Don't miss out on exclusive bonus content, as well as special offers and initiatives. Join the Shtark Tank Quiet Whatsapp Group today, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Has Shtark Tank made even a small impact on your life? Email me at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠⁠⁠with feedback, questions, comments. To order Ben Torah for Life, by Rav Aaaron Lopiansky, click here This episode is sponsored by Virtual Halacha Program. Go to ⁠vhalacha.com⁠ for more info on their unique program tailored for serious Bnei Torah in the workforce. Overview: The conversation with Rav Aaron Lopiansky explores the emotions and challenges faced by individuals transitioning from yeshiva to the workforce. It also touches on historical precedents and the unique challenges faced by the current generation. Rav Lopiansky emphasizes the need for personal guidance and finding a community that aligns with one's values. He also discusses strategies for balancing time and commitments, as well as the importance of finding the right approach to Talmud Torah. The conversation concludes with a discussion on how to maintain a healthy relationship with one's yeshiva experience and the importance of cherishing the memories and values learned during that time. Bio: Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky is Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of Greater Washington – Tiferes Gedaliah, accepting the position in July of 2014. He studied and received rabbinic ordination from the Mir Yeshiva of Jerusalem. In Israel, Rabbi Lopiansky taught at Aish HaTorah from 1983-1990, and then taught at the Mir for five years before assuming the post of Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah of YGW in 1995. Rabbi Lopiansky is a prolific author, having written more than 20 seforim on various topics.

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)

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!

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

“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!

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!