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 Yossela 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 Yossela 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 Yossela 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 children.
As Rosh Tochnit, Rav Yossela 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.
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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 AHARON WEXLER
 Aharon Wexler made Aliyah from NY after high school and studied in the Hesder Program of Yeshivat HaKotel. After Yeshiva, he recieved his BA in Archeology from Bar-Ilan University and then went back to Yeshivat HaKotel for his Rabbinic Ordination. Rav Aharon went on to earn an MA in Jewish History and is now a Doctoral Candidate in Jewish Studies. Rav Aharon is a popular teacher and lecturer in Jerusalem at many yeshivot, seminaries, and educational programs and is a licensed tour guide of Israel.
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ATARA NEWBERGER
 Atara Newberger received her BA in Psychology from Barnard College and an MA in Tanach from Yeshiva University. After teaching Tanach and Gemara at SAR Academy for three years, Atara made aliyah and now lives in Jerusalem. She is currently working on her Teaching Certificate at the Hartman Institute while also teaching English and Judaic Studies on a high school and post-high school level.
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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.
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REBECCA STRAPP
 After making aliya four years ago, Rebecca Strapp completed a masters at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prior to aliya, she taught Tanach at the Ramaz Upper School in New York. Rebecca currently teaches Zionism and Jewish Studies and has a background in political science and international relations. Rebecca is originally from Los Angeles, and still displays that free spirit while cruising around Jerusalem on her scooter.
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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.
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Dr. Aviva Cayam
 Aviva Cayam works as a therapist and teacher and conducts parenting seminars in Jerusalem. She received a doctorate from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and undergraduate degrees from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Her article Fringe Benefits – Women and Tzitzit was published in the book Jewish Legal Writings by Women. She also authored the articles Nature of Women and Leadership and Authority for Jewish Women – A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. She has been a scholar-in-residence for Amit, Hadassah and Jewish Federation and has written for Hadassah Magazine and the Jerusalem Report. Aviva is married to Rafi, a pediatrician, and they are enjoying their latest roles as Sabba and Savta.
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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.
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