In this episode of Wisdom from the Field, Tzviki sits down with Rabbi Alex Kaller, founder of the Chabad Russian Center of South Florida, for a rare, open conversation about building—both externally and internally.

Rabbi Kaller shares his journey from growing up Jewish but secular in Moscow, to discovering Yiddishkeit, choosing shlichus, and arriving in Florida with no contacts, no infrastructure, and a simple mandate: learn how to swim.

The heart of this episode is the story of building a permanent home for Jewish life—a six-story center with a shul, mikvah, and growing school—and the inner resilience that made it possible.

Along the way, Rabbi Kaller speaks candidly about setbacks, lost supporters, long delays, and moments of real uncertainty. He also shares how, during some of the hardest stretches, he found himself repeatedly going to the Ohel—davening, knocking on Heaven’s door, and drawing strength to keep taking the next step even when clarity was missing.

But this is not a story of despair. It’s a story of showing up, of trusting in Hashem even when you can’t yet see the outcome, and of discovering that strength often appears after you think you’ve reached your limit.

With humility, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, he reflects on what sustained him, and why—looking back—the greatest miracle wasn’t the building itself, but the decision to keep going.

This episode is for shluchim and leaders who are carrying big visions, navigating real pressure, and trying to build something that will outlast them.

This is an episode about struggle—but even more, about bitachon, perseverance, and the quiet power of not giving up.

 

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