Leading the Way

We have trained over 185 stellar, transformative rabbis who serve in communities across the U.S., in Israel, and across the globe. They:

Seth Braunstein Szarvas helping student lay teffilin

Reach over 250,000 people each year, serving in a wide variety of settings

In some of the largest and most vibrant Modern Orthodox synagogues in America
In smaller communities around the globe that lack Modern Orthodox options
On a wide range of college campuses
As teachers and administrators in day schools
As chaplains in hospitals, prisons, and the U.S. Armed Forces
As religious and spiritual entrepreneurs, including as founders of dynamic engagement opportunities for all Jews
As leaders of Jewish community centers, senior residences, camps, adult education programs, and so much more.

Occupy top leadership positions in the Jewish community

Heads of School and Heads of Judaic Studies
Executive Directors and a Vice President of Hillel International
Camp Directors and as Vice President of Foundation for Jewish Camp
Senior rabbis in major synagogues, including the both the largest Orthodox synagogue in the US and the largest one in Canada
Senior rabbis and Directors of Chaplaincy of major hospitals in the US and Israel

Are innovators, thought-leaders and change agents

Some of the most exciting new and visionary initiatives in the Jewish community over the last 20 years have been launched and headed by YCT rabbis.

These include:

Base – Rabbinic couples opening their homes to millennials and others seeking Jewish engagement and learning, now in 10 locations across the US.
Uri LiTzedek – An Orthodox movement bringing people together around learning Torah and activism for a variety of social justice causes.
Solu – A Chicago-based organization bridging the gaps between Jews and non-Jews through shared social action and community projects.
YATOM – Jewish Foster and Adoption Network, providing material and spiritual support for those who bring children into their homes.
Fact Finders Israel – 10-day trips to Israel for Jewish and non-Jewish college students, to learn about the Israel-Palestinian first-hand and deepen relationships between campus leaders.
Livyat Chen: YCT Center for Pastoral Rabbinic Education in Israel – Bringing Israeli clergy together for in-depth training and in-person experience providing spiritual care in various healthcare settings.

Our Alumni in Action

Video, Alumni Impact

Rabbi Jon Leener: Rabbi of BASE BKLYN &The Prospect Heights Shul

Video, Alumni Impact

Rabbi Aaron Lerner: Executive Director, UCLA Hillel

Video, Alumni Impact

Rabbi Andrew Scheer: Rabbi of the Tokyo Jewish Community

Video, Alumni Impact

Rabbi Mishael Zion’s (’11) Journey to the Rabbinate in Israel

Video, Alumni Impact

Rabbi Ari Hart (’12) Makes a Deep Impact in His Hometown

Video, Alumni Impact

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz (’10) on the Obligation to Help Foster Kids

Musmakh looking for a Job?

We are here to help you. Contact Ruthie Strosberg Simon to explore your opportunities.

Community looking for a Rabbi?

We can help make the right shidduch for your community. Contact Ruthie Strosberg Simon to learn more about our placement process and to discuss your needs!

Alumni News

Finance, rabbinics and practical experience fuel L.A. Jewish community foundation’s new top exec
How Hillel at UCLA Moved beyond Tolerance to Embrace Difference
Rabbi Kyle Savitch (’21) Holds Both Jewish Tradition and Modern Sensibilities in His Hands with Kehillat Harlem
Jason Mark (’22), rabbi at Congregation Etz Chayim, observes High Holidays in Toledo
Rabbi Aaron Lerner (’13) Selected as Next President and CEO of Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Synagogue Teshuva
Jewish Journal- Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein: The Educator With a Pastoral Focus
#YCTInnovators: Kyle Savitch (’21) Is Helping Lead the Growing Orthodox Community of Harlem
I’m a Rabbi With Mental Illness and I’m Done Trying to Hide My Pain
Jewish Daily Forward: A Chicago Orthodox rabbi reaches out to his Rohingya and Black neighbors
Why Being a Rabbi Led Me to Participate in the Novavax Vaccine Trial
#YCTInnovators: Learn about Rabbi Scott Kalmikoff’s (’18) Journey to Professional Genealogy
In Haifa Coronavirus Ward, a US-Trained Rabbi Helps Muslims Keep the Faith
Open Doors
The Silence Between Us – What we’re missing in the #MeToo/#GamAni Movement
Rabbi Ari Weiss honored for Cornell Hillel leadership
Rabbi Noah Leavitt Ran the New York Marathon for Friendship Circle
Hearing the Shofar’s Cry in the Jerusalem of Lithuania
Rabbi Aaron Frank (’08) leads his students in faith
Rabbi Jacob Siegel ensures that investors do not promote religious discrimination and instead reflect their values
Rabbi Jordan Soffer (’16) on the cost of Jewish Day School education
YCT Rabbis Attempting To Rebuild Ties Between Israeli And American Jews
Hillel International Welcomes Rabbi Benjamin Berger as Vice President of Jewish Education
A Justice System That Creates Orphans: Reflections on a recent visit to the US/Mexico border:
UCLA Hillel Director Rabbi Aaron Lerner (YCT ’13) responds to growing anti-Zionism on campus
Muhlenberg College Announces Appointment of Rabbi Rachmiel Gurwitz as Jewish Chaplain and Hillel Director
R’ Avidan Freedman, ’07, invites fellow Israelis to be shelter for African refugees
Base Hillel: A pluralistic project for millennials takes a page from the Chabad playbook
The Solution to Growing Chasm Between Israel and North American Jewry
What the Book of Genesis Tells Us About Sexual Harassment and #MeToo
Adult Learning is the Number One Priority for the Jewish Future
Libi B’Mizrach- New IRF Journal on Religious ZIonism
Supporting and Destigmatizing Those With Mental Illness
For Judaism to survive, it has to get out of the shtetl
The Spiritual Trauma of Taking a Life
A Blacklisted Diaspora Rabbi Is Pleased To Find Himself In Good Company
Was the Chatam Sofer Really So Fair?
Rabbi Seth Winberg Named Executive Director of Hillel At Brandeis
‘Fleet as an Eagle’: Scouts Soar into the Rabbinate
The Triple Decker Shalshelet: Partnership With Those Differently Abled – Parshat Vayikra
Every Age Shines with its Own Light:” A Review of “When God Becomes History”: Historical Essays of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook, translated by Bezalel Naor
Host of SXSW festival, Austin also trying to lure more Orthodox Jews
Rabbi Dan Millner ’14 at the Texas House of Representatives
A Pharaoh Who Knew Joseph
Sacramento temple hires native son as rabbi