The Orthonomics Podcast
The Orthonomics Podcast explores issues of importance to the Orthodox Jewish community, through the dual lenses of data – drawn from a wide range of sources – and informed conversations with knowledgeable and often opinionated experts. Each episode also includes a segment titled “What do you want to know about the Orthodox community?” In which our guest, as well as our listeners, get to pose their questions on issues that intrigue them, and we answer your questions.
info_outline
(47) Self-Identification, Leaving Orthodoxy, Divorce, Therapy, and More … With Miriam Moster, PhD
12/19/2025
(47) Self-Identification, Leaving Orthodoxy, Divorce, Therapy, and More … With Miriam Moster, PhD
Miriam Moster has a PhD sociology, she is a Mellon Humanities Public Fellow and a Wexner Graduate Fellow. Her research explores Jewish communities, education, and the experiences of individuals navigating the boundaries of insular religious worlds. “Navigating the boundaries” means moving from one sector of Judaism and observance to another sector and lifestyle; and she has published widely on these topics. Her work is distinguished by an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on sociology, narrative, and cultural studies to better understand how people view and construct their own personal identity and how they fit into a community. In a wide-ranging conversation, we talk about adults who leave the observant community, the acceptance and value of research in the Haredi community, divorces and their impact on changes in religiosity and religious self-identification, Shabbat for singles, the greater acceptance and “mainstreaming” of therapy, and the dangers and cautions relating to therapy.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/39467475
info_outline
(46) Addictions and Suicides in the Orthodox Community … with Zvi Gluck, CEO of Amudim
12/16/2025
(46) Addictions and Suicides in the Orthodox Community … with Zvi Gluck, CEO of Amudim
Thanks to the Halacha Headlines podcast and Dovid Lichtenstein for allowing us to share this important episode with the Orthonomics audience. Halacha Headlines is an excellent podcast, primarily aimed at the Yeshivish community but with important insights for all Orthodox Jews. It is available at all podcast platforms. For further information about the issues discussed, go to . The Nishma Research Health Assessment Survey of the Orthodox community is available through January 18, 2026 at . You may send feedback or questions to .
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/39433885
info_outline
(45) A Man of Emes v’Emunah … Truth and Faith … Harry Maryles
11/27/2025
(45) A Man of Emes v’Emunah … Truth and Faith … Harry Maryles
Harry Maryles is the author behind the blog Emes Ve-Emunah (which is now also released as a Substack publication). For many years he has written extensively and prolifically on issues of Halacha (Jewish law), hashkafa (Jewish philosophy), and contemporary matters affecting Orthodoxy. He does not shy away from sensitive or controversial issues, and his columns are just excellent. I’ve very much enjoyed reading his column and we have even interacted from time to time. He is a rabbi and holds a psychology degree, and also publishes essays and commentary for news-and-analysis outlets such as The Times of Israel. If you want to read his fascinating posts, here is a link to his , where he has been posting for many years, and here is a to his new Substack, where you can subscribe to get his postings via email.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/39189315
info_outline
(44) Navigating Grief Through Jewish Tradition … with Elissa Felder
11/26/2025
(44) Navigating Grief Through Jewish Tradition … with Elissa Felder
is a: • Renowned speaker • Author of the book “” • The Coordinator of Elissa also mentioned and the excellent they have prepared for follow-up discussion of the topics she raises.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/39175180
info_outline
(43) What Comes After Orthodox Divorce, for Men and Women … with Esther Eisner
10/21/2025
(43) What Comes After Orthodox Divorce, for Men and Women … with Esther Eisner
Esther Eisner is the founder of AfterForever.org, an online support community for Jewish divorcees. As a divorcee herself, Esther has experienced firsthand some of the challenges of rebuilding – both one’s home and ones’ self – post-divorce. She started After Forever to help others get back on their feet and to assist in navigating the path to starting over. This is the fourth and final episode of a series dealing wih divorce in the Orthodox Jewish community. See also episode 37 (an overview of the survey findings), episode 39 (conversation with Rabbi Weissmann, director of the Beth Din of America), and episode 40 (conversation with Attorney Deborah Chames, whose broad practice includes family law and divorce issues in the Orthodox community). Here are links to: The . A of the report. The site offering support to divorcees. If you would like to receive our upcoming Health Survey, just send an email to .
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/38734375
info_outline
(42) Health, Covid and More … with Dr. David Wolpaw, MD
10/05/2025
(42) Health, Covid and More … with Dr. David Wolpaw, MD
David Wolpaw reacts to the top health issues that Orthodox Jews recently told us are most important to them, including how their priorities compare with those of the general population. We also have a wide-ranging conversation covering such topics as attitudes toward vaccines, trust in medical authority and government, social media, Israel, and a little bit of politics.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/38473855
info_outline
(41) Diet and Fitness in the Orthodox Community … With Rocky (Yerachmiel) Bochner
09/05/2025
(41) Diet and Fitness in the Orthodox Community … With Rocky (Yerachmiel) Bochner
Rocky Bochner is a data analyst and behavioral neuroscientist … and also both a certified personal trainer and a certified nutrition coach in the New York City Orthodox community. It is the latter – exercise and diet – that bring him to this program, in connection with our upcoming health survey. While his practice – RockFitnessNYC.com – provides personal training and classes for men, the issues we discuss apply to all adults in the Orthodox community. Additionally, he trains couples, prepares workouts for women, and can offers recommendations for female one-on-one trainers.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/38108005
info_outline
(40) Divorce and the Law … With Attorney Deborah S. Chames
09/04/2025
(40) Divorce and the Law … With Attorney Deborah S. Chames
This episode continues our series on divorce, with our guest Deborah Chames, a highly respected partner at a Miami law firm. Deborah represents family law clients at Kluger, Kaplan, a Southeast Florida firm with clients nationwide. She handles high-net-worth divorces and high-conflict divorces. Guided by 42 years of experience, Chames crafts a strategy that advocates for clients while remaining sensitive. She is the first and only woman on the board of Yeshiva Toras Chaim, the largest Orthodox day school in the South. Her daughter, Melissa, also practices family law at Kluger, Kaplan. Chames works pro bono with the legal services committee of the Orthodox Union. In addition to providing solid advice to those contemplating or pursuing divorce, we discuss trends in Orthodox divorce, what she sees first-hand as the major causes, and she suggests some approaches that could reduce the problems and help young people transition into marriage. Links: Deborah’s The Nishma Research 2025 , some of which is discussed in this episode.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/38086135
info_outline
(39) The Broad Role and Value of the Beth Din … With Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann
09/03/2025
(39) The Broad Role and Value of the Beth Din … With Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann
We did a recent and discussed the findings in episode 37. This episode is the first of several follow-ups on that topic. The Beth Din of America serves as a national rabbinical court, affiliated with the Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union. It addresses a broad spectrum of issues and is likely the busiest beth din in the country. (This here are many in the US and experiences vary among them.) Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann is both a rabbi and a lawyer, having received rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University and graduated from Columbia Law School. He oversees BDA operations and also serves as an arbitrator (dayan) and mediator in both civil and religious matters. He frequently write, speaks and teaches on how Jewish law intersects with contemporary secular law. Under his direction, the Beth Din has promoted the use and administration of the halakhic prenuptial agreement viewed as an effective solution to the agunah problem by preventing cases of divorce refusal. Links: • The and information about the . • The Nishma Research 2023 (See pages 36-38, which discuss the divorce process) • Article “,” Jewish Link, July 24, 2025.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/38074235
info_outline
(38) Emunah and Physics: A Jewish Resolve …with Dr. Berel (Zachary) Epstein
08/05/2025
(38) Emunah and Physics: A Jewish Resolve …with Dr. Berel (Zachary) Epstein
Dr. Berel Leib (Zachary) Epstein lives in Baltimore with his wife and children. He learns at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel. He also is a theoretical physicist and a Senior Staff Scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where he engages in advanced research aimed at supporting the United States' technological edge in defense applications. He came to my attention when I received an email from Mosaica Press about his new book “Emunah and Physics: A Jewish Resolve.” Mosaica Press writes: “The age of the earth. Archaeological evidence. The nature of miracles. These questions have often been either sidestepped or answered in ways that satisfy neither the scientific mind nor the believing soul. ‘Emunah and Physics’ does something rare: it takes these questions seriously, without flinching—and without losing the integrity of either science or Torah. “Dr. Epstein explores the blurred and often misunderstood boundaries between what we know, what we believe, and what we are still discovering. This book is not about proving Torah with science, nor is it about bending Torah to fit scientific models. It’s about thinking clearly, with humility and depth, and seeing how the two worlds can not only coexist but deeply illuminate each other.” Here is a to information about this book.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/37695795
info_outline
(37) Marriage & Divorce … What Works and What Doesn’t
07/28/2025
(37) Marriage & Divorce … What Works and What Doesn’t
In this episode, we interview Esther Eisner and David Sheril, two of the members of our Community Advisory Group that helped to develop this study. We discuss a wide range of findings among Modern Orthodox and Haredi Jews, including the causes of divorce and the factors that help to create a lasting marriage. The full report (“A Survey of Orthodox Jewish Family Life, Marriage & Divorce”) may be found . Esther’s Divorce Support Group – AfterForever.org – may be found . Finally, our next study will cover Orthodox Jews and health. At this time, we would love to give you, our listening audience, an opportunity to chime in on issues related to health. So click for a brief, two-minute mini-survey, where you will be able to suggest questions for us to ask in our survey of Orthodox Jews and health. Thank you so much for your participation.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/37571385
info_outline
(36) From the Right – With Rabbi Dov Fischer
07/01/2025
(36) From the Right – With Rabbi Dov Fischer
Rabbi Dov Fischer was ordained at Yeshiva University, has held leadership roles in numerous Jewish organizations, and is the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Orange County, California. He is also an accomplished trial attorney, writer, and prominent leader in advocacy relating to Orthodox Jewish issues. A UCLA Law school graduate, he has worked at major law firms, and has been an adjunct law professor for over 15 years. He is a public commentator, has written for The American Spectator, Israel National News, Forward, the Jewish Press, the Times of Israel, Arutz Sheva, and others, and has a series of YouTube videos containing Torah classes and other discussions, He is a prominent leader of the CJV (Coalition for Jewish Values), where he expresses thoughtful view and policy advocacy on issues related to Jewish Orthodoxy … from the political and religious right (hence the title of this episode). In this episode, Rav Fischer describes his fascinating background, and we discuss advocacy in the Orthodox community, Israel, polling, recent events in New York City, and more. Links and Contact Information: Coalition for Jewish Values - Cross-Currents (At the Intersection of Torah and Current Events) – Subscribe to Rav Fischer’s YouTube channel at and follow him on X (Twitter) at @DovFischerRabbi to find his latest classes, interviews, speeches, and observations. To attend any of his three weekly Zoom classes — Sundays on the past week’s events impacting Israel and world Jewry, and Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Tanakh (Bible) and Jewish law — send a request to rabbi@yioc.org.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/37244485
info_outline
(35) Yoetzet Halacha and Community Scholar – Ruthie Braffman Shulman
05/27/2025
(35) Yoetzet Halacha and Community Scholar – Ruthie Braffman Shulman
Ruthie Braffman Shulman is passionate about the importance of women’s roles in Torah Leadership positions, and she currently serves as the Director of Women's Torah Leadership at Micah Philanthropies, where she develops and supports women in Torah leadership positions at shuls. Simultaneously, she is the Yoetzet Halacha and community scholar at Young Israel of West Hartford CT. Ruthie studied at Sha’alvim for Women and Yeshiva University’s Stern College and earned an M.A. in Talmud at Yeshiva University’s Graduate Program for Advanced Talmudic Studies for Women (GPATS). She is also trained and certified as a Yoetzet Halacha. Ruthie has nearly twenty years of experience in community leadership and Torah education, having worked at institutions such as United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston, Manhattan Jewish Experience, OU-JLIC at University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. She resides in Philadelphia with her husband and four children. Here is the link to our Survey of Orthodox Jewish Family Life, Marriage & Divorce, available online through June 18, 2025: .
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/36738900
info_outline
(34) “In-Town” vs. “Out-of-Town” Living … with Rabbi Dr. Noam Weinberg
05/18/2025
(34) “In-Town” vs. “Out-of-Town” Living … with Rabbi Dr. Noam Weinberg
Rabbi Weinberg is a distinguished Jewish educator, relationship coach, and speaker, renowned for his expertise in fostering healthy relationships and guiding personal development. He received his rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University, he holds a master's degrees in marriage and family therapy, secondary education, and school administration; and a doctorate in education with a focus on adolescent religious development. He has over 25 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator, including serving as the principal at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck, New York. He currently lives in Israel, and conducts seminars, webinars, and speaking engagements focused on enhancing relationships between couples, parents and children, teachers and students, and more. Check out his website at
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/36616055
info_outline
(33) The Evolution of Orthodoxy… With Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff
05/06/2025
(33) The Evolution of Orthodoxy… With Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff
In this episode, our wide-ranging discussion covers the size of the Orthodox and Modern Orthodox community, how and why the Orthodox have become a minority, the cost and standards of living of Orthodoxy, some under-valued benefits, and even some sport trivia! Our guest, Rabbi Zev Eleff received his Ph.D. from Brandeis University and M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University. At Yeshiva University, Eleff graduated from Yeshiva College and received ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He is a past Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar, a prestigious program for Jewish leaders and professionals. Zev Eleff is the president of Gratz College. One of the youngest presidents in American higher education, Eleff, at 35 years-old, was elected by the College’s Board of Governors in 2021. He was previously chief academic officer of Hebrew Theological College and vice provost of Touro College Illinois. A prolific scholar, Eleff holds an international reputation for academic rigor and sophistication. He is the author or editor of 14 books and more than 120 articles in the fields of Jewish Studies and American Religion. Eleff’s research in American Jewish history has received numerous awards, including the American Jewish Historical Society’s Wasserman Prize and the Rockower Award for Excellence by the American Jewish Press Association. He is also a two-time finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, a member of the Academic Council of the American Jewish Historical Society, and one of the youngest faculty members promoted to full professor in Touro College’s history. Eleff resides in Merion Station, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Melissa, and their three children. In this episode, we mention community feedback on a very wide range of Jewish topics that people want to learn. Here is a to the community feedback on this topic.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/36460790
info_outline
(32) A Peek Into the Hasidic World … with Frieda Vizel
04/04/2025
(32) A Peek Into the Hasidic World … with Frieda Vizel
Frieda Vizel was raised in the Satmar Hasidic community. At age 25, she left that community and pursued higher education, culminating in a master’s degree at Sarah Lawrence College. Since 2013, she has been offering walking tours of Hasidic Williamsburg. Her tours provide insights into the community's traditions and daily life, and are noted for their educational, respectful and balanced approach. And they are lots of fun. Her work offers a unique perspective, bridging her deep-rooted background in the Hasidic community with her academic pursuits and personal journey. She continues to foster understanding and dialogue about Hasidic life through her tours, writings, and her YouTube channel. Website: YouTube Videos: If you want to chime in on our upcoming survey dealing with divorce, check out this link:
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/36000555
info_outline
(31) Orthodox Divorces: Why? Why? Why? … with Betzalel Rothstein
03/24/2025
(31) Orthodox Divorces: Why? Why? Why? … with Betzalel Rothstein
Betzalel Rothstein is a Certified Divorce Coach and Mediator who is highly regarded and has been involved in hundreds of divorce cases over the past 10 years either as Mediator, Coach, Parenting Coordinator or Consultant. He has extensive experience in dealing with difficult topics such as parental alienation, blended families, relocation, and what to do when parents differ about hashkafah. Betzalel has personal experience with many of these topics and he has learned from many of the leading experts in high-conflict divorces. Betzalel’s Contact Information: Website: Email: Phone: 646.493.9783 As noted in this episode, we plan to soon do a broad communal survey on the topic of divorce. We are giving all of our listeners the opportunity to chime in on issues they would like us to explore, as well as to sign up to get the survey form as soon as it is released. Just go to this link to participate:
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/35844720
info_outline
(30) Rabbi Steven Gotlib: A Thoughtful and Bold Voice for Our Complicated Times
03/11/2025
(30) Rabbi Steven Gotlib: A Thoughtful and Bold Voice for Our Complicated Times
In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion, touching on such topics as: • Significant differences between US and Canadian Jewry/Orthodoxy • Interactions and public conversations across among various denominations • The evolving role of women in Modern Orthodoxy • Has politics become a “Jewish issue” (and/or divisive), including attitudes toward Israel and Zionism • Struggles with faith and rationality • What factors lead to Orthodox couples getting divorced Steven Gotlib is Associate Rabbi at Mekor Habracha/Center City Synagogue in Philadelphia. A graduate of Rutgers University, he received ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University (RIETS), a certificate in mental health counseling from the Ferkauf School of Psychology in partnership with RIETS, and a START Certificate in Spiritual Entrepreneurship from the Glean Network in partnership with Columbia Business School. He also manages the marketing at RIETS, A popular guest speaker throughout the US and Canada, Rabbi Gotlib has written for various websites and publications. He strongly believes in making Jewish theology, philosophy, and law as accessible as possible to all who seek guidance and comfort within our tradition. He can be reached at rabbisgotlib@mekorhabracha.org.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/35620390
info_outline
(29) Aliza Bulow: Empowering Orthodox Jewish Women & Strengthening Our Homes
02/24/2025
(29) Aliza Bulow: Empowering Orthodox Jewish Women & Strengthening Our Homes
Aliza Bulow is an author, educator and mentor to Jewish women around the world, who founded CORE, an organization that empowers and connects Orthdox Jewish women. Core connects, develops and sustains women who engage in klal (the collective community) work. Core supports women in three main ways: 1) MMC (Mashpia-Mentor-Counselor) Program: Core offers 2.5 years of training to develop women who are pillars of spiritual support within our communities 2) Communities of Practice: Core connects women who share a field of Jewish service and offers continuing inspiration and education 3) Core Circles: Core supports women who facilitate Core Circles, small groups that strengthen relationships in local communities, and networks those Circles both regionally and internationally For more information, see . ---------- Before founding Core she directed Ner LeElef’s North American Women’s Program for 11 years where she coached rebbetzins and provided strategic development for outreach organizations in Canada, the US and Mexico. Her love of Jewish texts and philosophy was developed at Michlelet Bruria, Hebrew University and Hunter College where she graduated with honors in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. In her early career, she worked for Partners in Torah and The Jewish Experience. Even before entering college, Aliza’s passion for strengthening Jews and the Jewish community led her to campaign on behalf of Soviet Jewry and build settlements in Israel while serving in Nachal. That early passion has only grown with time. Over the past four decades, Aliza has worked with hundreds of women in over 50 cities and 5 continents, strengthening the social fabric of Klal Yisroel. A few of the terms used in this episode: Mekarvot - Women involved in Jewish outreach Ratzon - Will; and Bitachon – Faith Kallah – Bride Hashkafah - Overall religious guiding philosophy / worldview Taharat Ha'Mishpacha – Jewish Halachic laws relating to marital relations Kedushah - Holiness; and Tahara – Spiritual clanliness Chevra Kadisha - Jewish Burial Society Kavanah - Religious understanding and purpose
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/35410065
info_outline
(28) Moish’s Believe It or Not! Bet you didn’t know that about Orthodoxy ...
02/03/2025
(28) Moish’s Believe It or Not! Bet you didn’t know that about Orthodoxy ...
In this episode we present some surprising facts about Modern Orthodoxy and the Orthodox community as a whole, based upon Nishma Research surveys between 2016 and 2024. We explore the size and growth of the community, religious beliefs and practices, political views, the finances of living an Orthodox Jewish life, the role of women in Modern Orthodoxy, and the levels of optimism vs. pessimism among several denominations across the American Jewish community. Did any of this surprise you? Do you have questions or suggestions for future research or podcast episodes? Would you like a follow-up episode sharing additional factoids? Contact us at . All of the research cited may be found at this .
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/35121635
info_outline
(27) Haredi Expert, Researcher and Founder of Mispar.com, Dina Goldman
01/07/2025
(27) Haredi Expert, Researcher and Founder of Mispar.com, Dina Goldman
Dina Goldman is at the frontier of researching and understanding the Chasidish and Yeshivish communities. She has spent over a decade working in marketing and advertising within the Orthodox Jewish community. Seeing how many businesses really lack solid information that they need, she founded – The Jewish Community, a Story of Numbers, a company focused on providing rich, timely data to help businesses and non-profits make informed decisions. Dina and her team conduct all kinds of studies, and she often uses creative methods to reach the Orthodox community … and that can be challenging. Mispar has also Orthodox Jewish research panel, giving researchers and businesses access to authentic voices within this community. In this episode we discuss how Orthodox and Charedi businesses and non-profit organizations can better understand their customers and the public, to develop and sell products, and meet their need. We also discuss some of the really she has explored, such as Orthodox finances, the businesses that Orthodox people are involved in and the related challenges, Shidduchim, and lots more. Raised in a Chasidish family, Dina now lives in Monsey with her husband and their happily blended family of four. In the episode closing we discuss some of our political research, which can be found in our and .
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/34760785
info_outline
(26) The First-Ever Community Middot Report Card
12/22/2024
(26) The First-Ever Community Middot Report Card
Middot (and we’re talking mainly about interpersonal behaviors) are so important, especially in these stressful days. So we are pleased to present this as a dual-platform episode, being released on both Orthonomics and The Franciska Show … both covering important issues in the Orthodox Jewish world, and both available at all podcast platforms. Much of this episode deals with findings from the recent survey: : How We See Our Community and How We See Ourselves Across 19 Middot “Bein Adam L’chavero.” This episode is being co-hosted by Mark Trencher of Orthonomics, and David Sheril, a member of the Franciska Show Discussion Group. (Thanks to Franciska for recommending David to participate.) David Sheril grew up in Chigwell, a suburb of London. His family became baalei teshuvah when he was nine years old. When David was eleven, his family moved to the Bayit Vagan in Jerusalem. He moved to the U.S. at age 22, in 2005. David’s yeshivah education includes Mir Yerushalayim and Ner Yisroel. He served as a rebbe at a Russian-American Jewish high school in Brooklyn for several years before going to law school. He is currently General Counsel for a privately-held real estate transactional, management, and lending company. David resides in Clifton, New Jersey, with his wife Miriam (formerly an officer at the Federal Reserve Bank and now Head of Product at an international fintech startup) and their three children.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/34563490
info_outline
(25) Author, Educator, Coach, Speaker … Ruchi Koval
12/02/2024
(25) Author, Educator, Coach, Speaker … Ruchi Koval
Ruchi Koval is a parenting coach and motivational speaker who has inspired personal transformation in thousands of people. She is the co-founder and Associate Director of JFX (Jewish Family Experience), an innovative community in Cleveland, Ohio. She has been a Jewish educator for two decades, leading self-development groups for adults and teens, and mentoring educators around the world. Ruchi is also a musician, author, mother of 7, and grandmother. She is a Momentum Educator, inspiring thousands of women on their journeys in Israel. She is also the author of three books: "Conversations with God," “Soul Construction,” and her newest book, “: Your Daily Dose of Wisdom from Pirkei Avot.” Find Ruchi on Facebook and Instagram; on her blog at ; and her two podcasts. Download her “Ruchi Koval” app to listen to many of her lectures online.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/34234525
info_outline
(24) Interview with an Orthodox therapist, Dr. Chaya Lieba Kobernick
11/12/2024
(24) Interview with an Orthodox therapist, Dr. Chaya Lieba Kobernick
Dr. Chaya Lieba Kobernick is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Director of The CBT/DBY Center ( … email ), with clientele in both Israel and the U.S. She received her doctorate at Long Island University, and also trained at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Northwell Health, and Rutgers University. Among the topics discussed are her services and types of clients within the Orthodox community, attitudes toward getting mental health treatment (stigma?), how she melds her personal Orthodoxy with her treatment and the value that brings to the table, the rise in mental health issues among teenagers, the impact of the war, and more.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/33899427
info_outline
(23) The Issues We Raise; the Questions We Ask … with Halachah Headlines Author and Podcaster Dovid Lichtenstein
08/08/2024
(23) The Issues We Raise; the Questions We Ask … with Halachah Headlines Author and Podcaster Dovid Lichtenstein
Dovid Lichtenstein is the founder and host of the podcast, an amazing and very popular podcast with a huge listenership that is indeed "The most listened to Torah Program in the world.” Halacha Headlines delves into contemporary issues and current events through the lens of Torah and Halacha (Jewish law). Each episode features discussions with Rabbis, lay leaders, and professionals from around the world, covering a wide range of topics, and the lineup of personalities interviewed includes both Haredi and Modern Orthodox leaders. Those with a deeper background in Jewish text study will gain more from the podcast but I believe everyone will find it interesting. Just a few examples from its 476 episodes to date include dealing with traumatic times, raising unspoiled children in a spoiled world, Alexa and electronics on Shabbat, assassinations and targeted killings in Halacha, Shemirat Einayin – including issues of young people and access to pornography, the issue of Israeli Haredim serving in the military, people frum on the outside and struggling on the inside, and much much more! He has also authored several volumes of a series titled "Mishna Acharonah" on the "Mishna Berura" as well as the "Headlines" book series based on the podcast, and is involved in many charitable projects and organizations. In our conversation, you’ll get a taste of his huge Jewish knowledge. Finally, Dovid Lichtenstein is the founder and CEO of the Lightstone Group, one of the largest privately-held real estate companies in the United States, and he is a highly respected business and civic leader. Here is a link to an article “” which was published in early 2023, and discusses some of the issues mentioning in this podcast episode.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/32498902
info_outline
(22) Prolific Commentator Joseph Kaplan … Modern Orthodox and Feminist
05/21/2024
(22) Prolific Commentator Joseph Kaplan … Modern Orthodox and Feminist
Joseph Kaplan is perhaps the most prolific writer anywhere on topics relating to Modern Orthodoxy. He has written hundreds of articles in The Baltimore Jewish Times, The Jewish Week, Edah Journal, Sh’ma Magazine, New Jersey Jewish Standard, and the Times of Israel. He has written many letters-to-the editor of many publications including 19 that were published in the New York Times. He recently released a book titled “A Passionate Writing Life,” () and it starts with the two sentences: “I'm a Modern Orthodox Jew. And a feminist.” He writes extensively about those two topics, and also about politics, the Covid and Trump years, the culture wars, church/state legal issues, Jewish divorce law, liturgy, ritual and much more. Joseph is a retired lawyer, who practiced as a commercial litigator in New York for 46 years. He and his wife Sharon live in Teaneck, NJ, and have been blessed with four daughters and five grandchildren.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/31401782
info_outline
(21) Rabbi Yehuda Albin … Melding Torah Teaching and Personal Coaching
04/09/2024
(21) Rabbi Yehuda Albin … Melding Torah Teaching and Personal Coaching
Rabbi Yehuda Albin grew up as a Reform Jew in Scarsdale, NY. He was exposed to Judaism and his father ran several secular Jewish camps for youth. He became religious in Jerusalem, after graduating Bowdoin College with the highest honors. Then he studied the Torah and the Talmud for nearly a decade in Jerusalem, before returning to the states, and moving to Chicago. In Chicago he established a Torah teaching and counseling practice, focused on successful businesspeople and professionals. He has been doing this for 30 years wearing two different hats in the process. He melds the best of two worlds … Torah learning and personal coaching … providing a unique perspective to help people manage business, family and every type of unique problem, and to improving themselves and living a happier, more spiritual, life. To get a feel for his engaging approach and command of subject matter, you can listen to him at . —— In our “What Do You Want to Know?” segment, we talk about six distinct and important groups within the Jewish and Orthodox community that are very much under-researched and where significant thought and creativity is needed to better understand them. Let me know what you think, at . I wish you all a Pesach Chag Kasher v’Sameach.
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/30747268
info_outline
(20)Jacob Kornbluh – Senior Political Reporter at The Forward; and Member of the Brooklyn Hasidic Community
03/27/2024
(20)Jacob Kornbluh – Senior Political Reporter at The Forward; and Member of the Brooklyn Hasidic Community
Jacob Kornbluh is the senior political reporter for the Forward. Kornbluh, a member of the Hasidic community in the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, covers politics with a Jewish angle and regularly interviews government officials, political commentators and security experts on issues that matter to the broader Jewish American community. He previously worked as a national politics reporter for Jewish Insider, covered the 2013 NYC mayoral race for the Yeshiva World News, and was featured by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency as one of the top Jews to follow on Twitter. In this episode, we discuss his unique role in Jewish/Orthodox world reporting and some of the seminal issues he has covered, including the Orthodox world’s political views, reactions to coronavirus restrictions, secular education mandates in yeshivas, and more. ----- The Nishma Research Pesach Survey! And now, for something completely different: we’re undertaking a timely broad survey dealing with Pesach … the first such survey ever conducted. If you would like to participate in the survey, it will be online through April 9, at: . Results will be available before Pesach at .
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/30571118
info_outline
(19) Baruch Lytle – African-American Convert, Satmar Hasid, and Award-Winning Jewish World Journalist
11/28/2023
(19) Baruch Lytle – African-American Convert, Satmar Hasid, and Award-Winning Jewish World Journalist
Baruch Lytle is an African American Orthodox Jew from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and he identifies as a Satmar Chasid. He describes his conversion to Judaism as the defining moment of his life and greatest accomplishment. He is also an award-winning journalist, having written nearly 200 articles for the largest Jewish newspaper in America, The Jewish Press. In 2023, he won the Simon Rockower Award – the Jewish journalism version of the Pulitzer – for Excellence in Journalism. His favorite writing assignments deal with self- improvement, and he has worked extensively with the developmentally disabled at agencies throughout New York State. In this episode we discuss his personal religious journey, and some of the interesting issues in the Orthodox community that he has covered. Baruch and I also discussed our recent Orthodox Political survey, and I discussed the variations within Modern Orthodoxy and the “silo effect”: Report – Article – Some of Baruch Lytle’s Jewish Press articles referenced in this podcast:
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/28828623
info_outline
(18) A Conversation with Orthodox World Pundit… and “The Man in the Middle”… Michael Feldstein
09/20/2023
(18) A Conversation with Orthodox World Pundit… and “The Man in the Middle”… Michael Feldstein
Michael Feldstein is a keen observer and commentator on all aspects of the Orthodox Jewish community, and his weekly columns in the Jewish Link newspaper draws an enthusiastic readership. His upcoming (January 2024) book, "Meet Me in the Middle," is a collection of 75 of his essays and, in this episode, we discuss five of them: • Prayer, Politics and the Pulpit • The Changing Geographic Face of Orthodoxy in America • The Culture of Fear in Orthodoxy • Time for a Jewish Vocational School • Seven Things I Would Change about Jewish Weddings In our "What Do You Want to Know?” segment, we expand on our brief conversation about living in a smaller Orthodox community. Here is a LINK to our study of the cost of Orthodoxy, and check out page 46, where get into the smaller town cost data. We want to hear from you, so you can contact us at this link to offer comments and questions about the Jewish community: Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions ().
/episode/index/show/a45f80ea-ae3e-4002-b690-d9a2e3c56207/id/28094822