Is work supposed to be a religiously uplifting experience for Jewish people? What would that even look like on a day to day basis? What if I'm just a cog in a massive company where no one really takes note of my work?

We discuss all of these questions- and more- with Yaakov Wolf, the host of the Shtark Tank podcast.

Shtark Tank is a podcast about the challenges and opportunities of being a Ben Torah in the workforce. The content is focused on profiling professionals on the ground and hearing their real experiences, successes and struggles. That is to say, he is the right person to be discussing these questions with.

Yaakov is currently completing his rabbinical ordination at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, where he continues to study as a member of its kollel. He served in the IDF as part of the Hesder program and is studying business and marketing at Open University Israel.

In this episode, we also discuss Yaakov's brother in law, Eli Moshe Zimbalist, who was recently killed in action in Gaza. Eli Moshe leaves behind a remarkable legacy and the podcast would be worthwhile just for the single tidbit we learn about him.

On that note, it is worth pointing out that Eli Moshe built dozens of pieces of furniture for Rabbi Shalom Rosner's Nofei Hashemesh shul, and he dreamed of helping complete it. The Eli Moshe Zimbalist Beit Midrash will be built in his memory.

Email Yaakov at yaakovwolff@gmail.com for more information about the beit midrash, the podcast, or the Shtark Tank whatsapp group.

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 is not a "chassid" of Seinfeld's - he is the consumate Litvak, for those keeping score- but he 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.

I was a guest on Rabbi Kurtz's excellent podcast some time ago. You can find that episode, as well as all of the others, here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VuXw0S44V5JvDHRgL4T71?si=9XfbkSPKSsSzu08FD_YqAQ

Take fifteen minutes to learn some very interesting lessons from Rabbi Kurtz.

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?