Advertise on podcast: KOLOT with Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein

Kicking off Season 6, Charlie Harary joins KOLOT for a powerful conversation about what real inspiration actually looks like and how we turn inspiration into lasting growth. In this episode: • What does it really mean to be inspired?• Who should we look to for inspiration?• “Feel-good” inspiration vs. real Torah inspiration• Why inspiration so often fades, and what makes it last• What does real Tefillah look like?• Are we sometimes treating Hashem like “Amazon.God”?• What makes someone a successful parent?• What makes a successful teacher?• How do you measure success in kiruv and outreach?• How do we genuinely inspire the people around us?• And much more… Living on Fire is a conversation about moving beyond the momentary high and building a life of real inspiration, growth and purpose.

What happens when the only Chassidic journalist in the White House press corps steps into one of the world’s most powerful briefing rooms? In this captivating episode of the KOLOT Podcast, Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein sits down with Jake Turx, Senior White House Correspondentfor Mishpacha Magazine, for an unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. From navigating the White House before and after October 7 to asking difficult questions of the Administration, Jake shares what it’s really like to represent the Jewish community while covering some of the most consequential stories on the planet. 🔹 The dramatic shift inside the White House after October 7🔹 Asking tough questions that challenge the Office of the President🔹 Sefer Shoftim coming to life in today’s geopolitical landscape🔹 The future of the U.S.–Israel relationship🔹 Should America continue military aid to Israel? The strongest arguments on both sides🔹 Bret Stephens vs. Bob Kraft: Two very different strategies for combating antisemitism🔹 Why America’s support for Israel matters—for both nations🔹 Behind-the-scenes stories from the White House press room🔹 Plus, plenty of moments you won’t hear anywhere else. 🎧 Whether you’re interested in politics, Israel, journalism, Jewish thought, or simply love thought-provoking conversations, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and plenty of surprises. One conversation. One White House. A perspective unlike any other. The KOLOT Podcast is a project of the Columbus Community Kollel, a full-time learning center in Bexley. Ever Since 1995, boy, girls, men and women of all backgrounds and affiliations have found learning opportunities at the Kollel. Whether it's a study partner, engaging lesson or a program, the Kollel is your one-stop-shop for all your Jewish learning. To learn more, visit www.thekollel.org and forever be inspired! 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News 🤝 In partnership with: The Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation (Circleville, Ohio • Cleveland, Ohio • Rochester, New York)

🎙️ JOHN FETTERMAN LIVE 🇺🇸 Senator. Leader. Fighter. One of the most talked-about voices in America today. Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein sits down live with U.S. Senator John Fetterman for a powerful, wide-ranging, and deeply personal conversation about politics, mental health, resilience, Israel, and moral leadership in today’s America. In this candid live interview, Senator Fetterman opens up about: 🎨 First ever job scraping paint of walls 💪 Surviving a stroke during his U.S. Senate campaign🧠 His battle with depression and treatment at Walter Reed🔥 The pressure and realities of public office🇮🇱 October 7th and standing with Israel🗳️ Why he believes in “moral clarity over polls”👨‍👩‍👧 Family, hope, resilience, and staying grounded🇺🇸 The current political climate in America Raw. Honest. Unfiltered. This is more than a political interview — it’s a conversation about courage, conviction, mental health, leadership, and the human side of public service. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube. Kolot is a project of the Columbus Community Kollel, a full-time learning center in Bexley. Ever Since 1995, boy, girls, men and women of all backgrounds and affiliations have found learning opportunities at the Kollel. Whether it's a study partner, engaging lesson or a program, the Kollel is your one-stop-shop for all your Jewish learning. To learn more, visit www.thekollel.org and forever be inspired! 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News 🤝 In partnership with: The Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation (Circleville, Ohio • Cleveland, Ohio • Rochester, New York)

💍 Sparks & Stability: The Torah Take on Marriage with Harav Yosef Greenfeld, Rov of Chestnut Shul – Lakewood, NJ In this deeply insightful and practical episode of the KOLOT Podcast, Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein sits down with Harav Yosef Greenfeld, the esteemed Rov of Chestnut Shul in Lakewood, New Jersey, who has guided and prepared thousands of chassanim for marriage over the course of his career. Drawing on decades of experience counseling young couples, Rabbi Greenfeld shares timeless Torah wisdom about what truly makes a marriage thrive — from the moment a couple prepares for the chuppah to building a home that lasts a lifetime. Rabbi Greenfeld reflects on the formative influences that shaped his own path, including the profound guidance of Harav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l, and the powerful role his parents played in directing him toward a life dedicated to strengthening Jewish marriages. This episode explores some of the most important and sometimes uncomfortable questions about relationships — with clarity, warmth, and authentic Torah perspective. 🧭 In This Episode We Discuss: ✨ What does it really mean to be “ready” for marriage? ✨ How does someone know they married the right person? ✨ The balance between individuality and unity in marriage ✈️ Is it appropriate to vacation with friends without your spouse? 📈 What happens when spouses grow at different levels of Shmiras HaMitzvos? 👶 Healthy Torah perspectives on family planning 🏠 Breaking cycles: building a healthy home even if you grew up in a broken one 📜 The essential do’s and don’ts every couple must know 👨‍👩‍👧 Chinuch Habanim U’Banos — raising children in a Torah home 💒 The powerful bracha every chassan and kallah receive under the chuppah ❤️ Practical marriage advice for the first year — and for decades to come 💡 Rabbi Greenfeld shares profound yet practical insights drawn from thousands of conversations with chassanim and young couples, offering guidance that is relevant not only to newlyweds but to anyone seeking to build a stronger, deeper marriage. Whether you are preparing for marriage, newly married, or many years into building your home, this conversation offers wisdom, perspective, and tools that can transform the way we think about relationships. 💬 This episode will challenge assumptions, strengthen perspectives, and provide timeless Torah guidance for building a marriage filled with both sparks and stability. KOLOT is a project of the Columbus Community Kollel, a full-time learning center in Bexley. Ever Since 1995, boy, girls, men and women of all backgrounds and affiliations have found learning opportunities at the Kollel. Whether it's a study partner, engaging lesson or a program, the Kollel is your one-stop-shop for all your Jewish learning. To learn more, visit www.thekollel.org and forever be inspired! 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News 🤝 In partnership with: The Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation (Circleville, Ohio • Cleveland, Ohio • Rochester, New York)

🎙️From Ashes to Empire: How Torah Took Root—and Thrives—in America Recorded live at the Columbus Community Kollel’s historic 30th Anniversary Celebration on November 19, 2025, inside the majestic Ohio Statehouse, this rare conversation brings together two of the most consequential leaders of American Torah Jewry—on one stage, in one unforgettable dialogue. In this landmark episode, Rabbi Aaron Kotler, President Emeritus of Beth Medrash Govoha, and Rabbi Boruch Neuberger, President of Ner Israel Rabbinical College, trace a three-generation journey that reshaped the destiny of Torah in the United States. They begin with their grandfathers—survivors of the European devastation—who arrived on American shores with little more than unshakable emunah and a daring conviction: Torah could not only survive in America, it could flourish. They continue with their fathers, who transformed that vision into living institutions as Torah life took root and spread across the country. And finally, they turn inward—reflecting candidly on their own leadership, responsibility, and the weight of carrying a mesorah that now shapes tens of thousands of lives. Along the way, you’ll hear: Powerful, never-before-shared stories of chesed and achrayis (responsibility)—often expressed in the most unconventional and surprising ways A penetrating look at the current stage of American Torah Jewry: its strengths, its tensions, and its unprecedented opportunities A forward-looking charge on how Torah learning can continue to thrive amid the cultural, spiritual, and communal challenges of our time The conversation closes with a stirring vision for the future of the Jewish people—rooted in humility, courage, and unwavering commitment to Torah. This is not a panel. This is not a speech. This is a once-in-a-generation conversation between the stewards of the two largest Torah institutions in America. 🎙️ Hosted by: Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein 📍 Presented by: Columbus Community Kollel 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News 🤝 In partnership with: The Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation (Circleville, Ohio • Cleveland, Ohio • Rochester, New York) ✨ A rare moment. Historic voices. A timeless mission.

🎙️✨ NEW EPISODE DROP! ✨🎙 The KOLOT Podcast proudly presents: 🌟 HaRav Shraga Feivel Zimmerman 🌟 Av Beis Din of London | Renowned Posek | Visionary Leader in Global Jewish Life 🔥 A rare and penetrating conversation exploring halacha, leadership, and Klal Yisrael in the modern world 🔥 💬 Topics include: 📜 Path to Leadership — from Gateshead to London: how his journey shaped a generation of rabbanim and dayanim ⚖️ The Role of a Beis Din Today — protecting and guiding a kehilla beyond dinei Torah and gittin 💡 Halacha in a Modern World — navigating technology, medicine, and finance while preserving mesorah 🌍 Antisemitism & European Jewry — reflections on resilience, unity, and faith amidst rising challenges 🕍 Responsibility Beyond Borders — how a dayan’s psak echoes across continents 🧠 True Mechilah — the Torah definition of forgiveness in an age of public pain and personal growth 👑 Leadership Under Pressure — maintaining composure, clarity, and humility when every decision counts 🌿 Personal Reflections — what decades in communal leadership have taught him about Torah, people, and Hashem’s hashgachah 💎 This episode offers rare depth, balance, and authenticity — a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand how timeless Torah wisdom meets today’s complex world. ✨ The KOLOT Podcast — Conversations that Inspire. Voices that Elevate. ✨ 🎙️ Hosted by Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein 📍 Presented by the Columbus Community Kollel 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News In partnership with the Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation of Circleville, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio and Rochester, New York.

🎙️✨ NEW EPISODE DROP! ✨🎙️ The KOLOT Podcast proudly presents 🌟 Harav Uri Deutsch 🌟 🔥 A deep, moving and timely conversation about leadership, chinuch, materialism, mental health, and the state of Klal Yisrael today. 🔥 💬 Topics include: 📖 His inspiring upbringing & journey — from Brisk ➡️ Lakewood 👑 What it means to be B’nei Melachim 🌿 When is gashmiyus too much? 🧠 Mental health through a Torah lens — when to go public, and what message Hashem is sending us 🏫 Today’s chinuch challenges — raising children amidst distractions 🏡 Moving out of town — maintaining growth beyond major Torah centers 🕯️ Simchas Torah on a year marking the yahrtzeit of over 1,200 kedoshim — how do we celebrate withsensitivity and simchah? 🕊️ A Torah view on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk 💫 Blending Yiras Shamayim & Simchas HaChaim — finding awe and joy in Avodas Hashem 💎 This episode is powerful, raw, and deeply uplifting — a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, balance, and renewed inspiration in avodas Hashem. 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH NOW! 📹 TorahAnytime 🎧 Spotify 🍎 Apple Podcasts ▶️ YouTube ✨ The KOLOT Podcast — Conversations that Inspire. Voices that Elevate. ✨ 🎙️ Hosted by Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News In partnership with the Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation of Circleville, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio and Rochester, New York.

🎙️✨ NEW EPISODE DROP! ✨🎙️ KOLOT Podcast proudly presents: 🌟 “The Life and Legacy of Mr. Avi Shulman” 🌟 with Rabbi Sroy Levitansky, National Director of Community Development at Beth Medrash Govoha ⸻ 📌 Part One: Leadership & Vision 💼 National Director of Community Development at Beth Medrash Govoha ➡️ Journey from St. Louis ➡️ Lakewood ➡️ Working alongside Rabbi Aaron Kotler ➡️ Building cities through new Kollelim ➡️ Navigating the challenges — and triumphs — of community growth ⸻ 📌 Part Two: Wisdom, Inspiration & Legacy 👨‍👦 Honoring his father-in-law, Mr. Avi Shulman z”l 💬 Personal memories & lessons learned 📖 Exploring the new book: 'Live Your Life by Design' 96 Takeaways from the life of Mr. Avi Shulman 🤝 The unique bond of mentor ➕ family 🌟 Carrying forward a legacy of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration ⸻ 🎧 Tune in to hear how Rabbi Levitansky balances building Jewish communities nationwide while simultaneously keeping alive the timeless lessons of one of the greatest mentors and educators of our time. 📰 Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News A project of the Columbus Community Kollel, and The Henry, Bertha & Edward Rothman Foundation Circleville, OH • Cleveland, OH • Rochester, NY ⸻ 🔥 Available now on: 📱 Apple Podcasts | 🎵 Spotify | ▶️ YouTube

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ✨ This Elul, we’re going deep — back to the Beis Midrash, the Roshei Yeshiva, the Rebbeim who shaped generations… and forward into how those timeless lessons still guide us today. 🔥 From the unforgettable Elul atmosphere at Ner Yisroel 💡 To the personal guidance of Gedolim and the balance between following a Rebbe vs. becoming an independent thinker… 💬 To the lifelong question: “What would my Rebbe say…?” We sit down for an eye-opening and heartfelt conversation packed with stories, inspiration, and practical takeaways. Along the way: 🔹 Memories of Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman zt”l and Rav Dovid Kronglass zt”l in shaping Yomim Nora’im 🔹 The sweetness of Torah under Rav Kulefsky zt”l 🔹 Rabbi Herman Neuberger’s legendary askanus — and what we can all learn from it 🔹 The powerful relationships with Roshei Yeshiva that continue to guide life decisions today ✨ It’s not just history. It’s not just inspiration. It’s the blueprint for how to live with depth, direction, and joy in 5786 and beyond. 🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and carry Elul into your year with new energy. This podcast is a project of the Columbus Community Kollel in partnership with the Henry, Bertha and Edward Rothman Foundation Circleville, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio and Rochester, New York Contributing Sponsor: Michael Milch and Diamond & Denim Recruiting – If you own or operate a business in healthcare (nursing homes, drug rehab, ABA therapy, home health, urgent care), skilled trades (electric, roofing, construction), or professional services (accounting, law), then Diamond & Denim Recruiting can help you find top-tier talent at competitive rates. To get in touch, email [email protected] or call 412-874-8157. Media Sponsor: Columbus Jewish News Next Episode: Harav Uri Deutsch!! Stay tuned!!

🎙️ KOLOT Podcast – Last episode in Season 4 🚀 From the battlefield to the boardroom → Meet Dr. Stephen Markovich, CEO of OhioHealth, retired Major General, and former Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard. 🇭🇷 His family story begins in Croatia… ✈️ his journey carried him through military leadership, a bold career shift to medicine, and eventually the corner office of a $6B healthcare system leading 35,000 employees. 🔥 In this conversation, we dive into: 🛡️ Lessons from military leadership carried into medicine & executive life 🩺 The part of medicine he loves most… and what he wishes he knew better 😷 Becoming CEO during COVID – what that challenge looked like from the inside 🤖 AI in medicine – hype vs real impact 🤝 Healthy competition & collaboration with local healthcare networks 💉 Thoughts on Ozempic & the future of medicine 👥 Leadership at scale – managing relationships across tens of thousands …and so much more! 🎧 Tune in for a powerful, raw, and deeply human conversation with one of Ohio’s most dynamic leaders. 👉 Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

From selling luxury cars to shaping national policy, Senator Bernie Moreno’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein, Moreno shares how his immigrant upbringing fueled his drive, how building one of America’s most successful auto empires shaped his leadership, and why he left the private sector to serve the people of Ohio in the U.S. Senate. We dive into: 🚀 The resilience and grit behind his American Dream story 💼 Lessons from the business world that translate to political leadership 🇮🇱 His unwavering stance on Israel and America’s global role 💡 Why Washington needs more problem-solvers — and how he plans to be one 📈 His vision for Ohio’s future and the challenges ahead If you value strong leadership and love a great success story, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose — no matter your arena. 🎧 KOLOT with Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein — Real conversations. Extraordinary guests. Timeless lessons.

In this special live interview recorded at the Kollel for Young Professionals, we sit down with Dr. Luan Phan, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University, for a powerful and personal conversation about mental health, trauma, and resilience. Dr. Phan reflects on his journey from Vietnam to the U.S., growing up as the son of a war veteran, and how those early experiences shaped his career in psychiatry. He shares how treating war veterans helped him move from distrust to trust, and how that path led him to a deep understanding of resiliency — what it really means to recover and grow through adversity. We explore: The core lessons of resilience and how to build it What to look for in Project SOAR, and why it matters How to prepare our children for when — not if — adversity comes Helping children manage their own mental health Simple, daily practices to strengthen emotional well-being Mental health and resilience in a post-October 7th world A moving story of hope that will stay with you long after the episode ends 🟦 This episode is sponsored by Brad and Holly Kastan — thank you for your generous support. 🙏 Special thanks to everyone who submitted questions in advance, including: Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Coach Jim Tressel, Michael Milch (PGH), Rabbi Yitz Frank (CLE), Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-D 1st Distric), Howard Shear, Julie Tilson-Stanley (JewishColumbus), Sivan Rahav-Meir (Israel) — and many more! Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply someone trying to stay grounded in turbulent times, this conversation offers clarity, inspiration, and tools for a stronger tomorrow.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rabbi Yoel Gold, the storyteller behind the viral videos that have touched millions across the Jewish world. Raised in Williamsburg and known back then simply as “Yoile,” Rabbi Gold opens up about his parents’ divorce and how those early challenges unexpectedly led him to the Adelphia Yeshiva, where he formed a life-changing bond with Rabbi Dovid Trenk zt”l. That relationship set him on a path to becoming a rebbe, a leader, and eventually a visionary content creator. He shares the moment a child’s advice pushed him to start his first video, and how that single decision snowballed into a movement of storytelling with soul. It was shortly afterwards Rabbi Gold founded Hashkifa. We also get a sneak peek into his latest and boldest production yet — releasing this Tisha B’Av — about traveling to the Vatican in an emotional and daring effort to locate the Menorah from the Beis HaMikdash. To wrap things up, Rabbi Gold plays along with a few rapid-fire questions for some light fun and personal insight. Tune in for a powerful journey of resilience, vision, and emunah. To watch the trailer and purchase the video, visit www.hashkifa.com

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy—physician, mother, and wife of Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy—to explore her remarkable journey from India to the United States, and from medical student to a leading surgeon at The Ohio State University. Dr. Ramaswamy shares how her father’s professional challenges shaped her resilience, how he redid his residency in a new country, and why she felt called to medicine in the first place. She opens up about the deeply rewarding and humbling experience of helping cancer patients rebuild both physically and emotionally, and the critical role that balance plays in recovery. We also discuss the path she and Vivek are navigating as they aim to become Ohio’s next Governor and First Lady. Dr. Ramaswamy speaks candidly about what it means to “do it all”—as a mother, doctor, and partner supporting a bold political vision—and how she’s raising her children with the values and work ethic to achieve their own and unique American dream. Finally, we look ahead to her vision for national unity and the contributions she hopes to bring to Ohio and the country if she becomes First Lady. We conclude this conversation by paying tribute to Vivek's grandmother, Thankam Ammai, who passed away nearly a week after celebrating her 100th birthday. She was surrounded by her family members who all cherished her and will always carry her in their hearts - remembering the value of each other. This episode is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of family. Upcoming episodes will feature Rabbi Yoel Gold followed by Dr. Luan Phan. Stay tuned!! We would like to thank our sponsors: Lead Sponsor: Roderick C. White Jr. and Radha Lachman KashiKonar Contributing Sponsor: Snow White Cleaners: For premium dry cleaning, laundry, and linen cleaning services that won't break the bank, look no further than Snow White Cleaners. Situated at 2545 Petzinger Road, Columbus, Snow White Cleaners provides exceptional service for individuals and businesses, all at the most affordable rates. For quality you can trust and prices you'll love, visit Snow White Cleaners or call 614-231-2066. Testimonial - 'I always get my dry cleaning done at Snow White Cleaners in Bexley, and I couldn't be happier. Their premium quality service truly makes a difference in how my clothes look and feel. Plus, their prices are the most affordable I've found. For great care at a great value, I highly recommend Snow White Cleaners.'

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans battlefield grit, public service, and strengthening democracy. LaRose shares his extraordinary journey—from training with the Israeli Defense Forces and serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), to his rise through the Ohio State Senate and ultimately becoming Secretary of State. With firsthand experience in both military discipline and civic responsibility, he offers unique insight into the intersection of national security and election integrity. We dive into his guiding principle: making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. He walks us through Ohio’s transparent voting system, where bipartisan oversight ensures that every vote is counted fairly and every outcome is trusted—so winners know they’ve won, and losers know they’ve lost. The Secretary also speaks passionately about America’s enduring bond with Israel, its strategic brilliance, and the shared fight against a common enemy. We wrap up with a rapid-fire round to get to know the man behind the title—and what has him most excited about Ohio’s future. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about service, leadership, and the vital institutions that uphold our freedoms.