R' Benjamin Goldschmidt: The Crazy Story Behind a $35 Million Shul
Summary
Rabbi Yitzchak Goldschmidt recounts his journey from growing up in Moscow to becoming a rabbi in Manhattan. After being fired from Park East Synagogue, he launched Altneu, a nomadic congregation that rented different venues weekly for two years. This innovative approach grew the community, eventually leading them to purchase a $35 million historic building for a permanent home.
Topics discussed
Intro: Building a mobile Jewish community in Manhattan
Joel's upbringing in Moscow during the rebirth of Jewish life
Moving to Bnei Brak and studying at Ponevezh Yeshiva
Dating in the 'freezer' and deciding to become a rabbi
Ten years as assistant rabbi at Park East Synagogue
Being fired and the vulnerability of the rabbinate
Starting Alt-Nai Shul with no fixed location
The anxiety and growth of the 'shul on wheels'
Finding a permanent home and defining the shul's identity
Hospitality, Shabbos, and navigating political speech
Anti-Semitism, education, and the loss of a community member
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