The Artscroll Studios’ Podcast

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.

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, the author of Rabbi Brafman’s biography, Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, gives us a glimpse into the life of this extraordinary man.

Rabbi Moshe Sherer not only changed history, he made history. After a half-century of Rabbi Sherer’s wise, visionary, charismatic, and indefatigable advocacy and leadership, the Torah community was luxuriant, respected, and influential — and the gedolei Torah were its authoritative voice. Much that we take for granted today was shepherded by him through Congress and legislatures, through executive chambers and the courts, such as aid to yeshivos, the rights of Torah institutions, and employment security for Shabbos observers. Rabbi Sherer was at home in many worlds. He was the loyal servant and confidant of great Torah sages; and a friend and adviser of people in the highest echelons of power – but he was attentive to the needs of the humblest “Reb Yisrael.” He was a visionary, yet he had insight into the art of the possible. Now, 25 years since his passing, Inside ArtScroll features a scintillating interview with his son, Rav Shimshon Sherer, who shares personal memories of his legendary father, who was center stage, yet remained an intensely private, loving family man. This is an interview you don’t want to miss.

In his brilliant essay on ahavas Yisrael, the Beis HaLevi, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, beautifully explains the mitzvah of loving your fellow Jew. Who does the mitzvah apply to? When does it apply? What do I need to do to fulfill it properly? The Beis HaLevi also provides incentives to help us do the mitzvah in the best possible way. Translated and elucidated by Rabbi David Sutton, author of ArtScroll’s bestselling Beis HaLevi on Bitachon, Beis Halevi on Ahavas Yisrael contains wonderful insights, uplifting stories, and in-depth appendices, as well as a special section of touching anecdotes about gedolim from a range of generations and communities. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, Rabbi Sutton gives us an inside look as this life-changing work.

In ArtScroll’s Kisvei HaRambam, writings of the Rambam, including his famous 13 Principles of Faith and related selections, are translated phrase-by-phrase, annotated, and elucidated with additional insights. Enlightening, inspiring, and engrossing, this ArtScroll commentary provides an opportunity to engage with fundamental aspects of the Torah in English and understand them clearly as never before. This Inside ArtScroll interview features Rabbi Shnayor Burton, one of the brilliant talmidei chachomim who worked on this project and other prominent works. The conversation is informative, educational – and compelling.

An Israeli child is born in a Ukrainian bomb shelter -- and United Hatzalah brings her home under fire ... A United Hatzalah volunteer scales a 12-foot-wall – and is the first to respond to the tragedy of Meron ... Eli Beer, founder of United Hatzalah, slips and breaks his leg racing to an emergency -- and manages to crawl to the choking child and save her life ... The amazing work of Israel’s United Hatzalah began, incredibly, when five-year-old Eli Beer witnessed a terror attack and dreamed of being the one to save the victim. While still a young teen, Eli set out to make that dream come true, creating an underground network of pioneering EMTs who were determined to bring their life-saving skills to victims in only 90 seconds, no matter where they were. Eli Beer’s book, 90 Seconds, written by the mega-talented Rabbi Nachman Seltzer, is the story of how a boy who failed in school created one of the world’s largest all-volunteer emergency services. It’s the story of dramatic rescues, sometimes under fire. Of life-changing and life-saving innovations such as the “ambucycle.” Of bringing United Hatzalah’s lifesaving experience to Nepal, Haiti, and, most recently, Ukraine, and their heart-rending rescue work in the Surfside and Versailles wedding hall tragedies. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, we get to learn, from Eli himself, more of the story of how with determination, vision, self-sacrifice and compassion -- and, of course, siyata D’Shmaya -- lives can be saved and dreams can come true. [Purchase the new book HERE.]

In Living Chessed, Rabbi Avrohom Asher Makovsky shares with us many Torah sources that talk about chessed, inspirational insights and guidance and, above all, stories of how chessed – even something as small as a compliment, a smile, or a hug – can transform the lives of both the one giving and the one receiving the chessed. In brief, readable chapters, we will discover how everyone can be a great baal chessed. In Living Chessed and in this uplifting Inside Artscroll interview, Rabbi Makovsky shows us how we can, indeed, “live chessed” throughout our days, enriching the lives of others. And enriching our own lives as well. [Purchase the new book HERE.]

Rabbi Fishel Schachter makes us think. Makes us laugh. And makes us better. Better parents, better people, better Jews. Rabbi Schachter knows what happens in our lives. The little annoyances and the big challenges. The happiness and the angst. He knows what happens to us – because it often happens to him as well! And when “life” happens – the vanishing parking space, the bored kids on vacation, the last minute pre-Shabbos misadventures – he knows what we should do. Learn a lesson of hashgachah pratis. Think of a story that enhances our emunah. Discover an insight that puts everything in a different – more positive – light. Remember to thank Hashem for everything. And, of course, smile and find the joy in His plans for us. In Did This Ever Happen to You? Rabbi Schachter, a popular rebbi, speaker, maggid shiur, columnist and storyteller, combines practical advice in chinuch and middos development with anecdotes and stories that are always engaging and often laugh-out-loud funny. Did This Ever Happen To You? touches on topics ranging from seeing hashgachah pratis in our lives to mitzvos such as hachnasas orchim and giving tzedakah; from strengthening our bitachon to outlooks on tefillah. In this exciting Inside ArtScroll interview, like in his book, we see that no one tells a story quite like Rabbi Schachter, using stories as an incredibly effective - and often funny - means of guiding us through whatever challenges we are facing. Watch…and be prepared to laugh and to learn. [Purchase the new book HERE.]

Twenty years ago, Roy (Yisroel) and Leah (Linda) Neuberger electrified the Jewish world with Roy’s book, From Central Park to Sinai, sharing the story of their return to Torah and Jewish life. Now, in the riveting From Sinai to Yerushalayim, bestselling author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer joins them on their fascinating journey, revealing new and unusual parts of the Neubergers’ lives, both before they became observant and in the two decades since they shared their story and became world-traveling ambassadors of Torah. In this fascinating Inside ArtScroll interview, Roy and Leah describe how they were born to wealth and privilege, and educated in the most prestigious schools. Roy and Leah should have been contented and happy, and yet something was missing, always missing ... until they found Torah. In this interview, and in the new page-turner of a book, prepare to discover an adventure-filled life, full of surprises and inspiration. [Purchase the new book HERE.]

Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman is the rav of Congregation Ahavas Israel in Passaic, New Jersey, and a renowned speaker and writer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, after marriage he spent years learning in kollel in Eretz Yisroel and in the States. After teaching Torah as a rebbi in yeshiva for two decades, in 1997 he was appointed as the rav of Ahavas Israel, which today hosts forty minyanim a day. In addition to his rabbinic functions, Rabbi Eisenman is a professor at Lander College for Women and has published three books, including Shul With A View, which allows the reader to enter the world of a shul rabbi, brimming with unforgettable personalities, joyous events, and sometimes tragic misunderstandings. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, you’ll revel in Rabbi Eisenman’s honesty and be intrigued by his life story. Rabbi Eisenman has a way with words that brings people and places to life, and a sense of humor that shines. Watch and enjoy. [Buy the book HERE]

Rav Elya Meir Sorotzkin zt”l became a rosh yeshivah at a very young age and, with “blood, sweat and tears,” as he would often say, built his yeshiva into a premier institution, and, more importantly, built individual talmidim. Because he personally went through the painstaking process of self-discovery and growth, he was able to identify with the struggles and triumphs of his talmidim in a way that few could. This Inside ArtScroll interview features a conversation with a close talmid, Rabbi Tzvi Uhr, who describes the lifelong impact that his rebbi had on his talmidim, giving us an appreciation for how every page in the biography of Rav Elya Meir Sorotzkin will inspire and uplift us. [Buy the book HERE]

Nachman’s Schachter’s Ten Steps to Eternity is a unique book. It is a sefer that examines the ten nisyonos of Avraham Avinu through the eyes of the Midrash, with fascinating details and thought-provoking insights. It is also a book of many true, original, never-before-published stories about Avraham’s “children” – contemporary Jews who have incorporated Avraham’s beliefs and accomplishments into their own lives. This combination of insights and incredible stories leaves one amazed by how our fellow Jews courageously and faithfully follow our forefather’s holy path. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, the author discusses why he wrote the book – and why he thinks every Jew will gain immeasurably from reading it. [Buy the book HERE]

Rabbi Heshy Kleinman changed the way tens of thousands of Jews daven through the bestselling classics, Praying With Fire, Praying With Fire 2, and Yearning With Fire. He also showed us how to truly take advantage of the powerful gift of teshuvah in his book, The Power of Teshuvah. Rabbi Kleinman lectures internationally on tefillah and other topics and is the co-founder of the V’Ani Tefillah Foundation, dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance and power of prayer, and to providing education, inspiration, and tools for more sincere, powerful and effective tefillah. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, Rabbi Kleinman shares details about his background, how he got into book-writing, and his vision for a 40-day worldwide teshuvah initiative.

Bitachon. How to get it. How to strengthen it. How to learn to rely on Hashem. In every part of our lives. Bitachon – knowing that you can fully rely on Hashem, and only on Hashem – is an essential part of our Chovos HaLevavos, our “service of the heart.” It is the wondrous gift that enables us to enjoy the blessing of “menuchas hanefesh” – a hard-to-define concept that includes serenity, tranquility, and peace of mind. In his newest book, A Daily Dose of Bitachon, Rabbi David Sutton, author of many important works including Beis HaLevi on Bitachon and Embrace Shabbos, shares with us more than 130 readings, designed for the consistent daily use that enables truly effective change. Drawn from the classic wisdom of the Chovos HaLevavos Shaar HaBitachon, these insights into this “service of the heart” are remarkably contemporary, speaking to our own challenges. Each reading ends with a practical takeaway, ensuring that we incorporate bitachon into our everyday encounters. And of course, Rabbi Sutton shares stories that show us the amazing power of bitachon. In this Inside ArtScroll episode, Rabbi Sutton discusses the new book, including how to reframe our thoughts, how to properly balance human effort with bitachon in Hashem, and how to strengthen our connection to Hashem both in good times and hard ones. This book is a must-have – and this interview is as engaging as the book is! Watch and enjoy. Buy the book HERE!

Meaningful Minute founder and coordinator Nachi Gordon understands the power of one minute: every word a block with which you can build, every thought filled with potential to uplift – short, but so powerful. In this Inside ArtScroll interview, Nachi discusses his Meaningful Minute book and his journey working to creating the Meaningful Minute platform, ensuring that the meaningful messages he transmits have the power to impact people’s lives positively. Buy the book HERE!

Over the last decade, tens of thousands of children have been educated and informed by ArtScroll’s Let’s Stay Safe book, which some educators have called “the most important picture book you will ever share with your children.” In this Inside ArtScroll interview, Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz speaks about the groundbreaking book, his efforts to educate children about personal safety, contemporary chinuch, and much more. [Purchase the book HERE.]