Rabbi Mendy Krinsky: Lighting New England’s Way with Faith and Community

On this episode of Learning to Fly, host Bruce Mittman sits down with Rabbi Mendy Krinsky, president and spiritual leader of the Chabad Jewish Center in Needham, MA. In a departure from past more traditional sports and entertainment guests, Bruce and Rabbi Mendy explore a deeper journey of faith, purpose, and community leadership. 

Rabbi Mendy shares his upbringing in Brighton, MA, as the youngest of ten children in an observant home with a synagogue in their basement and parents who modeled selfless devotion. He recounts his educational path through local Jewish day schools and rabbinical seminaries in Morristown, NJ, and Montreal, Canada, as well as outreach missions across Ukraine, Germany, and North America. He details the profound influence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, whose vision inspired thousands of young rabbinical couples to venture into far-flung communities not as followers, but as leaders. 

Together, Bruce and Rabbi Mendy dive into the essence of Hasidic philosophy—from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and the Tanya to the balance between spiritual devotion and daily action. Rabbi Mendy reflects on establishing the Chabad Center in Needham alongside his wife, operatin g as an open, welcoming home for all Jews without barriers or labels. He also addresses the harrowing 2019 arson attack on their Chabad house and explains why the ultimate answer to darkness and antisemitism is never hate, but bringing more light, love, and growth into local Massachusetts communities and the world.