Postville Alumni Yeshiva podcast

Beyond the Bottle: Berky Chein on Emotional Health and Wellness

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Berky Chein, a Baltimore-based alumnus and great-grandson of the legendary Chosid Reb Berke Chein. Berky shares a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, moving from a quiet bochur to a vocal advocate for emotional health and wellness. Key highlights of this episode include: * Emotional Health & Alcohol Awareness: Berky discusses his public op-ed regarding the lack of emotional health tools in the community. He shares his personal "teshuva" story of moving away from unhealthy drinking and explores why people often turn to substances to numb pain rather than dealing with what they are holding onto. * The Torah of Sourdough: What began as a COVID-19 hobby evolved into a popular blog where Berky draws parallels between the patient process of baking bread—using simple ingredients like flour and water—and the layers of meaning found in Torah and personal growth. * Stepping Out of the Box: Reflecting on his transformation from an extremely shy teenager who "literally did not talk," Berky explains why it is vital for individuals to step out of their "box" to let their inner light and radiance fill the world. * The Horse and Buggy Purim: Berky recounts a legendary memory from the 2006-2007 winter in Postville, where a major blizzard didn't stop the bochurim from renting a horse and buggy and parading through mountains of snow to bring Simcha to the town. * Mindful Mitzvos: Berky shares a fresh perspective on his current favorite mitzvah, netilat yadayim (washing hands), and how he uses it as a "grounding moment" to practice being present and showing gratitude for a healthy body. Join us for a conversation that balances nostalgic Yeshiva memories with practical tools for emotional wellness and a unique look at how the simplest daily actions can lead to a more meaningful life.

Shmuel Seskutov - The Sadness of Freedom: Insights from a Campus Chabad House

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Shmuel Seskutov, who holds a family record for being one of at least six brothers to attend the Yeshiva. Originally from Milwaukee, Shmuel shares his journey from the familiar halls of Postville to his multifaceted professional life in upstate New York. Key highlights of this episode include: * The Appliance Entrepreneur: Shmuel discusses his unique side business selling "scratch and dent" high-end appliances. He shares how he and his partner find luxury brands like Viking and Wolf to sell to customers looking for quality on a budget. * Property Management Realities: Currently managing a portfolio of 10 properties and 42 units, Shmuel explains the "hands-on" nature of his work, where he serves as both the manager and the maintenance crew to keep everything up to code. * Insights from the Campus Front: Reflecting on his time helping at a Chabad House, Shmuel shares a powerful perspective on the secular world, noting that students with total freedom are often the "saddest people" searching for the meaning that Torah and Yiddishkeit provide. * The Tefillin Project: Shmuel details a successful initiative sponsored by an alumnus where 10 college students committed to putting on Tefillin every day for a full semester to earn their own pair. * Life Lessons from Postville: Shmuel revisits the "environment" of the Yeshiva, explaining why it is a vital foundation that is much harder to replicate once you enter the working world. He also shares a transformative teaching from Rabbi Levin about focusing on "adding light" rather than struggling with the "darkness". * The Great Ice Chase: In one of the more humorous moments of the series, Shmuel recalls the time he ditched Seder for the kitchen and was chased for two blocks through the ice by a surprisingly fast Rabbi Levin. Join us for an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship, the power of a Jewish environment, and the importance of Tzedakah in professional success.

Witnessing the Evolution: Nochum Sossonko on the Growing Pains of Postville

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Nochum Sossonko, a software developer who witnessed the evolution of the Postville Yeshiva across three distinct eras. From the early "Y2K" days to the expansion of the Shul, Nochum shares a wealth of memories that define the unique spirit of the community. Key highlights of this episode include: * The Three Eras of Postville: Nochum describes experiencing the Yeshiva as it transformed from a tiny group of 15 students to a bustling crowd of 50, and eventually back to a more intimate setting. * The Y2K "Apocalypse": A humorous look back at the turn of the millennium in Postville, including stories of locals stocking up on canned goods for a global collapse that never came. * Legends of the Rabbinate: From Rabbi Gurkov's remarkable ability to recite Gemara from heart to the specific demands of the Shul extension's construction—including the "freilich" saga of the 12th window. * Lag Ba'omer and the "Agri" Floats: Memories of building massive parade floats inside the Agri-Processors bays and the "craziest" injury Nochum sustained while working on one. * Connecting to the Rebbe: A deep dive into Nochum’s favorite Sicha regarding Yaakov Avinu Lo Meis, and how its lessons on the enduring presence of the Rebbe shaped the students' outlook in Postville. * Life After Yeshiva: Currently working as a software developer, Nochum reflects on how his time in the "middle of nowhere" provided a focused environment for learning and personal growth. Join us for a conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and powerful lessons on maintaining a connection to one's roots while navigating the modern world.

Mendy Shepherd - The Power of Presence: How a Supportive Environment Changes Lives

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.

Chaim Kudan - Grab the Day: Why Mornings are Not Optional

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