Shows
Chatting RabbisThe king is in the fieldEliezer and Mendy discuss the month of Elul as preparation for the High Holidays, including the influence of AI on our lives and how to streamline our work and family commitments.2023-08-2423 min
Chatting RabbisSummer TravelsA lighthearted conversation about Mendy and Eliezer's summer travels, sprinkled with fascinating tidbits of history and traditions.2023-08-1726 min
Chatting Rabbis20 Av in AlmatyReflections on visiting the grave of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on the day of his yahrtzeit.2023-08-1026 min
Chatting RabbisIsrael, Jewish Unity, and Tisha B'avA somber conversation about the current political climate in Israel which is causing a tremendous rift between ideologies and fellow Jews, and an important lesson from Tisha B'av for current events.2023-07-2622 min
Chatting RabbisThe Kashrus IndustryWith Mendy on his way back from the AKO conference in Montreal, an informative conversation about the ins and outs of the kashrus industry, especially how it relates to everyday life, both of a Chabad shliach and the average consumer.2023-07-2028 min
Chatting RabbisShabbos at the OhelA recap of the Shabbos Eliezer and Mendy spent at the Ohel together with thousands of others marking the Rebbe's yahrtzeit.2023-07-0626 min
Chatting RabbisGimmel Tammuz - The Rebbe's YahrtzeitJoin Mendy and Eliezer for an emotional conversation and "farbrengen" marking the Rebbe's yahrtzeit.2023-06-2124 min
Chatting RabbisSocial MediaA conversation about the upside and downside of being in a world of social media, and how to possibly make the best out of the various mediums of communication available today.2023-06-1525 min
Chatting RabbisSending kids to campAn important conversation about sending kids to camps, from the perspective of parents as well as Eliezer and Mendy's own camp experiences as campers and counselors.2023-06-0822 min
Chatting RabbisShavuot reflectionsEliezer and Mendy recap their Shavuot activities and discuss the various traditions that have evolved over time and their implementation in Chabad communities.2023-06-0125 min
Chatting RabbisNorth African UpdateMendy recaps and shares inspiration from his travels of the last two weeks - to Tunisia to comfort the Jewish community of Djerba following a terrorist attack, and to Morocco to participate in the regional Kinus Hashluchim.2023-05-2327 min
Chatting RabbisJewish UnityA special Lag Baomer episode, complete with the history of the Omer mourning customs and how our behavior during this period is meant to be a catalyst for Jewish unity throughout the year.2023-05-0426 min
Chatting RabbisCaring and LearningIn the first half of this episode Mendy and Eliezer discuss the devotion of Chabad rabbis and rebbetzins in the former Soviet Union, highlighted by a recent visit of 600 students to Istanbul. In the second half, Mendy recounts his recent trip back to the ground zero in Antakya and the fascinating conversations he had with his travel-mates.2023-04-2725 min
Chatting RabbisCollectionsA brief conversation (due to technical difficulties) about the value of collecting historical artifacts, such as stamps, coins, books, manuscripts, etc.2023-04-1917 min
Chatting RabbisFocus on the kidsA conversation about the importance of focusing on our kids during Pesach and in general.2023-03-3026 min
Chatting RabbisGetting TerritorialA conversation about the pros and cons of being territorial when it comes to Chabad institutions and shlichus in general.2023-03-2328 min
Chatting RabbisStaying motivatedEliezer and Mendy discuss how they stay motivated to do what they do, and whether seeing tangible success in their work is a factor. 2023-03-1627 min
Chatting RabbisIn those days and in our timesA special Purim episode about turning darkness and sadness into light and happiness, in the past and present, and about making the best of every situation.2023-03-0227 min
Chatting RabbisEruv ControversyMendy and Eliezer discuss the oft debated topic of whether or not communities like Crown Heights should have an eruv, allowing people to carry things outdoors on Shabbos. 2023-02-2328 min
Chatting RabbisEarthquake UpdateA firsthand account from Mendy of the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.2023-02-0814 min
Chatting RabbisYud ShevatThe 10th ("Yud") of Shevat is the yahrtzeit of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe and the day that the Rebbe officially took over leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In this episode, Eliezer and Mendy reflect on the day's significance and its relevance today.2023-02-0127 min
Chatting RabbisSerious Torah StudyAfter a brief introduction about Eliezer's side occupation as copy editor of the Derher magazine, the conversation moves on to the need for a more serious commitment to Torah study and Chabad's inclusion in the broader Jewish world, a topic weighing on Mendy's heart.2023-01-2626 min
Chatting RabbisCensorship, Scribes, Slaughter, and CircumcisionMendy and Eliezer briefly discuss the backlash from the previous episode and then transition to a conversation about skills Mendy picked up outside of his typical yeshiva education: safrus (scribal art), shechita (ritual slaughter), and milah (circumcision).2023-01-1930 min
Chatting RabbisSecular Studies in YeshivasMendy and Eliezer discuss the contentious subject of secular studies in Chassidic schools, particularly Chabad, examining the issue from various perspectives. Their conclusions may surprise you.2023-01-1229 min
Chatting RabbisSmartphones part 2Continuing the conversation about smartphones, especially as it relates to our children, Eliezer and Mendy discuss the methods schools and yeshivas use to enforce their rules and how sometimes using a little common sense and individualized attention can go a long way.2023-01-0528 min
Chatting RabbisSmartphone AddictionMendy and Eliezer discuss the use of smartphones and its widespread ramifications, for themselves as adults and also for their children, especially those in yeshivah, where common-sense delicate enforcement is necessary.2022-12-2928 min
Chatting RabbisBatter up!Is it about a donut batter or a baseball batter? The only way to find out is by eavesdropping on this lively Chanukah conversation between Eliezer Zalmanov and Mendy Chitrik.2022-12-2226 min
Chatting RabbisYud-Tes KislevEliezer and Mendy discuss the significance of the Chabad holiday "Yud-Tes Kislev" commemorating the Alter Rebbe's release from prison in 1798. Eliezer shares his recently re-lived memories of celebrating Yud-Tes Kislev with his late rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Yisroel Freidman. 2022-12-1524 min
Chatting RabbisJewish Pride in ViennaA Shabbaton for European Jewish teenagers in the Austrian capital leads to a discussion about Jewish pride in general, and especially in places where Jews have suffered so much in the past. Eliezer and Mendy also touch upon the development of "shlichus" over time and how Chabad Houses generally operate today.2022-12-0828 min
Chatting RabbisA calling, not a jobWith some amusing stories from their own experiences, Eliezer and Mendy discuss the importance of Chabad yeshiva students willingly making themselves available to help in the mission of bringing the joy of Torah and Judaism to the world rather than turning it into a job for pay. 2022-12-0127 min
Chatting RabbisBagels and FarbrengensFrom Qatar to New York City: Mendy and Eliezer start with discussing the efforts to make kosher food available to Jewish World-Cup fans, before moving on to a recap of their most inspiring and uplifting weekend at the International Kinus Hashluchim. Bonus: A behind-the-scenes peek of a farbrengen.2022-11-2429 min
Chatting RabbisHealing the worldThe world can sometimes seem broken and in need of healing and repair. In advance of the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries (the Kinus Hashluchim) Eliezer and Mendy discuss how the world can be made into a better place and how each individual can do something about it, starting in our own lives.2022-11-1725 min
Chatting RabbisElectionsIn the wake of recent elections in the US and Israel, Mendy and Eliezer have a spirited conversation about the significance of voting and whether every vote actually matters.2022-11-1027 min
Chatting RabbisWelcome to Season 2After a brief hiatus for the month of holidays, Mendy and Eliezer are back with a new season of Chatting Rabbis, starting off by providing an peek into the lives of Chabad rabbis during the busiest month of the year.2022-11-0327 min
Chatting RabbisSeason FinaleWith the High Holidays approaching, Mendy and Eliezer wrap up the first season of Chatting Rabbis with a conversation about personal growth and improvement, looking towards a great year ahead.2022-09-0825 min
Chatting RabbisThe Education CrisisAs a follow up to last week's episode, Eliezer and Mendy continue exploring the tuition crisis, which from a parent's perspective is really an education crisis where schools and yeshivas need to up their game drastically.2022-09-0127 min
Chatting RabbisThe Tuition CrisisAn emotional conversation about the tuition crisis facing the Jewish world at large, and specifically within the Chabad community. Mendy and Eliezer discuss the problem at length, and even offer some possible solutions.2022-08-2529 min
Chatting Rabbis20 Av: The Rebbe's Father's YahrtzeitA conversation about the significance of the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who was imprisoned and exiled to Kazakhstan, and eventually died in exile, due to his insistence on upholding the strictest standards of Jewish law in the Soviet Union. 2022-08-1826 min
Chatting RabbisZeide's birthdayIn honor of the birthday of Eliezer and Mendy's late grandfather, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Chitrik, they reflect on their memories of him, including an honest conversation about how his character shaped their lives and personalities.2022-08-1126 min
Chatting RabbisPurposeful MourningWith Tisha B'av this week, Mendy and Eliezer discuss the differing observances of the day in their communities, and what the true purpose of the fasting and mourning is—a hope and prayer for a brighter time. Also included is a brief conversation about whether rabbis should take vacations. As always, we welcome our listeners' feedback.2022-08-0427 min
Chatting RabbisGender roles and moreAfter a brief follow up to episode 41, which has been temporarily taken down until further review, Mendy and Eliezer explore the blurring of traditional gender roles in family life, and how it can actually be a good thing.2022-07-2828 min
Chatting RabbisRabbis shouldn't jump shipWhen a community is facing a difficult time, the last thing needed is for their leaders to abandon them. Worse is when the abandonment is the result of the rabbi's personal ambitions and illusions of grandiose. Mendy and Eliezer get down into the trenches on this shocking trend.2022-07-2128 min
Chatting RabbisThe Placeholder EpisodeWith the Chatting Rabbis attempting to go a week or two without wading into controversial subjects, this episode serves as a placeholder of sorts. As a result, a variety of unscripted topics are covered, including: Mendy and Eliezer's grandmother's birthday, a little about her parents and her life (may she live and be well), the emphasis some of their ancestors placed on their lineage, and also a recap of Mendy's recent travels in New York and New Jersey.2022-07-1427 min
Chatting RabbisLet's be there for themWhen someone makes the leap and decides to become frum and adopt a religious or Chassidic lifestyle, they still need the support and guidance from their mentors as they did when they were just getting started. Mendy and Eliezer explore this sensitive subject in hopes of bringing awareness and rectification.2022-07-0727 min
Chatting RabbisMarking The Rebbe's YahrtzeitJoin a no holds barred "farbrengen" with Mendy and Eliezer about the Rebbe's upcoming yahrtzeit, on the 3rd of Tammuz, and what its relevance to us should be today.2022-06-3028 min
Chatting RabbisTall TalesOur memories are far from perfect, and as a result our recounting of events often includes embellishments and inaccuracies. But when does a story move from being merely inaccurate to being completely false and contrived? As always, an unscripted conversation about issues on Mendy and Eliezer's minds.2022-06-2325 min
Chatting RabbisSelf-promotion isn't real. Or is it?Self-promotion is often necessary, especially in the context of community building, but it's also sometimes overused to the point of complete fabrication. Listen to Eliezer and Mendy discuss the need for good PR, and along the way learn about a country's new name, inflation, cats in Starbucks, and even kiddush menus.2022-06-1629 min
Chatting RabbisOne day or two days?Mendy and Eliezer discuss the enigma of Jewish holidays (in this case, Shavuot) being a day longer in the diaspora than in Israel, and how that affects travelers today. As always, personal anecdotes and observations round out this fascinating topic.2022-06-0928 min
Chatting RabbisEnding Gun ViolenceIn the wake of last week's mass shooting in a Texas school, Eliezer and Mendy have an emotional conversation about how to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future, including the roles of guns and government, the culture of violence, and a lack of morals.2022-06-0228 min
Chatting RabbisSay NO to holy violenceRecent events in Israel within the Ger Chassidic community inspired this conversation about tolerance towards people whose views are different than our own, and the importance of condemning violence and intimidation in any form. Ahavat Yisrael, love for your fellow Jew, doesn't only extend to people you agree with.2022-05-2627 min
Chatting RabbisKabbalah, Chassidus, and Lag Ba'omerLag Ba'omer is the anniversary of passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar and the first to disseminate Kabbalah, hence the association of this date with the study of Jewish mysticism in general, and Chassidus in particular. Mendy and Eliezer discuss their own struggles with esoteric study, sharing tips on how to overcome these challenges.2022-05-1928 min
Chatting RabbisThe great tapestryEliezer and Mendy discuss the value of being non-judgmental and open to conflicting views, before segueing into a recap of the recent conference of Chabad rabbis in Europe, Africa, and Middle East, held in Lisbon, Portugal, and a general history lesson of various worldwide Jewish communities.2022-05-1227 min
Chatting RabbisHolocaust Remembrance DayYom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) as well as Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) commemorate Jewish lives lost in the not-so-distant past. So why don't many orthodox Jews observe these seemingly significant days? Mendy and Eliezer discuss the reasons, as part of a somber conversation about the Holocaust in general.2022-05-0527 min
Chatting RabbisPassover RecapEliezer and Mendy recap their Passover activities and travels, also sharing memories from past Passovers, and some of the eclectic collection of Haggadahs Mendy used this year.2022-04-2829 min
Chatting RabbisPassover QuirksPassover is a holiday with many unique and often peculiar traditions, both in the Chabad community and in the Jewish world at large. Eliezer and Mendy offer some insight to these customs in their own families, along with an exploration of various other Passover observances, including tips on how to overcome Passover-related anxiety.2022-04-1331 min
Chatting RabbisThe Rebbe's BirthdayNext Tuesday is the Rebbe's 120th birthday, and Mendy and Eliezer don't necessarily see eye to eye on how it should be marked. But they still manage to have a cordial and lively conversation on the subject.2022-04-0724 min
Chatting RabbisThe World ExpoA conversation about Mendy's visit to the World Expo in Dubai with his son, as a symbol for world peace, tolerance, and even as a tool for educating our own children.2022-03-3128 min
Chatting RabbisRabbi Chaim KanievskyA conversation about the recent passing of the great scholar Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, and the lessons that can be learned from his extreme commitment to Torah study, and the role he played in building bridges within the community.2022-03-2427 min
Chatting RabbisPurim!In this special Purim episode, Mendy and Eliezer discuss the deeper meaning of the holiday—Purim joy (including drinking on Purim), rising above our inhibitions, and Jewish unity—along with childhood memories and how they celebrate Purim with their communities today. Bonus: Mendy's solo rendition of a tune from Fiddler on the Roof.2022-03-1627 min
Chatting RabbisUkraine still on our mindsWith war still raging in Ukraine and hundreds of thousands of Jews having evacuated or still in harms way, Eliezer and Mendy discuss the many efforts to protect them, with a focus on the outpouring of kindness coming from all over the world.
Prayers for a peaceful resolution!2022-03-1028 min
Chatting RabbisUkraine On Our MindsSo much of Chabad history is based in Ukraine, coupled with the personal connections Mendy and Eliezer currently have in that besieged region. With the war still raging, a fascinating conversation ensues, complete with stories and anecdotes, bringing it all to life.
NOTE: Since the situation in Ukraine continues to change from minute to minute, our conversation may not reflect up to date information about the predicament of our friends there.2022-03-0328 min
Chatting RabbisChabad and IsraelEliezer and Mendy have a lively discussion about the complex and often contradictory relationship Chabad has with Zionism and the State of Israel.2022-02-2426 min
Chatting RabbisVisiting AuschwitzEliezer caught some flack for tweeting that people should stop visiting Auschwitz, and Mendy vehemently disagreed with him from an emotional and also an existential perspective. Listen to both sides of this somber subject, and come away with a better appreciation for how the Holocaust shaped the Jewish world today and into the future.2022-02-1726 min
Chatting RabbisShould rabbis be political?Politics, personal opinions, social media, cancel culture, and everything in between. Should rabbis who represent something far greater than themselves be involved in political commentary? Eliezer and Mendy tackle this pet peeve in hopes of bringing clarity to the subject.2022-02-1026 min
Chatting RabbisRemembering Rabbi Dovid Moshe LiebermanMendy shares memories and lessons from the life of his grandfather, Rabbi Dovid Moshe Lieberman, whose shiva concludes this week. From Holocaust survivor to world renowned rabbi and halachic authority, and above all a proud Chossid and family man.2022-02-0331 min
Chatting RabbisJust AskThe Mishnah (Avot 2:5) says, "A bashful person cannot learn, a short-tempered person cannot teach." Mendy and Eliezer discuss their efforts (and challenges) with both sides of this important teaching, how asking questions is the key to learning, and how being available to respond is the key to being good-natured.
Bonus: Weather report for Turkey in January.2022-01-2728 min
Chatting RabbisOur "Elter Zeide" Reb Yehuda ChitrikCommemorating the yahrtzeit of their great-grandfather Rabbi Yehuda Chitrik, Eliezer and Mendy share memories and lessons they learned from him and his 106 years of a very full life. From Russia to Belgium, Montreal, New York, and Miami, learn about this fascinating yet humble character, who studied under three generations of Chabad Rebbes, starting at the original yeshiva in the city of Lubavitch.2022-01-2031 min
Chatting RabbisAbuse in Our CommunitiesAn emotionally charged conversation about the horrors of sexual abuse, how the religious Jewish community is not immune to it, and what might be the correct way to deal with it as parents and as community leaders.2022-01-1328 min
Chatting RabbisHealthy Body and SoulMendy and Eliezer get personal about their life-long struggles with weight and how they continue to overcome their individual challenges by living healthy and active lifestyles. Learn how the same tools recommended to push yourself to exercise can be applied to Jewish observance and Torah learning. And how you can actually learn Torah while working out.2022-01-0627 min
Chatting RabbisRabbis in Islamic StatesA first-hand account of last week's summit of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States in Istanbul, including the surprise visit to the presidential palace in Ankara and meeting with Turkish President Erdogan. Learn about the mutual respect that exists between the Jewish communities and their host countries and some of the issues being dealt with by this diverse group of Jewish leaders.2021-12-3029 min
Chatting RabbisEducating Our Children and OurselvesAn honest conversation about how we raise and educate our children, including the lessons we learn from the mistakes we make along the way. Education is a work in progress, and sometimes the focus needs to be on educating ourselves on how to be better parents.2021-12-2329 min
Chatting RabbisJewish Travelers - The SequelAfter last week's episode about the challenges of dealing with Jewish travelers, Eliezer and Mendy discuss the positive side of hosting and interacting with the many people that pass through our doors. There are inspiring stories of personal growth, as well as the friendships developed over years with repeat visitors, balancing out the challenges and ultimately making it all worthwhile.2021-12-1631 min
Chatting RabbisChabad and the Jewish TravelerWhile some Chabad Houses function to serve tourists and travelers, the focus of the majority of Chabad rabbis and rebbetzins is primarily to serve their local communities. Once in a while a visitor needs help and Chabad is always there to lend a hand. But travelers often expect Chabad to be there to provide for all of their needs, from kosher meals to lodging to minyanim. Mendy and Eliezer attempt to clarify how this affects them and their ability to focus on serving their communities first.2021-12-0926 min
Chatting RabbisChanukah Customs and TraditionsAn exploration of some fascinating Chanukah traditions: Where were the Syrian-Greeks actually from? The connection between Tisha B'av and Chanukah. Why do some Jews have an extra candle on their menorahs? Where should the menorah be lit and what shape should it be? All this and much more in this special Chanukah episode, from Turkey to Indiana. And don't forget the Chanukah-gelt.2021-11-3029 min
Chatting RabbisIs Shlichus the Ultimate Sacrifice?Is a shliach more committed to the ideals of Chabad and the Rebbe than a fellow Lubavitcher who is not a shliach? Does our sacrifice today compare to the sacrifice of those that came before us? Commemorating the 19th of Kislev, the "festival of liberation" of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad, Mendy and Eliezer tackle this heavy and often sensitive subject. Also, the Turkish connection to Yud-Tes Kislev and whether introvert vs. extrovert is real or imagined.2021-11-2529 min
Chatting RabbisThe Chief Rabbi of IranA conversation about the recent visit to the United States by Rabbi Yehuda Gerami of Iran. Eliezer and Mendy discuss the pushback his trip faced, and the importance of communities having capable leaders who understand the need for development, as well as the need for interaction with other communities and their leaders in order to grow and evolve. Along the way, learn about some of the differences between Chabad yeshivas and others, and how there can be more than one "correct" spiritual path.2021-11-1830 min
Chatting RabbisAntisemitismIn discussing the phenomenon of antisemitism, Mendy and Eliezer cover a wide range of topics, such as historic Jew hatred, Jewish pride, Hollywood's depiction of religious Jews, how to combat racism and bigotry in general, Judaism not seeking converts, and how the world can be a better place for everyone—if we would only want it to be.2021-11-1127 min
Chatting RabbisFree Market JudaismFrom Sweden to Manhattan to Indiana, breakaways in the Jewish community are sometimes unavoidable, especially given the different styles, personalities, and ages of the prominent players. Eliezer and Mendy discuss how this painful subject can be utilized as a springboard to communal growth and maturity.2021-11-0430 min
Chatting RabbisCan't we all just get along?Eliezer and Mendy discuss the relationship, and sometimes the divergence, Chabad rabbis have with the "establishment" and the various elements of their communities, including rabbis of other congregations, communal lay leaders, and Jewish Federations. A special episode in honor of the Kinus Hashluchim, the International Conference of Chabad Emissaries, being held this weekend in New York.2021-10-2829 min
Chatting RabbisThe Last JewDiscover the backstory of the rescue of Afghanistan's last Jew, and along the way learn about the process of long distance halachic divorces and how a rabbi should deal complex halachic issues in general, as well as the evolution of Jewish tradition and culture, including the popularization of kosher sushi and what the Rebbe said about one family's responsibility to their neighbors. You are invited to eavesdrop on this fascinating conversation from Turkey to Indiana, and everything in between.2021-10-2128 min
Chatting RabbisMaking the search meaningfulMendy and Eliezer discuss how the back roads of Turkey, this week's Torah portion, kosher certification, tires, dogs, and leaving your mark (or not) on the world, all connect. Join us as we search for meaning, and attempt to make the search itself meaningful.2021-10-1432 min
Chatting RabbisIntroductionMeet Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov and Rabbi Mendy Chitrik in the first episode of an honest and frank podcast.2021-10-0728 min