The three weeks are here. The time when we refocus on the fact that our lives are incomplete. There is a gaping hole in our ruchniyus, located at the holiest spot in the world. Har HaBayit. Some of us just think about the problem. Others are actually doing something about it. Rav Yehuda Levy is the latter. He has spent countless hours learning the sugya, written articles, taught classes, and spoken to gedolei yisrael. He also goes up regularly, was involved in starting Yeshivas Har HaBayis, and has played an active role in expanding tefillah rights at our holiest site. All of this, in addition to his professional life as a video production manager and a United Hatzalah volunteer. In this episode, we discuss:A quick overview of the sugya (it's simpler than you think)How an iPhone 11 with portrait mode led to easing restrictions for Jews on Har HaBayisWhy the gedolim were opposedThe pushback Rav Yehuda received (called an apikores and more)The right way to bring the geulah (surprising psak halacha) The goal of this episode is not to change your mind. But this is a sugya that deserves to be taken seriously. To learn more from Rav Yehuda Levi, check out beishashem.org

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!

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 line Sports as a “religious” experience (arenas as temples) What Torah educators and marketers can learn from the NFL’s pull Community, purpose, and building a mission-driven life A fun detour into Bill Simmons and why sports can create real connection

As we prepare for Shavuos, Rav Moshe Shwed, Director of All Torah, joins Shtark Tank to discuss the intersection of Torah, technology, and responsibility. A Brisk alum turned digital visionary, Rav Moshe shares how he helped launch some of the most popular Torah apps in the world — including All Daf, All Parsha, All Mishnah, and more. This conversation goes beyond product design. We dive into how working Bnei Torah can stay grounded in their learning, how accountability and consistency build spiritual momentum, and why technology — if used wisely — can be a powerful tool for harbatzas Torah. What We Discuss: Rav Moshe’s journey: Brisk, BMG, and the unexpected call from (or to) the OU The origin story of All Daf and the 2019 Siyum HaShas push Creating curated, Yomi-focused Torah content for the real world A marathon runner from Georgia and the unexpected power of accessible Torah Torah and tech: Is it lechatchila or bedieved? Rav Moshe’s nuanced take Building for depth in a short-form world: design choices and user realities What happens if the apps go offline? The mission to lower the barrier to entry The launch of All Mishnah, All Parsha, and new frontiers like Nach Yomi Torah as the ultimate unifier — and why that matters now more than ever The mem-ches kinyanei Torah and building a national beis medrash Advice for working Bnei Torah: accountability, chaburas, and small steps How Torah changes the way your family sees you Links & Resources: Download the apps: All Torah App Suite Mentioned seforim: Mishnas Rav Aharon (Rav Aharon Kotler) Shaarei HaZmanim (Rav Dessler, grandson of the Michtav M’Eliyahu) Don't miss out on excellent written content! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at ShtarkTank.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:57 The Origins of AllDaf and Its Unique Approach 19:59 Balancing Technology and Traditional Learning 36:45 The Unifying Power of Torah 43:47 Success in Learning 50:30 Lightning Round

This week on Shtark Tank, we bring you a special megapod in honor of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut — a deep, emotional journey through stories of sacrifice, strength, and national pride. In this episode: Yakir and Josh Hexter's Story: Why one bereaved father turned down a public interview — and the lesson we all need to hear. Avraham and Daniel Colthuf: Two brothers, lawyers and reserve soldiers, who serve as chazanim for IDF funerals, standing by families in their darkest moments. Collection of Israel Stories: Jeff Swartz, former CEO of Timberland, on falling in love with Israel (from Invested podcast). Nobel laureate Professor Yisrael Aumann on losing his son and a powerful shiva visit. Highlights from Michael Eisenberg on making Aliyah and building a career in Israel. A personal reflection from my father about how a fallen soldier shaped our Aliyah story. Subscribe to our newsletter at ⁠shtarktank.org⁠ for more from working Bnei Torah around the world. Join our ⁠quiet whatsapp group ⁠for episode updates, event invites and exclusive bonus content. Thank you for listening.If this episode moved you, please take a moment to rate and review — it helps us bring more meaningful conversations to more people. Subscribe to Shtark Tank for thoughtful interviews, honest reflections, and real conversations for Bnei Torah navigating the modern world. 00:00 Intro 02:16 Yakir Hexter HY"D and Silent Grief 07:30 Interview with Colthof Brothers 54:56 Short Stories

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

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 IsraelTo 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

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

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.

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!