The Artscroll Studios’ Podcast

In Reb Reuven Feinstein on the Haggadah, Rav Sholom Reuven Feinstein, the esteemed and beloved Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshiva of Staten Island, guides us through the Seder. Indeed, as we enjoy this Haggadah masterpiece, we begin to actually feel that we are sitting with the Rosh Yeshiva at his Seder table. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, the Rosh Yeshivah reminisces for us what Pesach was like at the home of his father, Hagaon Rav Moshe Feinstein. The Rosh Yeshivah also offers fascinating chinuch insights and general chizuk in his trademark down-to-earth manner. Watch and be inspired! [Buy the new Haggadah HERE.]

Rav and founder of Machon Maggid Harakiah in Cedarhurst, NY, Rabbi Daniel Glatstein is one of the contemporary Jewish world’s most popular speakers and respected maggidei shiur. In his unique Haggadah Shel Pesach, he treats the Haggadah text not as a series of unconnected “vertlach,” but as a living, unified document, mirroring the slavery, miracles, and ultimate liberation in its words and structure. In this fascinating interview, Rabbi Glatstein gives us a deeper understanding of fundamental components of the Haggadah, and, indeed, of the entire experience of Yetzias Mitzrayim. [Buy the new book HERE.]

Rav Yisroel Alter, the Beis Yisroel, became the Rebbe of Gur at a time of deep darkness. Just a few years earlier, tens of thousands of Gerrer chassidim had perished in the Holocaust, and the few who’d survived faced the daunting challenge of beginning new lives. Rav Yisroel became the Rebbe – and he rebuilt a world, miraculously leading Gerrer chassidus to almost unimaginable levels of greatness. At the same time he was a loving, empathetic, wise shepherd, gently and patiently giving people the time and space they needed to grow. In this interview, Shlomo Werdiger, who merited a unique relationship with the Beis Yisroel and the other admorim of Gur, speaks about the immeasurable impact of the Rebbe and how the Rebbe was there to help and guide and find the greatness of every Jew. [Buy the new book HERE.]

We call it “hashgachah pratis” — the understanding that Hashem is continuously in our lives, and not just in historic events and obvious miracles. Hashgachah pratis tells us that Hashem is with us in traffic jams, in hospital wards, and while we’re waiting for a delayed plane to take off. He is with us even in our times of suffering. Everything, but everything, reflects His Will and His goodness. And the more we are aware of the hashgachah pratis around us – the more we are able to see it clearly! In his new book, Living With Hashgachah Pratis, and in this Inside ArtScroll interview, Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, author of the classic Praying With Fire series, shows us how to become aware of hashgachah pratis in our world, and how such a consciousness will ignite our emunah, enhance our gratitude, increase our merits, and lead us to a happier, more secure and meaningful life. [Buy the new book HERE.]

In this entertaining Inside ArtScroll Interview, Rabbi Joey Haber, rabbi of the Magen David shul in Flatbush and the Beit Yosef shul in Deal who has inspired tens of thousands of people worldwide with his talks, discusses the impact of the Vayimaen movement and the new book by Rabbi Yechiel Spero based on the inspiration of the renowned speakers of the global Vayimaen initiative. [Buy the new book HERE.]

In this fascinating Inside ArtScroll Interview, Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff, venerable rav of Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin of Flatbush, discusses the impact of the Vayimaen movement and the new book by Rabbi Yechiel Spero based on the inspiration of the renowned speakers of the global Vayimaen initiative. [Buy the new book HERE.]

Rabbi Nosson Scherman is an icon. He’s been called “the father of contemporary Torah literature” and for good reason. From the day so many years back when he partnered with Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Sheah Brander to the present time, Rabbi Scherman’s contributions to the world of Torah and Judaism have been transformational. In the following interview, which has been divided into two segments, Rabbi Scherman takes us on a trip down memory lane, from his youth in Newark, New Jersey, attending a local public school, to his years at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, his career in chinuch, and ultimately his world-changing work through ArtScroll/Mesorah. Here is Part II of this fascinating conversation filled with history, stories, and insights from one of the treasures of our people. Watch and enjoy.

Rabbi Nosson Scherman is an icon. He’s been called “the father of contemporary Torah literature” and for good reason. From the day so many years back when he partnered with Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Sheah Brander to the present time, Rabbi Scherman’s contributions to the world of Torah and Judaism have been transformational. In the following interview, which has been divided into two segments, Rabbi Scherman takes us on a trip down memory lane, from his youth in Newark, New Jersey, attending a local public school, to his years at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, his career in chinuch, and ultimately his world-changing work through ArtScroll/Mesorah. This is a fascinating conversation filled with history, stories, and insights from one of the treasures of our people. Watch and enjoy.

In this Inside ArtScroll interview, we speak to Shmuel Botnick, the extraordinarily talented author of the bestselling ArtSroll biography of Rav Nota Greenblatt zt”l, taking us behind the scenes of this most unique book – and this most extraordinary rav, posek, and leader, whose light spread from Memphis to Jews across the world. [Purchase the book HERE.]

They are two of the Jewish world’s most well-known and beloved authors. Mrs. Libby Lazewnik and Mrs. Miriam Zakon are also best of friends. In this Inside ArtScroll Interview, we get to hear from these literary giants, who reminisce about their respective careers and their special relationship. And Libby speaks about her brand-new series, Starlight Sisters, which has captivated young readers. Watch and be entertained! [Purchase the book HERE.]

From a quiet community in Memphis, Tennessee came a man whose Torah brilliance, profound compassion, and willingness to go anywhere, anytime, to help another made him the rav and posek for thousands of Jews throughout America. Within Memphis, he founded one of America’s first Hebrew day schools, saving an entire community from leaving Orthodox Judaism. Nationally, he helped develop the kashrus standards that we all enjoy today. He brought countless Jews back to Torah observance before the kiruv movement ever started. And he traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to write kosher gitten, bills of divorce, enabling men and women to rebuild their lives. His name was Rav Nota Greenblatt, and his story – and the many stories others tell about him – will amaze you. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, we speak to Rav Nota’s son and daughter-in-law, Rabbi Dovid and Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt, who describe Rav Nota’s humility and Torah greatness, and the endless compassion of this very unique rav. Purchase your copy of Rav Nota on ArtScroll.com

In his new book, Rebbi Meir Baal HaNess and the Eternal Children of Hashem, Rabbi Daniel Glatstein welcomes us to the world of Rebbi Meir Baal HaNess, a place where the loving embrace of Hashem to His people is tangible. We discover the power of the words "Eloka D'Meir Aneini" and how Rebbi Meir's worldview is the very foundation of Torah. Rabbi Glatstein is one of the Jewish world's most popular speakers and respected maggidei shiur. In this fascinating Inside ArtScroll interview, he discusses this landmark work, which will uplift your heart even in the most trying times. [Purchase the book HERE.]

He started literally with nothing, and built an empire of business – and chesed. He was a brilliant businessman whom Rabbi Moshe Sherer called “the malach of shalom.” He was a man who blended startling financial acumen with mussar hashkafah – and made it work! He was the unique, inimitable Reb Benny Fishoff. B’Ahavah, Benny – the story of Reb Benny Fishoff – is not a typical “rags to riches” story. Rather, it’s a “riches to riches” story. The story of a young man, sole survivor of his family after the Holocaust, who took the riches of chassidic devotion, the riches of years of intense yeshivah learning, the riches of memories of his warm and loving family, and who used those riches to build, to listen, to counsel and to enrich others. It is a story of amazing business savvy combined with profound mentchlichkeit, a story filled with siyata diShmaya and ultimate triumph. In this compelling Inside ArtScroll episode, we get to hear from Benny’s sons, Dovi Fishoff and Avi Fishoff, who describe how Reb Benny went from Lodz to Shanghai to the executive suites of New York City skyscrapers – entering the hearts of countless Jews whom he helped with money, advice, and overflowing love. Watch and be inspired. [Purchase the book HERE.]

The Ribnitzer Rebbe was a tzaddik, a ba’al mofeis (a miracle worker), and so much more. He became a living legend, the address for thousands seeking berachos, first in Russia, then in Eretz Yisrael and, eventually in America. His intense avodah included fasting, non-stop Torah learning, and hours and hours of profound tefillah. Throughout all his trials and tribulations, Reb Chaim Zanvil, the Ribnitzer Rebbe, found a way to serve Hashem. One of those who merited to serve the rebbe for years, forging a close and personal relationship, was Reb Moshe Tzvi Berkowitz. In this fascinating Inside ArtScroll interview, we sit down with Reb Moshe Tzvi to learn about what he learned from the rebbe, and to hear firsthand stories about his interactions with the rebbe – including the rebbe’s famous “teniah” (tune) that he made famous, and so much more. Watch and be uplifted. [Purchase the book HERE.]

Saying Kaddish for a loved one. It is one of the most well-observed Jewish traditions. However, its cryptic language often makes this sacred and hallowed prayer feel unrelatable. In a powerful and inspiring new book, Rabbi Yechiel Spero changes that, using classic Torah sources, insights, and — of course! — stories to explore the essence and, indeed, the soul of Kaddish. In The Soul of Kaddish, you find chizuk, hope and encouragement in the words of Kaddish. In the following Inside ArtScroll interview, we speak to Rabbi Spero about this incredible book, and about finding chizuk in challenging times – and always. Watch and be inspired. [Purchase the book HERE.]

Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginzberg is a beloved rav in Cedarhurst who has engaged thousands of readers with his incisive articles in the Torah world’s most prestigious periodicals. Rabbi Ginzberg has a genius for weaving together personal stories, Torah hashkafah, encouragement and chizuk, communal issues, and, yes, gentle and spot-on mussar. In his book, Rays of Hope, and in this Inside ArtScroll interview, he takes us “up close and personal” with memories of his own nisyonos — including his terrifying bout with Covid, when the doctors felt there was no hope left for him, as well as the losses of his beloved daughter Sarala and his oldest grandson, Chanoch Jeger. Rabbi Ginzberg’s courageous and uplifting responses to these losses — which include his founding of the well-known Ohel Sarala global initiative — give us chizuk and meaning to the challenges we all face. Watch and be inspired. [Purchase the book HERE.]

Reb Moyshe Silk, an American attorney, writer, and former government official, is quite an accomplished individual. Much of the world knows him as Mitchell Silk, a brilliant legal mind, an authority on Chinese law and infrastructure finance, and the only Chassidic Jew ever confirmed by the Senate to one of the highest positions in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and, for that matter, the U.S. Government. Many people are privileged to know him as Reb Moyshe, a talmid chacham of note, a gifted writer, and a talented teacher of Torah. Despite the many accolades he’s received, perhaps Reb Moyshe’s most notable accomplishment to date is his translation and elucidation of Kedushas Levi, one of the greatest Chassidic classics on the Torah, written by Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. Kedushas Levi has been treasured and studied for more than two centuries, and now, Reb Moyshe’s magnificent edition, published by the Mesorah Heritage Foundation in three volumes, brings Kedushas Levi to English readers in all its grandeur. We spoke to Reb Moyshe to gain his insight into the effort he invested in producing this work. [Purchase the set HERE.]

In the more than five decades that he was involved in Agudath Israel of America, rising from a member of their youth group to the Executive Vice President of the organization, Rabbi Shmuel Bloom encountered literally thousands of fascinating people: gedolei Yisrael, dedicated askanim, politicians from all sides of the political spectrum, and so many “just plain Jews” – who proved, by their actions, that there is no such thing as a “just plain Jew.” Rabbi Bloom met with gedolim at Agudah events, at meetings of the Moetzes Gedolei Torah, and in quiet, urgent conferences. He chatted with them in cars and on Shabbos afternoons at conventions. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, we hear stories from Rabbi Bloom, many of them not widely known, of generations of greatness. In these “stories behind the stories,” more of which you’ll find in Rabbi Bloom’s book, On the Shoulders of Giants, we gain a unique understanding of the inner workings of daas Torah, in all its glory. We also meet the Jewish people’s askanim, up close and personal. Watch and be inspired. [Purchase the book HERE.]

Rabbi Nachum Lehman, founder and director of CSB CARE, has devoted his life to helping people with disabilities acquire or regain their ability to daven, learn, teach and be independent and productive members of their community. It all started in 1996 when he was asked to write a program to help someone continue learning after he lost his sight. The project was extremely successful and Rabbi Lehman came to realize how many others needed similar assistance. The original software evolved into a program for low vision and reading impaired clients and was further configured to help with communication for ALS clients. In this fascinating Inside ArtScroll interview, we learn more about how Rabbi Lehman has enabled the aforementioned clients to utilize ArtScroll’s works, while sharing a hands-on look at some of the incredible programs he’s developed.

Rabbi Aaron Brafman was the much-beloved and revered menahel of Yeshiva of Far Rockaway. He was also a respected author and a dedicated askan. But more: He was a man who loved every Jew, who saw potential where others saw failure. In the words of a talmid, he was a man “who lived and breathed Klal Yisrael; whose days were filled with Torah and maasim tovim … and most of all, who epitomized the term ‘rebbi.’” In this interview, we spoke to Rabbi Brafman’s son, Rabbi Avrohom Baruch Brafman, and Rabbi Brafman’s close talmid, Rabbi Dov Keilson.