What is the issue with wearing a tie? Do you have to wear socks? Is it better to be big or small according to תורה? Why did the רבי stop יחידות? What is the point of a רבי why can’t we just serve ה׳? What is in Area 51? Does the Vatican have anything of ours? If antis and mishechistim both want to do what the רבי wants why do they always fight, and who is correct? Why do the לויים need to do the סדר on פסח if they weren’t part of the slavery? Can someone buy a seltzer for your teacher and mark it down by my cousins name? Can I listen to a song with an AI woman voice? Is a song made up by AI considered none jewish music? Why did Chabad lose its traits?

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Mendel Telsner, a "Crown Heights Proud" alumnus who reflects on what he describes as his "best year of yeshiva hands down". Mendel shares how the unique environment of Postville allowed him to forge his own path in learning and spiritual growth. Key highlights of this episode include: The 7:30 AM Deal: Mendel reveals the "deal" he made with Rabbi Levin: in exchange for perfect attendance at 7:30 AM Chassidus every morning, he was given reshus to fly in to Crown Heights for Yud Shevat..Mastering the Gemara: By utilizing his independent schedule, Mendel spent his afternoons immersed in Bava Basra, ultimately finishing the entire volume four or five times—an accomplishment he still cherishes as a moment of "completeness".The Cash Advance Industry & Career Advice: Mendel discusses his transition into the professional world and the specific guidance he sought from Rabbi Levin before entering the cash advance industry. He shares the two conditions Rabbi Levin set for him to maintain his spiritual identity while working: keeping a morning learning schedule and taking on a specific daily commitment.The Tzedakah Pledge: In a practical lesson on bitachon (trust), Mendel explains his "pledge system" for charity. He describes how pledging to give more than he thinks he can afford at the start of the year has led to consistent blessings and the ability to meet those goals.Modern Boundaries: Mendel offers a "rant" on the importance of daily Rambam for every Chassid and shares his personal discipline of turning off his phone entirely between Mincha and Maariv to stay present.Postville Nostalgia: From the "blue bus" rides from Milwaukee to Melava Malkas at the Rubashkin home and the "character" of the Postville community, Mendel revisits the sights and sounds of his formative years. Join us for an energetic and honest conversation about taking ownership of your learning, setting professional boundaries, and the power of radical generosity.

Questions: Should I get an aliya before gimmel tamuzz? I’m not in yeshivah ,should I have a mashpia ? יוסי בן יועזר /ור יוחנן what’s the connection? Tehillim early without minyan or later with a minyan? If mussar works why don’t we learn it? Does the rebbe speak about הוצאת ז״ל? Why is Tanya called Tanya? Is knucklbones (קוגולאך)avodah zarah? Do you have to wear shoes during davening? Do you have to stand during חזרת הש״ץ? Why do parents have a candle in their room by Yom kipper? How much effort should you put into השתדלות? Owl monkey and elephant why bless משנה הבריות? Concepts ג תמוז נשיא הדור עשה לך רב יוסי בן יועזר ויוסי בן יוחנן תהילים בשבת מברכים מוסר חטאות נעורים תניא חמש אבנים ,קוגולאך The brother of the champion Shoes when praying Friends wedding Standing by chazaras hashatz השתדלות Lottery ticket 🎫 משנה הבריות

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Shmuel Springer (often known simply as "Springer"), a Crown Heights native who attended Postville during what he describes as the "end of an era of insanity". Shmuel shares a raw and honest look at his journey from the "incubator" of Yeshiva to the challenges of the workforce and his eventual spiritual reawakening. Key highlights of this episode include: The Yeshiva "Incubator": Shmuel explains his concept of Yeshiva as an incubator—a perfect, controlled environment designed to provide bochurim with the necessary skills and information to eventually function in a "scary yet fun" world.From "Checking Boxes" to True Connection: Shmuel opens up about his period of leaving religious practice, explaining that for a time, his Yiddishkeit felt like a "mundane ritual". He describes his reawakening in California and how his experiences allowed him to return to a "more rounded and emotionally infused" life of faith.Culinary Roots in the Kitchen: Recalling his first commercial job in the food industry, Shmuel shares how he was the only student in his year to cook lunch from start to finish—a passion that began with over-excitedly chopping 15 onions and led to his current career in meat manufacturing and food product development in Florida.The "SPI" Philosophy: Shmuel discusses the importance of adding Specific Purposeful Intention (SPI) to religious rituals. He argues that without intention, a mitzvah is just a routine, but when the two are combined, it becomes a truly spiritual experience.Wild Postville Memories: From the dangerous thrill of BB gun fights on bicycles to borrowing the Shluchim’s van for a 4:00 AM Walmart run, Shmuel revisits the "insane" and creative ways students kept themselves entertained in the middle of Iowa.Lessons on Self-Work: Currently a husband and entrepreneur, Shmuel emphasizes that success in life isn't about the product or service you sell, but about working on yourself to become a "functioning human being". Join us for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation that explores culinary passion, the necessity of personal growth, and finding a meaningful path back to one's roots.

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Moshe Korf to discuss his journey from a "troubled bochur" to a successful professional and community member. Moshe shares his childhood roots in Delray Beach, Florida, and the pivotal moments that led him to Postville.Key highlights of this episode include: The Power of Environment: Moshe reflects on how a single summer camp experience without proper supervision led to a "cascading effect" on his religious observance, offering a cautionary tale about the importance of a supportive environment.The Cell Phone Saga: Moshe details his "low point" in Postville—clashing with Rabbi Levin over a hidden cell phone, which eventually led to his expulsion. He explains how this humbling experience became a major turning point, leading to a significant spiritual "aliyah" when he was eventually welcomed back.Yeshiva vs. College: Now working in construction project management, Moshe compares his academic experiences. He explains why the analytical thinking he developed through learning Gemara has been more valuable in the real world than his formal college education.Lessons in Tzedakah: Moshe shares why Tzedakah is his favorite mitzvah, drawing a fascinating parallel between Jewish law and neuroscience regarding how daily actions mold the brain and soul.Memories of Postville: From creating his own Sudoku puzzles to a legendary "heist" involving a borrowed projector, Moshe shares lighthearted stories of his time as a student. Join us for a candid conversation about resilience, the impact of honesty, and finding success by applying Yeshiva values to professional life

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Nochum Sossonko, a software developer who witnessed the evolution of the Postville Yeshiva across three distinct eras. From the early "Y2K" days to the expansion of the Shul, Nochum shares a wealth of memories that define the unique spirit of the community. Key highlights of this episode include: The Three Eras of Postville: Nochum describes experiencing the Yeshiva as it transformed from a tiny group of 15 students to a bustling crowd of 50, and eventually back to a more intimate setting.The Y2K "Apocalypse": A humorous look back at the turn of the millennium in Postville, including stories of locals stocking up on canned goods for a global collapse that never came.Legends of the Rabbinate: From Rabbi Gurkov's remarkable ability to recite Gemara from heart to the specific demands of the Shul extension's construction—including the "freilich" saga of the 12th window.Lag Ba'omer and the "Agri" Floats: Memories of building massive parade floats inside the Agri-Processors bays and the "craziest" injury Nochum sustained while working on one.Connecting to the Rebbe: A deep dive into Nochum’s favorite Sicha regarding Yaakov Avinu Lo Meis, and how its lessons on the enduring presence of the Rebbe shaped the students' outlook in Postville.Life After Yeshiva: Currently working as a software developer, Nochum reflects on how his time in the "middle of nowhere" provided a focused environment for learning and personal growth. Join us for a conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and powerful lessons on maintaining a connection to one's roots while navigating the modern world.

In this episode, we explore the profound mechanics of spiritual growth and the Chassidic way of life. We dive into the true definition of Tshuva, explaining why the essence of repentance is a sincere decision for the future rather than just regret or self-affliction. We also tackle the practical and spiritual questions of our community: how to find the right Mashpia, why every personality type has a place in Chassidus, and the ethical complexities of modern industries like cash advances. Finally, we discuss the importance of Emunah, teaching why questioning "what if" about our life circumstances is a mistake, as everything is precisely ordained by Hashem for our best interest. Questions: What is teshuvah? Is it okay for a bochur to be a mashpia for another bochur? Why did hashem create the female and male לויתן 🐋? If I come to Zal can I drive? Can I trim my mustache? Why did the rebbe barly mention גיהנם? I don’t see my self being chassidish with my personality? What are the rebbes instructions? What is cash advance? Why don’t the Shluchim give attention to bochrim? Do you say Hashems name by והוא רחום? Is it better to have your kids in a different yeshiva? Concepts: תשובה Hashem Dosent laugh 😆 עשה לך רב 🐋לויתן רבני חב״ד גיהנם גן עדן Prizes /mivtzas Cash advance ריבית Gmach התלמידי השלוחים דער וואלפער “What if” is אפיקורסות!

In this opening exploration of Megillas Rus (Perek Alef, Part 1), we journey back 3,000 years to the era of the Shoftim (Judges), a time defined by physical hunger and spiritual tension. We analyze the controversial figure of Elimelech, an aristocratic leader who fled his community in Bethlehem during a famine, only to find tragedy in the fields of Moab. Was he escaping the burden of his wealth or the harsh, judgmental atmosphere of his peers?. This episode delves into the profound connection between the harvest, the holiday of Shavuos, and the lineage of King David. We uncover the mystical idea that the greatest "sparks of holiness" are often hidden in the lowest places, forming the unlikely origin story of Moshiach. From Naomi's difficult loyalty to the family's gradual assimilation, discover why these first verses hold the keys to Jewish royalty.