Jewish Adulting Podcast

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti - a descendant of the Sephardic leader the Ben Ish Chai received his rabbinical ordination from Gateshead Yeshiva. He helped establish the Kollel in Gibraltar. He is a master educator and has developed an outstanding and unique curriculum for reaching the individual student in each classroom. He is also a Senior lecturer for Gateways. Rabbi Rietti currently directs a teacher training program. His model classroom with hundreds of educational materials is used for training teachers how to reach different children in the classroom. It is literally an \'Al Pi Darko\' approach. For more about Rabbi Rietti please visit: Jewishinspiration.com

I met Mimi David as a teenager in high school in Cincinnati, where she was a young kollel wife. She taught me how to drive, I babysat her kids, she sent me home with leftovers, andshe helped me transition after I graduated. Mimi David was born and bred in Far Rockaway, NY, and has chosen to make the Midwest her home for most of her married life. She has lived with her husband and family in St. Louis, Missouri, for almost 18 years. Mimi is the Director of Women's Education at Aish HaTorah of St. Louis, where she shares the beauty and relevance of Torah with incredible Jewish women. She is also a kallah teacher, teaching brides from all backgrounds and from all over the world. Mimi is a certified dating coach, helping singles date productively and with clarity. In between her busy schedule, Mimi teaches high school as well. Her favorite role of all is being a mom to 7 fabulous kids, 3 amazing in law children, and 4 delicious grandkids! Listen as we discuss the challenge of keeping Taharas Hamispacha meaningful through the years, connecting to the mitzvah,, and connecting to our spouse. Mimi can be reached for kallah classes at mimidavid@aishstl.com and 314-910-8136 Subscribe, Like, Comment, Share: Buy me a coffee/Sponsorships: https://buymeacoffee.com/jewishadulting

Listen as we discuss feminism failures, the ideal Jewish woman, expectations versus reality, and leaning into your strength and mission in pursuit of being an Eishes Chayil. Shira Hochheimer is an educator and lecturer for women and girls in Baltimore, Maryland. She is passionate about empowering women to find more fulfillment in their lives by learning Torah. Author of book Eishes Chayil: Ancient Wisdom for Women of Today Purchase book feldheim.com or amazon.com Or directly, at a discounted price, by emailing shira.hochheimer@gmail.com

Listen as Noson Berman and I discuss the obstacle to growth he witnesses in his life and practice. His approach towards identifying the potential and greatness that lies within each person, and how we can tap into that potential to overcome challenges, is worth a listen. Noson Berman has been working in the mental health field for 25 years and counting, specializing in couples and intimacy, trauma, and addictions. A proud graduate of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Queens, where he earned Semicha, Noson combines his deep-rooted Torah values and commitment to gadlus ha’adam—the inherent greatness and value of every person—with his expertise as a therapist. After earning a BA in Psychology from Touro College and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, he opened Berman Counseling in Baltimore, MD, where he works with individuals, couples, and families to foster healthier relationships and deeper connections. His career path was shaped by his years working with at-risk teens at Our Place NY, where he observed how family and couple dynamics profoundly impact individuals. This inspired him to focus on helping couples build strong, loving, and resilient relationships. In addition to his clinical work, Noson is a founding board member of Ahavas Chaim, a program supporting at-risk teens and young adults in Baltimore. When he’s not working, Noson enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and four children, and awesome son-in-law. He’s passionate about learning Torah and psychology, and his diverse interests include biking, working out, playing guitar, and grilling. With a blend of professional expertise, personal growth, and authentic Jewish values, Noson helps his clients—and podcast listeners—navigate the journey of becoming healthy, functioning Jewish adults. He can be reached at 443-390-6508 or noson@bermancounseling.com and on Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/221812

Asher Furst has been featured in national media, including Yahoo Finance, MSN Money, and AOL.com. Asher's expertise is behavioral finance, and he has spoken on this topic at various venues, including Johns Hopkins University. Asher wrote a weekly finance column for The Voice of Lakewood and all of his content is available at AsherFurst.com. Listen as he makes some good points about money, and I counter with some good points about his points. Its possible for there to be more than one idea or strategy towards financial budgeting and management. Although, I wouldn't necessarily encourage you to listen to my advice as I don't have savings, stocks, bonds, and other adult like financial planning thingies. Juxtapose that to Asher clearly better read and who aspires to build his career in financial management and planning. I wish him Hatlacha in all his future endeavors.

William is an apostate who, after renouncing Islam in favor of Judaism, was forced to flee Iran under threat of persecution. He speaks to audiences in the United States about religious freedom and other human rights issues that are connected to his personal story. In this podcast, he talks about the beauties of Orthodox Judaism and joys of raising Jewish children. https://williammehrvarz.com/

Listen as we dig deep to find the obstacles many of us face in connecting to tefilah. Rabbi Yehoshua Karsh holds an M.Ed in Guidance and Counseling and is a Brisk Yeshiva High School graduate. He spent 17 years in Jerusalem teaching at prominent institutions like Ohr Somayach and Neve Yerushalayim. In Chicago, he served as Director of Outreach at the Chicago Community Kollel, where he co-founded the Torah Learning Center, now based at the Northbrook Community Synagogue. Currently a Rabbi at Darchei Noam of Glenbrook, Rabbi Karsh blends his counseling expertise with extensive teaching to inspire students to connect spiritually to Judaism. He lives in Northbrook with his wife, Tzippy, their four sons, and enjoys time with his grandchildren. https://torahlearningcenter.com/

Listen as we talk about the mission, vision, and mesiras nefesh by Muska Gopin to share her quest to lessen the struggle of those who need a little help, primarily young adults (but she doesn't card) with basic adulting skills. You too will be amazed at this one women show. Mushka Gopin M.Ed is a mother of four boys and a former high school educator. She teaches mothers to parent intentionally in the early years so your child gets the best head start and you can feel confident knowing what you’re doing. Mushka’s unique approach weaves together Montessori and other educational philosophies with developmental science, attachment theory, and Torah values in a practical way for a busy frum household. Sign up for emails (people looove them), find her courses or learn more at www.MyMotheringMindset.com Join her online summit, “Thriving in Shana Rishona” at ShanaRishonaSummit.com from January 20-23. It’s for all Jewish women - before, during and after Shana Rishona!

My appeal to your better half, to actually hit the subscribe button, to allow me to continue to do the good work and get out amazing content for you. LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/jewish-adulting Twitter/X x.com/JewishAdulting Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558246148900&mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram instagram.com/jewishadulting WhatsApp chat.whatsapp.com/C0aR04NZ1X6AsK3nIfUXip Buy Me A Coffee/Sponsorships buymeacoffee.com/JewishAdulting

Rabbi Daniel Lapin is and author, and public speaker renowned for integrating ancient Jewish wisdom with modern life and business practices. He received rabbinic ordination from institutions in Gateshead, Israel, and Baltimore. In 1976, he co-founded the Pacific Jewish Center in Venice, California, aiming to make Jewish learning accessible to a broader audience. Later, he established Toward Tradition, an organization promoting Judeo-Christian values in America. As an author, Rabbi Lapin has written several influential books, including "Thou Shall Prosper: Ten Commandments for Making Money," which offers a practical approach to wealth creation based on Jewish principles. His other works include "Business Secrets from the Bible" and "The Holistic You," each providing insights into personal development and financial success. Beyond writing, he is a sought-after public speaker. His teachings have garnered endorsements from notable figures and have been featured in various media outlets. For more information on Rabbi Daniel Lapin's work and teachings, visit his official website at www.rabbidaniellapin.com Listen as Rabbi Lapin introduces a unique, and yet obvious, answer to the question of why we can't count our money by the light of the Menorah and why do we give gelt on Chanukah. It is clear from the interview that my mind struggled to grasp the simple yet deep concept. Thus forcing me to ask more age-appropriate (read: adult) questions about aspects of Chanukah.

Asher Siegelman, Ph.D. is an Israeli board certified clinical psychologist (mumche) with a specialty in clinical suicidology. He was trained by Professor David A. Jobes who is one of the world experts in the treatment of suicide risk. Dr. Siegelman has helped the National Institutes of Health and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to create effective screening tools for identifying at-risk patients. He has also published in major academic journals and he is the CAMS-care consultant and trainer for Israel. https://www.israelsuicideprevention.com/ Listen as we discuss suicidality in the Jewish community. Stigma, treatment, misconceptions and the number one thing we can do as a community and as a loved one.

Rabbi Ben-Tzion Shafier is director of the popular website theShmuz.com. He is a happily married father of six children, grandfather to four and lives in Monsey, NY. A rumor, that I may or may not be the originator of, is that Rabbi Shafier is a world class pickle ball player. He can be contacted through his social media pages and would love to hear from you!

Yehiel M. Kalish currently serves as the CEO of Chevra Hatzalah Volunteer Ambulance Service. He was previously a State Representative for Illinois (2019–2021) and held leadership roles in the business sector, including Principal at S4 Group LLC and Chairman and CEO from 2014 to 2019. Earlier, he worked at Agudath Israel of America in various capacities, overseeing development, legislative advocacy, and regional offices. Yehiel holds a BA in Judaic Studies and Semicha from Hebrew Theological College, as well as an MPA in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University.

Malka Shaw. With over 25 years of experience in mental health, she operates a private practice in Nutley, NJ, specializing in women’s issues such as postpartum depression, motherhood, single life, dating, anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, and support during life transitions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Delaware, completed a gap year volunteering in Israel, and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Listen as we discuss how 10/7 and antisemitism needs to be addressed head-on as we struggle to find stability, Jewish pride, and inspiration to persevere. Find out more information at www.keshershalom.com

Rabbi Mordechai Becher, originally from Australia, received smicha, holds an MA in Medieval Jewish History, and is a doctoral candidate. He is also an instructor at Yeshiva University, previously taught at Neve Yerushalayim and Ohr Somayach , has presented internationally at exotic locations and at the popular Gateways seminar for over 20 years. Additonally, he is the scholar in residence for Legacy Kosher Tours. Rabbi Becher has answered thousands of questions on AsktheRabbi.org, presents a Talmud class, Dimensions of the Daf and his latest book, Gateway to Judaism, published by Artscroll, is in its tenth printing. And if you aren’t already impressed, he served in the IDF. Listen as we discuss connecting, caring, and acting in solidarity in a meaningful and impactful way for the people of Israel during this perilous time in history.

Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia , where she & her late husband helped establish a new kiruv community & shul, Sherri Zaslow has made Baltimore her home for 20+ years. Sherri has spent her professional career in education, senior care and currently organizes health and wellness community education focusing on the Jewish community. Sherri has served on the Gilchrist Hospice Board, and works closely with Bridging Life Jewish Hospice and Palliative Care services. Their next event is a run to adopt orphans of 10/7 in Israel. To find out more info go to.run4israel.net

Ruth Guggenheim is the Director of Interfaith Relations for World Emunah, Israel. In this capacity, she focuses on building bridges of understanding, respect and collaboration between the Jewish and Christian communities on behalf of the people of Israel. https://emunah.org/ Katrina Johnson-Smith is the founder of The Answer Kingdom Center and the Power & Praise Prayer Assembly,

At age 10, Mordechai Dovid Waidenbaum’s life changed in an instant when he suffered a massive stroke during recess. In this moving episode, he shares how he went from paralysis and speech loss to becoming a respected yungerman, Gabbai, and husband—through faith, grit, and the love of family. Mordechai Waidenbaum is a newly married man who grew up in Brooklyn, New York,. He currently studies in Kollel and is a beloved summer Rebbi. He lives with his wife Nechama in Monsey, New York. He is available for speaking engagements and can be contacted through the Jewish Adulting Podcast.

Rabbi Feldman and I discuss finding meaning in what could arguably be one of the most routine parts of the week: Shabbos. For many, it is unlikely we are tapping into all that Shabbos has to offer. Sure we know halacha, and we appreciate the restfullness of it, but is there more? You betcha there is. Listen as Rabbi Feldman shows us how and why. Rabbi Akiva Feldman serves as the Rav of Congregation Ohel Yakov in Baltimore, Maryland, a historic synagogue established in 1875. He assumed this leadership role following the tenure of Rabbi Peretz Dinovitz, zt”l, bringing renewed energy and dedication to the congregation. A distinguished alumnus of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, Rabbi Feldman furthered his Torah studies at Yeshivas Mir in Eretz Yisrael and at Yeshivas Birchas Mordechai under Rabbi Yaakov Friedman, shlit”a. He received his rabbinic ordination (semicha) from Ner Yisroel. In addition to his role at Ohel Yakov, Rabbi Feldman contributes to Jewish education in Baltimore by teaching Halacha at Bais Yaakov and Bnos Yisroel high schools. Rabbi Feldman hails from a family with a rich rabbinic heritage. His paternal grandfather, Rabbi Emanuel Feldman, shlit”a, served as the rav of Congregation Beth Jacob in Atlanta, Georgia, for many decades. His uncle, Rabbi Ilan Feldman, currently leads Beth Jacob of Atlanta, and his great-uncle, Rabbi Aharon Feldman, shlit”a, is the Rosh HaYeshiva of Ner Yisroel in Baltimore. His father, Mr. Jonathan Feldman, a musmach of Ner Yisroel, is well-known in Baltimore for his community advocacy and involvement. His mother, Mrs. Judi Feldman, is a shadchan who taught at the Beth Tfiloh school for many years. Under Rabbi Feldman's leadership, Congregation Ohel Yakov has experienced significant growth, with initiatives aimed at enhancing Torah learning, community engagement, and chesed activities. His dedication to fostering a warm and inclusive environment continues to strengthen the congregation's bonds and spiritual growth. To be in touch with him email him at akivaefeldman@gmail.com

Shmuel Tzvi Adler grew up in Baltimore, where he spent nearly all of his high school and yeshiva years learning at Ner Yisroel. His father, a dedicated 10th-grade Rebbe at the yeshiva for decades, recently retired. After yeshiva, Shmuel began his career in the food industry, first as a cook for a yeshiva. During that time, he married his amazing and talented wife, Nechama (née Eizik) from Monsey. He later worked in catering and eventually became a chef in a nursing home. After about five years in the culinary field, Shmuel transitioned into healthcare administration, becoming a billing specialist at Centers Health Care, a large nursing home company, working from its corporate office in the Bronx. While still working in the food industry, Shmuel and Nechama welcomed their son, Yehoshua. He was born four months early—at just 24 weeks gestation—marking the beginning of a profound and challenging journey. Shmuel shares this experience in his book, *Wings of Hope*, offering insight and inspiration drawn from their remarkable story.