What do we need to learn from Jerry Seinfeld? This is the question that the wonderful rabbi and halachist Rabbi Moshe Kurtz is asking us (surprisingly). Rabbi Kurtz has some illuminating comments about passion, fascination, and, of course, everyone's favorite Jewish comedian.

Rabbi Moshe Kurtz is the author of the book "Challenging Assumptions," a book that addresses contemporary issues facing Jewish society in light of both halachic and philosophical considerations. He is also the host of the "Shu"T First, Ask Questions Later" podcast, a podcast that puts the study of Torah front-and-center by inviting guest scholars to present, debate and provide listeners with a dynamic conversation regarding the responsum of their choice. His "Unpacking the Iggerot" series brings the classic letters of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein to new audiences for the Tradition Online website. Rabbi Kurtz serves as the Assistant Rabbi of Congregation Agudath Sholom.

You can find his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Challenging-Assumptions-Rabbi-Moshe-Kurtz/dp/1957579951.

About one million years ago, I was a fellow in the Yeshiva University-Sar High School Beit Midrash Program. I learned a ton and had an amazing and impactful experience. Part of what made my time there so special was my direct supervisor: Rabbi Shmuel Hain.

Rabbi Hain was a fabulous mentor and boss and he made it look easy. What insight can he give us about being a great mentor, especially to young people who are thinking about choosing Jewish education as a career path and calling?

And what does he tell young people in his shul about making that choice?

Rabbi Shmuel Hain is the rabbi of YIOZ in of North Riverdale/Yonkers and Rosh Beit Midrash at SAR High School. As Rosh Beit Midrash at SAR High School, he directs the Beit Midrash Fellowship, teaches advanced Judaic Studies classes, and co-directs Machon Siach- a research institute for Jewish educators. During the summer he is Rav Machaneh (Camp Rabbi) of Camp Moshava- Indian Orchard.

Maybe you know someone who you think could be a superstar educator. Take a few minutes to listen to Three Steps Forward to learn from Rabbi Hain about how to talk to them. Give some thought to how you can incorporate mentorship into your own life and work and maybe consider some young people you know who are about to make a big decision. What can you do for them?

What does it feel like when we feel commanded? How does it relate to anxiety and fulfillment?

And would the world be better if rabbis had pointy sticks?

My conversation with Rabbi Saks opened up many paths, questions, and thoughts. Take a few minutes and join us for a thought provoking conversation.

Rabbi Jeffrey Saks is the founding director of ATID – The Academy for Torah Initiatives and Directions in Jewish Education and its WebYeshiva.org program. He is the Editor of the Tradition journal. Rabbi Saks is the Series Editor of The S.Y. Agnon Library at The Toby Press, and Director of Research at the Agnon House in Jerusalem. He edited Wisdom From All My Teachers: Challenges and Initiatives in Contemporary Torah Education (Urim); To Mourn a Child: Jewish Responses to Neonatal and Childhood Death (OU Press); and authored Spiritualizing Halakhic Education (Mandel Foundation). He has published widely on Jewish thought, education, and literature.

What can I do to make Torah study more accessible? Do I need to be friends with my chavrusa (study-partner)? What should I be learning when I have the time? (Side note: do patents exist?)

Take a few minutes to listen Rabbi Shlomo Zuckier's reflections to find out and learn more!

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Zuckier has a very long bio!

He recently completed a PhD in Religious Studies at Yale University as well as studies in Yeshiva University’s Kollel Elyon. Shlomo is a Founder of The Lehrhaus and was formerly Director of OU-JLIC at Yale University. He has taught at Yale Divinity School, Yeshiva University (YC and Revel), Touro’s Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and Drisha and Tikvah programs. Shlomo has held the Flegg Postdoctoral Fellowship in Jewish Studies at McGill University and the Research Fellowship at the Notre Dame Center for Philosophy of Religion, as well as the MFJC Advanced Torah Fellowship, and the Wexner and Tikvah Fellowships. He serves on the Editorial Committee of Tradition and has edited two books in contemporary Jewish theology.

Side note: patents do exist.

We want more than just to get by in life. How do we actually do something great?

Rabbi Ari Zucker has an excellent piece of advice to help us along.

Rabbi Ari Zucker is the Assistant Principle of Judaic Studies at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy. Previously a Rebbe and Director of Academic Services at the Skokie Yeshiva, Rabbi Zucker received Semicha at RIETS and holds an M.A. in Education from YU's Azrieli School for Education and Administration.

We all want our children to share our values. But how do we actually make that happen?

Rabbi Etan Mintz has some helpful advice for us.

Rabbi Etan Mintz is rabbi of Baltimore’s oldest and continually active synagogue, B’nai Israel: The Downtown Synagogue.

How do we find inspiration? And what happens when the person who used to inspire doesn't push us forward anymore?

Rabbi Dovid Cohen is an internationally renowned motivational speaker, spiritual leader, life coach, entrepreneur and author. His empathic approach has empowered many individuals to achieve success in all aspects of life. His teachings are firmly rooted in Torah knowledge mixed together with contemporary thinking.

His listening skills and ability to understand his counterparts in diverse situations is admired and his expertise is often marshaled in complex situations.

You can learn more from Rabbi Cohen by listening to his podcast, The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-philanthropy-podcast/id1454383330

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz is the director of Semikhah at RIETS as well as the Mara D'atra of Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere.

Take five minutes to find out how to transform your own prayer experience with Rabbi Lebowitz's advice.

To sign up for one of our workshops, register here: https://www.uosh.org/form/threestepsforward