Chatting Rabbis

By Eliezer Zalmanov and Mendy Chitrik

A cross-Atlantic conversation between Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov of Munster, Indiana, and Rabbi Mendy Chitrik of Istanbul, Turkey.

Come for the novelty, stay for the intriguing discussions and topics, an... more

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FAQs about Chatting Rabbis:

How many episodes does Chatting Rabbis have?

The podcast currently has 106 episodes available.

Chatting Rabbis episodes:

January 20, 2022 Our "Elter Zeide" Reb Yehuda Chitrik
Commemorating 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.
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32min
January 13, 2022 Abuse in Our Communities
An 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.
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29min
January 06, 2022 Healthy Body and Soul
Mendy 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.
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28min
December 30, 2021 Rabbis in Islamic States
A 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.
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30min
December 23, 2021 Educating Our Children and Ourselves
An 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.
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30min
December 16, 2021 Jewish Travelers - The Sequel
After 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.
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32min
December 09, 2021 Chabad and the Jewish Traveler
While 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.
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27min
November 30, 2021 Chanukah Customs and Traditions
An 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.
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30min
November 25, 2021 Is 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.
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30min
November 18, 2021 The Chief Rabbi of Iran
A 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.
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31min

FAQs about Chatting Rabbis:

How many episodes does Chatting Rabbis have?

The podcast currently has 106 episodes available.