Popular Shows by Yaakov Wolff Yaakov Wolff

As we prepare for Yom Kippur, we speak with Joseph Gitler about his son-in-law, David Schwartz HY”D—a ben Torah, law student, and IDF reservist in Handasah Kravit (combat engineering) who fell in Khan Younis on January 8, 2024 alongside his chavrusa Yakir Hexter HY”D. Joseph shares how David wove together strong learning with real-world duty, his years in Gush Etzion, his time at Reichman University law school, his gift for connecting across communities, and what it means to mourn while still choosing life and responsibility. We also hear about ongoing projects in David’s memory and the weekly Divrei Torah initiative that now reaches thousands. Links ⁠To join the David Schwartz Divrei Torah chat⁠⁠To watch the video from the Azkara⁠ Highlights Ben Torah in the world: David’s learning (Kli Yakar chavrusas, steady seder) and his drive to serve—both in the IDF and potentially in public service. Bridging worlds: Deep ties across communities (yeshiva, Chassidus, secular campus). Seeking dialogue without blurring values. Reichman law school: Culture shock, principled debate during the judicial protests, and the value of hearing people who think differently. Army service: Training, multiple rotations in Gaza with Tzanhanim commandos; pride in the unit’s work despite the dangers. January 8, 2024: The incident in Khan Younis; community and family response; what shiva looked like for parents of the almanah. National resilience: “The whole country has PTSD.” Practical takeaways: watch your friends and kids; speak up when you see someone struggling; get help involved. Living memory: A sefer of David’s Torah (written in yeshiva), a growing weekly parsha sheet in Hebrew and English, shul/Beit Midrash renovations, and a loans fund for farmers and soldiers—projects that carry his light forward.

With tremendous historical events unfolding, I couldn’t record a regular episode.This moment demanded more than another interview, it called for guidance and clarity. What does this new chapter in our history mean?What is our role right now?How do we balance the whirlwind of emotions — gratitude, pain, pride, and confusion — that we’re all feeling? I was grateful that Rav Moshe Taragin agreed to join me once again to help unpack these questions.There’s truly no one who combines such deep Torah knowledge with historical awareness and a living connection to Am Yisrael. Together, we explore how to: Hold joy and grief at the same time Express real hakaras hatov — to Hashem, to soldiers, to each other See the hand of Hashem in political and military reality Understand what this nes demands of us A special, timely conversation for anyone trying to make sense of this historic moment. Click Here to order Rav Taragins book 'Dark Clouds Above, Faith Below' about the events of October 7th and the ensuing war.

You don’t have to love your job—but you can’t hate it.Rabbi Yehuda Halpert (shul rabbi, Big Law attorney, author) joins Shtark Tank to talk straight about Torah life inside a 90-hour week, setting real standards, and why reassessing is different than slipping. What You'll Hear How a Ben Torah can thrive in Big Law without losing the plot “Slipping vs. reassessing” — setting honest standards after yeshiva The Mincha hack that anchors your day (and your network) Peer pressure at the office: values, money, and role models Balancing a Shabbos-only pulpit with a full-time firm role Lessons from COVID that helped after Oct 7 Career calling vs. community calling: picking your tafkid Guest Bio Rabbi Yehuda Halpert — shul rabbi in Teaneck, Big Law lawyer, and author of Speaking to an Empty Shul: Timeless Lessons from Unprecedented Times. Quick Takeaways Build a system that works with your schedule Guard your company — work with good people Use Mincha as a daily reset and natural networking moment Review your standards every 6–12 months; adjust with intentYou can be excellent at your craft and strong in your values Did you enjoy this episode? Follow Shtark Tank on Spotify and rate the show (it really helps). Share this episode with a friend Join the Shtark Tank WhatsApp group for episode drops and Q&A (link in show notes).

Last week’s episode hit a nerve.Some listeners loved it. Others were really bothered by it. So for the first time ever, we’re doing a feedback episode — bringing back Rav Yehuda Halpert to go deeper on the toughest questions you raised.Is the culture of Big Law really compatible with Torah values?What does it take to survive — or grow — spiritually in that world?And how do we weigh ambition, family, and avodas Hashem when the hours never end? In this follow-up: Years 1–3: the “conveyor belt” and why control is limited When to pivot — and how to choose a practice that protects Shabbos The billable-hour trap and what it does to your mind Can you ever “limit your hours” and still advance? Real talk on money, promotions, and gam zu l’tovah Shabbos at the firm: teamwork, gratitude, and derech eretz Marbitz Torah without a title — from shiurim to writing Harsh listener feedback: “For what are these costs worth paying?” Hashkafic tension: excellence vs. moderation Marriage, parenting, and faith when energy and time are scarce If you appreciate these kinds of raw, honest conversations, follow Shtark Tank and leave a 5-star review — it helps others find the show and keeps these dialogues going.

As we mark the yahrzeit of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, we’re remembering him through the eyes of two working Bnei Torah who knew him personally — not as a public icon, but as a mentor, a mensch, and a man of deep humility. Joe Hyams spent his late teens driving Rabbi Sacks to events across London. From the front seat, he saw the balance between majesty and modesty. “He carried himself with a regal sense of presence — yet he’d be the one holding the door open for you.” Joe describes the long, quiet drives before speeches, the relaxed warmth afterward, and how those moments shaped his own path in Torah, family, and career. David Frei, a London lawyer and communal leader, became one of Rabbi Sacks’ trusted editors. He saw the scholar behind the sermons — “a brilliant writer and a brilliant orator,” who read a new book every night and took feedback with humility. David recalls those tense early-2000s years and how Rabbi Sacks emerged stronger, turning personal trials into a wider moral voice for faith and reason. Together, their memories reveal a side of Rabbi Sacks rarely seen — deeply human, endlessly curious, and quietly transformative. Select Quotes: “He could speak to you without speaking. His smile was sharp love — piercing, serious, and full of warmth all at once.” “He showed that Torah, integrity, and professional success aren’t separate worlds — they can and should live together.”

Aliyah isn’t just a flight and a moving truck.It’s a total reset of how you think about parnassah, gashmiyus, bitachon, and what “quality of life” actually means. In this episode, I sit down with Eli Freedman, founder of Cork & Cellar Wine Club, to talk about what it really takes to move to Israel and stay – spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Eli shares how he: Went from Boston → Wall Street → Montreal → Beit Shemesh Had zero interest in Aliyah… until COVID, a grandchild in Israel, and a breaking point in Canada Sold his house and business with no Plan B so he couldn’t run back Went through the “Eretz Yisrael car wash” – a painful but powerful reset of his gashmiyus and bitachon Rebuilt his career from scratch, launching Cork & Cellar, a boutique Israeli wine club for U.S. customers Found a real rav and kehillah after years of feeling disconnected Built a serious morning learning seder and finished Shas multiple times while running a business We also talk about: Why you must come with a realistic parnassah plan – and still expect it to break The mindset shift from “keeping up with the Joneses” to “being happy with less but living with more” How living in Eretz Yisrael forces you to actually use your emunah and bitachon, not just talk about them The balance between enjoying good wine and not turning gashmiyus into your ikar About our guest:Eli Freedman is the founder of Cork & Cellar Wine Club, connecting small Israeli wineries with wine lovers in the U.S., and helping boutique winemakers who would never make it to American shelves. He lives in Beit Shemesh with his family. If this episode gave you chizuk or clarity about Aliyah and mindset,please follow Shtark Tank, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who’s thinking about moving to Israel.

What do you do when your day job feels empty — but you still need to show up, provide, and stay honest? In this episode of Shtark Tank, I sit down with my cousin and friend Yoni Schwartz — Head of Data Science at Exponential and Head Producer of Living L’chaim. Yoni shares how he went from a corporate role that felt like “a complete lack of purpose” to leading 10 shows that have inspired and helped countless people. He is also the host of Spirit of the Song podcast, make sure to check it out! We talk about meaning, ambition, family, and the real-life tradeoffs of building something big on top of a demanding day job. In this conversation we cover: What it feels like when work is steady… but meaningless How Yoni first joined Living L’chaim and how the role grew over time The ethics of balancing a primary job with major side projects Startup life vs. corporate life — and what actually changed for him How he manages two intense roles without a rigid system The idea of intentionality as a survival tool for busy people Setting boundaries after COVID blurred everything Early morning learning as a realistic anchor for fathers with young kids The impact Living L’chaim aims for — inspiration, mental health, and financial clarity Cultivating a relationship with your Rebbi Key takeaway:You don’t need a perfect system to juggle a lot — but you do need honesty, priorities, and intentional choices you can live with. If this episode resonated, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a 5-star rating. It helps more Bnei Torah in the workforce find these conversations. Guest: Yoni SchwartzHost: Yaakov Wolff

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. 

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

This week on Shtark Tank, we’re opening the mailbag to dive into the conversations, questions, and insights sparked by our recent episodes. We explore what it really means to be an eved Hashem , a professional , and a family man in a fast-paced world. In this episode, we discuss: The "Millstone" of Marriage: Does our Avodas Hashem fundamentally change once we have families? We look at the Gemara in Kiddushin about learning before vs. after marriage. Work as a "Calling": Is the idea of self-fulfillment at work a modern invention? We trace the sources from the Chovas HaLevavos to modern corporate culture. Savoring the Steak: Why we should treat a line of Gemara like a juicy steak and how to handle the stress of "not learning enough" in a vast sea of Torah. Torah as an Antidote: A deep dive into the Netziv on why the Torah critiques Yosef’s beauty and how geshmak learning is the ultimate protection against the yetzer hara. The AI Future: If AI takes over our jobs, will we actually have the focus to "study God" all day? The Aliyah Struggle: Facing the "rational" vs. "emotional" challenges of making the move to Israel. Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please hit Subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps us reach more listeners like you!

In this Shovavim special, I sat down with marriage coach Aaron Zakowski for a direct and practical conversation about what it really means to be a Jewish husband and father in today’s world. We talk about: Why emotional safety matters as much as financial stability The mistake many men make when they try to “fix” instead of listen How long work hours affect marriage—and what actually helps Why your value as a Jewish man does not come from your paycheck What most chassan classes don’t prepare you for How marriage changes at different stages of life Stress, self-esteem, and why men need support too Creating closeness at home without needing more time in the day Resources Aaron on Instagram Beyond The Chassan Class (Webinar) Shalom Bayis Daily (Whatsapp Group) You can reach Aaron at [email protected]

Is it possible to grow in Torah and business at the same time? Last week, I sat down with Moe Mernick, Ben Lang, and Michael Bloch to talk it through — live, in front of an energetic crowd of 50+ growth-oriented leaders, at the offices of DLA Piper Israel in Tel Aviv. The “excuse” for the gathering was Moe’s new book, Conversations with Jewish Business Leaders — and the conversation went way beyond the book. We discussed: What success really means (and why it can’t be one-size-fits-all) Why success isn’t about money — and how to build a life that actually feels aligned Meaning at work, mid-career “what am I doing with my life?” moments, and the idea of learn / earn / return How side projects can turn into real impact Staying strong in the lows: imposter syndrome, mentors, community, and keeping perspective Spiritual growth in the busy years: fixed learning times, realistic goals, balancing “heart” and “mind,” and accountability Order Conversations with Jewish Business Leaders here. Big thank you to the event hosts and sponsors: DLA Piper Israel and Yeshiva University Israel.