About Mevaseret

Rav Yedidya Berzon 
          Rosh Mosdot Mevaseret,             Alumni Rebbe

Rav Shimon Isaacson
Rosh Yeshiva

Education: Semicha – Rav Hirschprung; Hesder Yeshiva – Yeshivat Har Etzion, Mekor Chaim
 
Having finished Shas at seventeen, Rav Yedidya is one of the most phenomenal Talmidei Chachamim on the entire Israel scene. Most people with Rav Yedidya’s capabilities sit in the ivory tower of the truly gifted, but not Rav Yedidya. He is accessible to the boys of the Yeshiva on every level. For the last eighteen years Rav Yedidya’s shiurim have spanned the length of Shas and Poskim but it’s his special affection for the Talmidim that sets him apart. From his world famous “Rav Yedidya Barbeques,” to one-on-one chavrutot and everything in between, Rav Yedidya is the consummate Rebbe.
 
While overseeing every facet of the Yeshiva, Rav Yedidya also continues to actively participate in the chinuch of the Yeshiva, spending numerous hours each day in the Beit Midrash learning with boys. Rav Yedidya also delivers very popular shiurim and inspiring schmoozes, which position our Talmidim for future success in all areas of their lives. Additionally, Rav Yedidya is the official Alumni Rebbe, as he regularly travels back to the States for the express purpose of delivering shiurim to our Talmidim and maintaining a kesher with them. Starting his teaching career at the young age of nineteen, Rav Yedidya has well over one thousand Talmidim and talmidot with whom he continues to keep a kesher. Rav Yedidya is constantly receiving phone calls from our alumni seeking guidance in every facet of their lives and it is not uncommon for him to be mesader kiddushin at the weddings of his Talmidim. Because of Rav Yedidya’s efforts, there is no such thing as a former talmid of YSMZ.  When you are a talmid at Mevaseret, you are a talmid for life!

Education: Semicha – Meretz Kollel, Mevaseret Zion; New York University School of Law, Master of Law , L.L.M. (Taxation); New York University School of Law, J.D.; Yeshiva University, B.A. (Philosophy)
 
A master of tax law who could have become a partner at a major law firm, the Rosh Yeshiva instead chose to use his incredible talents building the future of Klal Yisrael. He began his career in Chinuch as a Shoel U’Meshiv and Night Seder Rebbe in our very own Beit Midrash. As a result of his overwhelming popularity, he was soon promoted to a full time Morning Shiur position and now leads Mevaseret as Rosh Yeshiva. For fifteen years, Rav Isaacson has given an outstanding shiur that clearly and concisely conceptualizes and breaks down the Gemara. His charisma and lucidity keep everyone attentive. Because the Rosh Yeshiva’s shiur is geared towards student participation, he sharpens the minds of his Talmidim (while also giving them a tip or two on their vocabulary and use of the English language). We are privileged to have Rav Isaacson as our Rosh Yeshiva, leading the Yeshiva into the future.
 
In addition to the Rosh Yeshiva’ Gemara shiur, Rav Isaacson is well known for his exciting Bekiut Blitz, as well as an in-depth, practical, Hilchot Shabbat Shiur that covers most of the 39 Melachot and Hilchot Muktzeh.  Rav Isaacson also delivers a weekly Hashkafa Sicha to the entire Yeshiva that is both stimulating and inspiring. Rav Isaacson’s shiurim can be seen on video at Naaleh.com.  Aside from the Rosh Yeshiva’s many shiurim, Rav Isaacson can always be found in the Beit Midrash counseling the Talmidim in all areas of their lives.
 

Education: Kollel Elyon & Semicha – Lander College; Lander College, B.A. (Special Education), B.A. (Judaic Studies)

Prior to joining the Hanhala at YSMZ, Rav Burg was one of the outstanding Talmidim of our Yeshiva. Following what Rav Burg calls “two of the greatest years of my life,” he became a close talmid of Rav Yehuda Parnes shlita, spending eight years in his shiur, the last three of which, Rav Burg was Rav Parnes’ personal chevruta. In the summer of 2008,  Rav Burg and his family made aliyah, and quite naturally, rejoined the Mevaseret Family.
The members of Rav Burg’s morning shiur are affectionately known as “The Burgsters.” A tight knit shiur, the Burgsters understand the true meaning of definitional analysis as Rav Burg teaches each boy to see the lomdus of the Gemara from the ground up. Rav Burg’s dynamic Afternoon Seder shiurim in Pirkei Avot, Sophisticated Faith, Lifecycles and Living the Parsha are standing room only and leave the Talmidim clamoring for more. The constant theme of all of Rav Burg’s hashkafa classes is “if you truly understood how great you are then nothing is beyond your reach.” When Rav Burg is not in the Beit Midrash, he can most often be found walking in the forest with Talmidim “just schmoozing” about life. Talmidim are always welcome in Rav Burg’s home, whether it be for a serious barbeque, a delicious breakfast, a chilled-out shabbat with the Rebbetzin’s specials desserts, or an unforgettable Purim Seudah.  In just a short time, Rav Burg has had a profound impact on our Yeshiva.

Education: Semicha - Chief Rabbinate of Israel; YSMZ Kollel; Yeshiva University, B.A. (Pre-Med)

Rav Lavey originally came to YSMZ as part of the Mevaseret Kollel and quickly distinguished himself as something special. His quick-witted humor, coupled with his extraordinary ability to connect with the Talmidim immediately made him a fan favorite in the Beit Midrash. Rav Lavey's influence encompasses all areas of the Yeshiva, including the chadar ochel and the weight room, and Rav Lavey's Famous Friday Night Tisch!   It is not unusual to see Talmidim crowding around Rav Lavey in the Beit Midrash asking him questions on any number of subjects. With the Yeshiva's continued success, Rav Lavey is now delivering a Morning Seder shiur that focuses on pure skill building and analysis of the texts. His Talmidim walk away with the confidence to open any Gemara and read it fluently.

Rav Lavey is also the Director of Alumni Relations. “Once a Mevaseret Talmid, always a Mevaseret Talmid,” is Rav Lavey's constant refrain. He coordinates alumni shiurim in America, publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, and has even established a Mevaseret network to help our alumni find jobs. It can be said about Rav Lavey that he breathes YSMZ!
 

Education: Yeshivat Hesder Otniel, Herczog Institute (Education); Trained Narrative Therapist; Nachal Infantry Unit

Rav Naftali is involved in almost ever facet of the daily lives of our Talmidim. Inside the Beit Midrash, Rav Naftali has become famous for his Personal Growth Workshops These weekly workshops  are geared towards middot improvement and helping each participant develop his personality to the point of being capable of a mature, conscious relationship with Hashem and his fellow man. Rav Naftali is oft quoted as saying “It’s about individual personal growth but within the context of connecting to the greater whole.” Rav Naftali also gives a class in Hashkafot of Rav Kook, where Talmidim get a real sense of the Weltanschaung of Rav Kook through the lens of his Torah.  However, more impactful than anything Rav Naftali achieves in the classroom, Rav Naftali spends most of his time simply listening to Talmidim. With a true patience and caring for every single Talmid, Rav Naftali gets the Talmidim through their hard times and helps them with any issues they may have. He truly sees the good in each and every Talmid and helps our Talmidim develop into mature and caring adults.
 
As Director of Programming, Rav Naftali brings ruach and excitement outside of the Beit Midrash as well. The out-of-this-world tiyulim and inspiring shabbatonim round out the Mevaseret experience as Talmidim get a real sense of Kedushat Eretz Yisrael. Last, but certainly not least, Rav Naftali is a world famous Jewish musician. He has released three best selling albums entitled: Thank You, Seeing the Good, and Overcoming. Rav Naftali’s musical proficiency has a great impact on the YSMZ experience as he frequently plays at Mesibot, Melava Malkas and Kumzitzs’.  His chazanut at Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur davening is often one of the highlights of our year. In Mevaseret, the boys are truly warmed by Rav Naftali’s fire.
 

Education: Yeshivat Bnei Akiva Kfar Haroeh, Yeshivat Hagolan, Tzror Hamor Mercaz Harav, Kollel Meretz Teudat Hora'ah, Yeshivat Ahavat Shalom

This is Rav Barkai's seventh year in Mevaseret. Talmidim love learning with Rav Barkai, not only because they learn in Hebrew, but also because of his vast amounts of knowledge as well as his kind and gentle demeanor.

Education: Yeshivat Aderet Eliyahu; Semicha - Meretz Kollel Teacher’s Institute
 
To say that Rav Kfir is a jack of all trades is a gross understatement. He has served as a community Rabbi for the Magen Avraham Congregation in the city of Kiryat Gat and in various other Torani positions. He has published various Halachic essays and books and serves as a Shochet, Sofer Stam and Mohel to the Mevaseret Zion Community. Rav Kfir’s shiurim focus on the study of all halachot of writing Stam, including Simanei HaLimud, as well as practical classes in writing. He offers an additional course on various topics in Halacha specifically designed for students from a Sephardic background. Talmidim that take advantage of Rav Kfir will gain broad based knowledge in all areas of Yahadut.

Education: YSMZ Kollel; University of Pennsylvania, B.A. (Economics) 

            Rav Pizem is one of the most unique Rebbeim we have on staff at YSMZ. A dynamic and outgoing Rebbe who easily connects with his Talmidim, Rav Pizem’s influence is felt throughout the Mevaseret Family. His down-to-earth style and approachability allow his Talmidim to feel comfortable discussing both difficult and timely matters. Whether it’s with his guitar, his shiurim or his outlook on Judaism and life, Rav Pizem connects with every Talmid in the Yeshiva.
            What’s Rav Pizems secret? “I’m just trying to help Jews feel good about their Judaism and themselves,” he will tell you. His shiurim certainly reflect that concept.  Rav Pizem's “Journey Through Jewish Thought” is carefully crafted to teach gadlut ha’adam (the elevated stature of man). At night, Rav Pizem is available to guide Talmidim in any area of life, and ensure that no tTlmid falls through the cracks. As an On-Campus Rebbe, YSMZ is a 24/7 labor of love for Rav Pizem, and the Talmidim certainly take advantage of that. As a former Mevaseret graduate himself, Rav Pizem knows better than most that it is these relationships that make the Mevaseret experience “more than just for a year, but for a lifetime.”

Education: B.A. - Yeshiva University; Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin, RIETS; M.S., Bernard Revel Graduate School

Prior to making aliyah in August 2006, Rabbi Yitzchak Twersky was a senior Rebbe and chairman of the Tanach department at the Frisch School. Rav Twersky has been giving shiurim for decades to thousands of students, rebbeim, and teachers at Yeshiva University, Princeton, Columbia, Camp Moshava and numerous other places. He is the author of scores of published articles in Gemara B’Iyun, Tanach, and machshava. His sefer, Amittah Shel Torah contains original insights into Tanach and Chazal.
 
The Afternoon Seder at YSMZ is a truly diverse program and Rav Twersky’s “Keys to Tanach” shiur is one of the featured classes of the Yeshiva. Talmidim gain the ability to learn Tanach as they never have before by seeing familiar texts with original interpretations. Rav Twersky’s shiurim, written and oral, have inspired and informed countless Rabbanim and Rebbeim in the US and Israel.

Education: B.A. in History and Literature Harvard University;  U.C.L.A. Law School, J.D.

After graduating Cum Laude from Harvard University and receiving his J.D. from UCLA Law, Rav Wenglin began his career doing mergers and acquisitions for the Manhattan law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison. The potential for him to make partner was tangible but he put that success on hold in order to learn more about his Jewish roots. He moved to Jerusalem where he started taking introductory classes at Aish HaTorah and eventually grew to the point where he periodically taught in the Essentials program as well on several Jerusalem Fellowship trips. Rav Wenglin was named Director of Education at a Yeshivat Lev Yisrael where he later served as the Executive Director for three years. Rav Yaakov Yisrael is currently an in-demand guest speaker for college campuses and community-based outreach programs throughout North America. Additionally, since 2001, Rav Wenglin has been a lecturer in Jerusalem for JEWEL - an introductory program for Jewish women. He is also a guest speaker for the Aishet and Achim Kiruv Training program in Israel as well as an instructor at the Olamot Seminary, all the while making freelance teaching appearances in and around Jerusalem.

At YSMZ, Rav Wenglin brings his unique blend of humor and hashkafa to the afternoon seder program. He delivers a bi-weekly Gemara for Beginners class that teaches Talmidim how to approach the Gemara from scratch, as well as a mind-blowing class in Foundations of Judaism. Rav Wenglin brings with him a wealth of life experience that serves as a great model for our Talmidim.

Education: B.A. - Yeshiva University; M.S., - Bernard Revel Graduate School; Semicha, - RIETS

Having previously ranked amongst Mevaseret's senior Ramim, Rav Wruble is known to many Talmidim and alumni as Abba - a term which succinctly sums up the essence of Rav Wruble and the warmth and approachability for which he is renowned. Rav Wruble rejoins the Mevaseret team this year with a lateral look at  Nevi'im through his Afternoon Seder shiur "Prophet Profiles."

Education: Semicha - Mirrer Yeshiva; Graduate Gateshead, Beer Yaakov
 
At the tender age of twenty-five, Rav Zucker had already published Shashuei Shmuel, a sefer of Chiddushei Torah that deals with Sugyot in Shas and a mystical understanding of the Yamim Tovim.  Such Torah luminaries as Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, Rosh Yeshiva Mir Yerushalayim, Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro, Rosh Yeshiva Yeshivat Beer Yaakov and the Strickover Rebbe gave personalized approbations to the  sefer. Renowned for his erudition in all areas of the Torah, Rav Zucker gives an intriguing class in Jewish Eschatology, offering the Talmidim a rare opportunity to gather information both fascinating and foreign to most people. Additionally, Rav Zucker heads the afternoon seder Shas Bekiut Program, which  inspires Talmidim to make siyumin in sedarim in mishnayot and masechtot in Shas.  Besides his gadlut in Torah, Rav Zucker is known for his energy, passion and immense warmth, creating an unbelievably close kesher with all his Talmidim.

Education: Semicha - Yeshiva University, Chief Rabbinate of Israel; B.A.  - Yeshiva University; M.A.  - Yeshiva University; Doctorate from Ministry of Education in Judaic Studies

Education: B.A. Queens College; Semicha  - Yeshivat Torah Mitzion; Teaching Certificate Ner Le’elef Teachers College; Mevaseret Kollel
           
As a former veteran of the Mevaseret Kollel (with one of the most popular va'adim) Rav Druyan is intimately familiar with the Mevaseret way. His unique sense of humor and devotion to the Talmidim makes him an outstanding all-round Rebbe. Rav Druyan is a dynamic speaker, has an engaging personality and has a knack for explaining difficult sugyot in a clear and entertaining manner. His erudite teaching style places heavy emphasis on the linguistic nuances of the Gemara. A passionate grammarian, he also teaches the Hebrew Ulpan Torani at night. Out of the Beit Midrash you can find Rav Druyan taking Hatzolah calls and climbing on (or jumping off) any of the many beautiful mountains of Eretz Yisrael.

Education: Semicha – Lander College; B.A. (Psychology)
 
Rav Glanz comes to Mevaseret with a wealth of experience in almost every area imaginable. He has previously been an Av Bayit, a Maggid Shiur and even a Karate instructor. In Mevaseret, Rav Doniel fills all of these roles. As our on campus Coordinator, Rav Glanz continues to build his stellar reputation as one of the warmest Rebbeim in Eretz Yisrael, having Talmidim at his house on a constant basis and overseeing the general well-being of every Talmid. Rav Glanz can be found in the Beit Midrash around the clock delivering a pre-Shacharit shiur, serving as a Shoel U'Meshiv in the morning and afternoon, and giving a Night Seder shiur. As a second-degree black belt in Torah Dojo, Rav Glanz adds a unique flavor to the program teaching a bi-weekly  course in Mixed Martial Arts. With his engaging personality, Rav Doniel has quickly become a fan-favorite at YSMZ.

Education: Semicha, Yeshivat Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, Mirrer Yeshiva
 
Rav Dovid was a close talmid of the current Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, Rav Ahron Shechter, shlit”a, as well as having been a talmid of one of the foremost Gedolei Hador in America, Rav Yitzchak Hutner zt”l.  Rav Goldberg comes to YSMZ after spending twenty-one years in Yeshivas Ner Yaakov, where he gave the highest level Morning Seder shiur in the yeshiva. Rav Goldberg exudes such warmth that every Talmid finds themselves attracted to him, and his Shabbat invites are legendary. Rav Goldberg enjoys learning one-on-one with Talmidim, where he shows his Talmidim in a very clear way how to learn Gemara, Rashi and Tosafos. It is certainly a tremendous privilege to have a Talmid Chacham on the level of Rav Goldberg on our staff to learn in small settings with our Talmidim.

At YSMZ we are truly a family and every family needs to eat.  However, to call Moe the chef would be a  dismal understatement. Every meal he prepares, from his chocolate chip pancakes to his world famous barbeques, from his succulent grilled chicken, to his teriyake pepper steak, is made with his favorite ingredient: love. Talmidim enjoy spending their free time in Moe’s kitchen learning how to prepare a variety of different dishes and enjoying the special ruach that comes along with hanging with Moe.  Some Talmidim become so close with him that they will wake up early before davening to help him prepare his amazing breakfasts. Moe’s range of influence spans beyond the confines of the kitchen. He can be found in the Beit Midrash learning Chumash with the Talmidim, hosting Va'ad night at him home, dancing at a Carlebach Minyan, leading a tisch in his house on campus and accompanying the Talmidim on their tiyulim.  Everyone agrees, “Ya gotta go to Moe’s!”

Education: Business Management, Machon Lev

Avi graduated from YSMZ in 2006,  joined the team of madrichim last year and is now continuing his Mevaseret career as Av Bayit. Avi  is involved with Talmidim on a daily basis, from morning to night, ensuring that every Talmid's basic needs are fulfilled. From Internet services to doctor appointments, Avi coordinates all campus and student related issues.  What makes Avi pretty unique by anyone's standards is that no request is too difficult or insignificant, and he always obliges promptly and with a smile. Avi and his wife Arielle are also well known for opening their home evenings and Shabbatot for Talmidim who are in need of some home-style food or atmosphere!

Education: Yeshivat Har Etzion, Semicha - Chief Rabbinate of Israel, B.A. - Computer Programming, Logistics and Economics Bar Ilan University, Licensed Tour Guide Ministry of Tourism

Rav Zev is a passionate guide who brings personalities, places & stories to life. His goals while outside of the “walls of the Beit Midrash” are to engage & inspire students, strengthening their connection to Eretz Yisrael. He especially loves Tanach-based tiyulim, using the layout of the land to gain a deeper understanding of the text. Hikes, water-sports & tours are all part of a fun-filled  program designed to challenge Talmidim physically, intellectually & spiritually. Rav Zev embodies great learning and good times!

Comprising a group of Israeli and American young men (most are YSMZ alumni!) who devote their time to ensuring that the basic needs of our Talmidim are met at all times. Madrichim live in the dormitories with the Talmidim, learn with our Talmidim in the Beit Midrash during the day and are also involved in Tiyulim, educational programs and fun projects planned for the Talmidim throughout the year. Madrichim are chosen for their maturity, responsibility and enthusiasm and they truly care for our Talmidim as a big brother or close friend.