Wisdom from the Field By Tzviki Krasnjansky

In this Field Note, I reflect on a short maamar of the Alter Rebbe and a teaching attributed to Reb Mendel Bar, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, that sparked a powerful insight about fundraising, leadership, and authenticity.
When our mission and fundraising become intertwined, how do we remain authentic? How do we ensure that our genuine care for the person in front of us doesn't get overshadowed by our need for support?
The reminder is simple, but profound: keep the ikar the ikar. Be there for the person first. Let everything else remain secondary.
I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening.
 
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Connect
If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you.
Website: coachingbytzviki.com
Email: hello@coachingbytzviki.com
WhatsApp: 808-499-5850

For this episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down with Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, head shliach to South Africa for more than fifty years, for a rich conversation about what it truly means to be a shliach.
 
Rabbi Lipskar takes us back to the beginning of his shlichus, sharing the stories and guidance from the Rebbe that shaped his life's mission. Along the way, he reflects on building Jewish life in S.A. from the ground up, navigating financial crises, leading through both extraordinary growth and difficult challenges, and building a thriving network of shluchim while fostering unity, trust, and long-term collaboration.
 
But more than anything, this conversation is about the inner life of a shliach: staying connected to the Rebbe, remaining humble, persevering through setbacks, and never losing sight of the privilege and responsibility of carrying the Rebbe's mission.
 
Whether you've been on shlichus for five years or fifty, Rabbi Lipsker's timeless wisdom offers encouragement, perspective, and a renewed appreciation for the incredible zechus of being a shliach.
 
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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 reach me via email at:
hello@coachingbytzviki.com
 
Or via WhatsApp: 808-499-5850
 
 
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In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Yitzi Steiner, shliach at the University of Minnesota, for a rich and honest conversation about campus shlichus, fundraising, family life, personal growth, and learning what really matters with time.
 
A major theme of the conversation is simple but powerful: time is your best friend. In building relationships, raising support, and finding your own way, things often take longer than we want — but patience, persistence, and consistency can open doors that pressure never could.
 
Along the way, Rabbi Steiner shares practical wisdom on following up without giving up, asking for introductions more effectively, delegating what drains your headspace, creating healthy boundaries for family, and helping other shluchim whenever possible.
 
This is a grounded, thoughtful, and deeply practical conversation for anyone building a shlichus, and for life in general.
 
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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
 
Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
 

 
In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Chaim Shaul Bruk, shliach to Bozeman, Montana, for a bold, honest, and deeply refreshing conversation about staying focused on the true mission of shlichus.
 
Nineteen years after moving to Montana, Rabbi Bruk reflects on building Jewish life across one of America’s largest states, with one of its smallest Jewish populations — from his early Merkos Shlichus trips, to creating a statewide network of shluchim, to reaching Yidden scattered across vast distances.
 
But at the heart of this conversation is a much bigger question: What are we here for?
 
With honesty, humor, and a lot of clarity, Rabbi Bruk challenges us to cut through the noise — comparison, politics, social media, public recognition, and distraction — and return to the ikar: bringing people to the Rebbe, learning and teaching Chassidus, reaching one more Yid, uplifting one more person, and living with the mission in a real way.
 
Along the way, he speaks openly about family, boundaries, chinuch, marriage, debt, inner work, and the danger of letting shlichus become defined by outside measures instead of inner purpose.
 
This is a powerful conversation about remembering what matters, staying grounded in the Rebbe’s mission, and asking ourselves honestly: What are we really here for?
 
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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
 
Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
 

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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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
 
Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
 

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
 
Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 
 

 
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
 
Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook 

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 
 

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