Deep Dive into Judaism, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose: My Conversation with Rabbi Shlomo

I've sat through some fascinating chats in my time, but my recent conversation with Rabbi Shlomo Simpser was on a whole other level. Picture a sunny golf course in Las Vegas (as if that place needs more heat) where I'm doing some fundraising for an organization I barely know, and suddenly I meet a man who can crack jokes at lightning speed. We spend the next six hours joking, sampling wine, and raising money. Little did I know that encounter would spark a friendship that would lead me to a deeper understanding of family, faith, and the art of "showing up for people."

Before I dive into what made this discussion so special, let me give you a quick snapshot of who Rabbi Shlomo is: he's a father of three energetic boys, a director with the Jewish Youth Empowerment organization NCSY, and a proud proponent of values like community, compassion, and staying proactive. After hearing him talk about balancing tradition with daily life—while also making sure we all left the golf event well-hydrated (with kosher wine, of course)—I knew I had to share his insights with more people.

A New Definition of "Community"

One of the biggest lessons I took from our conversation was how powerfully Judaism fosters a sense of community. Rabbi Shlomo explained how Jews around the world play "Jewish geography," connecting through mutual friends, local synagogues, or past experiences in Israel. Everyone seems only a cousin or two away. It's basically the social network Mark Zuckerberg wishes he'd invented—handshakes and heartfelt welcomes included.

Building Character (and Character Jokes)

Shlomo also chatted about the emphasis Jewish culture places on improving one's character. There's a text called the Torah—a guidebook he says covers everything from moral codes to practical living.

As he put it, even from a young age, you're taught kindness and empathy: treat others as you'd want to be treated, greet people with a smile, and keep negativity—especially gossip—far away. There's even a concept that says "walking around with a joyful face" can positively impact those around you. I'm not sure if my sarcastic grin counts, but hey, I'm trying.

Lessons From Mom, Dad, and the Love of His Life

Shlomo painted a lovely picture of what it was like growing up under the guidance of two parents who didn't just talk about generosity but lived it. His dad, a rabbi, once welcomed a homeless person into the family's home. His mom was always ready with a radiant smile and a willingness to feed basically anyone who stepped through the door. (Because, in case you didn't know, food is a big deal in Jewish culture—and personally, I'm not one to argue with more snacks.)

He then opened up about how his wife, Sarah, completely reshaped his life by giving him a nudge—or a shove—toward being more organized and proactive. Before her, he'd readily admit he was the "lazy bull," going with the flow. She convinced him it was wiser to plan ahead, think long-term, and do good in a more intentional way.

Fatherhood and "The Brotherhood"

We both shared stories about raising sons. I have two young boys myself, so I felt every ounce of Shlomo's hopes that his three sons would always have each other's backs. In a world that can feel chaotic, seeing siblings unite and support one another provides a sense of peace. We joked that raising boys is basically part footrace, part wrestling match, and 100% about investing in who they become. (Yes, dad math is always that accurate.)

He emphasized that one of his core values is to ensure his kids grow up caring for one another and for the broader community—pushing them to share their time, resources, or just a helping hand. Basically, Shlomo's home is like a "love factory": everyone's job is to produce as much warmth as possible for those around them. I'm considering replicating it in my own household.

The Protector Mentality

Spinning off talk of fatherhood, we explored the idea of being a "protector." Now, before you picture me in a cape and spandex, hear me out: I've been big on getting better at situational awareness. Dabbling in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because nothing says "I love you" like learning how to neutralize a scuffle before it starts. Shlomo noted that in Jewish culture—especially in places like Israel—a strong sense of preparedness is vital. On top of that, there's a community ethic that goes hand in hand with physical or spiritual defense. You do your part, trust God for the rest, and embrace what he called "the partnership between you and the divine."

Embracing Jewish Culture: Tradition Meets Humor

Shlomo offered a short tour through Judaism's guiding principles. He explained keeping the Sabbath (no technology! yes, actual rest!), giving at least 10% of earnings to charity, and even having dedicated books that teach moral conduct. It's not all list-checking. Instead, as he joked, "You incorporate your phone only if it's used for good," which I guess means ignoring that 2 A.M. scroll session on social media. He said these guidelines let you live a more purposeful life, with consistent reminders to act ethically.

Closing Thoughts: Taking the Next Step

After our conversation, I took a pause and asked myself: "What can I apply here and now?" My biggest takeaway is that you don't have to overhaul your entire world in one day. Start small: smile brightly at strangers, check in on a friend, volunteer once a month, or cook an extra meal for someone in need (hopefully that extra meal is less burnt than mine, but hey, free is free). It's about making those daily efforts count.

Shlomo left me with a direct call to action—and now I'm passing it on to you: go out there and do two nice things for others. Yes, two. Think about how transformed our communities would be if everyone did just that. At worst, you'll hold a door open and flash a grin; at best, you'll spark a circle of generosity. The coffee in your neighborhood might not get cheaper, but the world around you might just feel a whole lot warmer.

If you're curious to explore Judaism further, learn about fatherhood or comedic hijinks, or just want to see a man who cooks a mean kosher meal, check out Rabbi Shlomo.