Explore every episode of the podcast The Status with Eli Wolbrom

In this episode of The Status, host Eli Wolbrom discusses his perspectives on the State of Israel, his experience living there, and the ongoing discourse regarding Aliyah (immigration to Israel) within the American Orthodox community.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Yom HaAtzmaut Reflections: Eli shares his complex but positive feelings about Yom HaAtzmaut. While he appreciates the modern-day miracles and the vibrancy of life in Israel, he expresses discomfort with the tension between celebrating the state and adhering to certain traditional Sefira (counting of the Omer) customs (6:48 - 13:28).
• Critique of Anti-Aliyah Narratives: Eli challenges the rhetoric often heard from some American rabbis, particularly in communities like Lakewood and Monsey, who frequently discourage Aliyah. He addresses comments made by Rabbi Shoff and others, arguing that they present a distorted and negative picture of life in Israel and unfairly categorize those moving there (14:55 - 22:05).
• The "Aliyah Funnel": Eli discusses the internal conflict experienced by people in the "Aliyah funnel"—those who feel drawn to live in Israel but face hesitations and lack support from their local rabbinic leadership. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual honesty and argues that Torah sources strongly support the significance of living in Israel (22:15 - 30:15, 37:15 - 38:10).
• Rejecting Gaslighting: The host pushes back against what he terms the "Miraglim gaslighting effect," where negative narratives are used to discourage people from recognizing the value of the land. He advocates for a more grounded, honest approach to Torah-based life in Israel, rejecting the idea that such a move is inherently destructive or unwise (36:46 - 38:50, 41:38 - 43:53).

Eli concludes by reinforcing his commitment to his community in Israel and encourages those interested in Aliyah to look past the discourage-first responses they may receive from figures who may not be familiar with the realities of life in the country today.

In this fourth episode of The Status with Eli Wolbrom, Eli covers a range of personal and communal topics, reflecting on recent events in Eretz Yisroel and his own experiences. The episode is primarily focused on the somber nature of Yom HaZikaron and his thoughts on religious observance and community behavior.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day): Eli emphasizes that this is a solemn, apolitical, and holy day dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed their lives for Klal Yisroel (0:59-13:46). He expresses deep appreciation for the soldiers defending the land and condemns the act of tearing down Israeli flags by some individuals, calling it disrespectful to the fallen and the bereaved (14:18-19:05).
• Rav Shayale of Kerestir's Yahrtzeit: Eli discusses the tradition of visiting the gravesite (Kever) of Rav Shayale in Kerestir, Hungary (19:08-20:05). He shares his perspective on the Kevrei Tzadikim experience, stressing the importance of maintaining proper kavana (intention) and remembering that prayer must be directed to Hashem alone, rather than relying on the deceased or segulot (20:47-31:40).
• Living in Eretz Yisroel: Eli addresses viewer questions regarding life in Israel, including the challenges of parnassa (livelihood) and the mindset required for those moving from the Galus (Diaspora) to Israel (43:18-44:48). He advocates for having a solid plan before moving but maintains that it is the ideal place for a Jewish person to live.
• General Q&A: He answers various anonymous submissions via the NGL platform, touching on his personal life, his views on influencers like Rav Eli Stefansky (59:12-1:00:17), and his philosophy on communication and

In this 3rd episode of The Status with Eli Wolbrom podcast, Eli discusses challenges in Israel regarding the exchange rate, fog of war and the ceasefires, his tour of the City of David (Ir Dovid) and the newly excavated Pilgrimage Road. He also discusses Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmut as well as Har HaBayit and the Kotel.Like, share and subscribe!

Welcome to The Status with Eli Wolbrom.Episode 2.Keyboard warriors, Yom HaAtzmut, my schedule, and whatever else came up.Topics include:Keyboard warriors and online nonsenseYom HaAtzmutWhat my day actually looks like living hereLife in Eretz YisroelWorkAnd moreTo join my WhatsApp status: 917-613-8901Subscribe if you’re into it.

This is episode one of Eli Wolbrom’s new podcast, “The Status with Eli Wolbrom”. In this inaugural episode, Eli introduces himself, discusses the genesis of the podcast coming to fruition and gives a bit of a backstory on his Aliyah journey to Eretz Yisroel. The Status with Eli Wolbrom will discuss Eretz Yisroel, Aliyah, living a pragmatic, Torah-oriented life in Eretz Yisroel, world new, politics, Nach and other Torah and serve as a natural extension for content shared on his WhatsApp status.Ask