Jewish Professionals Podcast

President Ari Berman: Inside the Leadership of Yeshiva University

In this episode of the Jewish Professionals Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, the fifth President of Yeshiva University, to explore his journey from student to one of the most influential leaders in the Jewish world. President Berman shares the formative experiences that shaped his path, including his decision to turn down Columbia Law School to pursue years of Torah study in Israel. He reflects on how learning in kollel, earning a PhD, and building a career in Israel prepared him to lead Yeshiva University at a pivotal time. We go inside what it truly means to lead a major institution, from navigating high-pressure decisions and growing the university to strengthening the broader Jewish community and helping students reach their highest potential. President Berman also shares behind-the-scenes moments, including speaking at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump and engaging with world leaders and public figures. The conversation is full of insights on leadership, responsibility, and balancing Torah with modern life, along with the lessons from both science and Torah that he believes every Jewish professional should carry forward.

James Snyder: A Leader of the World’s Great Museums

In this episode of the Jewish Professionals Podcast, we sit down with James Snyder, one of the most influential leaders in the global museum world. James shares his journey from studying at Harvard University to beginning his career at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where he worked his way up to become Deputy Director. From there, he went on to lead major cultural institutions, including serving as Director of the Israel Museum for two decades and later returning to New York to head the The Jewish Museum. We explore what it takes to build and lead world-class museums, the intersection of art and business, and how cultural institutions evolve while preserving their core identity. James reflects on the leadership skills, long-term vision, and resilience required to operate at the highest levels, as well as the importance of mentorship and intellectual curiosity throughout his career. This episode offers a unique look inside the business and leadership of global cultural institutions, along with practical insights for students and young professionals looking to build meaningful, impactful careers.

Ari Lefkovits: The Power of Listening Mentorship, and 25 Years in Banking

In this episode of the Jewish Professionals Podcast, we sit down with Ari Lefkovits, Managing Partner at Delos Capital, to discuss his journey through investment banking, advisory, and private markets. Ari grew up in New York and attended Dartmouth College, where he learned one of the most important skills that would shape his career: how to truly listen. He later went on to earn his law degree from Stanford Law School, but ultimately found himself drawn to the world of finance rather than practicing law. Lazard became the launching point of his career, where he spent roughly 25 years advising companies, boards, investors, and governments on some of the most complex transactions in global finance. During the conversation, Ari reflects on lessons from decades in high-stakes advisory roles across both New York and London, and his recent move to the buy side at Delos Capital. He shares insights on the power of listening, the importance of working hard and building trusted relationships, and how mentorship and diverse experiences shape long-term success. From navigating complex restructurings to developing a thoughtful career path, Ari offers practical advice for students and young professionals looking to build meaningful careers in finance and beyond.

Yoni Leifer: From the Trading Floor to Real Estate Investing - A Career Built Across Markets

In this episode, we speak with Yoni Leifer, founder of L3C Capital Partners and a former commodity trader whose career spans multiple industries and decades of high-stakes markets. Yoni began his professional journey at just 22 years old on the New York Mercantile Exchange, where he built a reputation as a highly successful oil and gas commodity trader, navigating volatility, risk, and rapid decision making every day. After stepping back from trading, he turned his focus to something new (real estate) applying the same disciplined thinking and strategic insight that defined his earlier career. Today, through L3C Capital Partners, Yoni owns and manages real estate across the United States, building a diversified portfolio while continuing to refine his approach to investing, markets, and long-term value creation. In conversation, he shares candid stories from the trading floor, lessons learned transitioning into real estate, and the principles that have guided him through both success and adversity. Whether you’re interested in markets, real estate, or building a career that evolves over time, Yoni’s story offers perspective on adaptability, resilience, and the mindset that drives sustained achievement.

Michael Friedman: Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Law

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Friedman, a partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP, to talk about his path through law, bankruptcy, and restructuring. Michael reflects on his upbringing and his time at Penn Law School, before walking through how he built a career in a demanding and fast-paced legal environment. He shares how he navigated key transitions throughout his career, the lessons he learned along the way, and what it really takes to succeed in complex, high-stakes legal work. Michael also brings listeners inside the world of big law through real stories from negotiations and lived experiences advising clients in restructuring situations. He discusses why negotiations continue to fascinate him, how judgment and preparation matter when the pressure is on, and what he’s learned from years of working across the table from sophisticated counterparties. Now a partner at Chapman Cutler, Michael is also focused on building the firm’s Israel practice and giving back through mentorship and leadership. This episode offers a thoughtful look at law, negotiation, and long-term career development from someone who’s been in the room where it happens.