There’s goodness in everyone, humor in everything, and faith in tragedy

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Rabbi Mendy sits down with his oldest brother, Rabbi Chanoch Bistritzky—known affectionately to his students as "Rabbi B." Together, they revisit their unique childhood in Southern California as children of Chabad shluchim, exploring memories filled with humor, mischief, and a profound sense of mission. Rabbi Chanoch reflects on the formative experiences that led him to embrace a life of Torah education, and how growing up surrounded by authenticity, warmth, and non-judgmental love shaped his approach to guiding students today.

The episode takes an especially moving turn as Rabbi Chanoch shares the story of his infant daughter's unexpected passing on Yom Kippur, and how that tragedy transformed—but did not diminish—his faith and joy in life. He speaks with candor about grief, purpose, and continuing to "raise" a soul even after it has left this world. Through it all, the brothers explore big themes: the balance between "the truth" and "your truth," why humor was the currency of their youth, and what it really means to see people not as broken, but as whole.