In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Mendy sits down with his oldest brother, Rabbi Chanoch Bistritzky—known affectionately to his students as "Rabbi B." Together, they revisit their unique childhood in Southern California as children of Chabad shluchim, exploring memories filled with humor, mischief, and a profound sense of mission. Rabbi Chanoch reflects on the formative experiences that led him to embrace a life of Torah education, and how growing up surrounded by authenticity, warmth, and non-judgmental love shaped his approach to guiding students today.

The episode takes an especially moving turn as Rabbi Chanoch shares the story of his infant daughter's unexpected passing on Yom Kippur, and how that tragedy transformed—but did not diminish—his faith and joy in life. He speaks with candor about grief, purpose, and continuing to "raise" a soul even after it has left this world. Through it all, the brothers explore big themes: the balance between "the truth" and "your truth," why humor was the currency of their youth, and what it really means to see people not as broken, but as whole.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Long Short Way, Rabbi Mendy Bistritzky sits down with well-respected Rabbi and educator, Rabbi Mendel Zirkind, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on paradox, faith, doubt, and the challenges of spiritual leadership. With humility and honesty, Rabbi Zirkind reflects on paving his own path while growing up in a prestigious rabbinic family.

They explore what it means to pursue truth without abandoning faith, how to reconcile rational thinking with deep intuition, and why embracing paradox might be the most honest form of belief. Rabbi Zirkind shares his insights on parenting, trauma, how we can educate better, and his work with yeshiva students in alternative yeshiva settings. He also opens up about his personal connection to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and how that relationship continues to shape his decisions, including his upcoming move to Melbourne to become a community rabbi.

This episode isn't about easy answers—it's about honest questions and the beauty of serving Hashem the long short way.

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In the debut episode of The Long Short Way, Rabbi Mendy Bistritzky speaks with Jonathan Schwartz, a former Hollywood business manager who once had it all—until a secret gambling addiction drove him to steal over $7 million from celebrity clients, including Alanis Morissette. His story made national headlines, but the public scandal was only part of a much deeper unraveling.

Jonathan opens up about the dual life he was living: embezzling funds, gambling recklessly, and using drugs—all while outwardly attending synagogue and trying to keep up appearances. After hitting rock bottom and serving time in federal prison, Jonathan began a path of true t’shuva—Jewish repentance—not just as an abstract idea, but as a daily, humbling practice of change. This conversation explores the pain of self-deception, the cost of broken trust, and the redemptive power of faith, community, and spiritual honesty.

To get in touch with Jonathan, find him on Instagram at @therealjonathanschwartz⁩

Support this podcast by donating here: https://donorbox.org/chabad-of-saugus