When Rabbi Chaim Hanoka looks back on three decades of building Chabad of Pasadena, one phrase sums up his approach: “No guts, no glory.” From renting a storefront with no idea how he’d pay for it, to announcing a building campaign on Simchas Torah and making it happen, Rabbi Hanoka shares the grit and faith it takes to build something from nothing.

But the real heart of this conversation lies beyond bold moves and big campaigns. Rabbi Hanoka opens up about the sting of rejection, the resilience required to keep going, and the importance of showing up for fellow shluchim who may be struggling. He speaks candidly about balancing family with shlichus, and why true success is measured not only in buildings and budgets, but in the strength we give each other along the way.

This episode is both raw and uplifting — a window into the courage, compassion, and commitment that define the shlichus journey.

For more about the work I do with shluchim check out my website: coachingbytzviki.com