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

👉 ✬ 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.

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Visit https://goldstarmechanical.com/ to learn more. Enjoy!

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► 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

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This is one of those episodes that just keeps getting better as it goes.

Our guest this week is a Cleveland-based entrepreneurial dentist who is as kind as he is impressive.

He invited us into his home to share deep wisdom on wealth, health, and raising a family, culminating in a masterclass on how the '1%' actually get things done.

Dr. Louis Malcmacher is a world-renowned educator, businessman, and a true chessed machine. Enjoy!

(My thanks to David Wester for the video and audio of this episode and to Chaikel Kaufman and friends for facilitating it!)

👉 ✬ SPONSORS OF EPISODE 108 ✬

► NQGRG – Halachic estate planning made simple. Protect your family, legally and according to Torah law. Visit https://NQGRG.com or email Shlomo at sk@nqgrg.com - it's peace of mind!

► BITBEAN – Turn big ideas into scalable, AI-powered software. Learn more at https://bitbean.link/4edg53

► COLEL CHABAD – Feeding families in Israel since 1788. Make a difference today: https://ColelChabad.org/KosherMoney

✬ Helpful Efforts Out in the World ✬

• 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/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

00:40 Growing Up in Cleveland

02:10 Going to Public School

03:40 Becoming More Orthodox

04:45 His Father’s Shoe Store

05:20 The First Job

05:57 Other Early Jobs

06:27 Learning From Every Experience

07:29 Going Into Dentistry

08:57 Starting His First Practice

10:26 Leveling Up and Taking Risk

14:27 Reliable Halachic Planning at NQGRG

17:34 His Biggest Mistake

18:25 Taking Risks in Dentistry

19:34 The Opportunity with Ancillary Revenue

22:12 Staying Within the Industry

24:21 Having Tough Conversations

27:13 A Message to Educators

28:58 BitBean Takes Your Big Ideas and Brings Them to Life

29:45 Living in a Materialistic World

35:10 The Costs of Living in Different Places

38:24 Being Involved in Community Work and Finding Time

41:57 Colel Chabad Feeds Thousands of Families in Israel

42:48 The Legacy of Mendy Klein

46:18 Working Your Way Up to Success

48:00 Children With Different Labels Can Achieve Success

49:26 Brush Your Teeth!

50:08 We Do Not Take Care of Ourselves

52:34 Get Things Done

59:02 The Many Talents of the Jewish Nation

59:29 Thank You Dr. Malcmacher

1:01:10 Outro: Takeaways, Sponsors and Giveaway Announcement

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 #JewishWisdom #TorahInsights #Cleveland #Dentists #Malzmacher #Ohio #Advice #MendyKlein #LivingLchaim #KM