Kosher Money

Why Jewish Life Feels So Expensive These Days

Kosher Money

Show Notes

Why does Orthodox Jewish life feel so expensive these days?

In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Rabbi Chaim Zvi Senter shares his perspective on money, family pressure, entitlement, resilience, emunah, and the rising cost of Jewish life.

From housing in Israel to tuition, kollel support, fundraising culture, and the pressure parents feel to keep up, Rabbi Senter offers clarity, warmth, and hard truth. Drawing on decades of life in Eretz Yisroel, he speaks candidly about what has changed, what hasn’t, & where many families are quietly struggling.

Why do so many parents feel overwhelmed by the financial expectations of frum life? Are children becoming entitled or are adults simply afraid to say no? Should every child be sent to learn in Israel, even when the cost is crushing? And what happens when tzedakah starts to feel more like gambling than giving?

Along the way, Rabbi Senter speaks about visiting children learning in Israel, raising emotionally healthy and resilient families, and how to strengthen emunah when money feels tight and the future feels uncertain.

He also addresses the cultural messages we are sending our children through the luxuries we normalize, the prizes we offer, and even the way we fundraise.

Let's not lose sight of what really matters!

Email: [email protected]

👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 111 ✬

► BF DESIGN – Welcome our newest advertiser to the Kosher Money family. BF Design is a studio and architectural services firm specializing in commercial, residential, multi-family, and healthcare projects. Their approach is simple: get the early stages right. From feasibility and codes to practical, efficient design, they help make sure your project can actually be built AND built well. With 50+ professionals, 20+ years of experience, and over 50 million square feet planned, BF Design brings smart planning and beautiful execution to every project. Visit https://bfdesign.com or reach out at 732.961.1202 or [email protected]

► GOLD STAR MECHANICAL – This is a trusted HVAC company located in the Five Towns, serving Long Island, and New York City. I know because I (Eli) used them! Super service and terrific work. They do repairs, installs, and preventative maintenance for everything from rooftop units to central air systems. New preventative maintenance customers can save 10% off their first year, with custom plans and pricing based on your building, number of units, and system needs. Mention my name when you call 516-246-5252 or email [email protected]. A really great team. Visit https://goldstarmechanical.com/ to learn more. Enjoy!

► BITBEAN – Your custom software solution with incredible talent at a fraction of the price it used to be. Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53

► COLEL CHABAD – Feeding families in Israel since 1788. Make a difference today: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney

✬ Helpful Resources ✬

• Living Smarter Jewish brings free financial coaching to families: https://livingsmarterjewish.org/

• Kosher Debt Help – Honest, agenda-free help if you’re in debt: https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/

• Kosher ADHD – Practical guidance for families living with ADHD: https://kosher-adhd.com/

Follow Kosher Money on TikTok & Instagram: @koshermoneypod

Visit our website: https://www.livinglchaim.com/

Call-in Hotline: USA 605-477-2100 | UK 0333-366-0154 | Israel 079-579-5088

WhatsApp feedback: 1-914-222-5513

Hosted by Eli Langer, Kosher Money is the Jewish finance podcast from Living Lchaim that shares financial advice and a Jewish approach to money and business.

#KosherMoney #RabbiChaimZviSenter #RabbiSenter #JewishMoney #FrumLife #JewishParenting #Emunah #Tzedakah #Kollel #Israel #TorahPerspective #LivingLchaim #EliLanger #km

More from Kosher Money

Oct 14, 2026

Tuvy Lemberg wasn't exactly the kid anyone expected to become a successful entrepreneur. He struggled in school, got kicked out, dropped out as a teenager, and spent years trying to figure out where he belonged. Then he built a photography products company that brought in millions of dollars in revenue. The money came. The nice cars came. The recognition came. But the happiness he thought would come with all of it? Not so much. In this episode of Kosher Money, Tuvy shares his remarkable journey from struggling student to successful business owner, why financial success left him feeling empty, how he found his way back to Yiddishkeit, and what he learned about taking risks, building businesses, finding love, and starting over. It's an honest conversation about money, happiness, bitachon, and why it's never too late to change the direction of your life. We also get into his latest business venture, Primal Crisp, and what it takes to turn an idea into a real business. His contact is [email protected] 👉 ✬ SPONSORS ✬ ► COLEL CHABAD: And speaking of using money for what actually matters, we want to thank Colel Chabad for partnering with us on this episode. For more than 200 years, they've been helping families across Israel with much-needed resources: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney ► COACH SHMUEL SHAYOWITZ: A lot of financial stress comes from making a big decision before fully understanding the numbers. Whether you're thinking about buying a home, refinancing, an investment property, or business financing, Shmuel helps you understand your options. Visit https://CoachShmuel.com/LSJ to schedule a conversation. ► BF DESIGN: If you're building a home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, a development, a school, a shul, or other commercial space, the early planning matters a lot more than people realize. BF Design focuses on making projects practical, buildable, and efficient from the start, helping clients avoid expensive mistakes later on. They've planned over 50 million square feet and work on projects across New Jersey, Florida, and beyond. Visit https://BFDesign.com ► BITBEAN: Your custom software solution with incredible talent at a fraction of the price it used to be. Please tell Alex that Eli from Kosher Money sent ya! Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53 ✬ Helpful Resources ✬ ► KOSHER DEBT HELP – Honest, agenda-free help for people dealing with debt and financial pressure. Visit https://www.kosherdebthelp.com/ ► LIVING SMARTER JEWISH – Free financial coaching and guidance for the frum community. Visit https://LivingSmarterJewish.org/ Follow Kosher Money on TikTok & Instagram: @koshermoneypod Visit our website: https://www.livinglchaim.com/ Call-in Hotline: USA: 605-477-2100 UK: 0333-366-0154 Israel: 079-579-5088 WhatsApp feedback: 1-914-222-5513 #KosherMoney #TuvyLemberg #JewishMoney #Entrepreneurship #Business #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #Wealth #Happiness #Bitachon #Judaism #JewishWisdom #Yiddishkeit #JewishBusiness #FrumLife #JewishPodcast #EliLanger #LivingLchaim #KM

Sep 23, 2026

Five years ago, Rabbi, author, podcaster, Jewish thinker, friend - Dovid Bashevkin came on Kosher Money and gave us a lot to think about. Well, he’s back. And this time, we get into our relationship with money: why it has such a hold on us, what we’re really chasing through it, and how to build a life where money matters… without it becoming what matters most.

Sep 9, 2026

There's one idea behind why anyone invests at all. Compound interest. Understand it, and the way you think about every dollar you own starts to change.The earlier you learn this, the more it's worth. Literally. That's the whole point of compound interest.That's why Kosher Money has teamed up with Collective Kindness to premiere episode one of the Newlyweds Course, the first offering from CK Academy. Your teacher is Yosef. Open a notebook. Then do the exercise at the end.GET THE FULL COURSEThe Newlyweds Course is eight videos plus your own guidance counselor, built for couples starting married life. Normally $100. Use code KOSHERMONEY for 75% off. That's the whole thing for $25.Good for the first 750 couples, so don't wait.BUY: https://collectivekindness.net/academy/newlyweds-courseNot a newlywed? Sign up anyway. The lessons don't expire.​Disclaimer: The content in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or product. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not represent any firm they work for. No advisor-client relationship is created by watching this video. Consult your own licensed financial advisor, accountant, or attorney before acting on anything discussed. All figures and examples are illustrative. Past performance does not predict future results.

Aug 12, 2026

DISCLAIMER: This episode discusses a challenge that some businesses and individuals have experienced when extending credit or waiting for payment. This is a widespread problem, not specific to one industry, one religion or one group of people. Also, it is vital to emphasize that these experiences should not be understood as reflecting the conduct of the community as a whole. The overwhelming majority of people strive to act with integrity, honesty, and in line with both the law and Torah values. Our goal here is not to stereotype or cast blame, but to have an honest discussion about a real issue. If anybody has specific questions that are relevant to their situation, they should speak to their local Orthodox rabbi. This show is not meant to offer specific halachic or legal guidance in any way, shape or form. Our hope is that by talking about this with care, we can encourage accountability, strengthen trust, and reinforce the values we all share.At 35, Rivka Brodsky was starting over with eight kids, no work experience, and few computer skills. Years later, she built a collections business recovering millions, while helping others become financially independent. Her story is impressive and she is a real inspiration for many. Rivka's Email: [email protected] Rivka's WhatsApp: 732-806-5726

Jul 9, 2026

A new government investment account is making headlines. Some people are calling it one of the biggest opportunities ever offered to parents. Others think it's being oversold. So what's actually true? In this episode, we break down the new Trump Account from top to bottom. Who qualifies, how the $1,000 government contribution works, whether it's really "free money," the tax implications, the downsides almost nobody is talking about, and whether this should be your first choice over a 529 plan or Roth IRA - don't worry I explain what those are. If you have children, grandchildren, or hope to one day, this is an episode you'll want to understand before making any decisions. Listen closely and enjoy.

See all episodes →