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Are Employees Really Free? LIVE in Tel Aviv with Rav David Lapin
Are Employees Really Free? LIVE in Tel Aviv with Rav David Lapin
Apr 7, 2025
38:22
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