Millennial Rabbis Podcast

Shmuel Neft and Dovie Kivman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

🧙‍♂️ Just two 90’s born Chabad rabbis with two very different communities on opposite sides of Lake Erie with A LOT to say about today’s world!

Episodes

  1. 03/02/2025

    Episode #10 : I Need You Here

    Summary In this episode of the Millennial Rabbis podcast, host Shmuel Neft speaks with Yitzchak Achter, a Gen Z rabbi, about his unique experiences growing up in Ukraine, his journey to Israel, and his current role in education and outreach. They explore the transformative impact of Yeka camp, the importance of authenticity in Jewish outreach, and the challenges of navigating the political landscape as a Jewish community. Yitzchak also shares insights into his work translating the Rebbe's teachings into Russian and reflects on his experience attending the inauguration in Washington, D.C. 🎧 Listen to Yitzchak’s podcast Натуральный Хасид:Spotify | Apple Podcasts Takeaways Yitzchak Achter is a Gen Z rabbi with a unique perspective. Jewish life in Ukraine has seen a revival despite past desolation. Education is crucial for shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders. Authenticity in teaching is essential for effective education. Yeka camp experiences are transformative for both educators and students. Understanding cultural nuances is important in education. GEM plays a vital role in translating the Rebbe's teachings into Russian. Political events can significantly impact Jewish communities worldwide. Maintaining genuine connections is key in outreach efforts. The future of Jewish education relies on passionate educators. Chapters: 03:27 – Meet Yitzchak Achter: A Gen Z Rabbi 06:16 – Jewish Life in the Former Soviet Union 09:28 – Yitzchak's Journey from Ukraine to Israel 12:27 – The Impact of Yeka Camp Experience 15:28 – Transformative Experiences in Ukraine 18:30 – Fundraising and Outreach in Chabad 21:23 – Navigating Challenges During the War 24:26 – Helping Refugees in Poland 27:33 – Purim in Poland: A Unique Experience 35:03 – Summer Camps and Education Experiences 37:21 – The Importance of Teaching and Education 39:57 – Challenges and Responsibilities in Jewish Education 43:06 – The Role of Educators in Shaping Values 45:38 – Cultural Influences on Education 50:04 – Translating the Rebbe's Teachings 59:11 – Experiences at the Inauguration 01:02:11 – Reflections on Political Idolatry

    1h 11m

  2. 01/12/2025

    Episode #9: Sanctify the Sea

    SUMMARY In this episode of the Millennial Rabbis Podcast, Rabbi Yehoshua Rubin shares his unique experiences as a Jewish Navy chaplain and Chabad emissary, discussing his journey from a non-religious upbringing to becoming a rabbi serving in the military. He recounts his deployment to the Middle East, the challenges of maintaining Jewish traditions on an aircraft carrier, and the importance of outreach to fellow Jewish sailors. Rabbi Rubin's stories highlight the intersection of faith and service, showcasing the impact of his work in a challenging environment. TAKEAWAYS Making a podcast requires commitment and time. Rabbi Yeshua Rubin serves as a Navy chaplain without a fixed congregation. His viral video of a makeshift Sukkah on an aircraft carrier gained attention. Deployment to the Middle East involved significant challenges and responsibilities. Rabbi Rubin emphasizes the importance of Jewish outreach in the Navy. He shares personal stories of connecting with Jewish sailors during his service. Maintaining Jewish traditions on a ship is a unique challenge. Rabbi Rubin's journey reflects a deep commitment to his faith and service. The role of a chaplain includes providing pastoral care and support. Returning home after deployment is a surreal and emotional experience.

    1h 12m

  3. 07/02/2024

    Episode #8: Meant To Be?!?!

    Summary In this episode of the Millennial Rabbis podcast, Dovie and Shmuel discuss the concept of Hashgacha Pratit, divine intervention. They share personal stories and examples of how they have experienced divine orchestration in their lives. They emphasize the importance of being aware of and looking for these moments of divine intervention, even in challenging situations. The hosts encourage listeners to keep a diary of these occurrences to deepen their awareness and appreciation of divine intervention. Takeaways G-d is in control of everything and orchestrates every detail of our lives Divine intervention can be seen in both positive and negative experiences Being aware of and looking for moments of divine intervention can bring a sense of purpose and connection to G-d Keeping a diary of these occurrences can deepen our awareness and appreciation of divine intervention Sound Bites "G-d runs the world. Hashem's in control of everything." "Every single detail, every single part of every occurrence that happens in the world." "There is a reason for every situation." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:00 Divine Orchestration in Everyday Life 11:49 The Power of Awareness 26:02 The Reason for Every Situation 33:46 The Presence of G-d 38:49 Conclusion and Closing Remarks If you would like to sponsor an episode or partner with MRP to advertise your business, reach out at shmuel.neft@jrcc.org

    41 min

  4. 06/18/2024

    Episode #7: Sunshine Shlichut

    Summary Millennial Rabbis Podcast features a new type of episode! Episode #7 features a special guest, Rabbi Moshe Dubinsky, from Central Florida. Shmuel and Moshe discuss the shift in format for the Millennial Rabbi's Podcast, where they will now feature different millennial rabbis as special guests. They also talk about their goal of providing insight into Jewish life in different communities and the importance of showcasing the diversity of Jewish experiences. Moshe shares his journey of becoming a Chabad Rabbi in Claremont, Florida, and the challenges of building a Jewish community in a non-traditional area. They also discuss the joy and fulfillment of being a Chabad Rabbi and the impact they can have on the lives of Jewish people. The conversation between Moshe and Shmuel covers various topics related to their experiences as Chabad rabbis and the challenges they face in their respective communities. They discuss the importance of valuing and connecting with each individual in the community, rather than focusing solely on large events and crowds. They also talk about the struggles of maintaining a cohesive community while also reaching out to new individuals. Moshe shares his experience of starting a Chabad house in Orlando and the challenges of commuting and providing Jewish education for his children. They discuss the power of Torah in uniting the Jewish people and the need to educate others about Judaism. They also touch on the rise of anti-Semitism and the importance of standing strong and proud as Jews. Keywords Millennial Rabbi's Podcast, format shift, special guests, Jewish life, community, diversity, Chabad Rabbi, Claremont, Florida, challenges, joy, fulfillment, impact, Chabad, rabbis, community, individual, events, crowds, Jewish organizations, Torah, education, anti-Semitism Takeaways The Millennial Rabbi's Podcast is shifting its format to feature different millennial rabbis as special guests. The goal of the podcast is to provide insight into Jewish life in different communities and showcase the diversity of Jewish experiences. Rabbi Moishy shares his journey of becoming a Chabad Rabbi in Claremont, Florida, and the challenges of building a Jewish community in a non-traditional area. Being a Chabad Rabbi brings joy and fulfillment, as well as the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of Jewish people. Valuing and connecting with each individual in the community is crucial Maintaining a cohesive community while reaching out to new individuals is a challenge Torah plays a central role in uniting the Jewish people Educating others about Judaism is important in combating anti-Semitism Standing strong and proud as Jews is essential in the face of hatred Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Format Shift 01:30 Exploring Jewish Life in Different Communities 09:59 The Joy and Fulfillment of Being a Chabad Rabbi 15:17 The Impact of emissaries in Kazakhstan 22:45 The Influence of Disney in the Community 25:03 Discovering Other Jews in the Area 27:00 The Value of Every Jewish Child 30:49 Valuing Each Individual in the Community 36:05 Balancing Cohesion and Outreach 49:28 The Unifying Force of Torah 57:06 Educating Others about Judaism 01:01:01 Standing Strong and Proud as Jews If you would like to sponsor an episode or partner with MRP to advertise your business, reach out at shmuel.neft@jrcc.org

    1h 5m

  5. 06/04/2024

    Episode #6: “Love Your Fellow”

    Looking to advertise your business? Maybe you want to sponsor something SUPER AWESOME for a special occasion? 👉🏼 Sponsorship opportunities for MRP are available! Send an email to shmuel.neft@jrcc.org to find out more! Summary The episode discusses the significance of Lag BaOmer in Judaism, the experience of attending the Lag BaOmer parade, the theme of Ahavat Yisrael (love for fellow Jews), and the life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a great Kabbalist. The conversation delves into the historical context of Lag BaOmer, the impact of the parade, and the deeper meaning of Ahavat Yisrael. It also touches on the teachings of Rabbi Akiva and the relevance of Ahavat Yisrael in today's world. Keywords Lag BaOmer, Judaism, Ahavat Yisrael, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, Kabbalah, Rabbi Akiva, Jewish pride, parade, Jewish identity, love for fellow Jews Takeaways • Lag BaOmer is a significant festival in Judaism, celebrated with parades and events that promote Jewish pride and identity. • The theme of Ahavat Yisrael (love for fellow Jews) is a core principle in Judaism, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect within the Jewish community. • The life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a prominent Kabbalist, are celebrated during Lag BaOmer, highlighting the spiritual significance of the festival. • The historical context of Lag BaOmer and the impact of the parade on Jewish communities provide insights into the cultural and religious significance of the festival. • The conversation explores the relevance of Ahavat Yisrael in today's world, emphasizing the moral responsibility to love and respect every Jew, regardless of differences. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Significance of Lag BaOmer 20:48 The Essence of Ahavat Yisrael in Judaism 29:13 Celebrating the Life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai

    31 min

  6. 02/23/2024

    Episode #5: MONEY MONEY MONEY

    In episode #5 Dovie and Shmuel discussing various topics, including Shmuel’s new merch/drip website, technical difficulties in previous episodes, and Shmuel’s upcoming charity crowdfunding campaign. They delve into the significance of fundraising for Chabad Rabbis, addressing common misconceptions and the proper perspective on money and charity. **A note from the hosts: We are very sorry, but since we have not attained the status of “podcasting mavens” we have been experiencing some technical difficulties in our recordings, ultimately culminating in the loss of about 12 minutes at the end of the recording. Pleas bare with us as we navigate how to solves these issues to give you a smooth watching and listening experience. To purchase exclusive Rabbi NFT and Do More Jewish 👉🏼RabbiNFT.com To sponsor an episode of MRP shoot an email to shmuel.neft@jrcc.org Takeaway: Money's moral value depends on its use and perspective. Fundraising for Chabad Rabbis sustains their operations and spreads Jewish teachings, emphasizing the mitzvah of charity for donors. Topics by Timestamp: 00:01 - 05:04: Introduction, podcast discussion, and merchandise updates. 05:04 - 07:25: Charidy crowdfunding campaign and addresses fundraising concerns. 07:25 - 08:16: Exploring perceptions of Rabbis pursuing money and the purpose of fundraising. 08:16 - 14:03: Emissarial duty and the role of Chabad Rabbis in fundraising. 14:03 - 16:50: Reflections on fundraising challenges and stereotypes. 16:50 - 24:48: Moral perspective on money, importance of tzedakah, and fundraising approach.

    25 min

  7. 02/08/2024

    Episode #4: Security for the Land of Israel

    In this episode, Dovi and Shmuel share their experiences as single dads and attending the international convention for female Chabad leaders. They highlight the paramount need for unity in Israel and the Rebbe's perspective on land for peace. Key Takeaways: Unity is paramount for the continuity and prosperity of the Jewish community. The pursuit of land for peace has proven ineffective in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jewish education and a robust Jewish identity are fundamental in preserving Jewish heritage and fostering unity. The Jewish community should prioritize its mission without relying on external validation. Feedback and suggestions for future discussions are welcomed to enrich ongoing dialogue and exploration. Chapters 00:50 Being Single Dads 01:58 International Kinus Hashluchos Convention 03:34 The Importance of Conferences and Events 04:33 The Story of Roy and Yona Asaraf 05:33 The Recharge and Perspective from Conventions 06:03 The Challenges of Recording the Podcast 07:31 The Symbolism of the Cigar 07:55 Discussing Israel and the Current Situation 09:13 The Importance of Unity for the Jewish People 10:09 Lessons from History: Land for Peace 14:01 The Influence of the KGB on the Israel-Palestine Conflict 15:37 The Jewish People's Survival and Unity 16:37 The Destruction of the Second Temple 17:37 Israel as a Liberal Democracy 18:43 The Camp David Accords and Land for Peace 21:20 The Rebbe's Perspective on Land for Peace 23:59 The Importance of Jewish Education and Identity 29:15 The Jewish People's Role in the World 31:40 The World's Perception of the Jewish People 35:26 The Importance of Jewish Pride and Education

    40 min

  8. 01/25/2024

    Episode #3: Homeland

    In this episode, Shmuel and Dovi discuss their personal experiences and deep spiritual connection to the land of Israel. They share memorable moments and reflect on the unity and support needed during today’s existential conflict. The hosts emphasize the importance of taking action and doing good deeds to strengthen the Jewish community. We apologize for the technical difficulties at the end of this episode. There is still much more to say about the Land of Israel! If you would like us to continue this discussion next episode, let us know! Takeaways The land of Israel holds deep spiritual significance for the Jewish people, and there is an inherent soul connection to the land. Unity among Jews is crucial, especially during times of conflict, as it strengthens the community and brings spiritual strength. Every individual has the power to make a difference by reaching out to others, doing good deeds, and fostering unity. Supporting and standing with the Jewish people in Israel is a responsibility that extends to Jews around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Hazak 01:00 Personal Experiences in the Land of Israel 03:00 The Spiritual Connection to the Land of Israel 08:00 Memorable Experiences in Israel 13:30 The Importance of Unity 17:00 The Current Situation in Israel 22:00 The Role of Unity in Times of Conflict 28:00 Taking Action and Doing Good Deeds 35:00 The Need for Unity and Support 38:00 Closing Remarks and Future Topics

    41 min

  9. 01/11/2024

    Episode #2: Brooklyn

    *This episode was filmed close to 2 weeks ago, but is being aired now. We hope you enjoy it! In this episode, Rabbis Shmuel and Dovie discuss the "Do More Jewish" movement and Rabbi Neft's upcoming trip to Crown Heights. They address feedback from the previous episode and clarify some points. They explain the meaning behind "Do More Jewish" and its significance in their communities. They express their excitement about the trip and the unique energy of Crown Heights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Feedback 06:43 The Do More Jewish Movement 16:44 The Trip to Crown Heights 28:30 The Unique Energy of Crown Heights 34:03 Final Thoughts and Shoutout

    37 min

  10. 12/07/2023

    Episode #1: Our Mandate

    In the pilot episode of Millennial Rabbis Podcast, Rabbis Shmuel Neft and Dovie Kivman introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds growing up in Toronto and Erie, respectively. They explore the concept of a "small Jew" and the challenges and opportunities of living in smaller Jewish communities. The hosts explain their motivation for starting the podcast and their commitment to spreading positivity and Jewish teachings through this medium. They discuss the revolutionary approach of the Rebbe in utilizing technology and local customs to bring Judaism to the masses. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:24 Comparing Toronto and Erie 03:08 The Concept of a "Small Jew" 04:14 Connection Between Toronto and Erie 05:31 The Purpose of the Podcast 06:29 Building Anticipation for the Podcast 07:26 Encouraging Audience Participation 08:29 Background and Upbringing of the Hosts 09:35 Family Lineage and Heritage 11:08 Growing Up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn 12:12 Meeting in Yeshiva 13:02 Stories of Ancestors 15:30 Understanding the Spiritual Realms 16:17 The Rebbe's Paradigm Shift 17:26 Utilizing Technology and Local Customs 19:13 The Rebbe's Approach to Radio Teaching 21:43 Utilizing "Frenchiness" in France 23:55 Utilizing Podcasting for Good 25:25 Utilizing Local Customs in America 27:28 Being Loud and Outspoken 29:43 Supporting the Podcast 33:37 Expressing Gratitude to Supporters

    34 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

🧙‍♂️ Just two 90’s born Chabad rabbis with two very different communities on opposite sides of Lake Erie with A LOT to say about today’s world!

Information

  • Creator
    Shmuel Neft and Dovie Kivman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shmuel Neft and Dovie Kivman
  • Show Website
    Millennial Rabbis Podcast