The Rosh Tochnit

RABBI YOSSELA OTE

Rabbi Yossela Ote, a talmid of Harav Aharon Lichtenstein, learned for ten years in Yeshivat Har Etzion and received semicha from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He has experience as a Ram – rabbi and instructor – for both American and Israeli Yeshiva students and has taught Talmud, Tanach, Mishna and various other subjects. Rav Ote is a dynamic, young leader who embodies the Shalem principles of an informed Torah outlook, openness to secular wisdom and a commitment to the Jewish people.

Rav Ote studied Biblical Studies and Jewish Philosophy at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and is currently studying Judaic Studies with the Open University. He completed his service in the Israel Defense Forces as a commander in the elite Givati Brigade. In addition to his formal responsibilities as Shalem Director and educator, Rav Ote also teaches by example, acting as a role model for Shalem participants through his extensive devotion to Torat Yisrael, Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Atira, and five children.

As Rosh Tochnit, Rav Ote is responsible for all aspects of the program. As teacher, mentor and guide, he sets the tone for Shalem’s unique atmosphere of intellectual acceptance and mutual respect, combined with strict halachic observance in an Orthodox environment throughout the program’s diverse components.

Course Instructors:

Shalem’s limudei kodesh faculty members have an extensive Torah studies background from the major religious Zionist yeshivot or Modern Orthodox seminaries. They also have secular academic qualifications, giving them a broad intellectual base, to complement their commitment to Torah education. Our faculty is selected on the basis of demonstrated teaching excellence, especially with North American students attending Israel programs. As a point of principle, Shalem seeks out educators who are both first-rate teachers and appropriate role models for Shalem participants. Shalem teachers demonstrate by personal example the breadth of possibilities available within a framework of Torah and mitzvot, helping students grow into their adult roles as committed Jews in the modern world and within the larger community of Israel. In addition to Rabbi Yossela Ote, our faculty includes:

RABBI GAVRIEL LAKSER

Rabbi Gavriel Lakser holds a BA in History from York University in Toronto. Following his aliyah in 2001, Rav Gavriel completed his rabbinic ordination at Yeshivat Hamivtar, and returned to N. America on shlichut in 2006. While serving as a congregational rabbi in Chicago, Rav Gavriel co-founded the Lakeshore Mercaz , an initiative designed to enrich the lives of senior citizens in the Chicago Jewish community. He is a former Cardozo fellow and has experience as a formal and informal Jewish educator, inspiring Jews from across the religious and age demographic. Rav Gavriel currently resides in Jerusalem with his wife Hodaya, and their two children.

RABBI ELIYAHU YAAKOV DEUTSCH

For the past ten years Rabbi Eliyahu Yaakov has been working to educate and inspire Jews of all backgrounds within the realms of Jewish Philosophy and Kabbalah. By communicating abstract ideas in a clear and meaningful way, Rabbi Eli’s world-renowned lectures and writings capture the minds and hearts of those who he’s teaching and help open the door to those looking to integrate truth and spirituality into their lives. In particular, Rabbi Eli’s teachings delve into the whys of Judaism in a sophisticated yet practical manner that appeals to both the well-read student and newcomer alike. Rabbi Eli made aliyah to Israel from New Jersey in 2001 and currently lives in the Old City of Jerusalem.

NECHAMA GOLDMAN BARASH

Nechama recently finished her master’s degree in Talmud at Bar Ilan University. She is a graduate of Stern College and the Advanced Talmud Institute at Matan, a three year intensive program for Talmud study. In addition to Young Judea’s programs, she teaches at the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies, Michlelet Emunah V’Omanut and Midreshet Devorah. She is also a freelance writer, translator and editor. Nechama lives in Gush Etzion with her husband and four daughters.

RABBI ALAN GOLDMAN

RABBI ELISHA ANSCELOVITCH

Elisha Ancselovits teaches Advanced Halakhah (Iyyun) and Halakha as Practical Philosophy in the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and in Yeshivat Maale Gilboa, is a member of Hebrew University’s Institute of Jewish Law, and has taught Halakhic thinking at additional Orthodox and secular Israeli institutions. He has also published a number of articles in Hebrew (and more recently in English) on Halakhah as Practical Philosophy. “Rav Elisha” holds rabbinic and judicial ordination (Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin) from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; wrote an interdisciplinary PhD for Liverpool Hope University (“Towards a New Theory of Halakhic Development”); holds an MA in Modern Jewish Studies from Touro College; completed coursework towards an MA in Medieval Jewish History at Yeshiva University; and has also taught Biblical and Qumran Law along with Medieval through Modern Jewish European Thought.

GEULA TWERSKY

Geula has been a teacher of Torah for over two decades. Prior to her Aliyah in 2006 Geula worked as an educator, staff developer, and curriculum writer for the SAR Academy in Riverdale, New York. In addition to her work in the field of education Geula is an artist who specializes in the integration of Torah and art and who was recognized twice by the Israeli government for excellence in art. Her work was featured in a special Knesset exhibit and again in an exhibit in the Ministry of absorption. Geula is in the process of releasing her new book featuring her artwork and tefilot for Medinat Yisrael and is currently working on her doctorate in Biblical studies at Bar Ilan University. The class Geula teaches, the Neshama of the Hebrew alphabet, shows the important connection between the worlds of art and Torah. You can view Geula’s work on her website: www.geulaart.com.

HODAYA LAKSER