For Parashat Beshalach / Shabbat Shirah, we’re pulling a fan-favorite from the archives: a wide-ranging conversation with Jewish music legend Abie Rotenberg — songwriter of classics like Acheinu, Mama Rochel, and Na’ar Hayiti. But this episode isn’t only about music. A.B. shares how building a serious career in business gave him something rare in the music world: freedom. Freedom to write at his own pace, choose what to release, and never treat music like a paycheck. We also get into: His path from chinuch to the family import business (and what that transition really felt like) Why he sees songwriting as a real form of chinuch — and how melodies can open up the words of tefillah and pesukim The story and intent behind Marvelous Middos Machine, and the very real dilemmas of teaching values through songs Reflections on Acheinu returning to the world in a painful new way His Torah writing (sfarim on Eliyahu Hanavi and Rabbi Akiva) — plus a surprising third book: a baseball novel built for kiruv Baseball, balance, and the line between a healthy outlet and a distraction Subscribe if you’re enjoying the show — it helps more than you think.

In this episode, I sit down with Yossi (Joseph) Landes—President and co-founder of Nerdio (a unicorn), and a 23-year veteran of Microsoft. But this conversation isn’t mainly about startups. It’s about growing in Gemara when you don’t see yourself as “the best learner,” and building a life where Torah stays at the center—through airports, moves abroad, pressure, and big responsibility. We talk about: “I might be the worst learner in the whole yeshiva.” And how that humility became fuel—not a stop sign. Daf Yomi as identity: train rides, flights, gates, and “downtime” that turns into real learning time. Awe for talmidei chachamim: the pictures on his desk, and what they remind him of when work gets loud. Lessons from Satya Nadella + lessons from yeshiva—especially the mindset of being a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all. What it takes to stay frum while living around the world—plus huge hakaras hatov to Chabad for making that possible. “Truth is found in the field”: how empathy, listening, and outside-in thinking shaped his leadership style. The long game: building a unicorn company, and still saying, “When I’m done, I want to learn full time.” If you appreciate Shtark Tank, please make sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

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. 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 people Rav Wolbe’s big idea: there’s no such thing as truly “secular” work when you bring the right kavana The “Do Your Job” principle: why learning/davening at the wrong time can become a mitzvah haba’ah b’aveirah The soldier/workforce parallel: no guilt when you’re doing what Hashem needs from you now—while still feeling the loss of what you’re missing Balancing 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 mission To 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 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

100th episode. World-class Torah educator. All your burning questions. To mark our 100th episode, Rav Aryeh Lebowitz joins Shtark Tank for a wide-ranging Q&A on what it really means to be a Ben Torah in the workforce. We talk about: “You’re never going to be Rav Schachter… and that’s okay” – setting healthy goals in learning Gadol biographies, ambition, and why you’re not supposed to be the Chafetz Chaim How to grow in learning when you’re working full time and raising a family Stress and guilt: when “I’m not learning enough” is healthy – and when it’s toxic Who should go into chinuch and rabbanus… and who should not Aliyah, parnassah, and the real math of teaching in Eretz Yisrael Minyan, mincha at work, and missing davening for family Phones, attention spans, and why Rav Aryeh deleted Twitter It’s a packed, honest conversation with one of the most listened-to Torah teachers in the world – and a fitting way to celebrate 100 episodes of Shtark Tank. If this episode helped you, the best “100th episode gift” you can give is simple: follow the show, leave a 5-star rating, and share it with one friend who’s trying to balance Torah, work, and family.

What happens when the dream job just doesn’t feel like your dream? In this episode, we sit down with Yaakov (Bryant) Oberg, who left a successful banking career in LA in search of something deeper. What started as spiritual curiosity led to yeshiva in Yerushalayim, and later to a new challenge—integrating Torah learning into the reality of full-time work. He started out by learning a full morning seder followed by working in the afternoon and evening. But then he burnt out. This lead him to help launch: Kollel Gedulei Tzion, a kollel built around a bold idea—a half seder of high-quality learning for Bnei Torah in the workforce. This episode explores: The decision to walk away from a high paying job in pursuit of meaning What it looks like to live an integrated Torah–work lifestyle Why sometimes less learning can lead to more growth It’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t about how many hours you log—it’s about where your heart is. For more information on Kollel Gedulei Tzion, led by Rabbi Zev Horowitz, go to https://www.geduleitzion.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:12 Leaving Corporate Life for Yeshiva 18:13 Establishing a New Learning Framework 33:43 Reflecting on Work, Passion and Spirituality 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.

This special episode of Shtark Tank is a live recording from our third community event—and the first ever live podcast-style conversation. Recorded at the beautiful DLA Piper offices in Tel Aviv, the room was full of professionals, Bnei Torah, and thoughtful seekers, all gathered to explore a question at the heart of both our Jewish identity and our working lives: What does it mean to be free? We were honored to host Rabbi David Lapin, whose Torah, business experience, and wisdom challenged our assumptions about freedom, slavery, technology, work, and what really defines success. Together, we unpack: Why "freedom from" isn’t enough—and how Torah gives us freedom to rise above instinct The hidden cost of entertainment and escapism How Kiddush Hashem shows up at work—and why restraint is more powerful than reaction What Viktor Frankl teaches us about agency in the workplace How Shabbos might be our last line of defense in a distracted world Whether you were there in person or are tuning in from your commute, we invite you to join this deep, practical conversation about the kind of inner freedom that can transform your life—from the boardroom to the beis medrash. Stay In Touch There's more to Shtark Tank than just a podcast. Check out ShtarkTank.org and subscrive for meaningful blog posts. You can also check out our Quiet Whatsapp group, which includes updates, exclusive bonus content and more. You will also get the chance to submit questions for the show itself. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here to join. Special thanks to DLA Piper for graciously hosting. This event was sponsored in memory of Shlomo David Ben Reuven Stanley Cohen z”l, by his son Simon Cohen. Also dedicated to the memory of Yehudit Shlomit bat Breina a”h Like what you hear?Please rate, review, and share Shtark Tank with a friend. It helps us reach more Bnei Torah in the workplace—and beyond. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Understanding Slavery and Freedom for professionals 09:49 Finding Spirituality in a Busy Life 14:52 Engaging with Torah: Quality Over Quantity 17:43 Freedom and Entertainment: A Double-Edged Sword 25:03 Mastering Impulses: The Power of Restraint 26:30 Audience Questions 31:50 The Importance of Responsibility and Boundaries 32:32 Shabbos: A Sanctuary in a Busy World 38:16 The Interplay of Restrictions and Freedom in Judaism

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

With Yom HaShoah coming up this week, I sat down with Lawrence Burian, the COO of LIV Golf and the son of a Holocaust survivor. Before joining LIV Golf, Lawrence held a number of senior positions at the Madison Square Garden Company, the group behind the MSG Arena, the Knicks, the Rangers, MSG Network, and more. We spoke about his career, his father’s story, and how the two deeply interact. We also discussed Lawrence’s family’s involvement in Holocaust remembrance efforts, what Holocaust education should look like in 2025, and what it means to carry legacy into boardrooms, classrooms, and Jewish homes. This is a conversation about memory—but also mission.About trauma—but also strength.About Jewish identity that doesn't just survive—but builds. Topics we explore: Growing up as the son of a survivor—and what that taught Lawrence about purpose and pressure The power of showing up proudly Jewish in high-stakes rooms Lessons from a 13-year-old in Auschwitz that still echo in today’s leadership decisions Why Holocaust education needs to shift from trauma to relevance October 7th, antisemitism, and why “never again” has to mean action—not slogans Mentioned in this episode: A Boy From Bustina by Andrew Burian z”l (Order here – all proceeds go to Yad Vashem)Lessons From Our Parents Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl The Choice – Edith Eger 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:51 Lawrence's Journey in the Sports Industry 06:53 Andrew Burian z"l, Lawrence's father 16:00 Navigating Identity and Responsibility 21:54 Contrasting Generations: From Trauma to Success 25:00 Engaging the Next Generation in Holocaust Education 33:47 Reflections Post October 7th 39:45 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections

What the Pesach Story Teaches About Justice, Dignity, and Purpose in the Workplace This special bonus episode is for all the busy bnei Torah out there — whether you're scrubbing your kitchen, running errands, or on the road for Yom Tov. We know how hectic things get before Pesach, and sitting down to read a dvar Torah isn’t always realistic. That’s why we’re bringing you the audio version of a new essay posted on shtarktank.org — so you can prepare for the chag while on the move. In this episode, we explore: What Yetzias Mitzrayim teaches us about navigating the workplace How to carry values like justice, dignity, and purpose into our careers Why this story isn’t just ancient history — it’s a blueprint for how we show up today Read the original, and more, at: shtarktank.org Please sign up so that you don't miss future essays! Part of our new series of written divrei Torah from working bnei Torah — listeners and past guests of the show — The Write Way.