About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago is to nurture the spiritual growth of the greater Chicago Jewish community. The Kollel is an open community of learning that celebrates three core values:

  • the primacy of Torah,
  • the importance of positive interaction with general society, and
  • culture and the religious significance of the State of Israel.

The YU Torah Mitzion Kollel’s center of learning is its Beit Midrash, where fellows spend their day engaged in intensive study of Talmud, Halacha and Jewish thought. Our Torah and dynamic, talented team of scholars shine throughout Chicago, strengthening shuls and schools and the community at large with a learning portfolio unique in its scope and breadth. We partner with local institutions to provide one–on–one learning opportunities, inspiring youth and teen programs, women’s initiatives, online resources and access to renowned Torah personalities. The YU Torah Mitzion Kollel’s scholars are men and women who share a passion for inspired Jewish living and learning. Since the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel’s founding in 2008, several alumni have taken community positions in rabbinic and lay leadership capacities in Chicago, other U.S. communities and Israel.

Kollel Leadership

Rabbi Reuven Brand

Rosh Kollel

Mrs. Alissa Zeffren

NILI Director

Rabbi Yitzchak Mandel

Rosh Chabura

Kollel Fellows

Rabbi Yonatan Gershman

Kollel Fellow

Rabbi Itai Jacobs

Kollel Fellow

Learning Focus

The YU Torah Mitzion Kollel’s foundation is deeply rooted in the constant growth of our fellows through the intensive study of Torah. Our rabbinic scholars are a source of pride for the Chicago Jewish community.

For the year 5787 (2026 – 2027) the Kollel fellows’ learning schedules include:

  • Morning Seder: Massechet Zevachim 
  • Afternoon Seder: Hilchot Ma’achalei Akum 
  • Quarterly written exams in Gemara and Halacha

The YU Torah Mitzion Kollel’s commitment to excellence in learning is demonstrated in challenging weekly chaburot delivered by the Rosh Kollel, Rosh Chabura, and Roshei Yeshiva from RIETS via video conference. To foster further growth, Kollel fellows are given the option to deliver chaburot within the Kollel during the year. The Beit Midrash program is also accredited by RIETS as Kollel residency toward rabbinic ordination for the RIETS Kollel fellows. These rigorous and exceptional standards demonstrate the Kollel’s commitment to a culture of Torah excellence.

Board of Directors

President

  • Nathan Bloch

Executive Board

  • Jeremy Amster
  • Nathan Bloch
  • Jonathan Dress
  • Yehudit Gavant
  • Laurie Hasten
  • Josh Lipman
  • David Polster
  • Jennie Rothner

Rabbinic Advisory Committee

    Board of Directors

    • Jeremy Amster
    • Bin Dauber
    • Jonathan Dress
    • Joel Feldman
    • Aliza Frank
    • Yehudit Gavant
    • Dr. Jacob Friedman
    • Yehudit Gavant
    • Tali Gevaryahu
    • Laurie Hasten
    • Levi Kahn
    • Jon Korman
    • Josh Lipman
    • Rachel London
    • David Polster
    • Jennie Rothner
    • Michael Shiner
    • Richard Silverman