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

Beyond Checking the Boxes: Shmuel Springer on Spiritual Reawakening

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Shmuel Springer (often known simply as "Springer"), a Crown Heights native who attended Postville during what he describes as the "end of an era of insanity". Shmuel shares a raw and honest look at his journey from the "incubator" of Yeshiva to the challenges of the workforce and his eventual spiritual reawakening. Key highlights of this episode include: * The Yeshiva "Incubator": Shmuel explains his concept of Yeshiva as an incubator—a perfect, controlled environment designed to provide bochurim with the necessary skills and information to eventually function in a "scary yet fun" world. * From "Checking Boxes" to True Connection: Shmuel opens up about his period of leaving religious practice, explaining that for a time, his Yiddishkeit felt like a "mundane ritual". He describes his reawakening in California and how his experiences allowed him to return to a "more rounded and emotionally infused" life of faith. * Culinary Roots in the Kitchen: Recalling his first commercial job in the food industry, Shmuel shares how he was the only student in his year to cook lunch from start to finish—a passion that began with over-excitedly chopping 15 onions and led to his current career in meat manufacturing and food product development in Florida. * The "SPI" Philosophy: Shmuel discusses the importance of adding Specific Purposeful Intention (SPI) to religious rituals. He argues that without intention, a mitzvah is just a routine, but when the two are combined, it becomes a truly spiritual experience. * Wild Postville Memories: From the dangerous thrill of BB gun fights on bicycles to borrowing the Shluchim’s van for a 4:00 AM Walmart run, Shmuel revisits the "insane" and creative ways students kept themselves entertained in the middle of Iowa. * Lessons on Self-Work: Currently a husband and entrepreneur, Shmuel emphasizes that success in life isn't about the product or service you sell, but about working on yourself to become a "functioning human being". Join us for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation that explores culinary passion, the necessity of personal growth, and finding a meaningful path back to one's roots.

Yankees, Knicks, and Yeshiva: A Conversation with Mendel Telsner

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Mendel Telsner, a "Crown Heights Proud" alumnus who reflects on what he describes as his "best year of yeshiva hands down". Mendel shares how the unique environment of Postville allowed him to forge his own path in learning and spiritual growth. Key highlights of this episode include: * The 7:30 AM Deal: Mendel reveals the "deal" he made with Rabbi Levin: in exchange for perfect attendance at 7:30 AM Chassidus every morning, he was given reshus to fly in to Crown Heights for Yud Shevat.. * Mastering the Gemara: By utilizing his independent schedule, Mendel spent his afternoons immersed in Bava Basra, ultimately finishing the entire volume four or five times—an accomplishment he still cherishes as a moment of "completeness". * The Cash Advance Industry & Career Advice: Mendel discusses his transition into the professional world and the specific guidance he sought from Rabbi Levin before entering the cash advance industry. He shares the two conditions Rabbi Levin set for him to maintain his spiritual identity while working: keeping a morning learning schedule and taking on a specific daily commitment. * The Tzedakah Pledge: In a practical lesson on bitachon (trust), Mendel explains his "pledge system" for charity. He describes how pledging to give more than he thinks he can afford at the start of the year has led to consistent blessings and the ability to meet those goals. * Modern Boundaries: Mendel offers a "rant" on the importance of daily Rambam for every Chassid and shares his personal discipline of turning off his phone entirely between Mincha and Maariv to stay present. * Postville Nostalgia: From the "blue bus" rides from Milwaukee to Melava Malkas at the Rubashkin home and the "character" of the Postville community, Mendel revisits the sights and sounds of his formative years. Join us for an energetic and honest conversation about taking ownership of your learning, setting professional boundaries, and the power of radical generosity.

No Excuse to Exist: Shalom Lipszyc on Being True to Yourself

In this episode of the Postville Yeshiva Alumni Podcast, we are joined by Shalom Lipszyc, a Long Island native who reflects on his "golden years" in Postville during the transformative era of 2008 and 2009. From humorous dorm pranks to navigating profound personal tragedy, Shalom shares how the tools he acquired in Yeshiva became his lifeline in adulthood. Key highlights of this episode include: * The First Day Odyssey: Shalom recalls the frantic start to his Postville journey—oversleeping his alarm for a 6:00 AM flight and realizing mid-air that it was his birthday. He shares how a warm birthday Farbrengen in his dorm room set the tone for his two-year stay. * Dorm Life and "Secret Rooms": A look back at the lighthearted side of Yeshiva, including the quest to clone keys for "secret" locker rooms and the infamous day the students locked the chef in the kitchen for being late with lunch. * The "Post-Raid" Diet: Shalom describes the resilience of the community following the Agri-Processors raid, recalling nights spent unloading trucks of donated food in -30 degree weather and living off "Turkish salad" and giant, poorly plucked chickens for weeks. * Finding God in the Forest: In a deeply moving segment, Shalom shares the story of losing his infant daughter, Esther Gittel. He discusses how the spiritual vocabulary of Yeshiva helped him process grief and how a chance song by Joey Newcomb ("177") provided a miraculous "hug from Hashem" during his darkest hour. * The Two-Year Rule: Shalom explains his observation that a second year in Postville is vital for growth, as it takes time to transition from being "mothered" to becoming an independent person who learns for themselves. * True to Yourself: Offering advice to the next generation, Shalom emphasizes that "you don't need an excuse to exist" and encourages students to be exactly who they are rather than who others expect them to be. Join us for a powerful conversation that balances classic Yeshiva nostalgia with profound lessons on Bitachon (trust) and the enduring strength of the Jewish soul.

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.