Wisdom from the Field By Tzviki Krasnjansky

Ep. 28 The Courage to Go First — with Rabbi Menachem Caytak

In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Menachem Caytak, shliach to Troy, Michigan, for a powerful conversation about building a community before it was obvious to anyone else.
 
Still in his first seven years on shlichus, Rabbi Caytak shares how he began building Jewish life in Troy one door and one relationship at a time — with persistence, grit, and a willingness to keep showing up.
 
Again and again, what stands out is his courage to go first: to see and speak a vision before it was fully visible, to talk about a Jewish center before there was a center, to look for a building before the money was there, and to keep creating keilim before he knew exactly how the brachos would come.
 
Along the way, he shares story after story of open Hashgacha Protis and remarkable miracles: unexpected donors, impossible opportunities, and doors opening in ways he never could have planned.
 
He also speaks about the power of writing a weekly duch to the Rebbe, as well as beginning the day with learning Rambam.
 
This episode is an inspiring reminder that hatzlocho is built through both emunah and action — the courage to go first, the discipline to keep showing up, and the full bitachon that when we create the keilim, Hashem fills them with bracha.
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
If you would like to share some feedback you can email me at:
hello@coachingbytzviki.com
 
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Fundraising Special: From Constant Pressure to Clear Strategy with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman

 
In this special episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down once again with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman to explore a practical and highly organized approach to annual fundraising.
 
We discuss the shift from constant year-round fundraising pressure toward a more structured annual campaign model — including donor strategy, major gifts, ambassadors, campaign planning, and how presenting your moised with greater clarity and confidence can change the way people respond.
 
This conversation is especially relevant for shluchim and nonprofit leaders looking to create a more sustainable, focused, and effective fundraising process.
 
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You can reach Rabbi Schusterman via:
 
WhatsApp: 404-931-6449
Email: eliyahu@elijahthenonprofit.com
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
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Ep. 27. No One Can Stop You — But You | Rabbi Yossi Mintz

In this powerful conversation, Rabbi Yossi Mintz of Chabad Redando Beach shares the mindset, courage, and relentless persistence behind building one of the most impactful shlichus operations in California.
 
What began as a small grassroots Chabad house in Redondo Beach eventually grew into a thriving network of programs, schools, community initiatives, and a $70 million Friendship Campus — but Rabbi Mintz makes it clear that the greatest limitations were never external.
 
“The ceiling was in my own mind.”
 
In this episode, we explore:
 
breaking through internal limitations
developing the courage to think bigger
building deep donor relationships over decades
why persistence matters more than quick wins
how love for another Yid opens every door
leadership, delegation, and growing an organization
navigating pressure, uncertainty, and setbacks with bitachon
the power of positivity — and why if it’s not good, the story isn’t over
 
This conversation is filled with fiery encouragement, practical fundraising wisdom, powerful stories, and a deep sense of mission and responsibility.
 
If you’re a shliach, leader, fundraiser, or anyone trying to build something meaningful, this episode will challenge you to think bigger — and remind you that sometimes the only thing standing in the way is yourself.
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
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Ep. 26. I Send My Invoices to Heaven | A Conversation with Rabbi Moishy Goldman

 
In this rich and honest conversation, I sit down with Rabbi Moishy Goldman, shliach at Chabad of Waterloo, to explore the realities of shlichus — both the practical and the internal.
 
We speak about the balance between having strong bitachon and doing your part — including Moishe’s powerful line: “I send my invoices to heaven.”
 
We also get into the ups and downs of fundraising, losing major donors and rebuilding, and why doing something — even if it’s imperfect — matters more than waiting for the ideal system.
We also discuss:
 
Setting boundaries between family life and shlichus while building a Chabad house
Not being overly hard on yourself
How to keep moving even when things feel heavy
The importance of handing off what others can do — and focusing on what only you can do
 
And maybe most importantly — we explore the unseen impact of shlichus, and why you may be doing far more than you realize.
 
If you’re looking for a good dose of chizuk, or just a gishmak, enjoyable conversation — you’ll really enjoy this one.
 
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
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Ep. 25. "The Rebbe Doesn’t Say No" - Emunah, Hiskashrus, and Overcoming Everything with Rabbi Moishe Meir Lipszyc

What does it take to build a moisad over decades — through uncertainty, pressure, and real-life challenges?
 
In this conversation, Rabbi Moshe Meir Lipszyc shares his journey of over 35 years of shlichus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — from starting with almost nothing to building a thriving community.
 
At the center of it all is a powerful belief:
 
The Rebbe doesn’t say “no.”
 
A life rooted in emunah and hiskashrus — turning to the Rebbe for guidance, brachos, and strength — especially in the most difficult moments.
 
From that foundation comes a mindset that shapes everything:
 
“There’s nothing I can’t overcome.”
 
We explore how this plays out in real life — through personal health struggles, raising children with complex needs, financial pressure, and the ongoing responsibility of leading and growing a community.
 
We also dive into his approach to fundraising and relationships, including:
 
Playing the long game — building relationships over time rather than chasing quick wins
Going after the person, not the money — and building genuine friendships with donors
Showing up beyond the ask — being there for people in a real, consistent way
Understanding different types of relationships — and how to approach each one with clarity and intention
 
A powerful theme throughout the conversation is the importance of shluchim supporting each other — not only in ruchniyus, but also in gashmiyus. Rabbi Lipszyc shares a vision of shluchim actively helping one another, financially and personally, as a path to collective strength and success.
This is an episode about emunah, hiskashrus, resilience, and what it takes to build something that lasts.
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
 

Ep. 24. Why You Struggle to Delegate - and What Real Leadership Requires With Rabbi Yosef Romano

Delegation is one of the biggest growth challenges for shluchim.
 
Many shluchim know they should be delegating — yet still find themselves doing everything themselves. Why is that?
 
In this conversation with Rabbi Yosef Romano, founder of Chabad Suite and Chabad Concierge, we explore what really gets in the way of successful delegation.
 
Drawing from years of working with shluchim and helping them build systems and teams, Yosef shares powerful insights into the deeper dynamics of delegation — including the mindset shifts, leadership growth, and organizational structure required to build a thriving moisad.
 
We discuss:
•Why delegation is much harder than it looks
•The difference between delegating tasks, responsibilities, and ownership
•Why you can’t effectively delegate what you don’t understand
•The leadership transition from pioneer → operator → institutional leader
•What it takes to build real infrastructure in a growing Chabad house
 
This conversation goes far beyond virtual assistants or administrative help.
 
It’s about the inner and outer shifts required for a shliach to grow from doing everything themselves to building something that can grow beyond them.
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 

Ep. 23. A Fundraising Muscle Called Bitul — with Rabbi Mendy Levertov

 
In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down with Rabbi Mendy Levertov, shliach of Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) in Austin, Texas.
 
We explore what it really takes to build a YJP community from scratch — from early uncertainty and financial pressure, to steady growth, to purchasing a permanent building.
 
Mendy shares openly about:
 
Starting YJP in Austin with no clear roadmap
The early event flops (including a “cocktails & kiddush” night where no one showed up)
Workshopping ideas with the community instead of assuming you know what they want
And the internal shift required to ask — and to receive — with humility
 
But at the center of our conversation is one core idea:
Fundraising is a muscle — and that muscle is called bittul.
 
We dive into the deeper reality of fundraising as “mon” — the daily dependence on Hashem’s bracha.
 
This conversation touches on:
 
• The bitul of asking without ego• The bitul of receiving without deflecting• The stress of building a mosad — and learning to embrace it• The power of speaking to mentors, friends, and coaches instead of trying to figure it all out alone
 
If you’re building, fundraising, stretching, doubting, or growing — this episode will speak directly to you.
 
Because sometimes the biggest growth doesn’t come from better strategy.
It comes from building the muscle.
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
 

Ep. 22. The Biggest Miracle Is That I Didn’t Give Up — with Rabbi Alex Kaller

In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, Tzviki sits down with Rabbi Alex Kaller, founder of the Chabad Russian Center of South Florida, for a rare, open conversation about building—both externally and internally.
Rabbi Kaller shares his journey from growing up Jewish but secular in Moscow, to discovering Yiddishkeit, choosing shlichus, and arriving in Florida with no contacts, no infrastructure, and a simple mandate: learn how to swim.
The heart of this episode is the story of building a permanent home for Jewish life—a six-story center with a shul, mikvah, and growing school—and the inner resilience that made it possible.
Along the way, Rabbi Kaller speaks candidly about setbacks, lost supporters, long delays, and moments of real uncertainty. He also shares how, during some of the hardest stretches, he found himself repeatedly going to the Ohel—davening, knocking on Heaven’s door, and drawing strength to keep taking the next step even when clarity was missing.
But this is not a story of despair. It’s a story of showing up, of trusting in Hashem even when you can’t yet see the outcome, and of discovering that strength often appears after you think you’ve reached your limit.
With humility, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, he reflects on what sustained him, and why—looking back—the greatest miracle wasn’t the building itself, but the decision to keep going.
This episode is for shluchim and leaders who are carrying big visions, navigating real pressure, and trying to build something that will outlast them.
This is an episode about struggle—but even more, about bitachon, perseverance, and the quiet power of not giving up.
 
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If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.
 
For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here:
https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit:
www.coachingbytzviki.com
 
Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 

Ep. 21. Beyond Functioning: Presence, Growth, and Inner Work on Shlichus - with Rabbi Peretz & Chanie Chein

In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down with Rabbi Peretz Chein and Chanie Chein for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation on Avodah Pnimis—inner work—and what it means to truly live with presence, vitality, and personal geulah on shlichus.
We explore their work through M54 Institute for Insourcing - עבודה פנימית. a learning model built around insourcing—shifting from externally driven doing to internally grounded growth. Together, we unpack why passion and idealism alone don’t sustain a lifetime of shlichus, and why many shluchim and shluchos find themselves highly functional on the outside while feeling heavy, rushed, or disconnected on the inside.
This conversation goes beyond tactics and systems. We talk about:
Why “doing, doing, doing” can quietly become a form of avoidance
How noticing without judgment becomes a gateway to real change
The difference between success and geulah
Why presence—not productivity—is often the missing ingredient
How inner work directly impacts family life, community relationships, and long-term impact
If you’ve ever felt that things are “working” but something essential feels missing—this episode opens a powerful doorway.
 
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If you’d like to learn more about Rabbi Peretz and Chanie Chein’s upcoming programs and their work, you’ll find the links below.
 
Group for shluchim: https://form.jotform.com/251868965643272 
Group for shluchos: https://form.jotform.com/260145533197154 
M54 website: www.m54.org/ 
 
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If you’d like to receive short reflections, insights, and practical notes from my work with shluchim, you can subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers 
 
To learn more about my work with shluchim, check out my website: www.coachingbytzviki.com

Ep. 20. The Spiritual Side of Fundraising — with Rabbi Zalman Teichtel

What if fundraising isn’t a necessary evil — but a sacred part of shlichus?
In this second conversation with Rabbi Zalman Teichtel, we explore the spiritual inner world behind fundraising: the mindset, the meaning, and the avodah that transforms asking for money into an act of leadership and connection.
Rabbi Teichtel reflects on the response to his first appearance on the podcast and why validating the hard years of shlichus matters — not to dwell there, but to move forward with strength. He also shares how a shift in mindset changed everything: from survival mode and self-doubt to clarity, and building from a place of strength.
This episode touches on:
How reframing fundraising as giving others a zechus removes much of the hesitation around asking
Why giving transforms the giver as much as it helps the moised
Balancing systems and strategy with deep bitachon and emunah in l’maalah min ha’teva
Turning fundraising conversations into genuine ruchniyusdik encounters
This isn’t an episode about tactics or scripts.It’s about who you are being when you walk into the room.
If fundraising has ever felt uncomfortable, draining, or separate from your shlichus — this conversation reframes it entirely.
 
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To see more about my work with shluchim, check out my website: coachingbytzviki.com
 
If you’d like to receive short reflections, insights, and practical notes from my work with shluchim, you can subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers