Faculty
Rav Jay Marcus |
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Rav Jay Marcus is the Founder and Dean of Reishit
Yerushalayim / Genesis. As founding Morah D’Asra and Senior
Rabbi of the Young Israel of Staten Island for over 30 years, Rav
Jay and his wife Barbara were involved in virtually every facet
of Jewish communal life on Staten Island. A student of Rabbi Joseph
B. Soloveitchik zt”l, Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l and Rav Ahron Soloveichik
zt’l, Rav Jay has studied with, and was profoundly influenced by
the greatest teachers of our generation. Rabbi Marcus is past president of the Young Israel Council of Rabbis in Israel, and is beloved and respected as a teacher, builder and leader. Rav Jay and Barbara made Aliyah in 2001, fulfilling a life-long dream of living in Israel (on the Reishit campus!) |
Rav Moshe Benovitz |
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Rav Benovitz is respected and admired as a committed Rebbi and consummate professional whose insightful shiurim, va’adim and presence has a profound impact on his talmidim and the Yeshiva. Prior to joining us as Rebbi and Director of Admissions in 2003, Rav Benovitz was Director of Student Activities at DRS/ HALB High School for four years. Rav Benovitz is long-time Director of the NCSY Summer Kollel Program, and has been instrumental to its success and growth. A graduate of Yeshiva University, Rav Benovitz earned his B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Jewish Education and Administration from Azrieli. A student of Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, he has also taught at both MTA and Bruriah High Schools. |
Rav Mendel Blachman |
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Rav Menachem Mendel Blachman was born in Hamburg, Germany, and came to Chicago as a child. He learned in a Lubavitch High School, later coming to Israel to study in the Hevron Yeshiva. He became close with the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Simcha Zissel Brodie zt”l, with whom he learned b'chavruta for over a decade. He later studied at Kollel Pachad Yitzchak, where he became a talmid of Rav Yitzchak Hutner, zt"l. Rav Blachman has been teaching at Reishit since the beginning; inspiring and challenging talmidim with various shiurim in Gemara, Sefer Nefesh Hachayim, Lekutei Amarim Tanya and weekly talks on Parshat HaShavua. He is well known and beloved as a caring and dedicated Rebbe, and in addition to his much anticipated weekly shiurim, is actively involved in the personal and religious growth of his talmidim. In his spare time, Rav Blachman is a Senior Ra”m at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, and lectures at Jerusalem 's Nishmat Institute for Women. |
Rav Yosef Bronfeld |
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A Reishit alumn ('97-'99), Rav Bronfeld continued his studies at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, Baltimore, where he received Semicha, and earned his M.S. in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Rav Bronfeld is a Maggid Shiur during both Morning and Afternoon Seder, and his daily shiurim on contemporary Halacha and in-depth Mishna Berurah are informative and inspiring. We are proud that Rav Bronfeld has returned to Reishit as a staff member; with his boundless energy and open home, Rav Bronfeld has endeared himself to all of his talmidim. |
Rav Avi Fertig |
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As the Coordinator of our Night Seder Program, and a Rebbi for both first and second year talmidim, Rav Fertig has a profound influence on the Beit Medrash. Rav Fertig’s shiurim help talmidim develop important analytic skills to tackle the most complex issues in Jewish philosophy, Mussar and Machshava, and reveal the depth and beauty of living a Torah life. A talmid of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael, Rav Fertig has also learned and taught at Yeshiva Neve Zion. Rav Fertig is the author of the acclaimed Bridging the Gap , an in-depth and comprehensive guide to important Mussar sugyot and concepts published by Feldheim in 2007. |
Rav Ezra Herschberg |
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Av Bayit Since joining us as Av Bayit in April of 2008, Rav Ezra has quickly become a crucial and respected member of our staff. In addition to learning with talmidim every evening and night, the Hirschberg's join talmidim for Shabbat meals, and host regular chugim and Shabbat programs at their campus apartment. A graduate of Yeshivat Hesder Shiloh and the Har Bracha Yeshivat Hesder / Kollel, Rav Ezra completed his Smicha with Rav Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg shlit"a, and earned a degree in Technological Marketing and Management from Machon Lev in Yerushalayim. Rav Ezra completed his service in Tzahal as a machine gunner in the Lavi Brigade, finishing with honors, having earned the rank of Corporal. Originally from Cedarhurst, NY, Rav Ezra attended HAFTR High School and Yeshivat Shaarei Mevasseret Zion. Rav Ezra has had extensive experience on the Yeshiva scene, having worked as a Madrich at OJ, YSMZ and Torat Shraga (as well as a chef at Camp Lavi during the summers). Rav Ezra's commitment to the wellbeing and development of our talmidim had made him and his wife, Esti (nee' Weiss) of Chicago / Rechovot, a registered Nurse, an important part of the Reishit family. |
Rav Simcha Hochbaum |
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A resident of Chevron’s Avraham Avinu neighborhood, Rav Simcha’s song-filled and soul-stirring shiurim in Tanach, Shivat Tzion, Tefilah, Massechet Tamid and Chassidut have inspired talmidim at Reishit since 1996. A long time student and musmach of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l (the final of Reb Shlomo’s 36!), Rav Simcha graduated Yeshiva University with a B.S. in accounting and studied at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. He was the Rabbi of The Eldridge Street Synagogue in New York City, a Judaic studies instructor at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford CT, and taught at Midreshet Moriyah and a number of Israeli Yeshivot. In addition, Rav Simcha has founded a number of “Carlebach Minyanim” throughout Israel, and and teaches at The Tiferet Center in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He is the Director of Tourism in the Holy City of Chevron, and is available for individual and private group tours of Chevron, The Old City of Jerusalem, Kotel Tunnels as well as neighborhoods throughout Yehuda and Shomron. For tour information or to be in touch, please call (011-972-0) 52-431-7257 or 02-996-3946. |
Rav Yehoshua Landau |
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Beloved and respected as a dynamic, creative and caring Rebbi, Rav Landau’s devotion to his talmidim is legendary. Whether in Gemara shiur, during “Table Talk” or engaged in a chavruta with his students, Rav Landau can be found in the Beit Midrash, teaching, inspiring and mentoring talmidim throughout the morning, afternoon and until late each night. Before coming to Reishit, Rav Landau was a Rebbi and Director of Student Activities at Yeshiva University of Los Angeles (YULA) for ten years. Rav Landau learned at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and is a graduate and musmach of Yeshiva University -RIETS, with a B.S. in Computers and a Masters degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School. As a Maggid Shiur and role model, Rav Landau is an inspiring part of the Reishit family. |
Rav Dov Lipman |
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Whether teaching Jewish philosophy, Gemara, Parshat Hashavua or learning with
talmidim in chaburot, Rav Lipman has earned respect and admiration as a trusted,
caring and dynamic Rebbi. As Coordinator of our Ronson Fellows Internship Program,
Rav Lipman works closely as a guide and advisor to the participating talmidim.
A talmid of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael, Rav Lipman is also a graduate of
Johns Hopkins University, with an M.A. in Education. An experienced mechanech,
Rav Lipman has held numerous administrative and educational positions in the
United States and Israel, most recently at Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah, Machon
Maayan and Tiferet. |
Rav Ari Marcus |
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Whether it be in his daily Halacha or Gemara shiurim, Shana Bet Va’ad, or on In-Shabbatot, talmidim have been benefiting from Rav Ari’s clear, organized and inspiring shiurim since the first year of Yeshiva. A talmid of Rav Ahron Soloveichik zt”l, Rav Ari published two best selling works of his Rebbi’s Torah: Logic of the Heart, Logic of the Mind, a collection of essays and shiurim; and The Warmth and the Light, Rav Ahron’s insights on Parshat HaShavua. Rav Ari is a graduate of Yeshiva University, studied at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, and was a Maggid Shiur at BMT before founding Reishit.
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Rav Doni Marcus |
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Since Reishit’s beginning in 1994, Rav Doni has been a dynamic force in the Beit Medrash, shiur room and dorm. In addition to his daily Gemara shiur, Rav Doni’s inspiring Va’adim challenge and inspire talmidim. A talmid of Yeshivat Ohr Hachayim and a graduate of Touro College, Rav Doni also studied at Yeshivot Sha'arei Torah, Ohr Yerushalayim and YU’s Gruss Kollel, and was a member of the chinuch staff at Camp Moshava in Pennsylvania for a number of years. As Director of Student Life and a maggid shiur, Rav Doni’s presence and shiurim are an essential part of the “classic” Reishit experience.
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Rav Elie Marcus |
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As Mashgiach Ruchani, Rav Elie’s guidance, leadership and insight is fundamental to the Yeshiva environment and Reishit experience. His powerful and informative Thursday night Sichot Mussar are a schedule highlight, and encourage talmidim to continue working toward their spiritual, intellectual and personal potential. In addition to his daily shiurim and student counseling, Rav Elie continues to guide countless talmidim even after they leave Reishit. A graduate of Yeshiva University and YU’s Gruss Kollel, Rav Elie also studied at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Prior to founding Reishit, Rav Elie taught at B.M.T., and has been a long time member of the Chinuch staff at Camp Moshava during the summer.
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Rav Judah Mischel |
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As Director of Programming, Rav Judah ensures that the Yeshiva schedule and curriculum is filled with meaningful, educational and fun tiyulim, Chesed projects, guest speakers and activities. In addition to Gemara shiur, he also teaches Sefer Chovat HaTalmidim and Torat Eretz Yisrael. Rav Judah attended Yeshivat Shaalvim and continued his studies at Yeshiva University, and completed a B.A. in History, and M.A. in Jewish Education. He also attended City University of New York School of Public Administration, and was a Graduate Fellow at CUNY’s Center for Coexistence. Before coming to Reishit, Rav Judah was a Rebbi and Director of Student Activities at The Frisch School. A regular contributor to Arutz Sheva-Israel National Radio, he is also the Rabbi of Camp HASC in Parksville NY during the summer. |
Rav Daniel Myers |
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As a Rebbi for both first and second year talmidim, Rav Myers is a respected mechanech and role model whose sincerity, warmth and charisma is matched by his comprehensive, in-depth shiurim. Rav Myers’ shiurim cover a wide range of topics, from contemporary Halacha to Sefer HaKuzari, the writings of the Rambam and Gemara Methodology. A talmid of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Yeshiva Bnei Torah, Far Rockaway, NY, he is also a graduate of both Brooklyn College and Adelphi University, with a Masters in Education. Rav Myers came to Reishit with extensive experience in Jewish education, having spent years teaching at HAFTR and Rambam Mesivta, and is Morah D’Asrah of Kehillat Menorat HaMaor in Ramat Beit Shemesh. In addition, Rav Myers lectures regularly at Tiferet Center in RBS, and teaches in local Elementary and Junior High Schools as well. |
Rav Avi Perlowitz |
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Since making Aliyah and joining our Staff in 2005, Rav Perlowitz has been an essential part of Reishit. As an afternoon and night Rebbi, he has forged relationships with countless talmidim, and is a role model, mentor and guide. Rav Perlowitz came to Reishit with extensive educational and administrative experience, having been a Rebbi and Assistant Principal of both Yeshiva Ohr Chadash in Valley Stream, NY, as well as at Brooklyn’s Zvi Dov Roth Academy. A talmid of Yeshivat Ohr Hachaim, Rav Perlowitz also attended Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim and graduated from Touro Collge. He earned his MSW from YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and currently works with Israeli families and youth through the Jerusalem based Kav L’Noar. Before making Aliyah, Rav Perlowitz spent numerous summers as Men’s Head Counselor at Camp HASC. |
Rav Shalom Rosner |
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Until his Aliyah in August 2008, Rav Rosner was a popular Maggid Shiur at Yeshiva University's Stone Beis Medrash Program and the Rabbi of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok – the "Island Shul" – for six years. A graduate of Yeshivat Shaalvim and YU, he earned a BA in Economics and a Masters in Jewish Education and Administration from Azrieli. A Musmach of RIETS, Rav Rosner was a member of the Beren Kollel Elyon and a Kupietsky Kodshim Fellow. During the summers, he is Camp Rabbi and Director of educational programming at Camp Mesorah. Rabbi Rosner is married to Dr. Tamar Rosner, a pediatrician, and has 6 children. The Rosner's Aliyah made headlines and shook the Jewish world, and Nofei Hashemesh, a new community in Beit Shemesh is being built around his Rabbinic leadership. Rav Rosner's Daf Yomi shiur is broadcast online, and is available for download or podcast at www.ProjectSinai.org. Renown for his ability to clarify the most complex sugyot, and beloved as a warm and caring Rebbi, we are honored and proud that Rav Rosner has joined our staff as a maggid shiur for both Shana Bet and in our new Masmidim track/ advanced program. Rav Rosner is also teaching part time at Yeshivat Shaalvim
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Rav Mendel Schulman |
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Rav Mendel began his illustrious career at Reishit as a talmid in of our very first year of existence, and we are proud that he was the first graduate to return to Yeshiva as a staff member. A talented mechanech and trusted confidant and mentor, Rav Mendel is beloved by talmidim and faculty alike. After his year in Reishit, Rav Mendel continued his studies at Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh and Sho’or Yoshuv in Far Rockaway. Rav Mendel graduated from Queens College with a B.A. in Sociology. Over the years, Rav Mendel has served many different roles at Reishit, from dorm counselor /madrich and Kollel member, to Sho’el U’Meishiv and Night Seder Rebbi. In and out of the Beit Medrash, in Gemara shiur or B’chavruta, we are fortunate that Rav Mendel plays such and essential and influential role in the growth and development of countless Reishit talmidim. |
Rav Chayim Soloveichik |
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Respected and revered as a talmid chacham and devoted Rebbi, Rav Soloveichik has been a Maggid Shiur at Reishit for over a decade. In his Gemara B’Iyun and Bekiyut shiurim, Rav Soloveichik transmits the mesorah he received from his father, HaRav Ahron Soloveichik zt”l at Yeshivas Brisk, Chicago, and Yeshiva University. Rav Soloveichik was the founding Menahel of Yeshiva of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and Assistant Rabbi of the Young Israel of Staten Island. During the summer, he continues to reach talmidim, as Rosh Kollel of Camp Lavi in Pennsylvania. Rav Soloveichik is Morah D’Asrah of Kehillat Ohr Sholom, Ramat Beit Shemesh, and Rabbinical Director of Lem'aan Achai, the leading local community service and chessed organization. |
Rav Yerachmiel Stewart |
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Rav “Rocky” has been inspiring talmidim at Reishit since 2005 when his family made Aliyah. Prior to their Aliyah, Rav Rocky was a pillar of the Jewish community of Detroit, Michigan, and where he was a Rebbi, youth leader, choir coordinator, camp director and Ba’al Tefillah. In addition to being a Shoel U’Meishiv and night tutor at Reishit, Rav Stewart coordinates Shabbatonim and programs for secular American-Jewish university students through Birthright, Aish HaTorah and Sackler Medical School. Rav Stewart is a graduate of Yeshiva Toras Chaim in Denver, and studied at Yeshiva Ateres Mordechai in Detroit. He is the Director of Student Activities at Yeshivat Knesset Yisrael in Beit Shemesh, and teaches at a number of Israeli Yeshivot. An inspiring and passionate mechanech, we are proud that Rav Rocky is part of the Reishit family. |
Rav Raphael Willig |
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Since joining Reishit in 2000, Rav Willig has anchored our Shana Bet Program. As a maggid shiur, Rav Willig demands serious commitment, hard work and effort from his talmidim, whom he encourages, supports and guides along the way. In addition to his Gemara B’Iyun shiur, Rav Willig leads chaburot in Mishnayot, Tanach, Sefer HaChinuch and Jewish Philosophy during night seder. A graduate of Yeshiva University, RIETS and Bernard Revel Graduate School with an M.A. in Jewish Studies, Rav Willig also learned at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yaneh and Yeshivas Mir. During the summer, Rav Willig serves as Rabbi in Lawrence NY, and is the Director of the collegiate learning program at Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv in Far Rockaway, NY. A dynamic talmid chacham and devoted Rebbi, Rav Willig’s relationship with talmidim extends well beyond their time in Yeshiva. |
Rav Moshe Yeshurun |
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As a Rebbi and Sho’el Umeishiv, Rav Moshe is an important part of our Beit Medrash, and his incisive and passionate shiurim and chaburot on Sefardic Halacha and Minhag, Torat Eretz Yisrael and Gemara are an important part of the Yeshiva curriculum. A graduate of the Hesder Yeshiva program and Kollel at KBY as well as Moreshet Yaakov College in Rechovot, Rav Moshe received Semicha from the Rabbanut-Israeli Chief Rabbinate and a Teacher's Certificate from Israeli Ministry of Education. Rav Moshe also served as an infantry soldier in Tzahal with the Givati Brigade, and currently holds the rank of Captain as an IDF Chaplain. Rav Moshe worked at Yeshivat Mevaseret Zion, and at Yeshivat Achuzat Yaakov, organizing extra-curricular activities for high school students in Gan Yavneh, and currently teaches at Tiferet Center in Ramat Beit Shemesh as well. |
Rav David Zeit |
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We are proud to welcome Rav David Zeit, a respected educator and experienced administrator, as the Director of our new Sephardic Program. As Dean of Students at Hillel Yeshiva High School in Deal, NJ (2005-2008), Rav Zeit earned the admiration and trust of students and parents alike. Previously, he was the Director of the High School & Young Adult Program at Congregation Bnei Yitshak, and taught at Yeshiva of Flatbush High School. Rav Zeit has extensive experience in informal education as well, and has been the Associate Director of Camp ESH since 2003. For four years, he was Head Coach of Magen David High School's Varsity Softball Team, serving as a mentor and inspiring role model for all his students. Rav Zeit received his Semichah from the Sephardic Rabbinical College in Brooklyn, NY, and from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. A graduate of Yeshiva University Sy Syms School of Business, Rav Zeit earned a degree in Business Management, and was a student at both Bernard Revel Graduate School, and Azrieli School of Jewish Education and Administration. While at YU, he studied Biblical Grammar, Ancient Semitic Languages and Tanach with Dr. Hayeem Tawil. Prior to his Rabbinic studies, Rav Zeit worked in the banking industry, and, as a former member of "Brooklyn's Best Toastmaster's", is an accomplished public speaker. Rav Zeit's leadership and insightful shiurim have added a new dimension of charisma and experience to the entire Yeshiva. |
Rav Chaim Marcus |
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Director of YRY American Office Whether it be through hosting groups of alumni for Shabbat, through organized Shabbatonim, or regularly scheduled shiurim and va’adim, Rav Chaim is an integral part of the long-distance Yeshiva family. |
