveWhy the Rambam wasn't who you think he wasThe four-point email telling him not to publish — and what he did nextLeaving kollel for law school: pshat or cop-out?

What does it take to build a serious Torah legacy while running a thriving dental practice in Manhattan? Reuven Mohl has spent the last decade doing exactly that — and the results are five published books, a growing body of scholarship, and a model for what it looks like to take your Torah life seriously without stepping away from the working world.In this episode, Reuven walks us through his upbringing in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, where his father Rabbi Oscar Mohl — a philosophy professor, Holocaust survivor, and talmid of the Baba Vredi — set the tone for a home where Torah and ideas were always on the table. From Yeshiva Flatbush to Yeshiva HaKotel to YU, Reuven shares how his years of learning shaped both his character and his career path into dentistry.We talk about the discipline behind building a successful practice, how he carved out time for serious learning between patients, and what led him to compile commentaries on the Haggadah, Megillas Rus, and Tehillim using the writings of Rabbi Eliezer Berkovitz and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik.And in honor of Shavuos, we learn together. Reuven shares a beautiful lesson from Megillas Rus on the difference between din and lifnim mishurat hadin — and what Boaz's generosity in the field teaches us about how to show up at work, at home, and in life.Topics covered:Growing up with a philosophy professor father and a Holocaust survivor in the homeThe work-life balance reality of a dental careerHow to pursue serious Torah scholarship while running a businessBuilding commentaries using the Rav and Rabbi BerkovitzMegillas Rus and the obligation to do more than the minimumThe story of calling before Shabbos

Moshe Isaacson is a marketing executive and go-to-market leader in the SaaS world — and one of the most passionate Tanach learners you'll ever meet. In this episode, Moshe makes the case for why Tanach is the most underrated limud in the Torah world, how his love for it was ignited on hikes through Eretz Yisrael, and why he wakes up at 4:30am to prepare the three weekly shiurim he gives to his community.Topics covered:Growing up in Pittsburgh — a broad, out-of-town community that exposed Moshe to every type of YiddishkeitHow a yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael turned Tanach from stories into living heritageWhy Tanach gets second billing in the yeshiva world — and why Moshe thinks that's an avlaThe Maskilim and Zionists claimed Tanach as their own. Moshe's response: that's exactly why we need to take it backHow Moshe got into marketing entirely by accident, starting at IDT and building from thereThe overlap between psychology, marketing, and Torah — and why pattern recognition is the common threadBalancing a demanding career with three weekly shiurim, a daily chavrusa, and serious limud preparationThe 4:30am wake-up, the one-hour train commute, and how Moshe engineers his day around learningA practical challenge: 929 perakim, one a day, finished in under three yearsSefer Shmuel as his favorite — four years learning and teaching itWhere to find his podcast, Tanach in Depth, and his AI-generated Torah contentTo follow Moshe's Torah: https://open.spotify.com/show/3G2IJ0opltMtTlrsTioQVg?si=SAg8yci3QTeK99v8qWRWcQhttps://x.com/isaacsonSign up for our newsletter @ ShtarkTank.org

This Yom HaZikaron, we sit with two fathers who lost their sons in the early months of the war. Eitan Morell shares the story of his son Maoz — a kid with ADHD and learning difficulties who walked into a yeshiva that didn't want him, refused to leave, and became the kind of soldier his unit looked up to. Eitan reflects on what it means to suddenly see your child's whole life in reverse — and how grief reveals a person you thought you already knew.Rob Airley shares the story of his son Binyamin — named best soldier in his platoon, loved by commanders and chaverim alike. The kind of guy who, moments before being killed, volunteered to run into a building because his unit needed him. Rob talks about learning to grieve without falling apart — and what it looks like to keep laughing and dancing in the house when Binyamin is no longer at the table.We end off with exerpts from 3 other episodes, about the beauty of living in Israel. Shtark Tank episodes with Eli Freedman and Yaakov Ehrenkranz, and Yaakov's appearance on the DHR podcast hosted by Zak Lenik.Make sure to sign up for newsletter at ShtarkTank.orgTo support Beit Binyamin click hereTo watch the movie about Maoz Morell click hereChapters:00:00:00 Intro00:04:20 Eitan Morell remembers his son Maoz00:39:34 Rob Airley remembers his son Binyamin01:11:25 Shtark Tank with Eli Freedman0:1:23:17 Shtark Tank with Yaakov Ehrenkranz01:33:24 Yaakov on DHR Podcast

Get ready for Pesach with a mega collection of divrei torah, from Bnei Torah in the workforce.You will hear from Rav Yakov Danishefsky, Rav Jonathan Livi,Rav Max Berger, Zak Lenik, Mark Tobin Dr. Mordy Goldenberg and Yoel Van Messel.At the end, you will hear some ideas of mine which I shared on The Greatest Parasha podcast, hosted by Raymond Ashkenazie and Emma DayanA big thank you to Shlomo Price for his help with extra editing.Wishing you and your families a Chag Kasher Vsameach Guest Bios and LinksRabbi Yakov Danishefsky, LCSW CSAT, is a Chicago-basedtherapist and author of the widely read Attached, the newly released AttachedHaggadah, and the forthcoming sefer The Delight of Shabbos. He leads AvodasHaLev, a Chicago organization devoted to meaningful learning and communityprogramming, and hosts The Attached Life Podcast. He is known for bringingdepth, passion, and warmth to everything he teaches.To order the Haggadah:To order in US:https://a.co/d/03dgzXKD https://alehzayis.com/product/the-attached-haggadah/ https://feldheim.com/the-attached-haggadah To order in E"Y:https://siparti.co/attachedH/Jonathan Livi is founder and Principal of RJL CapitalAdvisors, which places JV equity for middle market commercial real estate transactions across the United States. He is also the Hazzan and assistant rabbi at Shaare Rachamim Synagogue in Great Neck, NY, in which capacity heteaches Tanakh daily. His shiurim are available on Spotify and Apple Podcast via his various podcasts. He is married to Kayla, and father to 3 kids.https://open.spotify.com/show/45srXeZZgZKHAomOmpIkmh?si=hf6h-z2dToezYb95H0dMxQ https://open.spotify.com/show/48iHU4mP1cvgZOGFrC5Jys?si=JinlUNvmSeimGKQl9LWiMQ Max Berger was an aspiring rabbi turned aspiring philosopherturned VC. He spent the last two years at Next Gear Ventures, a Tel Aviv basedearly stage VC fund, before moving back to New York this year. ZakLenik is a real estate advisor in Israel who works mainly with Anglos looking to buy a home andbuild a life here. His own aliyah journey didn’t start in the most typical way, but through years of learning—and later teaching—Torah, he developed a strongsense of purpose that ultimately brought him back to Israel for good. Now, he helps others navigate that same journey, combining real estate guidance with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly build a life here https://www.instagram.com/zak_in_israel?igsh=YTU0MWRlbW5iMGMx&utm_source=qr 00:00 Intro00:52 Rav Yaakov Danishefsky: Writing Your Own Story18:08 Rav Jonathan Livi: The Revolution of Freedom34:40 Rav Max Berger: Matzah and Authenticity52:26 Zak Lenik: Freedom or Slavery?01:11:12 Mark Tobin: The Holiday of Emunah01:19:07 Dr. Mordy Goldenberg: Late Night Vision01:25:51 Yoel Van Messel: Understanding Our Goals01:38:40 Yaakov Wolff on Greatest Parashah Podcast02:01:26 Outro

Dov Adler is an audit partner who has in intereresting relationship with auditing. In this episode, Dov Adler shares a refreshingly honest take on work, fulfillment, and responsibility. We talk about growing up in a rabbi’s home, choosing accounting over rabbanus, wearing a kippah in corporate America, and building a career that is meaningful not because every task is enjoyable, but because of the life and impact built around it.We also discuss Torah learning during busy seasons, public speaking, fundraising, parenting, and the challenge of raising children with patience, example, and conviction. This is a wide-ranging conversation about ambition, service, and what it means to build a serious Torah life in the workforce without thinking in narrow boxes.Key Highlights:Smashing Paradigms: Why you don't need to "love" your core job to find professional fulfillment.The Power of Bribes: The viral story of how Dov used a car lease to spark his son’s love for Gemara.Kiddush Hashem at PwC: Navigating the corporate ladder while maintaining a visible Jewish identity.Fundraising as a Mission: How Dov balances multi-million dollar campaigns for schools and shuls with his 9-to-5.Consistent Learning: Tips for maintaining two sedarim a day, even during peak "busy season."Listen to Dov's shiurim on YUTorah

This is a special Purim bonus episode—a raw and honest conversation meant to warn and wake people up.In this episode, our guest shares his personal story—how gambling started young, how “just for fun” escalated over years, and how legalization + apps turned it into something 24/7, always within reach.If you need help, contact Amudim now.Crisis hotline can be reached at 646-517-0222, or from israel 02-374-0175Our guest describes:The first win that hooked him—and the years spent chasing that same highHow gambling isn’t only about money, but about time, secrecy, and controlWhat happens when betting becomes available in the palm of your hand, anytime, anywhereThe “VIP” treatment that makes you feel special… while pulling you deeperThe moment he realized this was hurting the people he loved most—and why he finally came cleanRehab, Gamblers Anonymous, rebuilding trust, and living one day at a timeThis conversation is intense, but it’s also hopeful. He doesn’t share this story for drama. He shares it to help someone listening avoid the same trap, or to help someone already struggling realize: you’re not alone, and help is real.Purim Sameach—and please, a safe one.

What if the most “frum” thing you can do at work… is simply doing your job well?In this episode, I’m joined by Rav Dovid Gottlieb for a sharp, practical conversation built around a powerful piece from Rav Shlomo Wolbe (Alei Shur)—with guidance that every working Ben Torah needs.(The short chapter can be found in Alei Shur vol. I pp. 269-271)Soon after, we take these ideas into one of the hottest and most real-life arenas right now: religious soldiers in the IDF, and the tension of doing what’s right while still missing the beis medrash, the minyan, and the Yom Tov experience. The takeaway applies to soldiers and professionals: avoid guilt, stay honest about what you’re missing, and keep striving.In this episode:The Midrash about Chanuch the cobbler: how “every stitch” can be holy when your goal is to help peopleRav Wolbe’s big idea: there’s no such thing as truly “secular” work when you bring the right kavanaThe “Do Your Job” principle: why learning/davening at the wrong time can become a mitzvah haba’ah b’aveirahThe soldier/workforce parallel: no guilt when you’re doing what Hashem needs from you now—while still feeling the loss of what you’re missingBalancing the three jobs: family, parnassah, and Torah (and why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula)A powerful closing charge from Rav Wolbe: Hashem hasn’t given up on you—keep striving to grow in Torah“Latent awareness”: how Torah stays with you even when you’re fully focused on your missionTo support Religous IDF soliers click here and support Tzalash.If you want to help us grow Shtark Tank, make sure to hit subscribe and leave a 5 star review, thanks!

Super Bowl week is here, and as Bnei Torah, we can't avoid asking a hard question: what is sports doing to our time, our headspace, and our Avodas Hashem?In this episode of Shtark Tank, I sit down with Rav Moshe Benovitz (Director of NCSY Kollel) for a real, nuanced conversation about loving sports without losing yourself in it—including the famous story of a Super Bowl night in Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavne where he made a deep decision to skip the game.We talk about:When sports is healthy… and when it starts to take over“Must-see TV,” compulsion, and where to draw the lineSports as a “religious” experience (arenas as temples)What Torah educators and marketers can learn from the NFL’s pullCommunity, purpose, and building a mission-driven lifeA fun detour into Bill Simmons and why sports can create real connection

Is it possible to grow in Torah and business at the same time?Last week, I sat down with Moe Mernick, Ben Lang, and Michael Bloch to talk it through — live, in front of an energetic crowd of 50+ growth-oriented leaders, at the offices of DLA Piper Israel in Tel Aviv.The “excuse” for the gathering was Moe’s new book, Conversations with Jewish Business Leaders — and the conversation went way beyond the book.We discussed:What success really means (and why it can’t be one-size-fits-all)Why success isn’t about money — and how to build a life that actually feels alignedMeaning at work, mid-career “what am I doing with my life?” moments, and the idea of learn / earn / returnHow side projects can turn into real impact Staying strong in the lows: imposter syndrome, mentors, community, and keeping perspectiveSpiritual growth in the busy years: fixed learning times, realistic goals, balancing “heart” and “mind,” and accountabilityOrder Conversations with Jewish Business Leaders here.Big thank you to the event hosts and sponsors: DLA Piper Israel and Yeshiva University Israel.

What does real success look like when you’re trying to stay grounded as a Ben Torah?In this episode of Shtark Tank, I sat down with Laizer Kornwasser — CEO of DrFirst, professor at Yeshiva University, and Chairman of NCSY — for a wide-ranging conversation about ambition, pressure, leadership, and the Torah ideas that shape how we show up at work and in life.Laizer shares stories from investment banking and the C-suite, including how he learned to earn his “seat at the table” through facts, results, and humility. We talk about drawing clear lines when work clashes with Shabbos, why most people aren’t cut out for investment banking, and how to define success in a way that protects your priorities.Then we shift into a deep dive on the Altar of Slabodka: Gadlus HaAdam, EQ vs IQ, gratitude, and the power of seeing each person as an individual with real potential.And yes — we get into the now-famous practice: why Laizer handwrites 1,000 New Year’s cards and sends personal thank-you messages one-by-one, and what it teaches about hakaras hatov, relationships, and leadership.In this episode, we cover:Why investment banking is “not cut out for most people”What “success” really means when you’re trying to grow in YiddishkeitThe importance of knowing your line in the sand (and not crossing it)A real story: a CEO tried to push Shabbos boundaries — and Laizer’s response“Facts, not emotion”: how to communicate with different personalitiesThe Altar of Slabodka’s approach to building people, not just teaching TorahEQ as a Jewish leadership skill, not just a business buzzwordWhy Laizer sends personal thank-yous instead of mass messagesChesed that actually changes you (not just “check-writing”)If you got value from this episode, please take 10 seconds to subscribe and leave a 5-star rating — it helps more people find the show.