The PodcAAst

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joel Paul, a longtime leader in the Jewish world whose decades of impact have spanned organizations such as NCSY and Yeshiva University before launching his own successful consulting firm, The Joel Paul Group. We discuss leadership, career growth, building institutions, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service and innovation.

We take time to explore many of the Halachos that govern this period of the Jewish calendar, including how to count Sefirah, what to do if a mistake was made in counting, and how to properly observe the customs of mourning during this time.

In this episode we look at the rise of “celebrity rabbis” — rabbis whose voices reach way beyond their own communities through social media podcasts books and public speaking. Does this visibility help spread Torah and inspire Jews around the world, or does it risk turning rabbinic leadership into a brand-driven personality contest?

Karpas and Maror both take center stage at the Seder, but what do they really represent? In this episode, we explore different approaches to these two important elements of the Seder through our own dueling yerakos.

We go through all of the Seder basics, starting with Kadesh and ending with Afikomen, to make sure that everyone is ready and prepared for the many Mitzvos of the Seder.

In this episode, we speak with David Goldberg about the remarkable legacy of his grandparents and the Maos Chitim fund for which they collected to ensure that families in need could celebrate Pesach with dignity. David shares the story behind their life, the values that motivated them, and how a simple act of communal responsibility grew into a lasting source of support for others. David also shares many fascinating and enlightening stories about the early days of Ahavas Achim and RPRY.

Interview with member Chaim Goldstein, Hot Topics of the month, Riveting Responsa and a Purim Yerek

Purim isn’t just costumes and noise—it’s a masterclass in hidden meaning, reversal, and courage. In this episode, we explore the big ideas beneath the masks: where Hashem hides, what we can learn from the words of the Megillah and how the Mitzvos of the day are about more than eating and drinking.

FAQ's of Purim, including hearing the Megillah, having a Seudah, giving Matanos L'Evyonim and more.

If our Sifrei Torah could speak, they would tell countless stories. Stories of the history of Ahavas Achim, and of the individuals whose steadfast dedication to Yiddishkeit, to the greater Highland Park community, and to the shul helped shape who we are today. For that reason, we have invited individuals with personal connections to our Sifrei Torah to share their stories with us, offering a glimpse into the living history that rests within our shul.

Rabbis attend countless lifecycle events, yet far less often do they experience them personally. In this conversation, we talk candidly about being on both sides of mourning, sharing both the moments of meaning and the real challenges that come with it.

Can you buy pre-cut vegetables at Super Fresh?What happens if you forgot to light Shabbos candles?Do you need to check a world clock before making a Zoom meeting?We answer these questions and more in these weeks episode!

If we make Judaism easier, do we make it stronger—or weaker? This is a question we constantly grapple with. In this episode, we discuss whether lowering religious standards increases commitment, and how the value we give to Judaism influences how people perceive it and engage with it.

We sat down for an in depth conversation with Rabbi Yaakov Luban, who shared the story of how he began his rabbinic journey as the rabbi of Congregation Ohr Torah in Edison, NJ and as Executive Rabbinic Coordinator at OU Kosher. He also reflected on the mentors and role models who inspired him to pursue these meaningful and impactful paths.

We share a collection of ideas that inspired us over the past month but didn’t make it into a shiur, class, or drasha. Short reflections, sparks of Torah, and moments worth thinking about a little longer.

We talk about some of the exciting questions we have been asked and answered over the past month.

We sit down with community members to explore what it means to be a frum Jew in the secular workplace. Marc Turansky, Jeremy Renna, Betzalel Posy and others share just a few of the many experiences they have had over the years. We hear stories of struggle, moments of conviction and powerful triumphs.

This episode begins a much larger conversation about alcohol consumption and drug use within the Jewish community. We sit down with Uri Hochberg and Chaye Kohl who share their personal stories and thoughtful insights. We also offer our own reflections on their experiences and on the realities we see unfolding around us.

In this episode, we sit down with Dmitry Chizhik and Ze’ev Strupinsky to hear about growing up in Soviet Russia, their immigration journeys, and the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way.

Discover the inspiring ideas and Divrei Torah that were left out of our drashot and shiurim this month—Insights rescued from the cutting-room floor!

Join us as we take on a selection of this month’s questions, unpack the background behind each one, and share clear, thoughtful answers.

Rabbi Miodownik and Rabbi Whittenburg discuss the ways technology has impacted our lives as Jews, as well as the job of the Rabbi

Interview with Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Ronald Schwarzberg.