In this episode of In the Valley of Giants, host Yonatan Dorfman sits down with prolific author Nachman Seltzer to explore the inner workings of professional Jewish digital content creation and literature. The conversation dives deep into the high standards of biographical storytelling, the intentional boundaries of Torah-based writing, and the statistical reality of finding artistic success within a smaller community. Ultimately, Seltzer shares a powerful message on personal purpose and discipline, urging aspiring creators to step out of their comfort zones, embrace their distinct talents, and actively take the first step toward making a lasting impact.

Chapters:

0:00 The Call to Action: Showing Hashem

3:11 The Numbers Game: Jewish Representation in Writing

6:03 The Quality of Jewish Art: Mediocrity or Potential?

8:57 The Limits of Jewish Writing: Topics and Sensitivity

11:48 The Challenge of Writing Historical Figures

15:08 The Balance of Writing and Life: A Writer's Discipline

28:44 Inspiration from Unlikely Success Stories

31:27 The Creative Process and Overcoming Writer's Block

33:54 The Importance of Authentic Biographies

36:46 Finding Your Purpose in Writing

40:58 Encouraging Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

42:52 Advice for Aspiring Writers

45:30 The Role of Feedback in Writing

48:57 Creativity in Music and Writing

56:44 Taking Action and Showing Commitment

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In this insightful interview, economist Brian Asquith discusses the complex relationship between population decline and economic health, exploring cultural, technological, and policy factors influencing fertility rates worldwide. The conversation delves into moral considerations, the impact of AI, and potential societal shifts needed to address demographic challenges.

Dr. Brian Asquith is an applied microeconomist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization where he analyzes labor market trends, demographic shifts, and urban housing policies to advise policymakers. His research heavily focuses on the macroeconomic impacts of population declines, an aging workforce, housing supply challenges, and rent stabilization. Prior to this role, he built a rigorous background as a Postdoctoral Fellow at both the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and Harvard Medical School. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from the University of California, Irvine, and his award-winning doctoral dissertation on housing regulations received first prize for the prestigious Homer Hoyt Doctoral Dissertation Award.

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Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Population and Economic Decline

2:54 The Connection Between Population and Economic Output

5:50 Case Study: Hungary's Population Challenges

8:53 Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Birth Rates

11:54 The Role of Religion in Population Trends

15:00 Historical Perspectives on Fertility Decline

17:10 The Complexity of Modern Family Dynamics

19:59 Moral Considerations for Economists

22:53 The Future of Population and Economic Sustainability

28:08 The Role of Economists in Policy Making

28:52 Ethics and Economics: A Personal Perspective

32:00 Cultural Shifts and Women's Education

34:47 Population Decline and Economic Implications

37:24 AI and Robotics: Preparing for Demographic Changes

39:45 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven Economy

52:42 Final Thoughts on Economic Predictions and Human Behavior

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In this episode, the host sits down with Rabbi Steven Berg, CEO of Aish HaTorah, to explore how modern Jewish outreach has transformed from the physical truth-seekers of the 1970s into the fast-paced era of social media scrollers. Rabbi Berg breaks down how Aish is leveraging cutting-edge technology through "Aish University," an innovative digital platform utilizing artificial intelligence to tailor a classic Torah curriculum directly to individual user backgrounds]. Finally, the discussion addresses the shifting tides of the post-October 7th propaganda war, clarifying why strategic organizational focus must remain intensely dedicated to reclaiming and intellectually engaging unaffiliated Jews worldwide.

Rabbi Steven Burg spent the first 22 years of his career with NCSY, rising through regional management roles in the Midwest and West Coast before serving as the international head of the teen outreach organization for eight years. Concurrently, he served as the Managing Director of the Orthodox Union (OU) for five years and briefly worked with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, building a robust background in executive management for major Jewish institutions. For the past 11 years, he has served as the CEO of Aish HaTorah, where he stabilized the organization by clearing millions of dollars in legacy debt and revolutionized its global footprint through large-scale social media strategies and AI-driven educational initiatives.

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Chapters:

0:00 Harnessing AI for Outreach Education

5:07 The Evolution of Outreach Strategies

10:12 Engaging with Modern Media and Culture

15:03 The Role of Community and Leadership in Outreach

20:12 Navigating Challenges in Modern Jewish Identity

28:21 Engaging the Unaffiliated: Online Outreach Strategies

29:46 The Battle for the Israel Narrative: Propaganda and Perception

32:10 Targeting the Unaffiliated: A Focus on Jewish Identity

35:32 The Role of God and Community in Jewish Outreach

38:50 Aish's Unique Approach: Intellectual vs. Experiential Learning

40:15 Navigating Challenges: Leadership and Financial Recovery at Aish

49:05 Bringing Jews Home: The Importance of Aliyah

55:15 Political Climate and Its Impact on Jewish Identity

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In this episode, Rav Yonatan Dorfman sits down with historian Rabbi Mordechai Becher to explore how the Jewish people historically managed to survive and thrive after the traumatic destruction of the Second Temple. Rabbi Becher highlights the incredible foresight of the Men of the Great Assembly, who prepared the nation for exile 400 years in advance by standardizing prayer, democratizing Torah study, and fostering communal adaptation. The discussion also delves into the concept of spiritual decline across generations (Yeridat HaDorot) and the powerful role that both emotional inspiration and deep textual learning play in contemporary Jewish identity.

Rabbi Mordechai Becher is an accomplished educator, author, and lecturer who serves as an instructor at Yeshiva University and a senior lecturer for the Gateways organization. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and holds an MA in Medieval Jewish History. In addition to teaching globally and presenting the Talmud class Dimensions of the Daf on the Jewish Broadcasting Service, he authored the widely published book Gateway to Judaism.

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Chapters:

0:00 The Resilience of the Jewish People

6:55 The Role of the Great Assembly

13:45 Prayer and Torah Study as Pillars of Survival

19:41 Adaptation and Evolution of Jewish Identity

24:40 The Future of Jewish Belief and Practice

33:13 The Challenge of Idolatry and Free Will

34:06 Adaptation vs. Assimilation in Judaism

35:19 Spiritual Aikido: Elevating Gentile Contributions

39:08 The Role of Sparks of Holiness

43:01 Philo of Alexandria: Adapter or Assimilator?

49:24 Lessons from Jewish History

54:31 The Emotional Connection to Judaism

59:41 The Fascination with Jewish History

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In this interview, Haredi powerlifter and coach Elchanan Brody discusses how he views weightlifting as a healthy physical and mental vessel that actually enhances his Torah study, rejecting the Greek philosophy that the body itself is the ultimate purpose. He outlines his competitive powerlifting achievements, his strict natural stance against performance-enhancing drugs, and how his personal battle with Crohn's disease shaped his perspective on health transparency. Finally, Brody and Rav Yonatan Dorfman address the cultural taboos surrounding physical fitness and mental illness within the Haredi community, emphasizing the critical religious and practical importance of prioritizing overall well-being.

Elchanan Brody is a competitive Haredi powerlifter and professional coach who transitioned into digital training after years of studying in kollel. He manages an international online coaching business dedicated entirely to drug-free natural athletics, strictly refusing to train clients who utilize performance-enhancing drugs. He utilizes his platform to advocate for physical fitness, nutrition, and mental health transparency within the religious community.

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Chapters:

0:00 Introduction: Greek Philosophy vs. Jewish Thought on the Body

0:57 The Body as a Vessel & Powerlifting in Yeshiva

2:33 Identity, Halachic Boundaries, and Finding a Physical Outlet

4:31 Chasing Strength Over Aesthetics & The Reality of Genetics

7:34 Competition PRs vs. Training Numbers

11:38 A Strict Anti-PED Stance and Cultivating a Clean Sport Culture

14:03 The Morality of Health: Steroids vs. Cigarettes and Ice Cream

17:37 Transitioning from Kollel to a Global Online Coaching Business

22:03 The Catharsis of Heavy Lifting & Finding Stability in Routine

33:13 Confronting Mental Health Stigmas & Crohn's Disease Transparency

38:34 Rav Dorfman's Hospital Story, Physical Activity Deficits, and Shidduch Pressure

48:10 Gym Culture Realities: Yeshiva Bans, Mixed Gyms, and the Coolness of Success

52:25 Debunking Injury Myths in Natural Powerlifting

55:16 Closing Thoughts: The Ripple Effect of Physical Fitness on Jewish LifeCheck out our website here:

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In the interview conversation, retired US Army Sergeant First Class Baruch Baitch shares how his modern Orthodox upbringing and early exposure to anti-Semitism in Michigan motivated him to enlist in the US military to combat evil. After shifting from an initial role as a truck driver to a Cavalry Scout, Baitch experienced intense close-quarters combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he surprisingly found that openly embracing his Jewish identity allowed him to form humanizing, perspective-shifting connections with local Iraqis. Ultimately, the conversation explores the heavy psychological toll of facing evil, how a strong cultural identity helps combat PTSD, and the modern West's dangerous tendency to substitute comfortable echo chambers for the hard, face-to-face discussions needed to challenge deeply ingrained hatred.

Baruch (Colton) Baitch is a United States Army combat veteran with over 18 years of active-duty service, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class while leading as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Platoon Sergeant. He initially enlisted as a motor transport operator before transitioning to a Cavalry Scout, where he served in the high-stakes HHC Scout-Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Throughout his highly kinetic military career, he deployed multiple times to conflict zones, spearheading the second siege of Sadr City in Iraq alongside Navy SEALs and enduring intense counter-Taliban operations in Afghanistan's volatile Arghandab River Valley. Driven by a mission to combat human trafficking and online predators, Baitch transitioned his specialized tracking, close-quarters combat, and reconnaissance skills into the humanitarian sector, currently serving as the President and Recon Team Training Officer for the non-profit organization.

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Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction: Meeting Sergeant First Class Barokh Beij

2:30 - The Tough Question: Why the US Army and Not the IDF?

4:15 - Growing Up with Anti-Semitism in Michigan

6:20 - Enlisting Out of Anger and Becoming a Truck Driver

9:40 - Transitioning to Cavalry Scout and Heading to Sadr City

11:15 - "The Zionist of Al Jadidah": Embracing My Jewish Identity in Iraq

16:00 - The Terrifying Reality of Breaching Doors in Close-Quarters Combat

19:10 - A Miracle in the Fatal Funnel & Finding Faith Again

21:15 - Facing Pure Evil on the Battlefield

26:45 - PTSD, Cultural Identity, and the Luxury of Western Echo Chambers

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In this interview, Rabbi Jeremy Kagan shares his personal journey from studying secular philosophy at Yale University to finding his ultimate grounding in Orthodox Judaism and Torah study. He explores the intricate differences between Western and Jewish philosophies, arguing that while secular thought can provide perspective on the cultural context of our thinking, it becomes dangerous if treated as a source of absolute truth. Ultimately, Rabbi Kagan and the host emphasize that developing a deep, meaningful relationship with God requires rigorous self-reflection, a focus on morality, and the guidance of a respected mentor.

Rabbi Jeremy Kagan is a Jewish philosophical thinker, author, and educator who pursued a Bachelor of Philosophy from Yale University before transitioning into intensive, long-term study within the Orthodox Yeshiva system. He has spent decades exploring, lecturing, and writing several books on the foundational differences between the Western philosophical tradition and the Torah approach to understanding the world. Currently, he serves as a rabbinic guide and mentor, using his unique background in both classical and Jewish thought to help students navigate intellectual challenges and build a deeply integrated relationship with God.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction of Rabbi Jeremy Kagan

2:00 – Rabbi Kagan’s Journey from Hawaii to Yale

6:00 – Modernism, Postmodernism, and the Crisis of Meaning

8:00 – Foundations at Odds: Torah vs. Aristotelian Philosophy

12:20 – The Mind in Exile (Galus)

17:00 – The True Danger of Philosophy vs. Its Utility

24:20 – The Illusion of the "Intellectual" Standard

26:41 – The Role of a Rebbe and Behavior Transformation

34:00 – The Nature of a Thing vs. What It Does

39:00 – Living as an Eved Hashem and the Mentor's Guide

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Find Rabbi Kagan's books here:

https://korenpub.com/collections/rabbi-jeremy-kagan/products/the-intellect-and-the-exodushardcover?lshst=collection

https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Be-Jeremy-Kagan/dp/159826821X

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In this week's episode, Rav Yonatan Dorfman talks with Corey Gil-Shuster, creator of the "Ask Project," to share his firsthand experiences conducting unfiltered conversations on the ground in Arab villages, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. He explores complex topics such as the realities of potential genocide, the pervasive nature of dogma across different cultures, and his personal safety while navigating high-tension areas. The discussion offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what everyday people actually think about the conflict and whether a path toward true peace exists.

Corey Gil-Shuster is a Canadian-Israeli conflict researcher who serves as the director of the International MA Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation at Tel Aviv University. He is best known for creating "The Ask Project," a long-running YouTube series started in 2012 that documents unedited, man-on-the-street interviews with Israelis and Palestinians to answer questions submitted by viewers worldwide. With a background in conflict studies and an MA from Saint Paul University, he utilizes the project to bypass media narratives and provide a raw look at the diverse perspectives on the ground in the Middle East. Through over a thousand videos, he has become a prominent figure in peace and conflict studies by documenting the complex and often surprising realities of public opinion in the region.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

3:12 - The Challenge of Viral Content: "Gentiles are not Adam"

6:45 - Navigating Danger: Entering Arab Villages and Area A

10:20 - Misconceptions and Threats from the Jewish

Community

13:55 - Personal Philosophy: Identity, Atheism, and Zionism

17:30 - Global Perspectives: Double Standards and Media Narratives

21:15 - Analyzing Dogma and Critical Thinking Across Cultures

25:40 - Cultural Taboos: LGBTQ+ Topics and Safety Risks

29:10 - The Mechanics of the Project: Equipment and Techniques

33:45 - Confronting Hostility and Protecting the Footage

38:15 - Assessing the Reality of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing

42:30 - Diverse Opinions: Rejectionists vs. Coexistence

47:05 - The Future of Peace and the Role of Personal Narrative

52:40 - Drafts and Direct Service: The Haredi Military Debate

57:15 - Closing Thoughts and Special Message from Corey

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Find more from Corey here:

https://www.youtube.com/@UCc4iogeOUXNw1RZSNTOlMeg

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In this week's episode, Rabbi Yonatan Dorfman and Stephen Keech, lead singer of the metal band Haste the Day, explore the powerful intersection of heavy metal and spiritual expression. Keech shares his personal journey from a strict religious upbringing toward a life defined by grace, and he discusses the immense pressures artists face within the Christian music industry. The dialogue highlights the unique ability of music to serve as a "controlled violence" and a raw form of worship, ultimately touching on the life-saving impact of lyrics and the profound value of ambiguity in art.

Stephen Keech is a multifaceted musician and producer best known as the lead vocalist for the influential metalcore band Haste the Day. Beyond his work in heavy music, he is a seasoned songwriter and composer who has transitioned into a prominent career in music production and post-production audio for film and digital media. His artistic journey is often characterized by a deep exploration of the intersections between raw creative expression, spirituality, and the evolving landscape of the modern music industry.

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro and Religious Background: Growing Up in a Pastor’s Home

6:34 – The Pressures and Piety of the Christian Music Industry

12:50 – Redefining Art: Moving Beyond Legalism and Burning CDs

18:47 – Controlled Violence: Metal as a Raw and Reverent Form of Worship

21:33 – Musical Evolution: From Traditional Genres to Jewish Rap

25:52 – The Life-Saving Power of Lyrics: One Song’s Incredible Impact

31:06 – Spiritual Maturity: Taking the Pressure Off and Letting God be God

34:10 – The Beauty of Ambiguity: Comparing Parables and the Mona Lisa

45:15 – Finding Common Ground Through Shared Human Connection

1:11:05 – Closing Thoughts: Looking Through the Soul Rather than the Body

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Find Seraphim Aflame's music here:

Youtube:

https://m.youtube.com/@Seraphimaflame

Spotify:

open.spotify.com/artist/0VWovzjvbdn70KX3X7YK5S?si=hyrXDxX3QoCV8KgtyLqB_A

Apple Music

music.apple.com/us/artist/seraphim-aflame/1893908679

Deezer

deezer.com/us/artist/385695051

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Explore the extraordinary transformation of Ari Kafka, who pivoted from the high-stakes world of professional baseball as a Seattle Mariners draftee to a career of profound service and healing. From his intense experiences working as a therapist within the prison system to his leadership as a director at Amudim, Kafka shares unique insights into resilience, mental performance, and the human capacity for redemption. This episode dives deep into the intersection of sports psychology, religious growth, and the vital role of professional support in navigating life's most challenging crises.

Ari Kafka began his career in professional sports, pitching for Quinnipiac University before being drafted into the Seattle Mariners organization. While playing, he experienced a spiritual awakening influenced by his brother's own journey, eventually leading him to embrace an Orthodox lifestyle and prioritize his religious growth at a yeshiva. He went on to gain extensive experience as a clinician in the prison system and served for six years as a director at Amudim, where he supported individuals and families through various crises.

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: From the Baseball Diamond to Amudim Leadership

3:00 – Early Life: Growing Up with Sports as a Safe Haven

5:28 – The Roadmap to the Majors: Parental Support and Ambition

7:38 – College Struggles and the Mental Performance Side of Sports

11:30 – Getting Drafted by the Seattle Mariners

14:49 – Spiritual Awakening: A Brother’s Influence and the Path of Chuva

20:10 – The End of a Dream: Being Released and Finding a New Path

24:59 – Pivoting to Therapy: From Professional Ball to Yeshiva

38:28 – Lessons from the Abyss: Working Three Years in the Prison System

48:57 – Identifying Red Flags: Advice for Parents and Educators

58:04 – Navigating Mental Health Referrals and Finding the Right Help

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