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: rabbisenter@adereshatorah.com

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✬ 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

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Kosher Money is the bi-weekly podcast from Living Lchaim, hosted by Eli Langer.

Why do kids feel like everyone else has more?

In this thoughtful and eye-opening conversation, Rabbi Ari Schonfeld shares practical insights on parenting, money, social pressure, and how children develop their sense of self in a world filled with comparisons.

From growing up in a home with very little, to leading a yeshiva and running a summer camp, Rabbi Schonfeld offers a rare perspective on what kids actually notice about money — and what parents often underestimate.

When do children start comparing themselves to others? Why do brands, vacations, and clothing suddenly matter so much? And how can parents raise kids who feel confident and proud of their values, even when they can’t have everything their friends have?

Along the way, Rabbi Schonfeld shares powerful stories about childhood, school environments, parenting challenges, and one unforgettable moment when a teenager said something that stopped him in his tracks: “I don’t want his trips. I want him.”

This is an honest conversation about money, parenting, pressure, and what kids really want from the people raising them.

I’m grateful to have had this conversation with Rabbi Ari Schonfeld.

R’ Ari’s podcast can be found on:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-curve-mishpacha/id1744827367

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ISRvKPoVS77dZqbbDNx1e?si=RnoE0DF9RLuAbHQbYAqYWA

Here is Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz’s phenomenal talk on betting: https://youtu.be/ahvN4L-fDQQ

👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 110 ✬

► 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 office@goldstarmechanicalny.com. 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 to Know About ✬

• ​ 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 BRAND NEW 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 #JewishParenting #RabbiAriSchonfeld #JewishWisdom #MoneyAndParenting #TorahPerspective #LivingLchaim #EliLanger #CampAish #KosherMoneyPodcast #JewishLife #KM