What does it take to be a woman with a loud voice in a world that keeps telling you to be quiet? In this episode, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt — journalist, rebbetzin, and co-founder of the Altneu Synagogue on Manhattan's Upper East Side — for a conversation about ambition, authenticity, and what it really means to lead. Avital's path has been anything but conventional. A Russian-born writer who published her first viral essay at 20, landed bylines in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vogue, and Foreign Policy, and spent years as a features editor and news editor before pivoting to co-build one of New York City's fastest-growing Orthodox synagogues — all while navigating the deeply complex terrain of being a bold female voice in the frum community. This episode is about far more than one woman's story. It's a frank, urgent conversation about the cost of conformity, the crisis of female spiritual leadership in Orthodox communities, and why, if we don't change, we're going to lose an entire generation of women. Timestamps: 2:39 — Avital's background: growing up Russian-speaking, a literary home, and big dreams 5:34 — The power of teachers and mentors in igniting ambition 6:37 — Being told her drive for ambition was a "yetzer hara" — and going for it anyway 9:07 — Writing for Haaretz, personal essays, and finding her voice as a religious woman 11:36 — The Forward years: breaking stories on the Orthodox community and navigating controversy 12:52 — Going viral before going viral was a thing; the tznius essay at age 20 17:41 — Writing about her dating life and using authenticity as a filter 20:28 — Freelancing and hitting her byline bucket list: NYT, The Atlantic, Vogue, and more 21:08 — The reality of gatekeeping in journalism and being relentless despite rejection 22:07 — "Winners always find a way to win" 22:22 — Meeting her husband: the story, the promise she broke, and the NYT essay that brought them back together 26:32 — Writing a book: 700 words a day and the unglamorous daily discipline 29:13 — Why the digital world has flattened us — and why that's dangerous 30:01 — On shidduchim, being yourself, and differentiation in dating 31:37 — "It's gonna be really hard to build leaders — especially women — who aren't bold enough to be authentic" 31:45 — Building genuine belonging vs. conformity in frum community life 35:30 — The controversy and the courage: hate mail, threats, and choosing truth anyway 36:09 — Post-October 7th: a shift in priorities and the luxury of community criticism 36:49 — How the Altneue Synagogue was born — out of crisis, pregnancy, and 40 people in a living room 38:27 — The convergence: how Avital's journalism career and community building came together 42:32 — From a living room minyan to 600 people and the Pierre Ballroom 45:28 — October 7th and the surge of young Jews searching for connection 46:23 — Building real commitment: charging membership before they had a building 47:33 — The shul as a product: finding the gap and doubling down on differentiation 51:37 — "When you engage the women, you engage the whole family" 51:40 — "We felt the hand of God in this" — 722 member families and counting 59:30 — "There should be leadership on both sides of the mechitza" — Avital's defining statement 1:02:03 — Women spiritually checking out vs. going "woke" — what Avital is actually worried about 1:05:08 — Materialism as the symptom of women with no inner spiritual life 1:08:14 — Halacha vs. Masorah: having the honest conversation 1:12:14 — "If we don't change, we're going to lose" — what senior Rabbonim are actually saying 1:15:09 — "We are so afraid of female voices" — the media we consume and the messages it sends 1:18:45 — The JWE's mission and why this podcast exists 1:19:25 — Modeling: the text from a young woman that Avital saved 1:20:10 — Blurred girls' faces in magazine ads and the message sent to young women 1:37:39 — Fast Five: controversial thing she's ever done, her superpower, and her final message About the Guest: Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt is a journalist, rebbetzin, and community builder based in Manhattan. A daughter of Russian-Jewish immigrants, she grew up in Highland Park, New Jersey, in a deeply literary home, and knew from childhood that she wanted to be a writer. She studied at Stern College for Women (Yeshiva University) and went on to build a distinguished career in journalism, with bylines in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vogue, Foreign Policy, The New Republic, Glamour, Haaretz, and The Forward, where she served as features editor. She later served as news editor at The Real Deal, covering New York City politics and real estate. Avital is also the co-founder of the Altneu Synagogue, an Orthodox congregation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which she built alongside her husband, Rabbi Benji Goldschmidt. What began in 2020 as a living room minyan of 40 people has grown into a community of 722 member families — known for its intellectual rigor, inclusive spirit, and vibrant women's section. The shul has become a model for engaged, differentiated community building in the modern Orthodox world. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Avital is currently at work on her first book. She is passionate about female leadership in the frum community, the importance of authenticity, and helping women reconnect to a rich inner spiritual life. This episode was made possible by our friends at *Roth & Co., innovators in accounting and business advisory. We are grateful for their continued partnership in making these conversations possible.*

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Dr. Aimee Baron, founder and executive director of I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a nonprofit from personal experience. Aimee shares her journey from a lifelong dream of pediatrics, through the heartbreak of multiple second-trimester miscarriages, to finding new meaning by supporting others facing fertility challenges in the Jewish community. The discussion explores the realities of career pivots, the emotional toll of loss, and the power of vulnerability in leadership. Aimee opens up about the challenges of leaving medicine, the process of founding a nonprofit, and the importance of community, support, and being open to life's unexpected turns.  03:15 – Aimee 's Early Passion for Pediatrics and Medicine 06:45 – The Reality of Medical Training and Family Life 10:00 – Facing Repeated Loss and Leaving Medicine 18:00 – Speaking Out: Breaking the Silence on Fertility Challenges 22:00 – Volunteering and the Birth of a Nonprofit 28:00 – Building "I Was Supposed to Have a Baby" from the Ground Up 35:00 – Fundraising, Hiring, and Growing a Team 41:00 – Redefining Success: Support Over Outcomes 46:00 – Advice on Difficult Decisions and Listening to Your Gut 52:00 – The Power of Community and Giving Back 58:00 – Aimee 's Superpower and Final Reflections About Our Guest: Dr. Aimee Baron is a pediatrician, nonprofit founder, and advocate for those facing fertility challenges. After a successful medical career, Aimee 's personal experiences with loss inspired her to create I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, a platform dedicated to providing emotional support and resources to the Jewish community. Known for her empathy, candor, and commitment to making a difference, Aimee 's work has touched thousands and continues to foster connection,community, and hope.

In this episode of 'Inspire to Lead', host Talia Mashiach speaks with Shani Vinitsky, the founder of the Academy of Hair Design. Shani shares her journey from styling hair at 17 to establishing a successful training academy. She discusses the importance of confidence, the hard work behind her success, and how she turned her creative talent into a scalable business. The conversation also delves into the crucial role of marketing, balancing career with family life, and Shani's strategies for keeping her curriculum and skills up-to-date. Aspiring and established professionals in the hair and wig industry will find valuable insights and inspiration in Shani's story.     00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:33 Meet Shani Vinitsky: Founder of the Academy of Hair Design 01:44 Shani's Journey: From Hobby to Career 06:22 Building Confidence as a Young Stylist 12:43 The Birth of a Teaching Career 17:40 Expanding the Academy: Advanced Courses and Beyond 24:41 Curriculum Updates and Industry Trends 26:04 Teaching Methods: In-Person vs. Zoom 28:15 Building a Team and Social Media Presence 31:15 Marketing Strategies and Business Growth 37:16 Future Plans and Innovations 40:17 Personal Insights and Advice 47:25 Balancing Business and Family     About our guest:   Shani is passionate about empowering women through the transformative art of hair and wigs. As an educator with years of experience in the hair industry, Shani has dedicated her career to teaching a wide range of skills, from cutting and hairstyling to wig repair, wig styling, and advanced masterclasses. For her, hair and wigs are not just about appearance—they're powerful tools for self-expression and confidence. Whether Shani is leading a masterclass, mentoring, or sharing insights, her mission is always the same: to inspire and empower women to embrace their creativity, build their confidence, and unlock their full potential.   https://www.instagram.com/academyofhairdesign   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

Balancing Tradition and Leadership: The Inspiring Journey of Judge Ruchie Freier   In this compelling episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' host Talia Mashiach engages in an illuminating conversation with Judge Ruchie Freier, the first Hasidic female judge, about her incredible journey. Ruchie discusses her early ambitions and challenges in balancing family, career, and her faith. She opens up about her dual roles as a judge and the founder of Ezras Nashim, a female volunteer EMT organization, tackling deeply rooted community norms and societal expectations. The discussion delves into pivotal themes such as the importance of determination, faith, and the supportive influence of family. Ruchie Freier's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, embracing one's roots while breaking new ground in leadership and service.   00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:31 Meet Judge Ruchie Freier 00:49 Balancing Career and Volunteer Work 02:02 Journey to Becoming a Judge 02:33 Pursuing Higher Education 03:53 Challenges and Determination 04:44 Support System and Family 10:36 Law School Experience 23:09 Faith and Professional Success 28:26 Empowering Jewish Women 36:11 Starting Out in Monroe, New York 37:02 Embracing the Chasidic Community 38:09 Balancing Family and Career 39:26 Journey to Becoming a Judge 42:20 Campaigning for Judgeship 47:58 Challenges in the Courtroom 53:45 Ezras Nashim: A New Venture 59:52 Reflections and Advice     Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

In this episode, Talia Mashiach hosts Tamar Daniel, a Jerusalem-born fashion designer with an inspiring journey. Raised in Israel and England, Tamar brought her family to Philadelphia in 2008 to pursue a career in fashion, working with notable brands like Anthropologie. Despite facing significant challenges, including the 2009 financial crisis and personal setbacks, Tamar launched her own successful line of women's wear and a popular fashion sketchpad. She later navigated the complexities of managing a growing brand, ultimately selling it prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tamar's story is one of resilience, creativity, and adaptability, embodying the spirit of perseverance. She shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, balancing family life, and staying true to one's passions in the fashion industry.   00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead 00:31 Meet Tamar Daniel: A Journey in Fashion 02:10 Tamar's Early Career and Challenges 05:48 From Israel to Philadelphia: A New Beginning 06:35 The Anthropologie Experience 10:52 Venturing into Entrepreneurship 20:25 Creating Tux Bodywear 22:19 Celebrity Endorsements and Success 24:54 The Importance of Perseverance 28:32 Navigating the Volatility of Entrepreneurship 29:50 Facing Financial Uncertainty 31:46 The Turning Point and Selling the Brand 34:52 Reflecting on the Sale and Its Aftermath 37:23 Consulting and New Ventures 44:27 Balancing Family and Career 48:24 Gestational Carrier Experience 51:41 Lessons Learned and Advice 56:12 Final Thoughts and Inspiration         About Tamar Daniel: With over 15 years of experience in fashion and marketing, Tamar has worked with industry giants like Anthropologie and Topshop and even built her own fashion line, which found its way into the closets of celebrities and the pages of Vogue, Oprah, and Fast Company. After selling her brand in 2019, Tamar transitioned into Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, leveraging her sharp eye for design and business strategy to acquire and grow companies. Tamar lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband and 5 kids.   @tamarthemerrier (Insta) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamardaniel/   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of "Inspire to Lead," host Talia Mashiach sits down with singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Shaindy Plotzker. Together, they explore Shaindy's journey of becoming a trailblazer in the Orthodox Jewish music scene. Shaindy shares candid insights about building her business, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of authenticity, leadership, and self-worth. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to pursue their passion, break barriers, and lead with purpose. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & opening thoughts 01:07 – Meet Shaindy Plotzker: background and early influences 04:20 – Breaking barriers: music, business, and Orthodox Jewish identity 07:00 – Building a team and running a production company 12:43 – Growing up, family, and the power of music 17:39 – Overcoming obstacles and finding your unique voice 24:04 – Leadership, authenticity, and advice for young women 35:58 – The pivotal moments that changed everything 42:04 – Quick-fire questions and closing thoughts Guest Description: Shaindy Plotzker is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur known for her soulful voice and energetic performances. As a leading figure in the Orthodox Jewish music world, Shaindy has inspired thousands with her message of self-acceptance, faith, and empowerment. Beyond the stage, she runs her own production company, mentors young talent, and is passionate about using her platform to uplift others. Shaindy's journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and following your calling.

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Chayale Kaufman, founder of the Jewish Content Network and Consult Write Media. Chayale shares her remarkable journey from her early days in print media to becoming a trailblazer in digital marketing and nonprofit strategy. Discover how she built two thriving companies, the sacrifices and grit required for true success, and the unique challenges and triumphs of women in leadership. 01:30 – Chayale's Early Career and Founding Her Companies 06:00 – What Makes Consult Right Media Unique 10:00 – The Power of Personal Branding 14:00 – Marketing Strategies for Businesses and Nonprofits 20:00 – Lessons from 15 Years in Print and Digital Media 25:00 – The Role of Grit and Sacrifice in Success 30:00 – Women, Leadership, and the Value of Mentorship 36:00 – Navigating Partnerships and Financial Confidence 42:00 – The Impact of AI on Marketing 48:00 – Balancing Family, Business, and Personal Growth 54:00 – Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Support 1:00:00 – Chayale's Superpower: Tenacity and Moving Forward 1:05:00 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 1:10:00 – Final Reflections and Takeaways   Guest Description: Chayale Kaufman is the founder and CEO of the Jewish Content Network and Consult Write Media, two innovative agencies specializing in digital and print marketing, PR, and strategic communications for businesses and nonprofits. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Chayale is recognized for her expertise in campaign strategy, branding, and her deep commitment to helping organizations amplify their impact. She is a passionate leader, mentor, and advocate for women in business, known for her authenticity, creativity, and relentless drive to make a difference in the Jewish community and beyond.

In this episode of 'Inspire to Lead,' Talia Mashiach sits down with Ahuva Basch, president of Logix ITS and a board member of the JWE. Ahuva shares her journey from discovering her passion for computer science to a flourishing 15-year career in software engineering before joining and eventually leading her family's tech business. Balancing her career with being a mother of five, Ahuva discusses the importance of hard work, the right support system, and being present in the moment. She recounts significant moments, including challenging a patent lawsuit and her experiences as a Jewish woman in tech. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, family, and personal growth.   00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:27 Meet Ahuva Basch: Tech Exec and Family Woman 00:41 Ahuva's Journey into Software Engineering 03:26 Balancing Family and Career 09:45 The Influence of Family on Ahuva's Career 17:18 Challenges and Successes in the Family Business 24:41 Balancing Faith and Work 25:34 Navigating Religious Holidays in the Workplace 27:45 Shabbos: A Time for Family 28:40 Discovering Your Superpower 30:59 Facing Legal Challenges 33:36 The Importance of Community and Support 37:03 Advice for the Next Generation 42:05 Finding Balance and Self-Care 44:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections     About Ahuva Basch: Ahuva is President of LogixITS, a provider of proprietary Traffic Safety, Speed Enforcement and Parking Availability solutions. LogixITS has offices in five countries and sells their solutions in over forty countries.   Ahuva drives Product and Innovation and oversees Manufacturing,  Operations and Finance at LogixITS. She is also an active member of the JWE National Board.   Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]

From chemical engineer to Fortune 500 director of engineering to co-founder and CEO of the Stein Center — Deena Stein's career defies the playbook. In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Meshiach sits down with her close friend Deena to unpack a story of ambition, risk, and reinvention. Deena opens up about starting her career at Procter & Gamble at 22, leading a team of union workers twice her age who tried to break her, and how she learned that real leadership comes from earning trust, not authority. She shares how she and her husband Avi built parallel careers — hers climbing the corporate ladder at Abbott/AbbVie to director of a 300+ person organization, his training as a specialist dentist — before making the leap to build the Stein Center together from the ground up, including a bold, ground-up construction of their own state-of-the-art dental facility. This is a candid conversation about redefining success on your own terms — at work, in marriage, and in life. Timestamps:  1:00 Welcome to Inspired to Lead 9:50 Their mission was to break me: starting out at Procter & Gamble 14:34 Learning leadership and earning people's trust 16:23 Moving to Columbus, Ohio for her husband's specialty 20:30 Starting at Abbott/AbbVie in pharmaceutical manufacturing 28:30 Husband decides to buy his own dental practice 32:18 Building their own facility from the ground up 39:05 On being risk-averse (and taking the biggest risk of her life) 45:44 Working with your spouse without working together all day 62:06 Leaving corporate in 2019 right before COVID hit 63:40 What would you tell your younger self? 66:35 What is your purpose? 68:17 Closing thoughts: the power of friendship This episode was made possible by our friends at Roth&Co. , innovators in accounting and business advisory. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and watch the full conversation on YouTube.   #InspireToLead #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #DentalCEO #WorkingCouples #CareerAdvice #SmallBusiness #WomenInLeadership #Podcast

In this episode Talia Mashiach welcomes Rachel Stein, head of tax at Roth & Co. Rachel shares her inspiring journey from starting as an accountant to becoming the first female partner at Roth & Co. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, balancing a demanding career with raising three children, and developing leadership skills through coaching. Rachel also discusses the challenges and dynamics of working in a male-dominated firm and provides valuable advice on career advancement and effective leadership.     00:00 Introduction to Inspire to Lead Podcast 00:27 Meet Rachel Stein: Journey to Partnership 01:08 Balancing Career and Family 02:37 Rachel's Role at Roth & Co 05:37 Advocating for Career Advancement 14:17 Growing Up and Early Influences 16:57 Career Beginnings and Challenges 19:26 Personal Life and Support System 19:46 Career Beginnings and Current Role 20:21 Balancing Work and Family Life 20:53 Work Hours and Flexibility Post-COVID 22:18 Support System and Managing Responsibilities 23:48 Family Time and Shabbos Preparation 26:24 Vacations and Work-Life Balance 28:17 Mentorship and Leadership 30:40 Superpowers and Career Reflections 34:27 Final Thoughts and Advice     About Rachel Stein: Since joining Roth&Co in 2010, Rachel Stein, CPA has worked her way up to partner as she now leads Roth&Co's tax compliance division. Rachel serves clients in multiple industries including healthcare and real estate, and supervises a skilled team of CPAs that assist clients with entity structuring, reporting obligations and compliance needs. Rachel specializes in U.S. and foreign tax compliance matters and provides support to a large client base of foreign investors. She works to optimize the structure of her clients' foreign and U.S. cross-border activities to ensure maximum tax efficiency and seamless compliance. Her client roster includes many international businesses and individuals, including those from Europe, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Rachel is a 2007 graduate of Brooklyn College where she earned her B.S., with honors, in accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA). https://rothcocpa.com Powered By Roth & Co The JWE For guest suggestions, please email Talia: [email protected]