show episodes
 
Lakewood, N.J. was once a small, quaint resort town nestled away on the tip of Ocean County. Over the years its unprecedented growth resulted in it evolving into the largest hub of Torah Jewry as we know it today. Join Meir for fascinating conversations with individuals whom with great effort transformed Lakewood from just a small town… into Our Town!
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Join Rabbi Klein, a master mechanech and seasoned camp head counselor, as he delves into the important factors parents should consider when choosing a sleepaway camp for their child. From weighing the pros and cons to understanding the key elements that make a camp the perfect fit, Rabbi Klein offers invaluable insights to ensure a rewarding and en…
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In this episode, we're joined by Rabbi Meir Levi, Lakewood's premier shadchan. We dive into the inner workings of the shadchanus field. Rabbi Levi shares insights on how many shidduchim does one have to make to be considered a professional shaddchan? Should a boy who is entering shiduchim use a dating coach? Join us as we get a glimpse of what the …
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————————————————— Podcast Hotline: 732.506.2600 Thank you for subscribing to Our Town! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-town/id1661853310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26jkl3pgksq6PBuGBY2E9u?si=_3AWWqicQwalRXgBKpt-Ww Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/our%20town%20LNN and anywhere else Podcasts are…
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Recently, an unsettling incident unfolded when a missionary infiltrated BMG under the guise of seeking to become a baal teshuva. Swiftly discerning the missionary's true intentions, they reached out to Rabbi Yisroel Blumenthal, Lakewood's counter missionary activist. LNN's Meir Dickstein had the opportunity to sit down with Rabbi Blumenthal, to hea…
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Although Season 2 has concluded, we release this episode in honor of Rav Ahron Kotler's sixty first yartzeit. In this special episode we are honored to be joined by Rabbi Baruch Ber Yoffe, We delve into the extraordinary life of Rabbi Ahron Kotler Zt"l, Rabbi Yoffe paints a vivid portrait of how Rabbi Ahron Kotler carried the weight of Klal Yisroel…
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Welcome to another captivating episode of the OUR TOWN podcast, where we have the honor of sitting down with Shimmi J., the CEO of Censible Marketing. Shimi's story takes us from his formative years growing up in Lakewood in the early 1990s, through his impressive career as a shadchan, to the early struggles in his working life, ultimately ascendin…
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Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of philanthropy and fundraising as we sit down with the remarkable Rabbi Ahron Steier, the National Director of Development at RCCS. Rabbi Steier will share his incredible experiences and insights into the ever-evolving landscape of fundraising efforts. Discover how he has navigated the challenges of …
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In this week's episode, we are joined by David Rosenberg from Toms River. He is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance. David is a native of Union City, NJ, who grew up with a burning passion for politics. Over the years, David has cultivated deep relationships with government officials at the state, county, and township …
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In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Isaac Akerman, a dedicated Committeeman who has served Lakewood Township for the past 13 years. Isaac's tenure since 2011 has solidified his reputation as a respected members of the Committee. Isaac's successful stints as mayor in 2013 and 2015 underscore his commitment to the community, where …
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In this episode, we're joined by Rabbi Yanky Kaufman, who conquered a lifelong struggle with stuttering, despite unsuccessful attempts at therapy. He endured intense pain and anxiety, seeking remedies in vain. Rabbi Kaufman’s life continued—a journey through mainstream yeshivos, learning with chavrusas, summer camps, yeshivah in Eretz Yisrael, dati…
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In this episode we sit down with Dr. Rich Roberts, a remarkable individual who has experienced a transformative journey. From his upbringing as a reformed Jew in PA to currently living in Lakewood as a frum yid. Roberts is renowned for his selfless endeavors, from organizing his famous free chol hamoid carnivals to making generous philanthropic con…
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In this week's episode, we are joined by Rabbi Mordechai Herskowitz, the Executive Director at Beth Medrash Govoha for nearly four decades. Over the years he has been involved in the construction and expansion of each building on its campus. When Rabbi Herskowitz raises funds for BMG, it's not merely about soliciting donations; it's about passionat…
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In this week's episode we have the privilege of hosting Simcha Shain, a remarkable individual whose life story is truly inspiring. Simcha, a Lakewood native, always had a deep passion for emergency medical services. He joined the Howell First Aid in 1993 which was a stepping stone for Simcha to become an essential part of Hatzalah in various cities…
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In this episode, we were honored to host Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Weisner, the administrator of the KCL, the Kashrus organization that has been an integral part of Lakewood, NJ's culinary landscape. Rabbi Weisner's KCL journey started when Lakewood boasted only a handful of eateries, and today, KCL certifies more than 130 establishments, including numer…
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In our first episode of Season 2, we sit down for a conversation with Dr. Dovid Friedman, the CEO and driving force behind CHEMED Health Centers in Lakewood. We discuss his incredible journey from South Africa to Israel and then to Lakewood. He explains why he chose to run a health center instead of pursuing one of the most prominent and lucrative …
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Your choice of how you spend your day, whether it's devoted to learning in Kollel or in the workforce, does not define your status as a Ben Torah or a Bal Habus. Listen to Rav Gershon Ribner as he sheds light on this important distinction. Buy Rabbi Ribner’s book, “Consequential Choices” by visiting your nearest Judaica store or visiting https://re…
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In this episode, we go behind the scenes as well as review the highlights of Season One. It's a celebration of the exceptional individuals we've encountered and the vibrant tapestry that defines Our Town, Lakewood. Prepare to be inspired one last time as we close this chapter, eagerly anticipating the extraordinary individuals who continue to make …
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In this week's episode, we were privileged to have Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin on the show. Despite not being a native of Lakewood, Rabbi Rubashkin has made a significant impact through his Shuirim and other endeavors, and has since become an integral part of the Lakewood community. You will be inspired by R’ Shalom Mordechai’s unwavering comm…
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Rabbi Binyomin Babad, CEO of Relief Resources, joins as our guest in this week’s episode. Over two decades ago, Rabbi Babad played a key role in establishing a mental health referral agency, a pioneering effort at a time when mental health carried a heavy stigma. With Rabbi Babad at the helm, what started as a small organization in Our Town; evolve…
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In this episode we had the privilege of speaking with Lipa Schwartz, the founder and executive director of Misameach, an incredible organization that has touched the lives of countless people by lifting the spirits of children and adults who are hospitalized, bedridden, or have physical disabilities. Lipa's journey began with a conversation at a lu…
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Join us for an inspiring episode with Yeshi Goori, an outdoor enthusiast, co-founder The Kollel and NESIVOS. Yeshi's journey began in the year 2000, as he worked tirelessly to create summer programs that kept youth active and engaged during their extended break. Through this work, he discovered a growing concern for struggling bochurim, both in and…
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Rabbi Aaron Kotler, The President Emeritus of Beth Medrash Govoha, has served as the President of the yeshiva for an impressive 26 years. The son of Rav Shneur Kotler zt”l and the grandson of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, Reb Aaron Kotler has a deep understanding of Lakewood's rich history and how it continues to evolve. In this fascinating episode, Reb …
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Join us as we delve into some of the incredible work Rabbi Gedaliah Weinberger does as the chairman of the board of PCS, an organization dedicated to empowering our community with career courses and employment opportunities. Rabbi Weinberger is also the chairman of the board of Chayim Aruchim, a division of Agudas Yisroel which helps the community …
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In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with a local legend, Ira Zlotowitz. A true titan in the world of commercial real estate. Ira's impressive list of accomplishments speaks for itself. From being the youngest president of a top 10 mortgage brokerage to driving the growth of Eastern Union to a staggering $5 billion enterprise, Ira …
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Join us in this episode as Rabbi "Butch" Epstein takes us on a journey through his childhood, growing up in Lakewood and his lifelong dedication to this town. As the current proud owner of Epstein's Meat Store, he shares fascinating stories about its rich history, and why it once was the butcher shop of many Gedolim. You'll be treated to entertaini…
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Rabbi Aaron Gruman is the Director of Torah Links, the outreach division of Bais Medrash Gavoah. Torah Links has branches throughout New Jersey and across the country. In this week’s episode, Rabbi Gruman tells us about Torah Links; how he got involved and what it accomplishes, as well as more about the Twin Rivers community. Rabbi Gruman moved to …
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In this episode we have the pleasure of hosting Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW, Director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA as well as Executive Director of Bike4Chai. Rabbi Fried is known for his incredible work helping children with serious illnesses and their families. During our conversation, he describes how he manages the intense emotions that are inherent in hi…
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Rabbi Avi Schnall is the Director of the New Jersey Office of Agudas Yisroel. Over the past nine years, he became known for his humble approach and genuine care for the needs of the frum community as well as the needs of every individual. In this episode we explore Rabbi Schnall’s fascinating public persona and how the early years of his life made …
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Welcome to Our Town! This is not just a podcast about Our Town. This is a podcast about the extraordinary people who have impacted Our Town allowing it to evolve into what it is today. ————————————————— Podcast Hotline: 732.506.2600 Thank you for subscribing to Our Town! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-town/id1661853310 Sp…
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This week we discuss: Quantifying how much space in the Torah is devoted to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and why - goldharschool.com The Mishkan needs to be built for G-d's name - the literal approach and the idea that we can only flourish in the right environment Rav Soloveitchik: Where did Moshe hear G-d's voice from, and why it matters Rav Pam: The …
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Topics discussed: Why is the slave punished for his desire to stay longer? R. Shaul Yisraeli Why isn't the slave's ear pierced when he first gets into trouble? The Maharil Diskin The need to temporarlily return a collateral reflects an expansive view of the Torah's mandate. R. Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg Love the convert since you were strangers in Egy…
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This week we discuss: Why so many judges were needed - how to relate to other peoples money including stories about R. Yisrael Salanter The lesson we learn from Yisro's alias "Yeser" - the value of proactive problem solving Rav Solovetichik: The duality of the Torah transmission - the role of father and the role of the mother…
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This week we discuss: Gerrer Rebbe's daughter Fayge; Rav Soloveitchik: G-d is with Moshe when he approaches Pharaoh Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky: The life-long deepening of emunah (conviction) The Dubno Maggid: Moshe's abrupt exit - why now? How long did the plague of Locusts actually last? Nachmanidies (Ramban) and Rabbeinu Chananel: The enduring powe…
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This week we discuss: Message of the connection between the Four Cups and the four terms of redemptionMoshe Aharon, Aharon Moshe - defining success & individuality vs. confomrity in Jewish life Rav Solovetichik: Binary star system - the pattern of dual Jewish leadership Torah 101: Did Pharoh's magicians really know magic - is magic real? Torah 101:…
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In this episode we cover these topics: Introduction to the Book of Shemos: Titles of the book Overview of Shemos This week's parsha: A large, growing, Jewish population The paradoxically direct relationship between population affliction and population growth The incremental development of the Egyptian enslavement and persecution of the Jews Rav Sol…
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This week, we discuss the following topics: Rivka's original plan and Esav's evergreen resentment Narrative continuity: Why Yaakov left Charan People are like angels The three pronged plan - How to address the threat of increased antisemitism The three pronged plan - Living as a Jew in greater society One very powerful mitzvah Justified killing - i…
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This week, we discuss the following topics: - The questionable paternity of Yitzchak, son of Avraham, and the challenge of defying the haters - The prayers of Yitzchak and the prayers of Rivka - Is the Torah chauvinistic? and the Mandalorian on Disney+ - Why Yaakov and Esav were born as twins - free choice - Soup vs. Birthright: What does it take f…
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The role of the Bikurim declaration in the Passover Haggadah Having gratitude even for difficulties we have had in life Several vignettes and stories about the gratitude of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Two reasons why these 11 sins were singled out for the blessing/curse ceremony The passage of the Tochacha (rebuke) and the connection to the joy of mitzvo…
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This week we talk about: A lesson from an aspect of the allowance of the beautiful captive woman from R. Yechezkel Abramsky (including a bio and some anecdotes) How two sages from the time of the Talmud fulfilled the mitzvah of returning lost items Shiluach Haken - the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird and its implications regarding the rewar…
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