Gratitude is usually talked about after things work out. This episode is about learning it while you’re still in it. In honor of Chanukah, 'days of praise and thanks', Dan Cohen shares what it was like to go from a full, busy professional life to an unexpected spinal surgery and 90 days in a rehab ward — right in the middle of a national crisis. Not a dramatic story.Not a miracle tale. A real look at what gratitude means when: your plans fall apart your body isn’t cooperating your work and identity are put on pause Dan reflects on letting go of expectations, staying present when the future is unclear, and learning that gratitude isn’t about being happy — it’s about recognizing that this moment is where you’re meant to be. A Chanukah episode about small light, honest praise, and finding steadiness in ordinary challenges that many professionals quietly carry. We also talk about how writing Divrei Torah was an anchor for Dan during during his hardest times. More From Dan Check out Dan's firm, FCP Communications here To read Dan's Divrei Torah To learn more about Geerz, click here

A few weeks ago, we quietly passed the 50-episode milestone of Shtark Tank, but today, we're finally taking a moment to celebrate this achievement with a special episode. In this reflective episode, I step out of my comfort zone as the host and into the guest seat to share the story of this rapidly growing podcast and a bit about my own journey. Hosting today’s conversation is Rav Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue and host of the Behind the Bima podcast. Join us for a look back at the journey so far and the lessons learned along the way. Join Our Whatsapp Group! If you enjoy Shtark Tank, you don't want to miss our Quiet Whatsapp group, which includes updates, exclusive bonus content and more. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here to join.⁠⁠⁠

In our very first episode, we sit down for a conversation with Zevi Reinitz, tech executive and mechaber seforim. We discuss his journey as a writer, and what he thinks is the most important mindset for a Ben Torah in the workforce. You can check out Zevi on LinkedIn and join his "Great Qs on the parsha Whatsapp Group" Shtark Tank is a podcast for Bnei Torah in the workforce, providing insightful conversations with role models and mentors. Join our quiet WhatsApp group, where I will be posting new episodes, as well as bonus content related to each weeks conversation. Would love to have you along for the ride! Chapter 1: Intro and Background Chapter 2: Zevi's Writing 'Career' Chapter 3: Limiting Mindset Chapter 4: Today's Unique Moment

It’s Chanukah — the season of miracles. But what about the “miracles” we’re watching unfold in our own lifetime… through technology? In this special Chanukah episode, I’m joined by Mois Navon, also known as the “Mobileye Rabbi.” Mois has spent decades in high-tech and decades learning and teaching Torah — and in this conversation he helps us think clearly about innovation, awe, ethics, and where all of this may be heading. In this episode we discuss: Why Mois is called the “Mobileye Rabbi” (and how it started with lunch table conversations) What Judaism actually says about innovation and building new technology A powerful Torah framing: technology as a mandate to improve the world The other side: limits, guardrails, and ethics (and why it matters more than ever) Noach as the first engineer — and why the plow changed human history Is new tech really a “miracle,” or just human creativity inside nature? The dangers of modern tools (social media, AI, and more) — and the case for self-control Are we living in unprecedented times? The “Geulah” question: what do Torah sources suggest about a future of automation and abundance? Practical advice for building the right “muscles” for the world our kids may grow up in Links & resources: Mois Navon’s website (500+ shiurim + source sheets): link here Mois’s article on Judaism, technology, and ethics: link here If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe and leave a rating — it helps more people find Shtark Tank. About Mois Navon Mois Navon is one of the founding engineers of Mobileye, where he designed the EyeQ family of SoC (System On a Chip) – the chip powering the autonomous vehicle revolution.  Mois is also an ordained rabbi who has published numerous articles on Jewish law and lore.  Working at the intersection of Torah U’Madda, he received his PhD from the department of Jewish Philosophy at Bar Ilan University wherein his dissertation applies Jewish philosophy to address the ethical questions arising in the field of artificial intelligence.  In this vein, he teaches a course on “Ethics in Artificial Intelligence” at Ben Gurion University.  He is also a National Advisor to the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology on Artificial Intelligence Policy and Regulation in Israel. 

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.

It’s Elul, a time to prepare for the Yamim Noraim with the theme of Defining Success.When we take stock of our lives with a cheshbon hanefesh, we’re really asking: Where am I now—and where should I be? That’s the core question of this series: how to define success as a Ben Torah in the workplace. Many of our rabbeim push us toward ambitious goals in learning, but how do we balance those ideals with the blessed responsibilities of work, family, and community? This week’s guest is Rav Simi Lerner. Rav Simi is an educator in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, a passionate Hirschian thinker, and—on the side—an electrician in Beit Shemesh. We discuss how Rav Hirsch’s idea of Torah im Derech Eretz and other foundational principles can help us shape a grounded, realistic, and meaningful definition of success. 🎧 Before you listen: please take 10 seconds to help us grow by leaving a 5-star review and hitting subscribe. Thank you! References Judaism from Within podcastRav Hirsch on Viduy

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!

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