Between Us - Brothers On A Mission
Between Us - Brothers On A Mission
Rabbis Eliyahu, Nechemia and Kushi Schusterman
What does shlichus look like from the inside out? For years, three brothers—Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman (Atlanta), Rabbi Nechemia Schusterman (Peabody, MA), and Rabbi Kushi Schusterman (Harford County, MD)—shared a daily morning call during (and after) carpool, bantering about the real struggles of shlichus: fundraising, leadership, family life, pressure, purpose, and growth. Just Between Us – Three Brothers on a Mission takes those raw, real, and often fun conversations out of the car and into the open, offering an honest, behind-the-scenes look at life on shlichus from the people living it.
The Shliach's Balancing Act: Social Media, Fundraising & Staying Inspired
In this episode of Just Between Us Brothers, Rabbis Eliyahu, Nechemia and Kush Schusterman dive into one of the biggest challenges facing today's Shluchim: how to harness the power of social media without losing focus, simplicity, or inner peace.The conversation explores practical guardrails for technology use, overcoming the trap of comparing yourself to other Shluchim, and learning to draw inspiration without measuring your own success against someone else's highlight reel. They also discuss fundraising as relationship-building, developing professional systems that allow a Chabad House to grow, and why mindset is just as important as strategy.The episode concludes with exciting updates from their own Shlichus—including AI-powered outreach, a new coffee house opening on Atlanta's BeltLine, a community mezuzah initiative, and creative ideas for engaging both Jewish and non-Jewish communities.Whether you're a Shliach, nonprofit leader, or anyone trying to stay focused while navigating an increasingly connected world, this conversation offers practical insights on building, growing, and staying inspired without losing sight of your mission.
Jul 16
47 min
9. Bonus Episode: Gimmel Tammuz Brothers Farbrengen
The brothers reflect on Gimmel Tammuz, what the message today, where were we on 3 Tammuz 5754, living with the Rebbe.Enjoy and be inspired.
Jun 18
31 min
8. Family First, Mission Always: Parenting, Shlichus & the Donor Dilemma
In this episode of Just Between Us, the brothers tackle two challenges familiar to many shluchim: balancing the demands of family life with the responsibilities of shlichus, and navigating relationships with Lubavitcher donors.The conversation begins with an honest discussion about parenting, particularly when a child is struggling and requires extraordinary attention. The brothers explore how shluchim can remain dedicated to their mission while recognizing that raising children is itself a central part of that mission—and why there are times when family must come first.They then turn to the complex relationship between shluchim and wealthy Lubavitcher supporters. Is fundraising about friendship, partnership, or obligation? The brothers share differing approaches to donor cultivation, discuss the importance of authentic relationships, and explore whether Lubavitcher donors should see themselves as stakeholders in local shlichus efforts.A thoughtful conversation about priorities, partnership, and what it means to serve both family and community with integrity.
Jun 17
58 min
7. Navigating The Complexity Of Shluchim Relationships - Part 2
In this follow-up episode, the conversation dives deeper into the complex dynamics between Shluchim—exploring how geography, demographics, and evolving realities shape relationships and responsibilities. Through real-life scenarios and candid dialogue, the discussion tackles agreements, boundaries, conflict resolution, and the balance between autonomy and unity. At its core, this episode highlights a powerful truth: while challenges are inevitable, lasting success comes from communication, humility, and doing the inner work needed to lead with strength and compassion.
May 7
45 min
6. Navigating The Complexity Of Shluchim Relationships - Part 1
Behind the inspiration of over 5,000 Shluchim lies a quieter, more complex reality: how do holy missions navigate very human dynamics like power, ego, money, and personality? In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore what a truly healthy relationship between a head shliach and those working under or alongside them should look like—and whether that vision can ever be one-size-fits-all. We ask the harder questions too: Are there limits to a head shliach’s authority, both practically and spiritually? When does leadership cross into control? What happens when conflict escalates beyond repair, and is Beit Din really a solution—or just the beginning of a new challenge? And in an ever-expanding landscape of shlichus, where are the boundaries between collaboration and competition? This episode doesn’t offer easy answers—but it opens an honest, nuanced conversation that every shliach, employee, and community leader needs to hear.
Apr 19
45 min
5. AI in Shlichus and Pesach Seder Best Practices
This episode looks at the intersection of innovation and tradition. We discuss how AI can assist Shluchim with planning, communication, and productivity, while remaining grounded in the relationship-based heart of the work. We also share practical Pesach Seder best practices, from preparation and flow to atmosphere and follow-up, to help make your Seder more meaningful and effective for every guest at the table.
Mar 10
41 min
Episode 4. Date Night, Tea, and Staying Sane on Shlichus
In this episode of Just Between Us, the brothers riff off a familiar Kinus takeaway, date your wife, and widen it into the real conversation: how a shliach and his family stay emotionally healthy under nonstop communal pressure. From “tea in the kitchen” date nights and the reality of limited babysitters, to boundaries, vacations, exercise, learning (yes, even Nigleh), and staying connected with friends, they explore what balance actually looks like in different seasons of life. The bottom line: strong shalom bayis and intentional investments in the “other envelopes” of life do not compete with shlichus, they make shlichus sustainable, real, and filled with soul.
Feb 18
47 min
Episode 3. Mivtzah Matzah - The Dry Edition
Why Mivtza Matzah?Every year we distribute matzah—but the real questions are why, to whom, and how.In this episode, the brothers explore the purpose and impact of Mivtza Matzah. Who is the intended audience—those already connected, or those on the margins? When is hand-delivering matzah the point, and when does mailing it make more sense? And what do those choices say about our vision of outreach and relationship-building?Each of us shares a distinct approach shaped by our communities and experiences, offering a thoughtful and practical conversation about one of Pesach’s most defining mitzvot—and how we can do it with greater intention and impact.
Feb 5
22 min
Episode 2. Controversial Programming and Family Life on Shlichus
What type of programming is acceptable?When should we interfere with programming that is iffy?Can you get your kids to love Shlichus?A story about a Korban Pesach and tales from Mumeh Duseh.Enjoy! And we love your feedback! Please share.
Jan 20
49 min
Episode 1. Welcome to Just Between Us - Three Brothers on a Mission
In this launch episode we introduce our new podcast, we discuss the goal setting for a new year 2026, is there a limit to Shlichus - too much shlichus, are Shluchim allowed to rest, plus a few other fun things. Find out what Nechemia has on his nightstand, what Kushi does at 5 AM and does Eliyahu know how to take it easy? We'd love your feedback. Send us your love to [email protected]. More to come :-).
Jan 4
52 min