Embezzlement, Addiction, and Teshuva: A Candid Conversation

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   Support this podcast by donating here: https://donorbox.org/chabad-of-saugus