Passport by Rabbi Issamar | Yiddish Business Podcast

Every year a man takes on a kabbalah. Be a better father. Be more careful with brachos. Learn more. And by Cheshvan it is gone, and then he does something worse than losing it: he decides it means something about who he is. Rabbi Issamar argues it means nothing of the kind, and that the problem was the sentence, not the man. You cannot become a better father on a Tuesday. There is no starting line and no finish line. It is a bucket, and a bucket cannot be practiced.Last week's list gets taken apart first. Say hello before he says it to you, use his name, ask the second question. Every item is easy, and a man who runs the list without understanding what it is for becomes the man who nods at everything and uses your name four times in a sentence. He did all five and he is worse than before he started. From there: WIIFM and WIIFY, and the difference between the two. A fire lieutenant in America who walked his entire crew out of an ordinary house seconds before the floor collapsed into a basement he did not know was there, and was certain for years afterward that it had been a sixth sense. The two kinds of doctors, one of whom calls the patient three months later to find out what actually happened and one of whom never asks. A taxi in Yerushalayim nineteen years ago that cost one company tens of thousands of shekel and they still do not know why. And the magazine article where Rabbi Issamar found out he had been consultant number two or three out of five. It ends on one uncomfortable question and one small kabbalah that a person can actually keep. This is the second half of a two part series; part one is the previous episode.This episode is sponsored by WinWin. WinWinHires.com. Reach Rabbi Issamar for consulting or feedback: rebissamar@gmail.com. Voicemail 718-212-1345. Passport by Rabbi Issamar is the #1 Yiddish-language business podcast.

A single smile is the fastest way past a person's defenses, and almost nobody in business uses it on purpose. In this episode of the #1 Yiddish-language business podcast, Rabbi Issamar Ginzberg unpacks the psychology of humor: why we laugh at the unexpected, why you cannot tickle yourself, and how a well-placed smile creates the alignment that lets a salesperson, a speaker, a rebbi, or a CEO get someone to stop thinking their own thoughts and start hearing yours.
From Sarah's laughter at the birth of Yitzchak to the research on first impressions, Rabbi Issamar shows the hard mechanics behind the warmth: a salesperson has roughly seven to twelve seconds to earn credibility, a speaker has thirty to forty seconds to break the ice, and humor is the fastest way to win that window. You will come away seeing humor as body language, as a trust builder, and as a practical tool you can use in your next meeting, shiur, classroom, or at your own Shabbos table. In Yiddish.
Reach Rabbi Issamar for consulting or feedback: www.rabbiissamar.com. Voicemail (718) 212-1345. Passport by Rabbi Issamar is the #1 Yiddish-language business podcast.

Most business owners chase brand-new leads while ignoring the goldmine sitting right in front of them: former customers who already know, like, and trust them. In this Yiddish-language shiur, Rabbi Issamar Ginzberg breaks down the client-reactivation principle; the research-backed reality that roughly 80% of lapsed customers are ready to re-engage the moment you reach out, and why so few businesses ever do.
Drawing on Torah insight and two decades of consulting across dozens of industries, Rabbi Issamar lays out the mindset shift and the practical steps to win back the customers you already earned once. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, salespeople, and business owners who want the fastest, cheapest source of new revenue hiding in their own contact list.

In this unique and thought-provoking lecture, Rabbi Issamar Ginzberg draws powerful parallels between the personal introspection of Elul and the remarkable business success of Ozempic, a groundbreaking medication in the world of diabetes and weight loss. Using the teaching of the Kedushas Tzion of Bobov—"Open for Me an opening the size of the eye of a needle"—Rabbi Ginzberg highlights how both spiritual and business growth often come with discomfort, but lead to incredible results.
The lecture weaves together Torah insights, business strategy, and psychology to explore how gradual preparation, embracing challenges, building community, and continuous innovation can lead to lasting success—both in business and in life. Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone seeking personal growth will find valuable lessons and inspiration in this engaging talk. Learn how the principles of Elul can guide us in achieving both spiritual and professional empowerment.
Join Rabbi Ginzberg as he shares deep Torah wisdom alongside cutting-edge marketing insights in this transformative lecture!

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of empathy in both personal and professional contexts. From recent incidents of an avreich arrested on serious charges, to the timeless example of Moshe Rabbeinu connecting deeply with the suffering of his fellow Israelites, we discuss how empathy is key to understanding and supporting others in complex situations.
But empathy isn’t just for personal relationships—it’s also a powerful tool in the world of copywriting and sales. We’ll explore how truly understanding your audience’s needs and emotions can transform your approach to writing, marketing, and selling. By putting yourself in your customers' shoes, you can craft messages that resonate emotionally, build trust, and drive business success.
Gain practical tips for integrating empathy into both leadership and business, offering actionable strategies for deepening your relationships, increasing engagement, and boosting results. Whether you're leading a community, writing sales copy, or just looking to connect more authentically with others, empathy is the key.
Tune in to learn how empathy can transform not just your relationships but your entire approach to communication and leadership.

Discover the fascinating story behind Mars's acquisition of Kellanova in this engaging lecture, "Kvellanova." We'll explore the strategic brilliance and unexpected insights that led to one of the most significant business deals in the food industry, featuring iconic brands like Pringles, Cheez-It, NutriGrain, and RX Bar. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just curious about mergers and acquisitions, this session will offer valuable lessons on why companies get bought, the art of the deal, and what makes a business truly worth kvelling about. 

"Crisp Chiddushim" is a podcast episode that delves into the innovative journey of Pringles, exploring how this iconic snack brand revolutionized the industry with its unique approach to product design, marketing, and global expansion. Geared towards Jewish entrepreneurs, this episode uncovers the "chiddushim"—or new insights—that Pringles brought to the table, offering valuable lessons in branding, consistency, and creative problem-solving. Whether you're looking to gain inspiration for your own ventures or simply curious about the secrets behind Pringles' success, "Crisp Chiddushim" promises to deliver fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways.

Join Rabbi Issamar in the #1 Yiddish language podcast for entrepreneurs as he delves into the extraordinary life and lessons of John Mackey, the visionary co-founder of Whole Foods Market. In this episode, Rabbi Issamar takes you on an in-depth journey through Mackey’s early days of self-discovery, his passion for natural foods, and the philosophical foundations that shaped his entrepreneurial path.
Discover how Mackey’s unwavering commitment to conscious capitalism, purpose-driven business, and stakeholder philosophy propelled Whole Foods to the forefront of the organic food revolution. Through captivating stories and practical insights, this episode unravels the secrets of Mackey's success and provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, guidance, or a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a mission-driven business, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and explore how the power of values, vision, and resilience can transform an idea into a global phenomenon.