The Heart and Soul of Our Community: A Conversation with Yitzy Wilhelm

In this episode of Shells & Shadows, Yehuda sits down with Yitzy Wilhelm—the heart and soul of Chabad at CU Boulder and a cornerstone of the community’s Friday night Shabbat experience.Yitzy shares what it means to lead Kabbalat Shabbat week after week (for more than a decade, since his bar mitzvah), why welcoming people matters, and what makes Chabad feel like home for students walking in for the first time. From celebrating his bar mitzvah anniversary, to talking about his work life in Denver—tagging prices at the deli and hosting guests at the zoo info booth—Yitzy brings humor, warmth, and that unmistakable “everyone belongs here” energy.The conversation turns playful and personal: favorite animals, penguins and tigers, Disney movies, morning routines, exercise, travel dreams, and baseball debates—ending with Yitzy’s invitation to come celebrate, throw candies, and bring more simcha into the room.In this episode:• What Yitzy actually does every Friday night at Chabad CU• How to make someone feel welcomed on their very first visit• Yitzy’s jobs in Denver (deli + zoo) and the animal facts he loves sharing• Routines, prayer, and what each of them thanks Hashem for• Tigers, African penguins, and why “just keep swimming” is a life quote• Popcorn questions: friendships, routines, pride, favorite niggunim, and more• The episode ends with pure Yitzy energy: simcha, candies, and a warm goodbye🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCASTNew episodes drop every week.Watch it on Youtube: Click HereApple Podcasts: Click Here—CONNECT WITH YEHUDAPodcast Instagram: Click Here Personal Instagram: Click Here—#ShellsAndShadows #Purpose #CareerAdvice #Philosophy #SelfTranscendence #MeaningOfLife #PersonalGrowth