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Leaving Egypt: A Father & Son Take on Coming Home for Pesach

What do you do when your son is in yeshiva in Israel, sirens are going off daily, Pesach is approaching fast, and every flight home keeps getting canceled? You find another way. Even if that way goes through Egypt.

In this episode, Asher and Jon sit down with Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, head of school at HANC West Hempstead, and his son Eli, a student at Mevaseret Yeshiva in Israel, who recently made it home to New York through one of the most memorable journeys you'll hear this year. From Eilat to the Egyption border crossing, through the Sinai Desert in a speeding van during a hailstorm, past a head-on collision, through Sharm el-Sheikh airport, and on to Rome before finally landing at JFK, Eli crossed four continents in 40 hours to be home for Pesach.

But this episode is about a lot more than the travel story. Rabbi Hazan opens up about the emotional weight of parenting from a distance during wartime, the WhatsApp chat chaos that gripped every yeshiva parent group, the moment he flipped from "we are absolutely not sending him through Egypt" to "we are sending him through Egypt," and why he kept the whole plan secret from his own parents, including his Egyptian-born father, who had strong feelings about Egypt.

Eli shares what yeshiva life actually looked like during the Iran war, what it felt like to run to the mamad, what it meant to experience those moments alongside his fellow Jews in Israel, and why — despite everything — he can't wait to get back.

It is funny, honest, a little nerve-wracking, and deeply moving. A story about family, faith, decisive parenting, and one unforgettable ride through the Sinai Desert.

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⏱️ Chapters with Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to the Carpool Guys Podcast

00:43 — Good Pods Glory: The Guys Hit Number One on Jewish Podcasts

02:30 — Introducing Rabbi Ouriel Hazan and Eli Hazan

04:15 — Rabbi Hazan's Year in Israel and the Original Pesach Plan

07:00 — Life at Mevaseret When the Iran War Broke Out

10:30 — The Rebbe Van Shows Up: Yeshiva Life During Wartime

13:00 — Sleep Deprivation, Sirens, and the Emotional Toll

16:00 — The Parent WhatsApp Chat Chaos Begins

19:30 — When Delta Cancels and Plan B Becomes Necessary

23:00 — "We Are Absolutely Not Sending Him Through Egypt" (or... are we?)

26:30 — The Concierge Service, the Cancellation, and the Last Two Spots

30:00 — Eli Finds Out He's Going to Egypt... Tomorrow

33:00 — The $500 Cash, the Bribes

37:00 — Crossing the Border: Nine Desks, VIP Tours, and Armed Escorts

42:30 — The Sinai Drive: 90 MPH, No Cell Service, Hail, and a Head-On Collision

49:00 — Sharm el-Sheikh Airport: Bag Ransom, Boarding Passes, and a Yankee Hat

55:00 — Rome Layover, Nine Hours, and Crackers for Dinner

57:30 — The Reunion and a Sigh of Relief

59:30 — The Bigger Conversation: Judgment, Social Media, and Choosing Without Guilt

01:02:00 — What This Generation Has Witnessed and What It Means

01:04:00 — Chag Sameach and Closing Thoughts

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Life in Israel Right Now: Real Stories from Friends on the Ground

In this powerful and personal episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast, we take a step out of the carpool line and into the real lives of people we know and care about.

We’re joined by Nava Mermelstein (yes… Asher’s sister) and her son Meir Simcha, along with recent Olim Sarah and Yehoshua Auman, who many of you may remember from our hometown of West Hempstead. Since making Aliyah, their lives have taken on a new reality as they raise families in Israel during the recent war with Iran.

They share what daily life actually looks like right now, from the sudden blare of sirens to the routine of heading to the mamad (safe room), and the strange balance of navigating real danger while still doing all the normal parenting things: getting kids to school, making dinner, and arguing about bedtime.

But this conversation isn’t just about fear or headlines. It’s about resilience, community, faith, humor, and the incredible ability of families to keep moving forward even in uncertain times.

We hear what it feels like the first time a siren goes off, how children process moments adults struggle to understand, and the surprising ways life still finds moments of normalcy — and even laughter.

It’s a conversation about Aliyah, parenting, perspective, and what it means to build a life in Israel even when the world feels upside down.

This episode offers a rare and deeply human window into what life looks like on the ground right now... told not by commentators or analysts, but by friends.

And yes… there are a few classic Carpool Guys moments along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what daily life in Israel feels like during times like these, this episode will stay with you.

Chapters & Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome to the Carpool Guys Podcast
• 00:43 – Introduction: The Reality of Life in Israel Today
• 01:04 – Firsthand Accounts: Interview with Nava Mermelstein and her son Meir Simcha
• 07:34 – The Sound of Sirens: Emotional Responses to Air-Raid Alerts
• 09:14 – Adapting the Routine: Daily Life Under Pressure
• 13:56 – The Move to Israel: Reflections on Making Aliyah
• 14:34 – Finding Light: Faith, Hope, and Miracles
• 18:03 – Strength in Numbers: Community Solidarity and Respect for Soldiers
• 22:12 – The Great Snack Debate: Favorite and Overrated Israeli Treats
• 30:21 – Introducing Sarah and Yehoshua Auman: Perspectives on Security and Home
• 43:24 – Looking Up: Witnessing Missile Interceptions
• 45:46 – Kids in Crisis: Humor and Resilience in the Younger Generation
• 52:05 – Deep Dive: Food Quirks and Cultural Guilty Pleasures
• 58:14 – Living with Constant Alerts: A Summary of the "New Normal"

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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This episode starts in serious territory and ends somewhere uncomfortably close to home.

Asher, Dave, and Jon open with a raw conversation about the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping story and the unsettling feeling of violence “not supposed to happen here.” The guys unpack media reactions, double standards, the NBA controversy surrounding Deni Avdija, and the uncomfortable cultural conversations that follow global events.

But then the episode pivots.

High school acceptance week hits close to home. The stress. The comparisons. The tension. The rejection. The identity questions. The transfer portal jokes.

And that leads to the real conversation of the night:

Kids. Phones. Parenting. And the uncomfortable truth that before we tell our kids what to do… we might need to look at ourselves first.

When do you give a child a smartphone?
 Are we raising anxious kids or modeling anxious behavior?
 Are we frustrated with their screen time… while scrolling ourselves?

This episode becomes less about controlling kids — and more about owning the behavior we model.

It’s funny. It’s honest. It’s a little uncomfortable.

Which means it’s probably important.

If you’re navigating parenting in the age of smartphones, social pressure, high school decisions, and digital overload — this one’s for you.

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 👉 Leave a 5-star rating
 👉 Share this with a parent who needs it

00:58 – The Nancy Guthrie Story
 A serious warm-up conversation about kidnapping, media attention, and why stories like this shake us.

05:36 – NBA Controversy & Deni Avdija
Spike Lee, social media reactions, and the absurdity of singling out an Israeli athlete.

09:47 – High School Acceptance Week
Jon introduces the emotional rollercoaster of acceptance day.

10:34 – The Stress Our Kids Feel
Comparisons, curiosity, rejection, and how kids process it differently.

12:57 – Starting Fresh vs. Needing Anchors
Dave’s experience going somewhere alone — and why every child is wired differently.

16:19 – The Pivot: Kids & Cell Phones
When do you give a child a phone? And why is this so complicated?

17:00+ – The Bigger Question: What Are We Modeling?
 Before we lecture our kids about screen time… what are we doing?

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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Snow days, Zoom school, airport chaos, parenting fails, awkward Publix conversations, and AI anxiety—this episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast has it all.

Jon Ackerman, Asher Dworetsky, and Dave From Flatbush kick things off debating the most controversial modern parenting question: Is a Zoom snow day even a real snow day? From kids celebrating surprise days off to parents questioning what learning actually happens on Zoom, the guys break down why snow days should stay sacred.

From there, the conversation takes a turn into classic Carpool Guys territory:
 ✈️ Airport pickup mishaps
 🚗 Becoming an Uber… to become an Uber
 🍪 The unspoken rules of taking snacks from someone else’s house
 ⭐ Giving (and receiving) five-star ratings—both earthly and divine

Along the way, they share winter vacation highlights, parenting moments that test your patience (and your dignity), celebrity misidentifications, and one unforgettable Publix checkout encounter involving Bible verses, Israel, and a heartfelt “Shalom.”

The episode wraps by teeing up a bigger Shabbos-table conversation: how AI is changing our lives, our kids, and the way we think about learning, work, and the future—and whether we should be excited, terrified, or both.

If you love podcasts about parenting, Jewish life, family humor, modern fatherhood, relatable conversations, and real-life chaos, this episode is for you.

👉 Follow @carpoolguyspod, leave a 5-star rating, and tell us what topic you want to hear next.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Cookie Etiquette & House Rules
Is it okay to take snacks when you’re doing someone a favor? Where do we draw the line?

00:56 – Surprise Snow Day Energy
Kids celebrating, parents coping, and the joy of one more day off.

02:05 – The Zoom Snow Day Debate
Should snow days still be sacred—or has Zoom changed everything?

03:27 – What Are Kids Actually Learning on Zoom?
Honest takes from parents who lived through it.

04:15 – Multi-Day Snowstorms: What’s the Right Balance?
Snow day vs. Zoom day—how should schools handle it?

05:31 – Fire Drills, Payback, and Vacation Chaos
When real life mirrors your job a little too closely.

06:06 – Like, Subscribe, and Join the Community
Why the Carpool Guys care so much about listener engagement.

07:41 – Being Recognized IRL
From Shabbos taps on the shoulder to pizza shop shout-outs.

08:31 – Podcast Topic Requests Gone Wrong
Why “global warming” might not be a Shabbos-table hit.

09:27 – Airport Pickup Gone Sideways
No keys, slow Uber drivers, and a lot of stress.

12:22 – The Snack Question Returns
Black-and-white cookies, pantry boundaries, and moral dilemmas.

13:39 – Five-Star Ratings (Earthly & Heavenly)
Uber reviews meet Jewish philosophy.

14:27 – Happy Birthday & Mazel Tov Corner
Celebrations for friends of the show.

15:52 – Winter Vacation Stories & Parenting Moments
Fire alarms, celebrity mix-ups, and unforgettable meltdowns.

21:05 – Parenting Through Public Temper Tantrums
Judgment, discipline, and standing your ground.

23:18 – Publix, Bible Verses, and Jewish Anxiety
An interaction Jon will never forget.

26:48 – Introducing the Big Topic: AI & The Future
Are we helping our kids—or hurting them?

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Would you want to crash-land here?! 😳🐊

Dave takes us inside the Florida Everglades, explaining exactly why this is the last place you’d ever want to make an emergency landing… and yes — there are ALLIGATORS.

This moment is funny, terrifying, and somehow educational all at once — the kind of real-life storytelling that only happens when parenting, travel, and bad hypotheticals collide.

👉 Listen to the full story on the latest episode of the Carpool Guys Podcast.

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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Winter break sounds relaxing — until it actually begins.

In this episode of The Carpool Guys, Asher, Dave, and Jon dive into the realities of winter break and family vacations, exploring the excitement, stress, anxiety, and unexpected joy that come with extended time off and traveling together. Through relatable stories and plenty of humor, they unpack why winter break often feels like anything but a break.

The conversation touches on the pressure to create the “perfect” family vacation, the stress of travel and logistics, and the temptation to compare your holiday experience to everyone else’s highlight reel. Asher, Dave, and Jon make the case for prioritizing authentic experiences over perfect photos, embracing the chaos when things go wrong, and recognizing that the most meaningful holiday memories are often unplanned.

They also share practical, real-life advice on planning family vacations that actually fit your family’s needs, avoiding empty parenting threats while traveling, making intentional time for your spouse during school breaks, and using humor as a powerful tool to navigate family challenges.

Whether you’re packing bags, already on the road, or just trying to survive winter break at home, this episode offers laughter, perspective, and reassurance that you’re not doing it wrong — you’re just living real life.

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Winter Break
• 00:03:00 Family Vacation Anxieties
• 00:06:00 The Importance of Authentic Experiences
• 00:09:00 Navigating Family Dynamics
• 00:12:00 Creating Lasting Memories

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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What day is it? Honestly… does it even matter anymore?

The guys kick things off by trying to figure out the day of the week, debating “real feel” time, and reacting to feedback from the last episode (yes, we read the comments... keep them coming).

From there, the conversation turns more real as Asher, Dave, and Jon dive back into Aliyah anxiety — that very familiar emotional tug-of-war between loving life in the U.S. while feeling deeply connected to Israel. Listener messages spark honest reflections, meaningful laughs, and a reminder that this tension is something a lot of people quietly carry.

Then the episode takes a powerful and inspiring turn with a very special guest: Eli Rosenberg. Eli shares his incredible story of donating a kidney through Renewal, walking us through the process, the support of the community, and what it’s really like to make a life-changing decision that impacts another human being forever. It’s moving, eye-opening, and deeply humbling, and somehow still fits perfectly into a Carpool Guys conversation.

This episode has it all: laughs, big questions, real emotions, and a reminder of how much good one person — and one community — can do.

Buckle up.

Chapters -

00:00:00 Introduction and Banter

00:02:00 Aliyah Anxiety and Listener Feedback

00:27:16 Eli Rosenberg's Kidney Donation Story

00:47:55 Community Support and Impact

01:12:02  Question of the Week

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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What starts with a painfully awkward synagogue moment (you know the one, that late guy who somehow blocks everyone’s view) quickly turns into a much bigger conversation.

This week, Asher, Dave, and Jon dive into the very real and increasingly common phenomenon of Aliyah Anxiety, the emotional tension between loving Israel, feeling spiritually connected to Jewish life in Israel, and also being genuinely happy, rooted, and fulfilled living in the United States.

The guys unpack the emotional, mental, and practical challenges of making Aliyah, including identity, family considerations, community pressure, Jewish values, and the fear of making the “wrong” life decision. Along the way, they mix thoughtful reflection with humor, stories, and classic Carpool Guys travel mishaps.

This episode touches on Jewish identity, Jewish community, modern Orthodox life, moving to Israel, work-life balance, parenting, and the emotional complexity of big life choices - all while keeping things honest, relatable, and funny.

If you’ve ever felt pulled in two directions - Israel and America, idealism and reality, dreams and day-to-day life - this one’s for you.

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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In this episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast, the guys explore how everyday leadership and small acts of kindness can create a powerful, lasting impact on the people around us. Through real-life stories, including Asher’s unforgettable car rescue adventure (Thank you Chaveirim!) they highlight the importance of doing the little things, showing up for others, and staying grounded in the middle of life’s chaos.

The conversation dives into essential leadership qualities like empathy, humility, approachability, and consistency. Simple actions like helping a friend, supporting a neighbor, and staying (Very) patient with family, often demonstrate stronger leadership than any big speech or title.

With humor, heart, and relatable stories about parenting, family life, teamwork, and growth, this episode reminds listeners that true leadership happens in the small moments: the ones no one applauds but everyone remembers.

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

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This week on The Carpool Guys Podcast, Jon and Asher take the wheel for a special Thanksgiving edition — and yes, Dave’s off the hook (or maybe just on turkey duty).

In this cozy, laugh-filled episode, the guys share their love for Thanksgiving, from family traditions and favorite foods to the real power of gratitude. They swap personal stories about family gatherings, reflect on what makes this time of year so meaningful, and dive into listener-submitted Thanksgiving traditions that will have you smiling all the way to the dinner table.

Along the way, they explore:
 🦃 Why Thanksgiving might just be the best week of the year
🍗 How teamwork makes the turkey work
🥧 Food, family, and a side of Black Friday chaos
🕯️ The intersection between Thanksgiving gratitude and Chanukah gift-giving
🎬 Their favorite  family movie picks for the long weekend

From heartfelt reflections to hilarious moments, Jon and Asher remind us that gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving — it’s a way of life.

Chapters

00:00
The Best Week of the Year

02:42
Thanksgiving Traditions and Family Connections

05:32
Gratitude and Its Importance

08:43
The Role of Teamwork in Thanksgiving

11:39
Reflections on Food and Memories

14:40
The Significance of Thank You

17:41
The Power of Gratitude in Leadership

21:23
The Importance of Family and Gratitude

24:49
Cholent Hotline: A Culinary Idea

25:57
Thanksgiving vs. Yontif: A Cultural Comparison

30:30
The Flexibility of Thanksgiving Celebrations

32:43
Gift-Giving Traditions: Chanukah and Beyond

34:56
Holiday Decorations: The Challenge of Setup and Takedown

39:01
Thanksgiving Traditions from Listeners

40:18
Thanksgiving Traditions and Family Stories

43:15
The Beauty of Fall and Personal Reflections

48:51
Work-Life Balance and Thanksgiving Anticipation

49:19
Movie Recommendations for Family Time

53:32
Gratitude and Thanksgiving Reflections

54:54
Black Friday Shopping Insights

Please rate and review The Carpool Guys!

You can email us at [email protected]

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Send us a question, a comment, birthday wish, shoutout, or anything else fun and positive, and maybe we'll feature your addition on the next episode of The Carpool Guys Podcast!