In this conversation, Rav Daniel Hershkowitz shares his unique journey as a Rabbi who also held leaderships positions in govenment, academia, and politics. We discuss the balance and integration between his various roles. The conversation touches on:

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Rav Daniel Hershkowitz has built a career that bridges the worlds of Torah and public service. With a PhD in mathematics from the Technion, he has held significant academic roles, including serving as President of Bar-Ilan University. He has also contributed to Israel’s public sector as Minister of Science and Technology and as Commissioner for the Civil Service, where he oversaw the work of hundreds of thousands of government employees.

Alongside his professional achievements, Rav Hershkowitz has been the Rav of Haifa’s Ahuza neighborhood for many years, a role he carries out as a volunteer. His approach to life combines Torah values with practical leadership, and his experiences offer a unique perspective on integrating faith, learning, and service.

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Integrating Scientific Excellence and Torah

09:13 Unique Experiences in the Rabbinate

13:51 The Importance of Balance in Life

20:42 The Role of College Education in a Changing World

24:35 Transitioning from Academia to Politics

28:27 The Complexities of Civil Service

35:44 Jewish Unity and Societal Harmony

38:55 Lightning Round

In this episode of Shtark Tank, host Yaakov Wolff interviews Allen Pfeiffer, a managing director at Kroll and part-time professor at Sy Syms School of Business. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of balancing a professional career with Torah values, the importance of authenticity in the workplace, and the dilemmas faced by professionals in maintaining their Jewish identity. Alan shares personal stories and insights on navigating these challenges, offering advice for young professionals on finding a career that aligns with their values and passions. The conversation also touches on the significance of mentorship and maintaining a commitment to learning throughout life, as well as the personal journey of Aliyah.

To submit guest suggestions, questions or other ideas for Shovavim episodes, email me at [email protected]

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Additional Content is also available at shtarktank.org

In this episode we sit down with Steve Glanz, whose journey from the fast-paced world of tech to the thoughtful halls of the Beis Medrash is nothing short of a roller coaster. Steve shares his unique story of taking risks in the Israeli tech scene, founding a startup, and achieving a successful buyout that many entrepreneurs only dream of. But his path wasn't all smooth sailing—Steve opens up about the struggles that followed, including a failed venture, burnout, and ultimately, a shift to a more fulfilling chapter as a Rebbe in Yeshivat Mevasseret.

Through his candid reflections, Steve provides invaluable guidance for young men preparing to navigate life after yeshiva. He emphasizes the importance of community, setting clear boundaries at work, and maintaining a strong foundation of learning. His practical advice is grounded in his own experiences of balancing career aspirations with a commitment to Torah values. Whether you're striving for success in the workplace or seeking inspiration to stay connected to your roots, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Bio

Rav Steve Glanz is a Rebbe at Yeshivat Mevaseret. He previously held a number of senior positions in the Israeli tech scene, including founder and CEO of Crosswise, SVP at Vringo, and more. He can be reached at [email protected]

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Chapters

00:00 From Executive to Entrepreneur: The Leap

06:28 Navigating Post-Exit Life: What Comes Next?

15:43 Transitioning to Teaching: A New Path

22:42 Preparing for Life Beyond Yeshiva: Key Insights

Jeremy Lustman created and leads DLA Piper's Israel Group, which includes over 300 lawyers throughout the firm.  But we barely touched on his legal career, since there is so much to talk about relating to Jeremy's Chessed, Aliyah and Rabbeim.

Summary

In this episode, Yaakov Wolff interviews Jeremy Lustman, who shares his journey of engaging in Chesed and volunteer work, particularly in Africa. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of pain and resilience, the importance of faith in humanity, and the impact of small acts of kindness. Jeremy discusses his involvement in various nonprofits and the significance of community engagement, especially for Olim in Israel. He emphasizes the need to maintain relationships with Rabbeim and the value of being proactive in creating connections. The episode highlights the idea that everyone can contribute to Chesed in meaningful ways, regardless of their circumstances.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:27 Operation Ethiopia: A Mission of Healing

06:49 Personal Reflections on Trauma and Empathy

09:07 Philosophy of Giving and Community Engagement

11:18 Finding Joy in Small Moments

17:15 Grassroots Initiatives and Community Impact

20:01 The Power of Influence in Charity Work

27:41 Finding Time for Chesed in Busy Lives

32:14 Impact Aliyah: A Journey of Giving Back

39:53 Maintaining Relationships with Rabbeim

In this special episode we sat down with Rav Shlomo Rayman. On Chanukah we talk about the military victory of the Chashmonaim, and I wanted to get Shlomo's take on some of these issues, since he has spent many months fighting in Gaza. We spoke about Torah learning under difficult circumstances, witnessing miracles, and more.

To check out Shlomo's chidushei Torah from Gaza, click here.

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In this episode, Gil Student discusses his new book, 'Articles of Faith,' exploring the intersection of traditional Jewish beliefs and modern challenges, particularly in the context of the internet. He shares his personal journey to faith, the importance of emunah and hashkafah, and the struggle between independence and authority in contemporary society. The conversation also delves into the impact of the internet on Jewish life, the necessity of critical thinking, and practical advice for navigating career challenges as a Ben Torah.

A few weeks ago, we quietly passed the 50-episode milestone of Shtark Tank, but today, we're finally taking a moment to celebrate this achievement with a special episode.

In this reflective episode, I step out of my comfort zone as the host and into the guest seat to share the story of this rapidly growing podcast and a bit about my own journey. Hosting today’s conversation is Rav Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue and host of the Behind the Bima podcast.

Join us for a look back at the journey so far and the lessons learned along the way.

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If you are want to help others to the right career, now is the time to book a discovery call for ⁠Rockport Career Coach Training⁠. Registration closes soon, PLUS Shtark Tank listeners will get a $500 discount with the code Shtark500. For more info ⁠click here⁠.

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During our 2-part series on Career Advice from Rabbi Sacks, I was blown away by the work of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Office. So I wanted to learn more. So we are going behind the scenes at Rabbi Sacks' office.

This conversation delves into the legacy of Rabbi Sacks, focusing on his innovative use of digital media to share Torah teachings. Joanna Benarroch, who worked closely with Rabbi Sacks, discusses the evolution of his communication style, the importance of accessibility in Torah study, and the ongoing efforts to continue his work after his passing. The conversation highlights the balance between making teachings accessible to a broad audience while retaining depth for serious scholars. It concludes with insights into the current initiatives of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Office and how individuals can contribute to this important work. For collaborations, email [email protected]

To listen to the episodes themselves, click below

If you are want to help others to the right career, now is the time to book a discovery call for Rockport Career Coach Training. Registration closes soon, PLUS Shtark Tank listeners will get a $500 discount with the code Shtark500. For more info click here.

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Website

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⁠Make sure to check out Rabbi Sacks Koren publications⁠

Click Here for Part 1

What would Rabbi Sacks say?

In this two-part series, Career Advice from Rabbi Sacks, we explore timeless wisdom from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l and how his teachings can inspire and guide Bnei Torah navigating the modern workforce.

Rabbi Sacks was a towering intellectual with a global following, addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time—religious violence, morality, God and science, and more. In honor of his yahrtzeit, we delve into his profound insights, uncovering how they directly relate to the challenges and opportunities of balancing a Torah-centered life with career ambitions.

In this episode:

(00:00) Intro

(01:50) Money and Happiness

(21:40) Work and Family

(31:07) Tzedaka

(39:50) Messages of Hope

You will hear personal reflections from Rabbi Sacks's talmidim—those influenced from afar and those privileged to gain access to his inner world.

You will also listen to Rabbi Sacks in his own words, thanks to the incredible resources provided by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy website.

Whether you're looking for practical career guidance or inspiration for integrating Torah values into your professional life, this series offers a unique perspective from one of the greatest thinkers of our time.

Resources Mentioned:

Guest Bios

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks ZT"L Renowned Jewish thinker, writer, and speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt"l served as Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. His legacy includes profound insights on faith, leadership, and morality that resonate far beyond the Jewish world.

Gilles Gade Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Cross River Bank, Gilles Gade is a visionary in the fintech industry, blending innovation with traditional banking to create cutting-edge financial solutions.

Alan Sacks is a partner at Herzog Fox & Naaman.

Dr. Erica Brown is a scholar, educator, and author, known for her thought-provoking works on Jewish leadership and education. She is the Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University, and the Director of the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership at YU. You can check out her upcoming book ⁠Morning Has Broken: Faith After October 7th⁠

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