Jews Shmooze

Naftali Kempeh is one of Jewish music’s most sought-after voices, with eight albums, more than 25 singles, and a presence that electrifies kumzitsen, weddings, and concert stages around the world. From his upbringing in Tifrach and early Carlebach influences to carving out a unique sound embraced across diverse communities, Naftali shares the journey behind the music. He opens up about his first paid gig, his parents’ reaction to his unconventional path, performing in Israel versus the U.S., navigating requests for free shows, and the personal impact of losing his mother. Hear the stories, struggles, and heart behind the voice everyone hopes is holding the mic.

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected]

Listen on the phone!!

UK: 44-333-366-0589

IL: 972-79-579-5005

USA: 712-432-2903

Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Frank Meeink made headlines throughout the years for his jaw dropping journey from being a skinhead and neo-nazi white supremacit to becoming a fully observant and practicing Jew. He has written an autobiography titled Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead and has been the basis for a character on TV, been seen on TV and in many interviews. After a three-year stint in prison, he left the racist skinhead movement and now lectures against it.

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected]

Listen on the phone!!

UK: 44-333-366-0589

IL: 972-79-579-5005

USA: 712-432-2903

Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Rabbi Dan Roth, founder of Torah Live, shares the story behind one of the most innovative Torah education platforms today. From the original spark that led him to merge cutting-edge technology with authentic Torah learning, to the challenges of keeping Torah relevant in a rapidly changing world, Rabbi Roth reflects on vision, growth, impact, and the misconceptions surrounding “Torah tech.” The conversation explores the future of Jewish education, the balance between depth and engagement, and what it takes to inspire today’s generation through new tools while staying rooted in timeless values.

To learn more, subscribe, or support their work, visit torahlive.com.

Episode Sponsor

This week’s episode is brought to you by CH Bookings.

Whether you’re planning a simcha, event, or anything in between, CH Bookings connects you with talented singers and instrumental musicians to fit your style and budget.

They’re professional, easy to work with, and trusted to make your event memorable.

For your next event, contact Chezky Hershkowitz at CH Bookings at 848-326-0718.

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected]

Listen on the phone!!

UK: 44-333-366-0589

IL: 972-79-579-5005

USA: 712-432-2903

Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Sam Salz made headlines a few years ago as the only Orthodox Jewish NCAA Division I football player, but his story goes far beyond the title. He didn’t grow up playing football, yet found himself training for nine months alongside the Texas A&M practice field and ultimately suiting up for one of the most storied programs in college football. In this episode, Sam shares the journey that led him to the cover of The New York Times, the challenges he faced along the way, and the deeper lessons behind it all.

To contact Sam for your next speaking event:
[email protected]

Episode Sponsor

This week’s episode is brought to you by CH Bookings.

Whether you’re planning a simcha, event, or anything in between, CH Bookings connects you with talented singers and instrumental musicians to fit your style and budget.

They’re professional, easy to work with, and trusted to make your event memorable.

For your next event, contact Chezky Hershkowitz at CH Bookings at 848-326-0718.

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected]

Listen on the phone!!

UK: 44-333-366-0589

IL: 972-79-579-5005

USA: 712-432-2903

Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Mitchell Silk led the 2019 China trade deal, designed the CARES Act, produced the three-volume, 2,000-page ArtScroll Kedushas Levi, and runs the Agudath Israel Legal Support Services — all while volunteering there too. (Yes, this is all the same person.) He’s now out with a new book: A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump’s Global Economic Revolution.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seat-Table-Account-Economic-Revolution/dp/B0F318DTSH

Simon and Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Seat-at-the-Table/Mitchell-A-Silk/9798895652268

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected]

Listen on the phone!!

UK: 44-333-366-0589

IL: 972-79-579-5005

USA: 712-432-2903

Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Hear about the groundbreaking, first of its kind initiative called Uniting Torah which unites the 4 Torah worlds. Let’s show Hashem that the divisions of the past no longer define us. Now every Jew can support all Torah worlds equally. This time, we give to each other. www.UnitingTorah.com/js

Mark Wilf is best known as the co-owner and President of the Minnesota Vikings, but his impact extends far beyond the football field. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how his upbringing as the child of Holocaust survivors shaped his leadership, his deep commitment to Jewish philanthropy, and the lessons he's learned from sports, business, and legacy. If you care about leadership, family, giving back, and the future of Jewish life, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Special thanks to the Danneman family for helping arrange this conversation.

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected]

Listen on the phone!!

UK: 44-333-366-0589

IL: 972-79-579-5005

USA: 712-432-2903

Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Sponsored Message: Support Yeshivas Dover Tzedek, a chashuv yeshiva in Lakewood, and enter their raffle for a $10,000 dining room set. Tickets are $99 and proceeds go to support Torah learning.
Enter here: https://thechesedfund.com/yeshivadovertzedek/dining-room-set-raffle
Or call/text 917-772-2494 to buy tickets.

-----Sivan Rahav Meir, one of Israel’s most popular media personalities and a respected author and columnist, joins for the episode. Sivan shares her unique journey from journalism to becoming a prominent voice in Israeli media, balancing her public career with her private life. We discuss the challenges of being a public figure and so much more!

To buy her books, learn more, or invite her to your community, school, or shul (digitally or in person), visit her website: https://sivanrahavmeir.com/home-en/

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected] on the phone!! UK: 44-333-366-0589 IL: 972-79-579-5005 USA: 712-432-2903Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Professor Aumann discusses childhood in Germany, influences after moving to America, why he went to Israel, his son who was killed in the Lebanon War, what winning a Noble Prize feels like, how Game Theory can solve the hostage crisis and religious ideas, and much more.

Professor Robert Aumann is a mathematician who’s won the Harvey Prize in Science and Technology, the Israel Prize for economics, the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, and many others. He has written a lot of papers and has contributed significantly to many academic and religious conversations.

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected] on the phone!! UK: 44-333-366-0589 IL: 972-79-579-5005 USA: 712-432-2903Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543

Hear how Joseph Gitler founded and runs Leket Israel. In 2024, they had 160 employees, 95,000 volunteers, 63 dedicated food rescue vehicles, 33,340 tons of food, among other incredible numbers. Leket Israel deals with harvesting surplus agricultural produce and collecting cooked meals then sorting and distributing them to the needy throughout the country.

To learn more, reach out, or donate: www.leket.org

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To sponsor an episode: [email protected] on the phone!! UK: 44-333-366-0589 IL: 972-79-579-5005 USA: 712-432-2903Check out the Jews Shmooze T-shirts and mug: https://rb.gy/qp543