Postville Alumni Yeshiva podcast

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Mendy Shepard, an alumnus originally from Detroit who now resides in Albany, New York, where he manages a nursing home and is active in communal life. Mendy shares his unique journey to Postville and the lasting impact the Yeshiva's atmosphere had on his life and the lives of his peers.Key highlights of this episode include:Rediscovering Postville: Mendy recalls his surprise at being sent to Postville after the "raid," admitted he initially thought the community and Yeshiva were "done". He describes how he quickly fell in love with the "vibe" and atmosphere of the city and the school.The Power of Presence: Reflecting on the impact of that year, Mendy shares a moving story about a fellow student who recently attributed his religious commitment to the supportive environment the group provided, even without "answering existential questions".Memorable Moments: From public Menorah lightings with Aaron Goldsmith to traveling across the Midwest for Chanukah, Mendy revisits the lively adventures of his student days. He also shares a "special" memory of an impromptu, late-night guitar and singing session in the dorm lounge that brought the entire Yeshiva together.Advice for the Future: For current bochurim worried about their future careers or lack of secular education, Mendy offers a message of bitachon (trust), encouraging them to "live in the moment" and trust that Hashem provides. He shares how his own life, including his growing family, is a testament to how blessings follow when one doesn't stress over the small things.A Lesson in Ahavas Yisrael: Mendy concludes with a powerful Dvar Torah on why Moshe breaking the Luchos (Tablets) was actually his greatest achievement. He explains how this act demonstrated Moshe's absolute love for the Jewish people, prioritizing their survival over even the Torah itself.Join us for an inspiring conversation about building community, trusting in Hashem, and the enduring lessons of Postville.

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Chaim Kudan, an alumnus originally from Albany, New York, who shares his journey from the immersive atmosphere of Postville to his current dual roles in prison advocacy and communal leadership.Key highlights of this episode include:Advocacy for the Incarcerated: Chaim discusses his impactful work with the Aleph Institute, where he advocates for individuals in the federal prison system. He provides a fascinating look into how he helps inmates secure kosher food, access Tefillin, and navigate the challenges of the "whole chain of command" within the Bureau of Prisons.Shlichus in the Snow: Moving from the fourth floor of a Crown Heights apartment to the mountains, Chaim describes his current mission in Truckee, California. Located near Lake Tahoe, Chaim shares what it’s like to run a Chabad house in an area defined by pine trees and heavy snowfall rather than palm trees and sunshine.The Postville Transformation: Chaim reflects on how Postville was his first truly "immersive" and "authentic" Yeshiva experience. He shares a lasting lesson from a Farbrengen with Rabbi Gabriel Levin that instilled in him a lifelong commitment to saying Karbonus every morning.Advice for the Modern Bochur: Offering practical wisdom for current students, Chaim emphasizes that mornings are the most important part of the day and that one must "grab the day by its beard" to be successful. He also makes a strong case for the necessity of physical exercise for mental and spiritual health.Finding Greatness in Low Points: Chaim shares a powerful Dvar Torah based on his Bar Mitzvah Parsha, explaining why Moshe breaking the Luchos—traditionally seen as a low point—was actually his "crowning accomplishment" because it prioritized his love for the Jewish people over all else.Join us for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on professional advocacy, the power of a disciplined morning routine, and the value of internal growth over a simple change of scenery

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Sholom Tauber, a former Postville dorm counselor who transitioned from the world of intensive Yeshiva study to a successful career in accounting,,.Key highlights of this episode include:Life in Postville: Sholom reflects on his two years as a dorm counselor (shliach), describing the unique, isolated environment of Postville as a "cool" opportunity for individual attention and focused learning,,.The Transition to Professional Life: Sholom shares how he utilized his Bachelor’s in Talmudic Studies to fast-track into a Master’s in Accounting, debunking the idea that Yeshiva is a "waste of time" for those entering the workforce,,.The Language of Business: Currently working towards his CPA in Houston, Sholom explains why accounting is a vital skill for anyone interested in business or real estate,. He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at his work in the potato commodity industry,.Financial Literacy for Bochurim: In a deep-dive "mini-class," Sholom explains the power of compounding interest and the S&P 500,. He offers practical advice on why starting to save even small amounts at age 18 can lead to significant wealth later in life,,.Avoiding the Debt Trap: Sholom warns about the "consistent" danger of credit card debt and high interest rates, sharing personal insights on the importance of building an emergency fund before marriage,.Whether you are a current student curious about the "real world" or an alumnus looking for practical financial wisdom, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on balancing Torah values with professional success

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Moshe Korf to discuss his journey from a "troubled bochur" to a successful professional and community member. Moshe shares his childhood roots in Delray Beach, Florida, and the pivotal moments that led him to Postville.Key highlights of this episode include:The Power of Environment: Moshe reflects on how a single summer camp experience without proper supervision led to a "cascading effect" on his religious observance, offering a cautionary tale about the importance of a supportive environment.The Cell Phone Saga: Moshe details his "low point" in Postville—clashing with Rabbi Levin over a hidden cell phone, which eventually led to his expulsion. He explains how this humbling experience became a major turning point, leading to a significant spiritual "aliyah" when he was eventually welcomed back.Yeshiva vs. College: Now working in construction project management, Moshe compares his academic experiences. He explains why the analytical thinking he developed through learning Gemara has been more valuable in the real world than his formal college education.Lessons in Tzedakah: Moshe shares why Tzedakah is his favorite mitzvah, drawing a fascinating parallel between Jewish law and neuroscience regarding how daily actions mold the brain and soul.Memories of Postville: From creating his own Sudoku puzzles to a legendary "heist" involving a borrowed projector, Moshe shares lighthearted stories of his time as a student.Join us for a candid conversation about resilience, the impact of honesty, and finding success by applying Yeshiva values to professional life

This podcast features an interview with Moshe "Momo" Rosner, an alumnus of the Postville Yeshiva who recounts his unique experiences living in the Iowa community during the 2000s. Rosner details the chaos of the 2008 federal immigration raid on the local Agriprocessors plant, describing how he witnessed the arrival of helicopters and federal agents while at home for breakfast. He shares personal stories about his education, including his journey to a yeshiva in France and the challenges he faced gaining acceptance there. The conversation also explores his transition into entrepreneurship, where he now balances business ownership with a commitment to communal Torah study and faith. Rosner concludes by reflecting on the enduring bond shared by Postville alumni and the spiritual lessons he carries into his current life in Florida.

Join us for an engaging episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast featuring Reuven Abenaim, an educator, life coach, and author originally from Montreal.In this recording, Reuven reflects on his time in Postville during the challenging year of 2009, sharing vivid memories of the Yeshiva's "upside down" period following the raid, including the infamous weeks of eating nothing but chicken nuggets and the presence of Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin during his house arrest.Beyond his Yeshiva days, Reuven discusses his multifaceted professional life, which includes:◦Torah Education: Teaching Gemara and Halacha in Montreal.◦The Art of Shatnez Checking: Sharing the fascinating (and sometimes humorous) process of identifying forbidden fabric mixtures using microscopes and traditional methods.◦Authoring a New Sefer: His research into the biographies and Torah insights of North African sages from Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.Reuven concludes with a powerful message for current students, explaining why every moment in Yeshiva—even the smallest detail of a Tosafot—serves as a vital foundation for a person's future worldview and inner strength.