Shtark Tank From Stress to Serenity ft. Simon Baum
Simon Baum is a seasoned lawyer, a Daf Yomi maggid shiur (twice daily!), and a thoughtful voice on what it means to live an integrated Torah life while fully immersed in the workforce. But his real story begins not with success, but with a breakdown.
In this moving and practical conversation, Simon opens up about:
Hitting rock bottom after closing a billion-dollar deal
Reframing his relationship with Hashem from stress to serenity
Giving a Daf Yomi shiur as a path to deeper learning and community
The relationship between professional success and spiritual growth
Simon shares his high-powered legal career, his weekly flights between London and Israel, and the moment of inner collapse that made him question everything—even at the peak of outward success.
Real growth came not from switching jobs—but from changing his view of what it means to live with Hashem. Guilt-based Yiddishkeit gave way to an honest, intimate relationship with the Ribbono Shel Olam.
Simon moved to a Tel Aviv law firm, enabling a less frantic schedule and new consistency in his learning. His twice-daily Daf Yomi shiur has grown into a tight-knit chevra with shared values and simchas.
Work isn’t just a B’dieved. Simon explains how his law career actually deepened his Torah—offering insights, challenges, and identity shifts he couldn't have experienced elsewhere.
Simon explores how to grow spiritually without falling into toxic introspection, and how healthier self-worth leads to healthier avodah, relationships, and responses to stress.
Olam HaYedidus by Rav Shlomo Wolbe
Bikshu M’sham and K’savim by Rav Soloveitchik
Crossing the Unknown Sea by David Whyte
Money Quote: “Real relationships have closeness and distance. You don’t do Avodas Hashem just to tick boxes—you do it because it’s real, and you want to live it.”
Chapters
00:00 Intro and Early Life
04:17 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change
10:02 Transforming Life: Practical Changes and New Perspectives
17:00 Integrating Faith and Daily Life: A New Approach
21:59 The Pilgrimage of Identity in Work
23:50 Crisis and Self-Discovery
27:19 Managing Stress and Relationships
31:17 Navigating Self-Reflection and Growth
35:39 Seeking Professional Help vs. Self-Help
41:50 Future Aspirations
44:00 Lightning Round