Kosher Money Podcast

Kosher Money

with Eli Langer

Money plays a central role in the life of an Orthodox Jew, not just practically but spiritually. From the costs of Jewish education and kosher living to the deeper meaning of earning and spending in a...

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Why Jewish Life Feels So Expensive These Days

Why does Orthodox Jewish life feel so expensive these days? In this honest, wide-ranging, and deeply thoughtful conversation, Rabbi Chaim Zvi Senter shares his perspective on money, family pressure, entitlement, resilience, emunah, and the rising cost of Jewish life. From housing in Israel to tuition, kollel support, fundraising culture, and the pressure parents feel to keep up, Rabbi Senter offers clarity, warmth, and hard truth. Drawing on decades of life in Eretz Yisroel, he speaks candidly about what has changed, what hasn’t, and where many families are quietly struggling. Why do so many parents feel overwhelmed by the financial expectations of frum life? Are children becoming entitled or are adults simply afraid to say no? Should every child be sent to learn in Israel, even when the cost is crushing? And what happens when tzedakah starts to feel more like gambling than giving? Along the way, Rabbi Senter speaks about visiting children learning in Israel, raising emotionally healthy and resilient families, and how to strengthen emunah when money feels tight and the future feels uncertain. He also addresses the cultural messages we are sending our children through the luxuries we normalize, the prizes we offer, and even the way we fundraise. Let's not lose sight of what really matters! Email: rabbisenter@adereshatorah.com 👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 111 ✬ ► BF DESIGN – Welcome our newest advertiser to the Kosher Money family. BF Design is a studio and architectural services firm specializing in commercial, residential, multi-family, and healthcare projects. Their approach is simple: get the early stages right. From feasibility and codes to practical, efficient design, they help make sure your project can actually be built AND built well. With 50+ professionals, 20+ years of experience, and over 50 million square feet planned, BF Design brings smart planning and beautiful execution to every project. Visit https://bfdesign.com or reach out at 732.961.1202 or info@bfdesign.com ► GOLD STAR MECHANICAL – This is a trusted HVAC company located in the Five Towns, serving Long Island, and New York City. I know because I (Eli) used them! Super service and terrific work. They do repairs, installs, and preventative maintenance for everything from rooftop units to central air systems. New preventative maintenance customers can save 10% off their first year, with custom plans and pricing based on your building, number of units, and system needs. Mention my name when you call 516-246-5252 or email office@goldstarmechanicalny.com. A really great team. Visit https://goldstarmechanical.com/ to learn more. Enjoy! ► BITBEAN – Your custom software solution with incredible talent at a fraction of the price it used to be. Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53 ► COLEL CHABAD – Feeding families in Israel since 1788. Make a difference today: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney ✬ Helpful Resources ✬ • Living Smarter Jewish brings free financial coaching to families: https://livingsmarterjewish.org/ • Kosher Debt Help – Honest, agenda-free help if you’re in debt: https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/ • Kosher ADHD – Practical guidance for families living with ADHD: https://kosher-adhd.com/ Follow Kosher Money on TikTok & Instagram: @koshermoneypod Visit our website: https://www.livinglchaim.com/ Call-in Hotline: USA 605-477-2100 | UK 0333-366-0154 | Israel 079-579-5088 WhatsApp feedback: 1-914-222-5513 #KosherMoney #RabbiChaimZviSenter #RabbiSenter #JewishMoney #FrumLife #JewishParenting #Emunah #Tzedakah #Kollel #Israel #TorahPerspective #LivingLchaim #EliLanger #km

3/25/2026
1h 36m
4,971 views
Why Jewish Kids Care So Much About Brands, Clothes & Vacations

Why Jewish Kids Care So Much About Brands, Clothes & Vacations

Why do kids feel like everyone else has more? In this thoughtful and eye-opening conversation, Rabbi Ari Schonfeld shares practical insights on parenting, money, social pressure, and how children develop their sense of self in a world filled with comparisons. From growing up in a home with very little, to leading a yeshiva and running a summer camp, Rabbi Schonfeld offers a rare perspective on what kids actually notice about money — and what parents often underestimate. When do children start comparing themselves to others? Why do brands, vacations, and clothing suddenly matter so much? And how can parents raise kids who feel confident and proud of their values, even when they can’t have everything their friends have? Along the way, Rabbi Schonfeld shares powerful stories about childhood, school environments, parenting challenges, and one unforgettable moment when a teenager said something that stopped him in his tracks: “I don’t want his trips. I want him.” This is an honest conversation about money, parenting, pressure, and what kids really want from the people raising them. R’ Ari’s podcast can be found on: Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve-mishpacha/id1744827367 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ISRvKPoVS77dZqbbDNx1e?si=RnoE0DF9RLuAbHQbYAqYWA Here is Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz’s phenomenal talk on betting: https://youtu.be/ahvN4L-fDQQ 👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 110 ✬ ► GOLD STAR MECHANICAL – This is a trusted HVAC company located in the Five Towns, serving Long Island, and New York City. I know because I (Eli) used them! Super service and terrific work. They do repairs, installs, and preventative maintenance for everything from rooftop units to central air systems. New preventative maintenance customers can save 10% off their first year, with custom plans and pricing based on your building, number of units, and system needs. Mention my name when you call 516-246-5252 or email office@goldstarmechanicalny.com. A really great team. Visit https://goldstarmechanical.com/ to learn more. Enjoy! ► BITBEAN – Your custom software solution with incredible talent at a fraction of the price it used to be. Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53 ► COLEL CHABAD – Feeding families in Israel since 1788. Make a difference today: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney ✬ Helpful Resources to Know About ✬ • Living Smarter Jewish brings free financial coaching to families: https://livingsmarterjewish.org/ • Kosher Debt Help – Honest, agenda-free help if you’re in debt: https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/ • Kosher ADHD – Practical guidance for families living with ADHD: https://kosher-adhd.com/ Follow Kosher Money on TikTok & Instagram: @koshermoneypod Visit our BRAND NEW Website: https://www.livinglchaim.com/ Call-in Hotline: USA 605-477-2100 | UK 0333-366-0154 | Israel 079-579-5088 WhatsApp feedback: 1-914-222-5513 #KosherMoney #JewishParenting #RabbiAriSchonfeld #JewishWisdom #MoneyAndParenting #TorahPerspective #LivingLchaim #EliLanger #CampAish #KosherMoneyPodcast #JewishLife #KM

3/10/2026
1h 43m
22,983 views
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Why Working Harder Won't Make You Rich (According to the Torah)

Why Working Harder Won't Make You Rich (According to the Torah)

What really determines how much money you make? In this wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation, Rabbi Reuven Feinstein shares deeply practical Torah insights on livelihood, wealth, hustle culture, Shabbos spending, charity, and the balance between hishtadlus (effort) and bitachon (trust). From growing up with very little, to teaching on a modest salary, to discussing billionaires and million-dollar questions — Rabbi Feinstein challenges the way we think about money. Is working harder the answer? Is wealth a blessing or a test? How much hishtadlus is too much? And does YOUR money even belong to YOU? Along the way, he shares personal stories about Rav Moshe Feinstein, America's leading Rabbi in the previous generation, business ethics, secular education, living within your means, and why Shabbos expenses “don’t count.” I'm so thankful to Hashem that I experienced this conversation. Thank you to Avi Feinstein for making it happen. 👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 109 ✬ ► NQGRG – Halachic estate planning made simple. Protect your family, legally and according to Torah law. Visit https://NQGRG.com or email Shlomo at sk@nqgrg.com - it's peace of mind! ► BITBEAN – Turn big ideas into scalable, AI-powered software. Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53 ► COLEL CHABAD – Feeding families in Israel since 1788. Make a difference today: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney ✬ Helpful Efforts Out in the World ✬ • Living Smarter Jewish brings free financial coaching to families: https://livingsmarterjewish.org/ • Kosher Debt Help – Honest, agenda-free help if you're in debt: https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/ • Kosher ADHD – Practical guidance for families living with ADHD: https://kosher-adhd.com/ Follow Kosher Money on TikTok & Instagram: @koshermoneypod Visit our BRAND NEW Website: https://www.livinglchaim.com/ Call-in Hotline: USA 605-477-2100 | UK 0333-366-0154 | Israel 079-579-5088 WhatsApp feedback: 1-914-222-5513 #KosherMoney #JewishWisdom #TorahInsights #RabbiMosheFeinstein #MosheFeinstein #RabbiReuvenFeinstein #StatenIsland #LowerEastSide #JewishRussia #moneytalks #wealth #LivingLchaim #EliLanger #KM

2/19/2026
1h 24m
72,145 views
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“I Wish I Took More Risks Earlier in Life” | Dr. Louis Malcmacher

“I Wish I Took More Risks Earlier in Life” | Dr. Louis Malcmacher

This is one of those episodes that just keeps getting better as it goes. Our guest this week is a Cleveland-based entrepreneurial dentist who is as kind as he is impressive. He invited us into his home to share deep wisdom on wealth, health, and raising a family, culminating in a masterclass on how the '1%' actually get things done. Dr. Louis Malcmacher is a world-renowned educator, businessman, and a true chessed machine. Enjoy! (My thanks to David Wester for the video and audio of this episode and to Chaikel Kaufman and friends for facilitating it!) 👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 108 ✬ ► NQGRG – Halachic estate planning made simple. Protect your family, legally and according to Torah law. Visit https://NQGRG.com or email Shlomo at sk@nqgrg.com - it's peace of mind! ► BITBEAN – Turn big ideas into scalable, AI-powered software. Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53 ► COLEL CHABAD – Feeding families in Israel since 1788. Make a difference today: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney ✬ Helpful Efforts Out in the World ✬ • Living Smarter Jewish brings free financial coaching to families: https://livingsmarterjewish.org/ • Kosher Debt Help – Honest, agenda-free help if you're in debt: https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/ • Kosher ADHD – Practical guidance for families living with ADHD: https://kosher-adhd.com/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Growing Up in Cleveland 02:10 Going to Public School 03:40 Becoming More Orthodox 04:45 His Father’s Shoe Store 05:20 The First Job 05:57 Other Early Jobs 06:27 Learning From Every Experience 07:29 Going Into Dentistry 08:57 Starting His First Practice 10:26 Leveling Up and Taking Risk 14:27 Reliable Halachic Planning at NQGRG 17:34 His Biggest Mistake 18:25 Taking Risks in Dentistry 19:34 The Opportunity with Ancillary Revenue 22:12 Staying Within the Industry 24:21 Having Tough Conversations 27:13 A Message to Educators 28:58 BitBean Takes Your Big Ideas and Brings Them to Life 29:45 Living in a Materialistic World 35:10 The Costs of Living in Different Places 38:24 Being Involved in Community Work and Finding Time 41:57 Colel Chabad Feeds Thousands of Families in Israel 42:48 The Legacy of Mendy Klein 46:18 Working Your Way Up to Success 48:00 Children With Different Labels Can Achieve Success 49:26 Brush Your Teeth! 50:08 We Do Not Take Care of Ourselves 52:34 Get Things Done 59:02 The Many Talents of the Jewish Nation 59:29 Thank You Dr. Malcmacher 1:01:10 Outro: Takeaways, Sponsors and Giveaway Announcement Follow Kosher Money on TikTok & Instagram: @koshermoneypod Visit our BRAND NEW Website: https://www.livinglchaim.com/ Call-in Hotline: USA 605-477-2100 | UK 0333-366-0154 | Israel 079-579-5088 WhatsApp feedback: 1-914-222-5513 #KosherMoney #JewishWisdom #TorahInsights #Cleveland #Dentists #Malzmacher #Ohio #Advice #MendyKlein #LivingLchaim #KM

2/4/2026
1h 4m
33,339 views
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