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  • From public school kid to chossid, Sean (Zeesha) Littman shares his story of determination and perseverance in this week's episode of Anything But Traditional.

    Hear as he shares his religious journey, the epic story of how he met his wife Ilana, their journey to aliyah, having 5 daughters, his path to Ramat Beit Shemesh, and his awesome career in nonprofit marketing.

    Lastly, make sure to listen until the end as he shares more about his incredible new business, GiveSuite.com, a marketing solution for the nonprofit sector.

    To be in touch with Zeesha, you can email him at [email protected].

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

    Thank you for listening!

  • Rabbi David Schlusselberg received his Bachelor's degree in psychology and Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University.

    He has a master's degree in Jewish education from the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and currently works at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, and serves as the Mashgiach Ruchani.

    Last summer, he started his Instagram page, which now has over 12,000 followers, where he provides Jewish inspiration and education about Israel and antisemitism.

    He has lectured at Columbia, Princeton, NYU, Maryland, Rutgers, and a few other colleges.

    While his career is certainly fascinating, in this episode, we talk more about who Rabbi Schlusselberg is, his family, upbringing, dating experience, and immense struggle with anxiety.

    There's a lot in this episode - so listen and be inspired!

    Also, make sure to follow him on Instagram, check out his series Lessons From A Decade of Dating on YU Torah, and feel free to be in touch with him if you have any questions via email or phone 201-543-9308

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

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  • Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Marna Becker is a natural networker, a social media enthusiast, an SDR leader, an activist, an educator, and a ball of energy. She was the youngest member of the board of the Jerusalem Business Networking Forum (JBNF), the predecessor of Made in Jerusalem, where she served for 5 years. In addition, she has worked successfully in both the B2B and B2C marketing and sales universe, where her passion for making processes more efficient and effective has shined through. She has worked with numerous startups, both here in Israel and abroad. She currently is the SDR Team Lead at UserWay.org

    Marna is the founder of the Anglo Israel Job Network Facebook group that has over 15K members. The group helps more than 100 people find jobs in Israel each year.

    She has spoken on the topics of networking effectively and the power of networking in Raanana at N4ES (Networking for English Speakers), in Gush Etzion at Hub Etzion, in Bet Shemesh at SUBS, and has taught a class on social media for the Temech Hub. She most recently spoke at an event sponsored by SDRs of Israel in Tel Aviv and virtually for the Innovate Summit.

    In this episode, we delve into the many opportunities she tapped into over the years and how she created magic wherever she went, always learning from everyone she met.

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

    Please make your donations to:

    Yad Yehuda to help students afford their gap year in Israel and make sure to include in the special instruction box that you heard of this cause from Anything But Traditional!

    Thank you and Tizku L'Mitzvot!

  • While today Jordana Lobell is a mother to a precious son, her journey to him was not without pain.

    In this episode, she shares her lengthy, devastating, and resilient journey through infertility, miscarriages, and stillbirth.

    Let this episode inspire you.

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

    Please make your donations to:

    Yad Yehuda to help students afford their gap year in Israel

    Make sure to include in the special instruction box that you heard of this cause from Anything But Traditional!

    And Puah to help couples struggling with infertility.

    Thank you and Tizku L'Mitzvot!

  • Reena Bloom is an audiologist and mom of 3, who is lives in New Jersey with her husband Jason. Reena is a cancer survivor and survived a rare type of sarcoma in the uterus. Unfortunately, to survive, Reena had to have a hysterectomy. This led to Reena and Jason finding a new way to bring their children into the world.

    Today, Reena is very passionate about spreading awareness about her experience with surrogacy.

    In this episode, Reena dives deep into this subject and shares how they found her surrogates, how they navigated the halachic challenges, the emotional toll of it all, and more.

    If you've ever wanted to know more about surrogacy, especially in the Orthodox Jewish world, this episode is for you.

    Enjoy the episode!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

    Donate now to Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington.

    Make sure to include in the special instruction box that you heard of this cause from Anything But Traditional!

    Tizku L'Mitzvot!

  • In today's episode, we hear from Dov Carpe.

    Today, Dov works in hi-tech and lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel with his five children, but Dov never thought life would be this way.

    Growing up, all Dov wanted to do was be a rockstar.

    But one fateful day, his life was forever changed as he had a near-death giving him a new chance at life.

    Hear his story, his insights, and how his life was forever changed in this episode.

    Thank you for tuning in!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • In today's episode, we hear from Shlomo Lipman AKA the 'singing chayal,' a name that has been coined for him since October 2023 when videos of him singing in uniform went viral.

    Here, Shlomo opens up about his experiences, from making aliyah to Israel with his family, to having his father become a member of the Israeli Knesset.

    He shares his many passions of Torah, baseball, and learning, and how he balances it all while also being a husband and father.

    A special shout-out goes to our generous sponsors this week—Kayla Haber Goldstein, LEV, and ORA. If you're a Rabbi, make sure to register here. If not, make sure to tell your Rabbi to do so.

    Thank you for tuning in!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • The agunah crisis poses a significant challenge within Orthodox Judaism, and Adina Sash, also known as FlatbushGirl, has taken it upon herself to combat it with unwavering determination.

    In this episode of Anything But Traditional, we delve into Adina's relentless advocacy against the agunah crisis, her broader efforts to secure representation for women within Orthodox Judaism, her upbringing, her fertility journey, and the development of her influential personality and Instagram persona.

    Tune in to this impactful episode and consider how you can stand in solidarity with your fellow Jewish sisters today.

    Thank you for listening!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • In this enlightening episode of Anything But Traditional, Hollywood Producer and Animator Saul Blinkoff invites us into the intricacies of his and his family's lives, shedding light on the harmonious integration of religious practices within the bustling entertainment industry.

    Listen as Saul recounts his journey, working with prestigious clients such as DISNEY, DREAMWORKS, and NETFLIX, offering a unique perspective on navigating the entertainment industry while staying true to his Jewish values.

    To hear more from Saul, listen to his podcast Life of Awesome, check out his website, or even invite him to speak in your community!

    Thank you Saul for coming on to this week's episode.

    Enjoy the show!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out to [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • Zahava Grodman (formerly Moskowitz) recently moved to Israel with her husband, whom she met at the age of 27 after 7 years in the dating-world.

    She is a graduate of the Master's program at Azrieli and the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Institute for Tanakh and Jewish Studies in Israel.

    Before making aliyah, Zahava taught Tanach for six years in New York. Today, she is currently teaching English at an Israeli girls' high school.

    Alongside her passion for teaching, she is the founder of the Singled Out Podcast, where she engages in open discussions about the challenges of being single within the Jewish community and explores ways to make the most of this period.

    Here, we delve into some of these various dating challenges, exploring the blessings found in the waiting game while yearning for a deep connection.

    Our conversation touches on dating stigmas, the notion of being selective, and the valuable lessons Zahava gained from her dating experiences.

    Tune in to this episode for insightful discussions. I'm confident you'll gain some valuable insights—I certainly did!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out at [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • As Israel's elections unfold this Tuesday, we are honored to feature Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll, the esteemed Director and Founder of Chochmat Nashim, on this episode of Anything But Traditional.

    During our conversation, Shoshanna graciously shares profound insights on the future of Beit Shemesh, home for both her and our host, Tamar Ben Tzvi, and offers thoughts on the broader landscape of Israel.

    Throughout the episode, Shoshanna openly addresses the formidable challenges of erasure and marginalization faced by women in Orthodox Judaism, her passionate advocacy for justice and equality in representation, and why she dedicates herself to this important cause.

    Learn more about Shoshanna's impactful work and the mission of Chochmat Nashim by visiting her website, exploring the dedicated platform of Chochmat Nashim, or tuning in to the Chochmat Nashim podcast.

  • Arky Staiman has become a real celebrity over the past four months as he vlogs his journey of being in the IDF reserves during this extremely trying time.

    But who exactly is Arky Staiman?!

    Where did he come from? Where does he live now? What does he do when he's not in the army? What is his family like? And what has his life's journey been like thus far?

    That's what we sit down to discuss in this episode, but for now, here are just a few fun facts about Arky:

    Arky is a tour guide in Israel. He lives in Tekoa with his three kids and awesome boss of a wife, Avigail, and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Learn more about Arky in this episode!

    And be sure to check out Arky's website & Instagram page for more information.

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out at [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • Shmuel Katz, Beit Shemesh's beloved car mechanic, shares his story on this episode of Anything But Traditional.

    From the loss of his mother at the young age of eight to his rebellious teenage years, relocation to Israel, navigating his wife's cancer battle, and ultimately taking the reins as the general manager and owner of AutoKing, Shmuel opens up about the defining moments that shaped his identity.

    Throughout our discussion, Shmuel shares how he faces life's challenges with a unique blend of humor and an unwavering optimism for tomorrow.

    He provides insights into his views on religion, the importance of adaptability in life and career, and his significant role as a teacher in his community.

    Join us as we uncover the layers of Shmuel's life beyond the grease and gears, revealing a story of resilience, faith, and community impact.

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out at [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • In this episode, my neighbor, Avi Dzik, unfolds the chapters of his life – a journey from an awkward little boy to an outgoing adult, culminating in marriage at the age of 38.

    Along this transformative path, he grappled with career choices, deciding where to live, maintaining religious observance, and the challenge of creating a home for himself.

    Today, Avi resides in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife and four children, thriving in his role as a physical trainer and masseuse.

    You can hear more of his story in a documentary made about single men in their thirties and forties here.

    To reach out to Avi, email him at [email protected]

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out at [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • This week's episode features my good friend, Kayla Haber Goldstein.

    Kayla and her husband Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein, currently serve as the Associate Rabbi and Rebbetzin in Congregation Beth Tefillah in Paramus NJ. Together with their two children, they run an open home at which anyone who needs a Shabbat, a dinner, or a listening ear is welcome. Besides for speaking engagements and events that Questioning The Answers put on, Kayla has recently become involved in the Agunah crisis. Always open for conversation, to offer a helping hand, or to answer any questions.

    Hear as we delve into her story in this episode of Anything But Traditional.

    To reach out to Kayla you can email her at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram @questioningtheanswers.

    You can also check out her website here.

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

    You can also reach out at [email protected] with any other questions, comments, or inquiries.

    Thank you for listening!

  • Aliza Abrams Konig is the Director of Student Leadership, at Yeshiva University. Throughout Aliza’s career she has worked within areas of student life, team building, creating curricula, and enriching the experiences of thousands of students through Experiential Education. Aliza also serves as a Surrogacy Consultant to families and individuals pursuing surrogacy.

    Earlier in Aliza's career she served as the YU Director of Alumni Engagement, Assistant Principal at Central, Yeshiva University High School for Girls, Director of Student Life at Stern College and as the Director of Jewish Service Learning for the University, where she built the service-learning curriculum and established chessed missions around the world.

    Aliza is a member of the inaugural Wexner Field Fellows program through the Wexner Foundation. She has spoken worldwide in synagogues, community centers, and schools about leadership, education, faith, prayer, and issues related to the contemporary Jewish family, dating, infertility, surrogacy, and family.

    Aliza holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College, a master's in social work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Wurzweiler. Aliza, her husband Samuel, and their children live in Riverdale, New York, where they are very involved with their community, synagogue, and other local organizations.

    In this episode, we sit down to discuss all of this and more.

    Some important mentions:

    Surrogate Solutions

    I Was Supposed To Have A Baby

    Keep The Vision Alive Campaign In Memory of Jeffrey Berger

    Aliza and My Instagram Live

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

  • To commemorate my father's yahrzeit, observed last Thursday night and Friday, I've decided to feature my mother on this week's podcast.

    Here, she shares her story, encompassing my father's life, his premature passing, her experiences as a single parent raising three children, her subsequent remarriage, the blending of our family with her new husband's family, her spiritual journey, parenting tips, and her perspectives on the current situation in Israel.

    This podcast not only provides insight into my mother's life but also sheds light on my upbringing and our family dynamics. Thank you for tuning in!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

  • Mindy Levine had a pretty conventional beginning to life, she went to Yeshiva day schools, began a rewarding career as a chemistry professor, got married, and life was smooth sailing.

    Then, the unthinkable happened when she was pregnant with her youngest and his twin and unfortunately delivered the twin as a stillborn.

    With determination and perseverance, Mindy continued with life, and eventually came to Israel and made aliyah, which came with its unique struggles as she got divorced from her husband and quickly after her 3.5-year-old daughter came out as trans.

    While Mindy, her son, and the municipality tried to issue a 'don't ask don't tell' policy, this policy broke as some parents found out and exposed Mindy's son.

    This caused intense legal battles and a PR war.

    Mindy was put on the air by YNet, Kan, The Pink News, The Times of Israel, World Israel News, and more.

    Today, Mindy shares her story with us. What an honor it is to have her on.

    As shared in the podcast, Mindy gives special thanks to Havruta, an organization for LGBTQ+ people who are on the religious spectrum.

    Thank you for listening!

    **For updates and conversations about these episodes follow me at @talesoftamar

  • Originally from South Africa, Ronel has been living with her family in the scenic Judean Mountains for the past twelve years.

    This transformative journey of self-discovery, leading to the recognition of her family's spiritual and physical home in Israel, was anything but brief.

    In fact, it spanned eighteen years of intense exploration of Judaism before culminating in their ultimate conversion.

    Despite the challenges, Ronel deems the lengthy journey worthwhile, as she is now living her dream of a more fulfilling life, culminating in the establishment of Cafe Ronel: a delectable Kosher Mehadrin cafe situated on her home's premises, inspired by local customs, cultures, flavors, tastes, and history.

    This not only serves as a space for everyone to come together, celebrate, and unite but also as a place that continues to serve chayalim since the beginning of the current war.

    You can donate to this initiative through Paypal internationally: [email protected]

    Or if you're in Israel, through bank transfer:

    שם: קפה רונאל

    בנק: הבינלאומי

    סניף: 013רחביה

    חשבון: 309729

    At the cafe, there is also an incredible and unique gift shop where one can browse quality tablecloths, challahs, serviettes, and more.

    You truly have to see it to believe it, and I was fortunate to do so with my husband last year!

    As this is a two-episode story, make sure to listen in to the first part as Ronel shares her journey away from Christianity.

    Then, tune into this episode as she shares about her transition to Judaism, her unique experiences becoming Jewish, and where she is in life today.

    Thank you Ronel for coming on and sharing your story.

  • Originally from South Africa, Ronel has been living with her family in the scenic Judean Mountains for the past twelve years.

    This transformative journey of self-discovery, leading to the recognition of her family's spiritual and physical home in Israel, was anything but brief.

    In fact, it spanned eighteen years of intense exploration of Judaism before culminating in their ultimate conversion.

    Despite the challenges, Ronel deems the lengthy journey worthwhile, as she is now living her dream of a more fulfilling life, culminating in the establishment of Cafe Ronel: a delectable Kosher Mehadrin cafe situated on her home's premises, inspired by local customs, cultures, flavors, tastes, and history.

    This not only serves as a space for everyone to come together, celebrate, and unite but also as a place that continues to serve chayalim since the beginning of the current war, which you will hear more about in the second part of this episode, airing next week.

    At the cafe, there is also an incredible and unique gift shop where one can browse quality tablecloths, challahs, serviettes, and more.

    You truly have to see it to believe it, and I was fortunate to do so with my husband last year!

    As this is a two-episode story, this part focuses on the first part of Ronel's journey, including her questions and delving into the Biblical texts.

    Next week, we will hear more about her transition to Judaism and learn what she is up to in life today.

    Thank you Ronel for coming on and sharing your story.