Ep. 23. A Fundraising Muscle Called Bitul — with Rabbi Mendy Levertov

  In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, I sit down with Rabbi Mendy Levertov, shliach of Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) in Austin, Texas.   We explore what it really takes to build a YJP community from scratch — from early uncertainty and financial pressure, to steady growth, to purchasing a permanent building.   Mendy shares openly about:   Starting YJP in Austin with no clear roadmap The early event flops (including a “cocktails & kiddush” night where no one showed up) Workshopping ideas with the community instead of assuming you know what they want And the internal shift required to ask — and to receive — with humility   But at the center of our conversation is one core idea: Fundraising is a muscle — and that muscle is called bittul.   We dive into the deeper reality of fundraising as “mon” — the daily dependence on Hashem’s bracha.   This conversation touches on:   • The bitul of asking without ego • The bitul of receiving without deflecting • The stress of building a mosad — and learning to embrace it • The power of speaking to mentors, friends, and coaches instead of trying to figure it all out alone   If you’re building, fundraising, stretching, doubting, or growing — this episode will speak directly to you.   Because sometimes the biggest growth doesn’t come from better strategy. It comes from building the muscle.   ---   If this episode was meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit.   For ongoing insights on fundraising, leadership, and the inner work of shlichus, join my email list here: https://mailchi.mp/c0f254880cc4/new-subscribers    To learn more about my work with shluchim, visit: www.coachingbytzviki.com   Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook