R' Mendy Chitric | Living as a Rabbi in a Place Most Jews Wouldn't Dare Go

R' Mendy Chitric | Living as a Rabbi in a Place Most Jews Wouldn't Dare Go

Author: Meaningful Minute May 24, 2025 Duration: 1:27:18

This is the extraordinary journey of Rabbi Mendy Chitric, a Chabad rabbi based in Turkey. Born in Tzfat and part of an 11th-generation Chabad family, Rabbi Chitric has spent the last 25 years serving the Jewish community in Istanbul — a city where Jewish life dates back 2,700 years.

Originally planning to stay for just one year, Rabbi Chitric remained to answer the needs of a community facing significant challenges: assimilation, declining population, and a need for strong Jewish infrastructure.

This video dives deep into Rabbi Chitric's insights on:🕍 The rich Jewish history of Istanbul
🕊️ The importance of Jewish-Muslim coexistence
📖 The power of Torah in maintaining identity
🌍 How Jewish traditions are celebrated from Turkey to Qatar
🕯️ A moving metaphor of candles and torches — spreading light together

He shares personal stories of interfaith relationships, the role of rabbis in Muslim countries, and the importance of mutual respect and faith in building a better world.



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Editor: Sruly Saftlas



Every week, Nachi and Momo sit down for a conversation that feels more like a discovery than an interview. Their Meaningful People podcast explores the journeys of fascinating individuals from across the Jewish world, though you don't need to be Jewish to find their stories compelling. These are artists, educators, thinkers, and community builders-people whose lives are driven by purpose. Each episode delves into the personal turning points, challenges, and inspirations that shaped them, moving beyond public personas to reveal the real human experience behind them. You’ll hear conversations that are as likely to be funny and lighthearted as they are profound and reflective, offering a genuine sense of connection. This isn't about abstract ideas, but about the lived wisdom that comes from a life examined. Tune in for a weekly dose of perspective that feels both uplifting and grounding, a reminder of the diverse paths that lead to a meaningful life. From Meaningful Minute, this podcast sits at the unique intersection of spirituality, self-improvement, and education, all through the power of personal narrative.
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