My Oldest Friend Became a Rabbi w/ Rabbi Dov Yona Korn

In this rich and reflective episode of the Personal Pizza Podcast, host Simcha Levenberg reconnects with his lifelong friend Rabbi Dov Yona Korn, spiritual director of Chabad House Bowery, for a conversation that spans nearly four decades of friendship and two very different pizzas.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vjengrn0BE0

As they cook side by side, Simcha and Rabbi trace the arc of his life: from wild teen years to spiritual searching, and ultimately, to becoming a rabbi. It’s a story of transformation told with humor, honesty, and deep personal insight.

They revisit their childhood antics, unpack their biggest arguments, and open up about the ways they’ve grown - emotionally, spiritually, and even physically - thanks to their recent fitness journeys. Along the way, Rabbi Korn shares how he found his calling, what he’s building at Haba House, and why he's writing a memoir that pulls no punches.

This episode blends laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of unfiltered truth that only old friends can offer. It’s a conversation about growth, faith, forgiveness—and how pizza can bring it all to the table.

👉 Subscribe now and take a bite out of the most fascinating topics on mind, body, and soul. This is just the beginning.

Simcha Levenberg (https://slevenberg.com/) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. He uses a unique blend of humor, authenticity and real world knowledge. Simcha helps individuals clarify their personal values and live a present and more meaningful life. He helps couples transform their relationships to be more open and emotionally flexible.

This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Producer Rithu Jagannath, & Editor Jeremiah Schultz. To learn more about how to make a podcast for you and your business, visit rainbowcreative.co