Ohr Chodosh
A program of the Center for Kehillah Development

I grew up in Brooklyn and attended Yeshivas Tiferes Elimelech beginning with primary school and continuing all the way through Mesivta. After graduating, I moved on to Tiferes Elimelech’s Beis Midrash  in Staten island under the leadership of the Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Nissen Goodman shlita. Three years later, I went to Yeshivas Brisk in Eretz Yisrael (led by HaRav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik shlita).  Returning to the States two years later, I joined Beis Midrash Gavohah in Lakewood, and married my wife, Hendee, the daughter of R’ Avrohom Neuberger of Monsey, NY. We remained in Lakewood, where my wife, a computer programmer, who had been involved in a Kiruv program in Ukraine, found employment working for Oorah. Shortly thereafter, I was hired to serve as Shoel U'Meishiv in Yeshivah Gedolah Be'er HaTorah (led by R’ Avrohom Grubner shlita), where I delivered weekly chaburos to the bochurim. I remain in touch with my talmidim, many of whom are presently in Eretz Yisrael, and with whom I have periodic gatherings. During that period, I published, in conjunction with my father-in-law, an article in Kolmus (a division of Mishpacha Magazine) addressing the halachic issues which apply to certain forms of alternative medicine. Two children and three years later, I heard of a Kollel opening in Eretz Yisroel which presented a unique opportunity for growth. With the blessing and encouragement of my father’s mechutanim, HaRav R’ Sholom Kamenetsky shlita and his esteemed father, HaRav HaGaon R’ Shmuel Kamenetsky, my wife and I resolved to join the Kollel. My wife, Hendee continues to work for for Oorah remotely.