Advertise on podcast: Wisdom from the Field By Tzviki Krasnjansky

In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down with Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum, shliach to Folsom, California, for a conversation about nearly 20 years on shlichus and the lessons he's learned along the way. One of the central themes of our conversation is the importance of genuine connection. Taking the time to listen, getting to know people, and caring about them without an agenda. As Rabbi Grossbaum puts it, “Be a lighthouse, not a tugboat.” Our job isn't to pull people, but to inspire them through who we are and the relationships we build. We also discuss: Why listening is one of the most important things a shliach can do. Building relationships without an agenda. Fundraising with confidence, handling rejection, and responding when someone says no. Thinking big, having bitachon, and making keilim for greater brachos. Prioritizing shalom bayis and family while balancing the demands of shlichus. Focusing on your strengths and doing what works for you. An honest conversation with plenty of practical lessons and food for thought.

In this episode, I sit down with my uncle, Rabbi Bentzion Krasnianski, who has led Chabad of the Upper East Side for 35 years—and is now entering a historic new collaboration with Park East Synagogue.   But this conversation goes far beyond the announcement.   At its heart is one powerful conviction: Give people the real deal.   Don’t water down Yiddishkeit or underestimate the people you are trying to reach. Become immersed in the wellsprings of Chassidus, allow them to transform you, and then communicate them with authenticity and conviction. Because people aren’t only listening to what you say—they’re watching how you live.   That same principle shapes Rabbi Krasnianski’s approach to fundraising. Meaningful institutions aren’t built by collecting donations. They are built by developing genuine relationships and cultivating partners who take ownership of the mission—people who stop asking, “What are you doing?” and begin asking, “What are we doing?”   But there are no shortcuts. It takes years of giving, serving, building trust, and responding to one need at a time.   We explore the unique challenges of shlichus on the Upper East Side, the difference between donors and true partners, why communicating Yiddishkeit transforms the shliach himself, and how 35 years of consistent work ultimately opened the door to an opportunity Rabbi Krasnianski never could have imagined.   A passionate conversation about being emes, cultivating ownership, the long game of leadership, and what becomes possible when a shliach remains faithful to the mission.   ---   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: [email protected]   Or via WhatsApp: 808-499-5850     Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Are you really afraid of hearing “no”—or of what you believe that “no” would mean? In this Field Note, I share a coaching conversation about uncovering the hidden beliefs behind our fears—and how questioning those beliefs can help us become freer and move forward. To register for the upcoming workshop, Mastering the Inner Game of Fundraising, using the link below. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5U9xqtFvQ72DLhUvNPuQvg

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.   -   Free Workshop Mastering the Inner Game of Fundraising Discover how to overcome the fears, beliefs, and inner patterns that hold us back from fundraising with more confidence, authenticity, and freedom. 📅 Monday, August 24 - Yud Alef Elul 🕐 1:00 PM Eastern Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5U9xqtFvQ72DLhUvNPuQvg   -   Connect If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. Website: coachingbytzviki.com Email: [email protected] 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.   ---   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: [email protected]   Or via WhatsApp: 808-499-5850     Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.   ---   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: [email protected]   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?   ---   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: [email protected]   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.   ---   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: [email protected]   Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.   —   You can reach Rabbi Schusterman via:   WhatsApp: 404-931-6449 Email: [email protected]   —   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.   ---   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.     ---   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.   ---   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.   ---   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

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.   ---   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

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.   ---   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