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