Chavie begins the conversation by asking Chaim about his childhood, growing up under the Rebbe’s wings in Crown Heights. He shares how idyllic it was to live in the Rebbe’s presence and how it permeated every aspect of daily life. He also reflects on some of the negative influences he absorbed as a yeshiva student, particularly the “you are with us or against us” mentality. Chaim talks about how his marriage to Chavie and the personal growth that followed helped shift his perspective, allowing him to see the world in a more nuanced way. He and Chavie discuss the importance of having a mentor—an objective third party to guide couples—along with seeking more rigorous support through therapy. Chaim and Chavie share numerous personal anecdotes about how this approach has helped them navigate the often-turbulent reality of raising five adopted children in the remote Jewish outpost of Bozeman, Montana.

Rabbi Chaim Bruk is the Co-CEO and spiritual leader of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana. He moved to Montana in 2007 with his wife Chavie, where they launched a renaissance of Jewish life across the state. They are raising their five children in Big Sky Country, where they enjoy nature daily. Chaim loves teaching Torah, writing about Judaism and current events, and has an obsession with kosher sushi.

Referenced on the Pod

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This week's episode is sponsored by Dr. Leorah Ross and her daughter Kochav in honor of the yahrzeit of her father, Reb Shmuel Zev OBM, and in honor of Klal Yisroel, our amazing Jewish family. 

This week’s episode is also dedicated by Daniel ben Yita Feiga and Sarah Emunah bas Sarah, who are dear friends and pillars of Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana.   

Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].