Ben Sternschuss
- From:
- Tuscon, Arizona
- Age:
- 22
- College:
- University of Arizona
- Major:
- Finance
- Career:
- Financial Advisor
The Interview
Ben, where do you stand in your Jewish observance today?
I am currently working towards becoming observant by learning in Machon Yaakov Yeshiva in Jerusalem.
Great place! Tell us about your Jewish family background.
My family is from Ukraine, a place which experienced a lot of antisemitism. My father told me that in order to protect him, his mom didn't tell him he was Jewish until he was 16 years old.
What kind of Jewish home did you grow up in, and what kind of Jewish education did you receive?
I grew up in a secular Jewish home with no Jewish education.
How did you hear about The Podcast Fellowship?
I was introduced to TPF through a rabbi on campus (Rabbi Yehuda Weiss of Olami Arizona).
Would you have started The Podcast Fellowship without the $15 stipend offer?
Yes, I would have been interested, but the stipend was a great incentive.
Tell us about your experience with TPF.
I've had many deep, meaningful conversations with my mentor about the classes I listened to. I would prepare our discussion by taking notes of key points of questions I had. I thought the learning model was great; it made the learning real and applicable to my life.
What is your favorite podcast topic?
My favorite speaker is Rabbi John Ghermezian, and my favorite topic is his podcast on effectively handling emotions.
Let's go backwards: did you witness antisemitism after and since October 7th, 2023?
October 7 was a big mindset change; it made me start taking my Jewish learning seriously. It was tough to deal with seeing the encampments on my campus, but my rabbi advised that the best way to combat it is to build a strong internal Jewish identity.
He is a wise rabbi. Ben, can you sum up your experience with The Podcast Fellowship in one quote?
The Podcast Fellowship gave me access to ideas that helped unlock my Jewish spirit.