ASK – Israelis
What they run
For more information about young adult programs please contact Rabbi Menashe Goldberger or Rabbi Doron Silverman using the form below.
For more information about Women programs please contact Mrs. Tova Zehnwirth using the form below.
For more information about young adult programs please contact Rabbi Yosef Shapiro and Rabbi Luzzy Tendler using the form below.
Who is there
The Atlanta Scholars Kollel rabbis hail from all corners of the USA and Israel. We range in ages and talents, but we all share a love of learning and teaching Torah here in Atlanta.
Rabbi David Silverman, aka Rabbi Dave, one of the original founders of the Kollel, now shares the leadership responsibilities with Rabbi Doniel Pransky. As the Dean, Rabbi Silverman oversees the fundraising and the outreach activities. He runs the high school program at Pace, Woodward, Paideia, and North Springs, teaches a few adult classes, including Study Buddies – the longest continuously running Kollel class, and learns one-on-one with supporters and growth oriented Jews. Rabbi Dave, originally from LA, is known for his proficiency at juggling, mime, and burning his hands as one of the Kollel Kashering team. He received his rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College as well as a MS in Education from Johns Hopkins Univ.
Rabbi Pransky, originally from Philadelphia, studied for many years in Yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore, MD, receiving his smicha there, and spent four years in the Columbus Community Kollel in Columbus, OH, before coming to Atlanta. Meticulous and thorough, Rabbi Pransky specializes at presenting complex and in-depth concepts in a clear, articulate format, on a wide-spectrum of subjects. He is equally comfortable teaching students with little background and those with yeshiva experience, often at the same time.
Rabbi Doron Silverman, no, not related to Rabbi Dave but has A LOT in common with him; grew up in Southern California (San Diego), received rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College, MS in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and even his father has the same name as Rabbi Dave's! After joining the Kollel as one of the first young couples in 2012, Rabbi Doron and his family have been in Atlanta ever since. For six years Rabbi Doron Silverman worked in recruiting and building a successful staffing company before rejoining the Kollel as Assistant Dean.
Rabbi Yaakov Fleshel hails originally from Cape Town, South Africa. The only time you don't detect an accent is when he is doing his Israeli and Brazilian soccer commentary or duck-brushing-his-teeth impersonation. Rabbi Fleshel is partnering up with the Meor Leadership Program to educate and inspire college students at Emory University. In his free time, he runs after his active sons, plays soccer and eats biltong in his home.
One of the original founding families of ASK, the Friedmans arrived in Atlanta in 1987. In 1994 some ASK students asked Rabbi and Morah Dena Friedman to assume leadership of the newly formed Congregation Ariel in Dunwoody, a position they hold until today. In addition to her role as Rebbetzin of Ariel, Morah Dena is the beloved kindergarten teacher at Torah Day School. Rabbi Friedman teaches torah morning and evening in the ASK Dome adjacent to Ariel. Recently, his fame has spread as the Rabbi in the Jeff and the Rabbi show on YouTube. Rabbi Friedman a native of Minneapolis, refuses to wear a winter coat in Atlanta. Rabbi Friedman received a bachelors and Masters of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College.
Rabbi Netanel Friedman joined the Kollel in Dunwoody in 2014 with his wife Reva and their 6 children after 3 years in Massachusetts and is enjoying the warmer climate. With his exuberant energy, Rabbi Friedman can be found all over town teaching and running programs. His Young Couple events have created a wonderful network for families to connect. He'll meet virtually anyone for coffee or pizza to discuss life and the pursuit of Jewish meaning. He hosts the annual JWRP Men's trip to Israel which is becoming increasingly popular. Rabbi Netanel loves to sing and be in the great outdoors. He received a Bachelors and Masters of Talmudic law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore.
Rabbi Goldberger is the coordinator of the Lavista Community Beis Midrash in Toco Hills. He was ordained at Ner Israel Rabbinical College and has a Bachelors of Talmudic Law from there as well. His responsibilities at the Kollel include teaching, programming, fund-raising, shlepping, cup-stocking, and all other aspects of maintaining the Kollel's largest facility. Rabbi Goldberger is known for his singing and classical piano talent and is the son of a 7th generation cantor. Born in Akron Ohio, and raised in Silver Spring, MD, Rabbi Goldberger joined the Kollel in 1989, while also pursuing a 9-year teaching career ... In their spare time, Rabbi and Mrs. Goldberger enjoy keeping in touch with their children and grandchildren!
Getting there
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Photographs
