Our Staff
Our 25 TorahMates staff members made 11,485 calls to TorahMates this past year!
TorahMates Directors
Rabbi Chaim
Reichman
chaim.reichman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x133
Rabbi Chaim Reichman
Rabbi Chaim Reichman, TorahMates Director, has been involved in the program since he began studying with his first (of many!) TorahMates more than three decades ago. Rabbi Reichman is also learning director at TheZone Boys Division and is involved in many of Oorah’s year round events. Rabbi Reichman holds a master’s degree in Talmudic Law from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he lives with his wife and children.
Rabbi Yisroel Mayer
Hoberman
yisroelmayer.hoberman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x182
Rabbi Yisroel Mayer Hoberman
Rabbi Hoberman, with extensive experience in operations and management, ensures that the TorahMates department runs smoothly. His years as an independent business and management consultant, as well as a career as executive director for a social services agency, further developed his organizational skills. His knack for setting up systems and processes helps the TorahMates Coordinators work efficiently and productively. When not at work, he can be found at home spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Rabbi Dovid
Miller
dovid.miller@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x663
Rabbi Dovid Miller
As the program director of TheZone camp, Rabbi Dovid Miller was always well-acquainted with Oorah and their incredible accomplishments. Upon the advice of Rav Chaim Mintz, his rebbi and mentor, he recently joined the Oorah team full-time as the Assistant Director of TorahMates. With a knack for detail and getting things done, Rabbi Miller is passionate about realizing everyone’s strengths and building them to their true potential. When not at work, you can find him at home with his family, in the beis medrash, or tending to his pet giraffe.
TorahMates Coordinators
Oorah’s dedicated TorahMates coordinators are the ones to turn to for guidance or advice. After setting up and arranging the study partnerships, our dynamic TorahMates coordinators are always available to support their partners. They’re here to assist with any issues that may come up regarding the partnership or study sessions. Be it recommending a topic or book to study from and giving support to beginners, to finding the right Jewish resource to learn talmud online, or just to lend a listening ear, your coordinator will always be there for you!
Mrs. Ciril
Abraham
ciril.abraham@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x428
Mrs. Ciril Abraham
Ciril first heard about TorahMates from a family member, and was instantly hooked. As a caring and sensitive person, she loved the idea of connecting with people and helping them get closer to Hashem and His Torah. And after her years spent teaching and working in special ed, she’s the perfect candidate to coordinate partnerships built to last. When not at work, she can be found designing a new photo book or earning her title of Best Twin Award.
Rabbi Mordechai
Beer
mordechai.beer@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x142
Rabbi Mordechai Beer
Rabbi Beer received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva Shaar Hatorah in Queens. He’s been involved in Jewish outreach and teaching Jewish tradition for many years, including teaching positions in various community night Torah-learning institutes and other outreach organizations. Our longest-working TorahMates coordinator, Rabbi Beer has been in the organization for many years and, in his words, “still feels the adrenaline rush every time someone shows an interest in learning more about their Jewish heritage”.
Rabbi Shimon
Beer
shimon.beer@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x105
Rabbi Shimon Beer
Rabbi Beer spent many years studying both in the States and in Israel. Working with fellow students and with youth in outreach camps prepared him for his work at Oorah. With his easygoing nature, Rabbi Beer enjoys connecting with people and takes pride in watching them grow in their Jewish knowledge. In his leisure time, Rabbi Beer enjoys many sports and politics. Married with nine children, Rabbi Beer is very involved in the community at large.
Mrs. Ester
Berkman
ester.berkman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x475
Mrs. Ester Berkman
Mrs. Ester Berkman’s father was a Holocaust survivor, which helped shape her worldview that every Jew is precious. She grew up in Philadelphia, PA and currently lives in Cleveland, OH. Friends describe Mrs. Berkman as patient and accepting, and she looks forward to connecting with people in her role as a TorahMates coordinator. When not at work, she’s attempting to keep track of her kids - both the toddlers and teenagers alike! She does not currently have any pets, although she generously allowed her children to have cats during the heat of COVID.
Mrs. Rachel
Daskal
rachel.daskal@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x451
Mrs. Rachel Daskal
A natural listener and communicator, Mrs. Daskal hopes to connect with and help others in her role as TorahMates coordinator. She was born and raised in Detroit, and enjoys music, dancing, and cooking in her spare time. Her friends would describe her as patient and intuitive, and she always aims to find the point of commonality despite varied roads traveled. She believes that the smallest of efforts can reap the most magnificent results and looks forward to watching this play out in her position on the Torahmates team.
Mrs. Sarah
Feldman
sarah.feldman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x177
Mrs. Sarah Feldman
Having lived all over the United States (Virginia, Florida, Seattle, Denver and now New Jersey) and in Israel for fourteen years, Mrs. Feldman has been fortunate to befriend many women who make up our beautiful Jewish tapestry. She is excited to be part of a program that allows women at all levels of religious observance to grow in their Jewish awareness. Mrs. Feldman has four adult children and a number of grandchildren who are her pride and joy.
Rabbi Pinchos
Friedlander
pinchos.friedlander@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x588
Rabbi Pinchos Friedlander
In his position as a TorahMates coordinator, R’ Friedlander looks forward to the opportunity to help others, particularly helping them come closer to Hashem. In his free time, he enjoys writing, drawing, creating videos…and relaxing in a massage chair. He also spends time learning, writing Torah commentary, and philosophizing— especially with friends. With 15 million Jews in the world, Rabbi Friedlander’s dream is to touch as many of them as he possibly can.
Rabbi Louis
Friedman
louis.friedman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x112
Rabbi Louis Friedman
Rabbi Friedman’s knack for connecting with people of all backgrounds makes him a natural TorahMates coordinator. Rabbi Friedman studied in Baltimore, attending the first Jewish day school outside the NY area. Rabbi Friedman’s work pursuits have run the gamut from challah to classrooms to coordinating. He owned the first kosher bakery in Lakewood and was a grandfather figure to the many boys he’s taught. Rabbi Friedman and his wife are involved in the community, with a home that is always open to guests. With 10 children and many grandchildren, Rabbi Friedman’s favorite title is Zaidy.
Mrs. Orah
Fuchs
orah.fuchs@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x213
Mrs. Orah Fuchs
Orah discovered her love for outreach as a teenager, when she worked as a counselor in TheZone (Oorah's summer camp). That led her to become an outreach director in the Great Neck community, and then acquire a master's in Jewish Education. She taught Judaic studies for many years. She now feels privileged to be part of the team of TorahMates Coordinators, reaching out to her fellow Jews with warmth, passion, and sensitivity. She loves spending time with her daughters and cooking in the kitchen. Orah currently resides in Sanhedria, Yerushalayim.
Rabbi Yirmi
Garfunkel
yirmi.garfunkel@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x471
Rabbi Yirmi Garfunkel
Having lived in California, Hawaii, Virginia, Jerusalem, and Melbourne, Rabbi Garfunkel has met and connected with people from all walks of life. He studied Economics and Psychology in UCLA and worked as an assistant athletic director for 10 years before becoming religious in his mid-twenties. He has since received smicha, been a rav of two shuls in Melbourne for over 18 years, and a rebbi in a Jewish school for 24. He and his wife recently moved to Toms River, New Jersey to be closer to their children. He looks forward to setting up some amazing partnerships in his new role as a TorahMates coordinator.
Rabbi Ephraim
Goldschmidt
ephraim.goldschmidt@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x715
Rabbi Ephraim Goldschmidt
A Torah educator for almost two decades, Rabbi Goldschmidt enjoys connecting with people, and takes pride and pleasure in watching them grow in their Torah knowledge. His people skills, friendly nature, and sensitivity to everybody’s needs, make him the quintessential TorahMates coordinator, and he loves the opportunity to facilitate Torah study for all walks of life. He enjoys listening to soulful or meaningful music, and appreciates the beauty that can be found on a scenic forest trail. When not at work, he can be found learning Torah, on his own or with his sons.
Mrs. Naomi
Greenberg
naomi.greenberg@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x287
Mrs. Naomi Greenberg
Naomi’s work history and warm personality make her the perfect fit to coordinate TorahMates partnerships between couples living in Israel and the boys and girls learning in yeshiva and seminary there. With a knack for organization and the patience needed to get the job done right, Naomi looks forward to supporting her partnerships and believes that the extra word of encouragement can make all the difference. When she's not at work, you can find Naomi at the gym, trying out a new healthy recipe, or arranging clothing sales for those in need.
Rabbi Chananya
Kanner
chananya.kanner@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x433
Rabbi Chananya Kanner
Rabbi Kanner had the great merit to learn in Mir Yeshiva, Jerusalem for many years and received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yitzchok Berkovits. Originally from a non-observant home in Mexico City, Rabbi Kanner became interested in learning about Judaism at the young age of 16. Since then, he’s worked to spread the light of Torah to people in Argentina, New Jersey, New York City, and even Melilla, Spain. Now, he brings his sincerity, passion, and caring nature to the TorahMates team. When not at work, he can be found learning— or hiking and playing tennis during the summer!
Mrs. Malka
Klein
malka.klein@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x427
Mrs. Malka Klein
Described by people as outgoing and energetic, Malka first came to Oorah as a staff member in their summer camp, TheZone. She was quickly hooked, and couldn’t have been more thrilled to join the Oorah team as a TorahMates coordinator. With a real passion for helping people, her goal is to reach as many individuals as possible and help them enjoy their partnership to the fullest. When not at work, she can be found baking with her kids.
Rabbi Yaakov
Landman
yaakov.landman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x714
Rabbi Yaakov Landman
Passionate about helping others learn and discover the beauty of Torah, Rabbi Landman became a TorahMates coordinator because he loves connecting with and getting to know others. A charismatic yet intellectual individual, he’s known as a history buff and loves to travel and explore the world. When he’s not working, he can be found learning or spending time with his family.
Mrs. Nancy
Levin
nancy.levin@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x343
Mrs. Nancy Levin
A Los Angeles native, Nancy moved to the East Coast to be closer to her kids and grandkids. An outdoor enthusiasts who loves hiking and kayaking, Nancy is creative and artistic and passionate about helping women find their calling through Torah learning. As a teacher for 30 years with lots of experience in the field, she’s excited to facilitate Torah study through her position as a TorahMates coordinator.
Rabbi Aharon Tzvi
Markovic
aharon.markovic@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x658
Rabbi Aharon Tzvi Markovic
Born in Detroit and then raised in Toronto, Rabbi Aharon Tzvi Markovic became a TorahMates coordinator because he was looking for a job where he could connect with others on a personal level and help give them the opportunity to learn Torah. His grandest goal in his career is to find every Jew a TorahMate. In his free time, you can find him drinking coffee, listening to music or a Torah lecture, and spending time with his family. Rabbi Markovic does not currently have any pets, but he did once have a pet betta fish named Aleph.
Mrs. Silky
Pitterman
silky.pitterman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x478
Mrs. Silky Pitterman
Silky, a Brooklyn resident and learning partner for over 15 years, has a love of learning which makes her a natural fit as a TorahMates coordinator. She’s family oriented and enjoys spending time with her 4 children and 7 grandchildren (no pets currently, though she’s had many varieties over the years). She likes to utilize her baking hobby to create custom birthday cakes for those close to her. Silky loves people (all Jews are family!) and can’t wait to set up TorahMates to give every Jew the Jewish education they deserve.
Rabbi Nachman
Prupas
nachman.prupas@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x437
Rabbi Nachman Prupas
The craziest thing Rabbi Nachman Prupas ever did was become religious, and he’s loved every minute of it. In fact, he’s made it his mission to reach out to other Jews and open their eyes as well to the treasures Judaism contains. Described by others as kind, patient, and caring, he looks forward to connecting with others and developing relationships in his role as a TorahMates coordinator. He doesn’t have any pets now, but when he was younger, everyone knew and loved his dog Prince. You can usually find him with his family, outside enjoying nature, at shul, or in the Beis Medrash.
Mrs. Sarah
Rabinowitz
sarah.rabinowitz@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x373
Mrs. Sarah Rabinowitz
Meeting new people is what Sarah does best! A Toronto native, she is thrilled to get to know so many new people through her work in the TorahMates department, phone distance notwithstanding! Sarah's a word puzzles expert, and when she's not working or swimming, you'll find her in the kitchen experimenting and testing new and interesting recipes.
Rabbi Mechel
Rosenberg
mechel.rosenberg@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x187
Rabbi Mechel Rosenberg
Rabbi Rosenberg has loads of patience and is super-sensitive, traits that have come to good use through years of teaching students of all ages. He enjoys his position as a TorahMates coordinator as he loves connecting with people! He says that it’s easy to be a salesman for a product you love and believe in; Torah. Rabbi Rosenberg exercises almost daily and enjoys playing sports of all kinds.
Mrs. Shira
Rosskam
shira.rosskam@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x217
Mrs. Shira Rosskam
Originally from Los Angeles, Shira is a passionate and personable TorahMates coordinator who finds joy in building relationships and supporting personal growth in her partnerships. Known for her warm and inviting demeanor, she embraces every opportunity to connect with others and looks forward to fostering meaningful connections in her job as a coordinator. When not working, Shira enjoys socializing, reading, and spending quality time with her children.
Rabbi Yosef Kalman
Singer
yosef.singer@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x308
Rabbi Yosef Kalman Singer
Born and raised in New York, Rabbi Yosef Kalman Singer first became involved with Oorah when he attended TheZone in 2012 and the TorahMates program quickly won his heart. Since then, he’s been involved as a Zone staff member, a ChillZone attendee, and a TorahMate, before finally joining Oorah as a TorahMate coordinator. He loves teaching, and is excited to help people forge relationships that foster learning and mentorship. When not at work, he can be found reading, learning new things, or spending time with his family.
Ms. Sarah
Ullman
sarah.ullman@torahmates.org
877.TORAH.123 x465
Ms. Sarah Ullman
Raised in Phoenix, AZ, Sarah Ullman has an ultimate career goal of bringing the Jewish nation closer to their heritage - one TorahMate at a time! She’s described as both dedicated and empathetic, with a knack for appreciating the individual spiritual journeys of others. Away from work, Sarah enjoys a variety of hobbies, including playing the piano and keeping fit at the gym.