💍 Sparks & Stability: The Torah Take on Marriage

with Harav Yosef Greenfeld, Rov of Chestnut Shul – Lakewood, NJ

In this deeply insightful and practical episode of the KOLOT Podcast, Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein sits down with Harav Yosef Greenfeld, the esteemed Rov of Chestnut Shul in Lakewood, New Jersey, who has guided and prepared thousands of chassanim for marriage over the course of his career.

Drawing on decades of experience counseling young couples, Rabbi Greenfeld shares timeless Torah wisdom about what truly makes a marriage thrive — from the moment a couple prepares for the chuppah to building a home that lasts a lifetime.

Rabbi Greenfeld reflects on the formative influences that shaped his own path, including the profound guidance of Harav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l, and the powerful role his parents played in directing him toward a life dedicated to strengthening Jewish marriages.

This episode explores some of the most important and sometimes uncomfortable questions about relationships — with clarity, warmth, and authentic Torah perspective.

🧭 In This Episode We Discuss:

✨ What does it really mean to be “ready” for marriage?

✨ How does someone know they married the right person?

✨ The balance between individuality and unity in marriage

✈️ Is it appropriate to vacation with friends without your spouse?

📈 What happens when spouses grow at different levels of Shmiras HaMitzvos?

👶 Healthy Torah perspectives on family planning

🏠 Breaking cycles: building a healthy home even if you grew up in a broken one

📜 The essential do’s and don’ts every couple must know

👨‍👩‍👧 Chinuch Habanim U’Banos — raising children in a Torah home

💒 The powerful bracha every chassan and kallah receive under the chuppah

❤️ Practical marriage advice for the first year — and for decades to come

💡 Rabbi Greenfeld shares profound yet practical insights drawn from thousands of conversations with chassanim and young couples, offering guidance that is relevant not only to newlyweds but to anyone seeking to build a stronger, deeper marriage.

Whether you are preparing for marriage, newly married, or many years into building your home, this conversation offers wisdom, perspective, and tools that can transform the way we think about relationships.

💬 This episode will challenge assumptions, strengthen perspectives, and provide timeless Torah guidance for building a marriage filled with both sparks and stability.

Kolot is a project of the Columbus Community Kollel, a full-time learning center in Bexley. Ever Since 1995, boy, girls, men and women of all backgrounds and affiliations have found learning opportunities at the Kollel. Whether it's a study partner, engaging lesson or a program, the Kollel is your one-stop-shop for all your Jewish learning. To learn more, visit www.thekollel.org and forever be inspired!

📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News

🤝 In partnership with:

The Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation

(Circleville, Ohio • Cleveland, Ohio • Rochester, New York)