Despite Derailments and Detours, Rav Reuven Berman Focuses on the Destination

“Life is like a train. You might get derailed, but you know where the train needs to go. You get back on the track.”

Rav Reuven Berman didn’t plan to leave chinuch. He made Aliyah with a dream job teaching Torah in Yerushalayim—but it quickly became clear that the math didn’t work. With five kids and growing responsibilities, he transitioned into the business world while trying to hold on to his identity as a ben Torah.

In this honest and moving conversation, we cover:
✅ Being grouned in business while also connecting to yeshiva
✅ What he learned from a personal tragedy
✅ Why teaching—even part-time—can protect your neshama
✅ The power of a strong minyan
✅ How to stop dreaming of the “perfect community” and live in the one you’ve got
✅ And why every year in yeshiva still counts—even if you go to work later

Reuven shares what helped him stay grounded through transitions, success, and grief—and why he still dreams of being back in the beit midrash full time.

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