Yashrut - ישרות

With their own diverse array of experiences and perspectives, Yashrut rabbis bring an energizing blend of talents to their teaching, opening the doors to the Beit Midrash in new ways. Making core modes of Torah learning accessible while inspiring learners to bring their own creative voices to the table, these leaders open new possibilities when it comes to exploring Jewish tradition.

Check out more Yashrut rabbis on the Our Rabbis page on Yashrut's site (linked in comments below).

Joel Goldstein Rafael Jonathan Polisuk Aviva Richman

R' Daniel Atwood is an educator and advocate for inclusion, determined to share Torah with all who seek it. Driven by curiosity and purpose, he spreads wisdom and perspective wherever he goes.

Learn more about Yashrut ordainees at the Our Rabbis page on Yashrut's site.

Through words, vision, and action, Yashrut rabbis dedicate themselves to inspiring Jewish communities. Using their individual talents and strong foundations in classic texts, each leader shines, uplifts, and transforms.

Learn more about Yashrut rabbis at the Our Rabbis page on Yashrut's site.

Naama Levitz Applbaum Daniel Atwood Atar Hadari

Ordained by R' Landes in 2004, R' James brings a special blend of depth, warmth, and presence to all he does. Rooted in thorough understanding of core texts of the Beit Midrash, he brings traditional wisdom to a variety of contexts in order to offer people greater access to the contemplative side of Jewish life. Through his teaching roles around the world, he has spread rich and uplifting Torah teachings that move the mind and heart as one.

Check out more ordainees at the Our Rabbis page on Yashrut's website (link in comments below).

James Jacobson-Maisels Or HaLev - Center for Jewish Spirituality & Meditation

All of these Yashrut ordainees (and others as well) have earned doctorates at high-caliber institutions, but it is more than their academic prowess that defines their impact in the world. Bringing creativity, soul, passion, and sincerity to their various fields of work, they embody Yashrut's dedication to learning and leadership that shapes people and communities and transforms them for the better.

Check out more Yashrut rabbis on the "Our Rabbis" page on our site (link in comments below).

James Jacobson-Maisels Miriam-Simma Walfish Sarah Zager
Or HaLev - Center for Jewish Spirituality & Meditation Hadar St. Olaf College

Every Yashrut rabbi brings a unique story, perspective, and path to Jewish leadership.

Rav Will Friedman's journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, curiosity, and helping others connect meaningfully with Jewish tradition.

Explore more of our rabbis and the many ways they are strengthening Jewish life on Yashrut's Our Rabbis page (link in comments below).

No two Yashrut rabbis are the same.

Our musmakhim/ot serve Jewish communities in a wide range of ways, teaching, learning, leading, building institutions, and making Torah accessible across diverse settings. Each brings unique gifts, grounded in a shared commitment to rigorous Torah study and moral integrity.

Meet Rabbi Josh Weiner, Rabbi Will Friedman, Rabbi Bitya Rozen-Goldberg, and many more on our Our Rabbis page, and see the many ways Yashrut rabbis are putting Torah into practice.

🔗 Visit the Our Rabbis page on Yashrut's site (link in comments below)

Josh Weiner Base LNCLN Ta Shma

Hope, relevance, responsibility - R' Avital Hochstein embodies these values and articulated them profoundly in her remarks at Yashrut's 2024 Semikhah Tekes. Rav Daniel Landes' comments echo her statements, highlighting the ways Torah learning must inspire leadership that speaks to the present moment.

In her continued work leading Jewish communities through מכון הדר ישראל , R' Avital illustrates what a meaningful, humane, and committed Torah discourse looks like. Grounded in thoughtful understanding of our ancient texts, she uplifts the values of kindness, justice, and integrity.

Learn more about R' Avital and other Yashrut rabbis at Yashrut's "Our Rabbis" site page (linked in comments below).

Wherever the Jewish world needs thoughtful, knowledgable, creative leadership, Yashrut rabbis can be found serving with attunement, passion, and wisdom. Each of these leaders applies their unique skills to respond to the needs of different communities, rooted in their deep mastery of traditional texts and concepts.

Check out more Yashrut Rabbis at the "Our Rabbis" page on Yashrut's site (linked in comments below)!

Marc Baker@avital_hochstein Avital Hochstein Jeremy Borovitz CJP - Combined Jewish Philanthropies מכון הדר ישראל
de Hillel Deutschland

"As Jews we live by the firm belief that to be truly human is to encounter the darkness of night and not to flee it, sleep through it by denial, or surrender to it through despair. We believe in holding on, encountering the darkness, and even seeking in the struggle both blessing and transformation."

In Rav Daniel Landes' latest essay for The Times of Israel Blogs, Yashrut's Founder speaks to the darkness, confusion, and uncertainty of this moment, while pointing us toward the light and hope that await - if we muster the courage and persistence to bring it about.

Read R' Landes' essay at the link in the comments below, and share your reflections with us!