10 Mar FROM TEN-MINUTE HALACHA TO KINYAN HALACHA: RABBI ARYEH LEBOWITZ ON TORAH INFLUENCE AND TODAY’S COMPLEX WORLD AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RABBI ARYEH LEBOWITZ

Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Five Towns, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz initially planned to pursue a career in law. However, after spending two formative years at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, where his close relationship with Rav Ahron Silver inspired him to consider the rabbinate, his path took a decisive turn. Rabbi Lebowitz went on to study finance at Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business, but he remained deeply connected to Torah learning, becoming a close talmid of Rav Hershel Schachter, shlita. He received semicha from RIETS as well as from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.

Rabbi Lebowitz served as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Lawrence before founding and becoming the Rav of the Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere in 2004, a position he holds to this day. Widely regarded as one of the busiest rabbonim today, he is nevertheless known for being exceptionally approachable and accessible to his congregants and talmidim alike. His dedication to education is reflected in his eighteen years as a maggid shiur at the Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School and his former role as Senior Maggid Shiur at Lander College for Men. Since the fall of 2019, he has served as Director of Semicha at Yeshiva University, and in August 2024, he was appointed the Abraham Arbesfeld Torah Dean of RIETS. During the summers, he also leads the Masmidim Program at Camp Kaylie.

Rabbi Lebowitz’s shiurim have also gained tremendous popularity online, reaching thousands of listeners around the world. His clear, organized presentation and practical approach to complex halachic topics have made his Torah widely accessible, further expanding his influence far beyond his local community.

A few weeks ago, Ari Hirsch of The Jewish Vues had the privilege of sitting down with Rabbi Lebowitz in his home for an in-depth interview. They discussed the inspiration behind Rabbi Lebowitz’s latest sefer, the next volume of the Kinyan Halacha series, and much more. This engaging conversation provides a window into the Rav’s unique approach to Torah, halacha, and leadership in today’s world.

Mazel Tov on the release of your new sefer! The Rav’s Kinyan Halacha volume on Bereishis was published two years ago, the Shemos volume last year, and just this past month the Vayikra volume was released. Many readers have become devoted followers of the Kinyan Halacha seforim. My family reads it every Shabbos at the Shabbos table, and readers of the Jewish Vues enjoy a weekly dvar Torah from the sefer on the parsha. Could the Rav share the thought process behind this ambitious project? What inspired the Rav to write an entire series on Chumash from a halachic perspective?
It likely began a little over fifteen years ago, when I started giving a series of halacha shiurim at DRS High School called “Ten Minute Halacha.” I introduced these shiurim to provide concise overviews of halachic topics. Until then, a proper halacha shiur was generally seen as an hour-long session, carefully working through the sources in depth.

Some talmidim told me they had a few extra minutes in their day and felt there were many areas of halacha with which they were completely unfamiliar. They asked if I could give brief overviews of various topics of their choosing.

Baruch Hashem, over the years I have delivered approximately 1,200 “Ten Minute Halacha” shiurim. Part of the avodah was recognizing that not all 1,200 could be published. The question became whether to select three or four per parsha, which meant identifying the best 150 to 250, those that were the most interesting or compelling to publish. That was the process of narrowing down the list.

Over time, the project continued to grow, covering more and more topics. I later expanded many of them and wrote them up in Hebrew. These became my three Hebrew volumes of Hakoneh Olamo, which are much more developed versions of the original shiurim. Altogether, I selected approximately seventy-five to ninety shiurim for those three seforim.

At one point, someone suggested making the material accessible in English. Jeremy Lustman, a friend of mine, together with a talmid, Akiva Levy, strongly encouraged me to do so. We
had several meetings to determine the best format. Should it follow the order of Shulchan Aruch? Ultimately, we decided to anchor it to the weekly parsha. That way, we could consistently present three, four, or five topics that relate, at least tangentially, to that week’s parsha. This approach also ensures ongoing relevance. If it simply followed Shulchan Aruch, there would not necessarily be a compelling reason to take it off the shelf at any given time.

We tried to keep the pieces short, staying loyal to the original shiurim, unlike my Hebrew seforim, which are far more comprehensive and detailed. Rabbi Yehuda Balsam wrote them up. I did not write them myself; I delivered the shiurim and sent him my notes. He refined them, and then we forwarded them to an editor. The first volume had one editor; the second and third had a different editor. That is how Kinyan Halacha developed.

We are currently working on at least two volumes on Moadim as well. Bamidbar and Devarim are fully written and partially edited, and alongside completing those, we are developing the Moadim volumes.

In approaching the Halachic conclusions presented in Kinyan Halacha, what methodology does the Rav follow? Given the Rav’s close relationship with Rav Herschel Schachter, shlit”a, and his connections with many gedolim such as Rav Asher Weiss, Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, Rav Yisroel Reisman, and others, how does the Rav determine which opinions to follow when major Halachic authorities disagree?
In the sefer, and in the “Ten Minute Halacha” shiurim in general, the goal is not to arrive at a definitive Halachic ruling in cases of machlokes. Rather, the goal is to educate readers about the various opinions.

In my personal life, I follow a particular mahalach in how I pasken, but that is not the purpose of the sefer. It is not intended to pasken; it is intended to educate.

Therefore, I generally try not to be machria one way or the other. I might say, “Rav Schachter holds this way, Rav Willig holds that way, Rav Reisman says this.” I present and quote the various positions, but I usually avoid offering a definitive conclusion.

In the Rav’s new sefer on Vayikra, in Parshas Metzora, he discusses truth and lashon hara in shidduchim. Could the Rav briefly explain the halachic and hashkafic guidelines for speech in this context and share his perspective on the root problems and possible improvements in today’s “shidduch crisis,” especially given the frustration many singles are experiencing?
I am not an expert in shidduchim. I’m not even expert enough to know whether there is currently a shidduch crisis, or whether there have always been people for whom shidduchim were easier and others for whom they were more difficult. I try to stay in my lane.

There are people much smarter and more involved in the world of shidduchim who are working to address these issues. One concern I have is that when people try to solve what’s called the shidduch crisis, there can be a tendency to say, “I have the solution, and therefore all other initiatives are invalid.” I don’t think there is one solution. I think this is a kashe that will require multiple answers.

Various initiatives. whether it’s YUConnects, the meeting space in the Five Towns that hosts Motzaei Shabbos events, or programs that incentivize people to suggest shidduchim and encourage first dates, are all valuable. People should think about shidduchim, try to help facilitate them, and support others in the process.

My focus in that particular piece was on lashon hara and truth-telling in shidduchim. Often, people assume they cannot say anything because it would constitute lashon hara. In reality, one of the primary contexts in which lashon hara is permitted is when there is a toeles. Of course, one must understand what qualifies as a genuine toeles, what is truly beneficial and what is not.

What are the rules of speaking lashon hara l’toeles? When are you helping someone avoid a serious problem, and when are you simply expressing a subjective feeling that “it’s not a match,” thereby undermining a potentially good shidduch unnecessarily? People must carefully calibrate these factors.

As Rav Daniel Feldman once remarked, “No one is calling you to find out about your eyesight.” When people say, “I just can’t see it,” that’s not the information being requested. They are asking whether you have relevant, substantive information. If you do, share it responsibly. Too often, people derail promising shidduchim with unnecessary color commentary. Conversely, sometimes people fail to disclose information that truly should be shared. The goal was to offer some halachic guidance and practical direction in navigating those sensitive conversations.

Are the seforim on Sefer Bamidbar and Devarim supposed to come out this year, with Moadim scheduled for next year?
Bamidbar and Devarim are planned to be released this year, with Moadim scheduled for the following year. I’m still hopeful about Bamidbar and more confident about Devarim, since it is at a later stage in the editing process. As for Bamidbar, it’s really my responsibility, I need to move forward with the editing, which I’ve been pushing off.

Baruch Hashem, Riets Press has become very busy. We’ve added many Rebbeim and are publishing more seforim, with many positive developments underway. I can’t dedicate all of Riets Press’s manpower to my own small sefer when there are larger projects and prominent authors who also need the press’s attention. Hopefully, we’ll be able to find the time to move it forward.

Is Rav Schachter working on any new seforim?
Dr. Alan Weissman will soon be releasing the third volume of Rav Schachter’s sefer on the Shulchan Aruch, which is currently on a slow boat somewhere. I believe the fourth volume on the Shulchan Aruch is also forthcoming. Rav Schachter’s Shulchan Aruch is a masterpiece, truly a must-have.

The Rav recently spent Shabbos at the home of Rabbi Yisroel Reisman in Brooklyn. How did that relationship develop? More broadly, how have the Rav’s interactions with prominent gedolim shaped his approach to Torah learning and psak halacha?
With Rabbi Reisman, I reached out to him several times, mostly either to ask questions or to see if I could bring talmidim. In the summertime at Camp Kaylie, we always visit him at Camp Agudah. In the winter or spring, I bring my talmidim from YU to Torah Vodaas to visit him, to learn and ask questions. He’s very open.

I was always impressed by his shiurim. His Torah knowledge is immense, but as a personality, as a baal middos, he’s even greater. People like that, with humility and a genuine dedication to Torah and chessed, are the kinds of individuals you want to connect with. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to have that connection.

I don’t call him every day, I try not to bother him. I have great respect for talmidei chachamim and don’t want to waste their time. Even before I approach Rav Schachter in the beis medrash with a question, I think carefully: “Is this really worth his time?” I try to take the same approach with Rabbi Reisman. It’s been a great bracha to know him.

As one goes through life, it’s healthy to find multiple rebbeim. Rav Schachter is my rebbe, always was and always will be, but it’s inspiring to find other people from whom you can learn. Rav Asher Weiss became an important rebbe in my life, and Rabbi Reisman as well.

As the Director of Semicha at Yeshiva University and Abraham Arbesfeld Torah Dean of RIETS, how does the Rav view today’s emerging rabbinic leadership, particularly in light of the upcoming fortieth yahrzeit of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky? Is the Rav optimistic about the future? Does he see potential gedolim among the younger generation? Are many talmidim currently pursuing the rabbinate?
I’m fortunate to have a front-row seat to see who’s coming up the pipeline, and I’m inspired by their quality, sincerity, and hasmadah. You have to realize, these young men grew up with the internet and smartphones, I didn’t. Yet their dedication to Torah and to developing as talmidei chachamim is phenomenal.

I see very high-quality individuals going into avodas hakodesh. Of course, there’s a range, but some are outstanding. The likes of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky may not come around again soon, but we will have outstanding talmidei chachamim and great rabbinic leaders.

If the Rav could go back to the time when he was considering law school, what would he say to convince himself to become a Rav instead?
I would say that you can’t put a price on finding meaning in what you do every day. Being a lawyer may have been enjoyable, but I don’t know if it would have been as meaningful as being a Rav.

Being a Rav allows you to maximize the abilities Hakadosh Baruch Hu gave you for the betterment of Klal Yisrael. You connect with inspiring people, rabbinic colleagues, talmidim, and members of the community. There’s a depth of character you witness as a Rav that you might not otherwise notice. You see people’s emunah during challenges, their resilience, and their growth in ways that are deeply inspiring.

Rav Asher Weiss recently spoke about kabbalas kahal, when people come to him for guidance and brachos. He described how he walks away inspired, realizing that each person embodies bitachon and emunah in his or her own way. It’s not just Rav Asher Weiss, it’s all of us. The Jewish people themselves are inspiring.

I know you’re a tremendous talmid of Rav Schachter shlita. Is there something about him that the public might not know?
Rav Schachter is somewhat of an open book, which is part of his charm. One of his greatest qualities is how accessible he is and how much he cares. People often think he has all the answers on the spot, but they don’t realize how deeply he continues to ponder people’s questions.

Just last week, I drove Rav Schachter home from yeshiva after Maariv. He shared a she’eilah he had received that day; he wanted my input. The question had already been asked and answered, but he genuinely cares. People notice his emotion when dealing with sensitive questions, but it’s more than that, his mind is constantly occupied with learning and with the tzaros of Klal Yisrael.

Many years ago, I had a talmid in DRS. He eventually married, had children, and made aliyah. When he was a high school student, his father had Alzheimer’s disease, and he wasn’t sure whether he should go to Israel for the year. We called Rav Schachter together, spoke to him, and received his bracha and eitzah.

About a year later, a full year later, the boy called me and said, “I wanted to thank Rav Schachter. I was in Israel, but I was waiting in line to speak with him and they whisked me away before I got to him. Would you mind passing along my thanks?”

At the time, I was teaching at DRS and didn’t see Rav Schachter very often. But that night, I happened to be driving him from Washington Heights to the Five Towns for a shiur he was giving. I picked him up, intending to tell him that the boy had sent his thanks and to remind him of the story.

Before I said a word, Rav Schachter got into the car and said, “I wanted to ask you, how is that boy doing, the one we spoke about last time?” He truly thinks about people.

Someone recently asked a fun question: Who is the busiest person you know? My son immediately said, “Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz.” Baruch Hashem, the Rav has a large family, serves as the rav of a shul, is Director of Semicha at Yeshiva University, serves as the Abraham Arbesfeld Torah Dean of RIETS, travels frequently, writes sefarim, and serves during the summer as head of the Masmidim program at Camp Kaylie. How does the Rav balance all these responsibilities? Are thesre particular skills, habits, or routines that help him manage his time effectively?
I often feel that if I didn’t have so many things keeping me busy, maybe I’d be really good at one of them. I’m sort of mediocre at all of them. But then I realize that if I didn’t have so many things keeping me busy, I wouldn’t be as productive. In other words, it’s good to have many demands on your time, it pushes you to do more and accomplish more. I’m still prone to batalah.

I haven’t yet reached the point where I don’t waste any time. As long as that’s still happening, there’s obviously more to be done. My friend Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, who for a while would ask me about my strategies every time I saw him, always amazed me, because he’s busier than I am. How does he do it? He’s constantly thinking about how to manage time, organize life, clear his head, and maximize productivity. When a person thinks in those terms, he naturally becomes more productive.

I never gave him a good answer, but by asking, he revealed something important, the very act of thinking about these issues is valuable. As the saying goes, she’eilas chacham chatzi teshuva, the fact that one contemplates the question is already half the answer.

My strategy, whether right or wrong, has always been this: when I have a thousand things to do, I’m pretty good at putting 999 of them out of my head and focusing on the one thing in front of me. I may feel pressure and need to do it quickly, but I do it, and then I move to the next.

For example, sometimes I wake up and realize I have seven shiurim to give that day and haven’t prepared any of them, plus I need to attend a simcha. I just focus on the next shiur: Daf Yomi, prepare that. Next is the Iyun shiur, prepare that. Then Tamid Halacha, prepare that. The key is tackling one thing at a time.

When you try to do everything at once, it rarely works. Sometimes I have to create barriers, locking my office door, shutting off my phone, ignoring interruptions, because certain tasks require uninterrupted focus.

Last week, for example, I had to deliver a Sichas Mussar on an important topic. It was scheduled for Wednesday night at 9:40, so Wednesday afternoon I set aside time to prepare. I closed my office door, locked it, and spent two hours focused solely on that preparation.

That’s the principle, address the next thing on your list, and give it your full attention.

I believe that a little over a year ago, the Rav deleted his account on Twitter/X. What motivated that decision, and more generally, does the Rav believe rabbanim should maintain a presence on social media?
I try to stay away from advising rabbanim on what they should or shouldn’t do unless they are my talmidim seeking advice. I know rabbanim who use social media positively, and others who do
not. My personal cheshbon was simple: I know there are programmers getting paid a lot to develop algorithms that capture attention, focus, and time. Social media is designed to hook you. YouTube and Twitter are free, but if the product isn’t the content, what is it? You, the user, are the product. They sell your time and attention to advertisers. I realized I couldn’t spend my life trying to outsmart people working full-time on this. I didn’t have the time or interest.

During the Neilah drasha, I encouraged people to remove one bit of narishkeit from their lives. I decided that my bit would be social media. So, before breaking my fast on Motzei Yom Kippur, I deleted my Twitter account. I’m not on other platforms, and that has been enough.

Something that has bothered me for a few years: I’ve noticed that many YU basketball players on the MACS do not wear kippahs on the court. If they’re representing YU and Klal Yisrael, how is that allowed?
Many people don’t know the details of what goes on at YU. The basketball program includes a kiruv component for students who are not religious; they may have tattoos, have never kept Shabbos, and are in a Jewish environment mainly for college. Most of the basketball team is in this JSS program and is making tremendous progress. From the outside, it might look like a group of guys without yarmulkes in the Beis Medrash, but in reality, it’s a kiruv program.

Zevi Samet has been phenomenal; he’s a kiruv machine.

YU also documents shiurim, Sichas Mussar in the Beis Medrash or shiurim from Rav Schachter, on video. I received a comment from someone who was amazed that hundreds of guys stay late at night in the YU Beis Medrash, fully attentive, with no phones out. That’s the vibrancy of our Beis Medrash. The basketball players, with the exception of Zevi and maybe one or two others, are in a kiruv program. YU combines four different yeshivos on one campus, and it’s working.

Given the rise of antisemitism, some question the long-term future of Klal Yisrael in America. From the Rav’s perspective, what is the proper balance between remaining in America and making Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael? Should rabbanim be more vocal in encouraging families to move, or is a more nuanced approach appropriate?
I think the decision ultimately lies with the people. It’s not going to be about the rabbanim; it’s going to be about the people and the next generation. I believe the aspiration of the next generation is definitely trending toward Eretz Yisrael, as it should. We are seeing a rise in Aliyah, though I’m not sure it’s directly related to antisemitism. I think it’s more about feeling a deeper connection to Eretz Yisrael and recognizing that the future of the Jewish people, regardless of antisemitism, is in Israel.

I don’t think it’s primarily about the rabbanim. Should people make Aliyah? Many times, when people do, they adopt the attitude that anyone still in Chutz La’Aretz is a terrible sinner: “How can you still live there? You’re not contributing to Klal Yisrael.” I don’t think that’s helpful. I remind friends who have made Aliyah that they, too, didn’t make the move until a certain point. If someone made Aliyah at forty, they can’t fault a thirty- year-old for not going yet. Aliyah is a once-in-a-lifetime, highly personal decision. Timing matters, and it must consider what is best for the individual and the family.

Some adopt the mindset that Aliyah must be made at all costs, even if children might struggle spiritually or socially. They argue that antisemitism in America is so severe that it’s a matter of survival. I don’t share that perspective. I believe one should give their family the best chance for growth and ruchniyus, which is, in principle, in Eretz Yisrael. But one must be wise, plan the landing spot carefully, and consider the timing.

There is so much machlokes among Klal Yisrael today. In Eretz Yisrael, during the war, there was tremendous achdus. People came together with unity and mutual responsibility. But now, it feels like we have returned to fighting with one another. There is intense division surrounding the army draft. Families are struggling, even within their own homes, and divorces seem more common. Conflict appears everywhere—nationally, communally, and personally. How do we address this reality? How can we restore and strengthen shalom among Klal Yisrael? What practical steps can create more unity in our communities, families, and our own hearts?
It’s a painful question. Unity often emerges when there is a common enemy or when people stay out of each other’s way. During the war, a shared threat brought us together. But in ordinary times, we tend to revert to less charitable behavior and are quick to judge others. Sometimes others are wrong, not just different, but wrong in what they say or do. The challenge is learning the proper place for those feelings.

In last week’s parsha, Parshas Mishpatim, we read about seeing your enemy’s donkey under its load: azov ta’azov imo. The Targum interprets azov ta’azov as leaving those feelings aside. Rashi notes that it means to help him, but the word literally means “leave.” The Gemara in Pesachim explains that although he may deserve our dislike, we must know the proper place for those feelings. If someone is a Yid and needs help, we must assist them despite disagreements or animosity. Applying this principle, recognizing when to act on our opinions and when to set them aside, can restore love and unity. Disagreement is acceptable; withholding love is not.

There is a well-known Jewish song by Eighth Day that asks, “Avraham, are we the children you dreamed of?” What would Avraham Avinu and Moshe Rabbeinu think of the current state of Klal Yisrael?
Avraham Avinu knew why he was chosen: because Hakadosh Baruch Hu knew his children would embody tzedakah and mishpat, kindness and righteousness. To the extent that Avraham could see the acts of tzedakah and mishpat in Klal Yisrael today, he would be proud. He may not have imagined the kinds of nisyonos and the cultural environment we face, but seeing Klal Yisrael rise to help one another would be a source of great pride.

Moshe Rabbeinu, who gave us the Torah at Har Sinai, would likely be hopeful. Never in history have so many Jews studied Torah seriously. Rav Asher Weiss once said, “There has never been a time when it was easier to be a talmid chacham than today, but also never a time when it’s harder to want to be one.” Many pursue Torah learning yomam v’lailah, and despite the challenges of yeridas hadoros, families take pride when they successfully reverse negative trends for a generation or two. Overall, I believe Avraham and Moshe would be proud of who we are.

The Rav receives hundreds of she’eilos a week. Has the Rav received any particularly meaningful she’eilos lately?
She’eilos are often beyond what anyone could imagine. This past week, one stood out, a particularly difficult situation. A man bought a house, and two months later, detectives came to his door, claiming there was a dead body in the basement. The prior owner had allegedly buried his father there decades ago to continue collecting Social Security. The man asked: until the body is removed, which could cost $70,000 and damage the foundation, can he allow Kohanim into his home, or must he forbid them?

Rav Schachter advised that if there is another exit for removing the body, it is fine to proceed. Otherwise, we follow the principle of sof tumah latzeis: if the only exit passes through the house, the tumah is considered present even if the door is closed. In such a case, precautions must be taken.

FUN QUESTIONS WITH RABBI ARYEH LEBOWITZ

If you could be someone in Tanach for one day, who would it be?
I would probably choose someone like Eliezer, Eved Avraham. It would have to be someone who can observe greatness—someone who is close to the leader, not expected to lead, but able to witness and appreciate greatness firsthand.

If you could have any job in the Beis HaMikdash, what would it be?
Definitely not singing. I would like to arrange the atzei maracha, help others perform the avodah, and know that I laid the groundwork for them to do their service.

What English book would you make mandatory reading for parents?
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.

At Techias HaMeisim, besides family, whom are you most looking forward to meeting?
Most of the great people I would probably be too intimidated to speak to. I would cower in their presence. But there’s a lot of family I would love to meet—so many generations to consider.

What is one skill you would love to master instantly?
I would love to know how to sing.

Name someone alive whom you have never met but would like to meet.
It would definitely be a gadol b’Torah with whom I could converse. Perhaps Rav Moshe Sternbuch— he just turned one hundred.

Which Jewish song best represents hope or geulah to you?
In a somewhat unconventional way, I think “Ilan, Ilan, bama avarechecha” fits. It’s not directly about geulah, but it’s about passing on the mesorah. Ultimately, that is the promise of geulah—the longer and stronger we maintain this chain, the better our chances of achieving redemption.

Which person from Tanach do you feel you understand more deeply as you get older?
Honestly, nobody is ever fully understood. Rav Schachter sometimes says the Tanach gives us only about 1% of the story, and with Chazal and Midrashim, maybe 5%. We’re still missing 95%. But if I had to pick one I relate to more with age, it would probably be Shaul HaMelech.

If you could thank one person outside of family, past or present, for shaping who you are today, who would it be?
Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky.

What is a question you remember asking as a child that you still think about today?
When is Moshiach going to come?

Who is the most famous person with whom you went to yeshiva growing up?
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg was my classmate.

Which Gadol’s seder would you have liked to attend?
Rav Schachter shlita.

You never went to Rav Schachter’s house?
No. When his Haggadah came out, his children said, “This isn’t what he does at the Seder. There are the shiurim he gave in yeshiva, but that’s not what he does at home.”

Name someone that lived in your lifetime who had true Ahavas Yisrael.
Rav Hershel Schachter shlita and Rabbi Yehuda
Kelemer zt”l.

Name a mitzvah that the Rav has not yet performed but would like to fulfill.
Yishuv Eretz Yisrael.

If you could have a chavrusa for an hour with anyone from the beginning of time, who would it be?
Either one of my grandfathers.

Best advice the Rav ever received?
Probably from my rebbe, Rav Silver, in Kerem B’Yavneh, to go into klei kodesh. He pushed pretty hard.

Who is the busiest person you know?
My wife.

One word that summarizes Shabbos?
Oneg.

One word that summarizes Yiddishkeit?
Emes.

If you could choose one person alive to be the chief rabbi of America right now, who would it be?
Don’t we have one already? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg!
What is your favorite chesed to do for someone else?
To utilize relationships. Ninety percent of what rabbonim can do is by putting people in touch with the right people to help them.

What’s the first middah someone should look for when looking for a shidduch?
Someone who, when you are with them, makes you feel good about yourself.

What is the most difficult middah to change?
Selfishness; people think of themselves first.

Fill in the blank: When Moshiach comes ________
Everyone will recognize Malchus Shakai.

What is one subject that they do not teach in yeshivas that they should?
Tanach.

What is your go-to sefer or peirush for your weekly dvar Torah on the parsha?
Chidushei Halev by Rabbi Henoch Lebowitz (it changes all the time).

Outside of the Kotel, where do you feel that you have the most kavanah when you daven?
In my own shul by my makom kavua.

If you could go to any yeshiva in the history of mankind, where would you go?
Volozhin Yeshiva because our yeshiva is based on the model of the Volozhin Yeshiva.

Who is your favorite person in Tanach?
Chizkiyahu.

What would you say is the hardest mesechta?
Bava Kamma.

If you could have three dinner guests at your Shabbos table, anyone from the beginning of time, who would you invite?
1. My grandfather (I never met him)
2. Moshe Rabbeinu
3. Yehuda Hanasi