What does it look like to grow up in a remote Iowa town as it transforms into a bustling Jewish community—and then step up to help keep it afloat when crisis hits? Join us as Meir Simcha Rubashkin reveals the incredible, raw, and behind-the-scenes history of Postville, from hilarious early culture clashes to the intense aftermath of the 2008 federal raid.Our Guest: Meir Simcha Rubashkin grew up as one of the early pioneers of the Postville community. Years later, he stepped in to work the plant's kill floor and run the local kosher grocery during its most challenging times before starting his current path as a Chabad campus emissary in Oneonta, NY.Key Takeaways: The "Tarzan" Underwear Incident: A hilarious look at the early days of Postville and how a Rubashkin sibling set the record straight for local public school students about "Fruit of the Loom".The Bochurim Take Charge: The inside story of how Yeshiva students stepped up to address a lack of structure, leading directly to the hiring of a beloved new Rosh Yeshiva.Gutting Cows & FBI Visits: Meir Simcha's intense memories of working grueling shifts on the kill floor and running the community grocery store under the watchful eye of federal agents after the 2008 raid.The Cleveland Pizza Shop: The bizarre story of how a storage unit full of government-seized pizza parlor equipment brought the first made-to-order kosher pizza to Postville. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, please subscribe to the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, leave us a review, and share this episode with fellow alumni!

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?

If someone smells bad in nine days should you tell him?Who is ר משה הדרשן?Can I use tzedakah for a flight to the rebbe?What if my parents want me to stay for tishrei?Should anyone live in ch?What about my מעשר for my trip to the rebbe?Who made the 8 מסכתות in yeshiva cycle ?Why are bochurim seemingly more חסידיש then girls?Can I have ai glasses in yeshiva?What’s the difference between a חסיד and מתנגד?Concepts:Showeringר משה הדרשןר לייבל דאקשיצערחנהTraveling to the rebbeתקנת ליאזניעארום ים  איז טרונקןרבי לא שנא חייא מניןישיבה מסכתותפאסט נישט

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.

Join us for an engaging episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast featuring Reuven Abenaim, an educator, life coach, and author originally from Montreal.In this recording, Reuven reflects on his time in Postville during the challenging year of 2009, sharing vivid memories of the Yeshiva's "upside down" period following the raid, including the infamous weeks of eating nothing but chicken nuggets and the presence of Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin during his house arrest.Beyond his Yeshiva days, Reuven discusses his multifaceted professional life, which includes: ◦Torah Education: Teaching Gemara and Halacha in Montreal. ◦The Art of Shatnez Checking: Sharing the fascinating (and sometimes humorous) process of identifying forbidden fabric mixtures using microscopes and traditional methods. ◦Authoring a New Sefer: His research into the biographies and Torah insights of North African sages from Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Reuven concludes with a powerful message for current students, explaining why every moment in Yeshiva—even the smallest detail of a Tosafot—serves as a vital foundation for a person's future worldview and inner strength.

Text Covered: Sefer HaTanya: Likkutei Amarim Perek 1 – From the Gemara’s description of Tzaddikim and Reshaim being ruled by their "Judges" (Dayanim) through the famous dialogue between Rabbah and Abaye, and the systematic rejection of common definitions of the Benoni. This episode continues the exploration of Likkutei Amarim Perek 1, digging deeper into the internal identity of the soul beyond mere external behavior. We analyze the puzzling statement of the Sage Rabbah, who claimed to be a Benoni despite his legendary status as a living Torah who learned non-stop, and we examine the theological debate of Iyov (Job) regarding whether Hashem predetermines one's spiritual character. The shiur methodically disqualifies five common misconceptions of the Benoni, proving that in the eyes of the Torah, even a single Aveira or a failure to protest the sins of others technically categorizes a person as a Rasha. Ultimately, we learn that the Benoni is not an "average" person in the way we usually imagine, but a high-level spiritual archetype whose true definition the Alter Rebbe is preparing to reveal.

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: Are you allowed to text and drive? Do you believe Moshiach is coming right now? Do you own your voice? Do you have to go to Mikva? Should I remove my tattoos? Why do we ask for לעקאח? Can a bochur wear shorts 🩳 for basketball?🏀 Concepts: דינא דמלכותא דינא בעל שבט הלוי -שמואל ווזנר אמונה בביאת המשיח Ai גניבת דעת USA vs 🇬🇧 ג הכנות לתפילה אסור לחבול בעצמו מנחת יצחק ר משה דיקשטיין כתב קעקוע עין הרע 🧿 Last mishna of peah Wheelchair in Walmart for bochrim הלל פ ומאטל טשארנאבל אידישע מאמע -תשובת הרשב״א צניעות

Questions: How did the Rebbe touch the Torah after the Aliyah? Is there a minhag to wear Shabbos clothes on Lag BaOmer? Switch the mivtza to personalized? Why can’t you say "Oh my G-d"? What’s the deal with resurrection? Should you drink foam on wine? Chinese joke What is so bad about Chanan Bisha (חנן בישא)? Can I use my maaser for a knas? Who are your favorite students? When are Shiur Aleph/Gimmel getting a Shabbaton? How can you pain yourself by working out? Concepts: הלכות עליה לתורה ShouldIwearakappatah.com Reb Mendel’s cozzack story אזכרת שם השם The last chapter in Sanhedrin חנן בישא שבת שבתון