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.   ---   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 [https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers]    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com [http://www.coachingbytzviki.com]   If you would like to share some feedback you can email me at: hello@coachingbytzviki.com [hello@coachingbytzviki.com]   Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.   —   You can reach Rabbi Schusterman via:   WhatsApp: 404-931-6449 Email: eliyahu@elijahthenonprofit.com [eliyahu@elijahthenonprofit.com]   —   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 [https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers]    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com [http://www.coachingbytzviki.com/]   Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.   ---   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 [https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers]    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com [http://www.coachingbytzviki.com/]   Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.     ---   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 [https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers]    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com [http://www.coachingbytzviki.com/]   Follow on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

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.   ---   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 [https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers]    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com [http://www.coachingbytzviki.com/]   Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook