Rabbi Chaim Coffman
Education:
Columbia University - Graduated in 1990 with a degree in History
Yeshiva Education:
Yeshivat Hamivtar (“Brovenders”) 1988, 1991-1993
Yeshiva University 1990-1991
Kollel Ohr Yitzhak (Ramot Polin) 1993-2000 where we learned most of seder Nashim and Nezikim biyun and Yoreh Deah (הלכות )תערובת, בשר וחלב, ומליחה There was great emphasis on personal development and growth with many classes focused on marital relationships and raising children. We also developed skills in public speaking as well as hands on experience learning how to integrate our learning into our everyday lives.
Kollel Merkaz HaTorah 1999-2004 under the guidance of the Raavad (President) of the Eidah Chareidit HaRav Hagaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita. We analyzed gemara texts with emphasis of deriving the halacha from the sugya at hand.
Semicha (Rabbinical Ordination)
2004 Received Smicha from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg Shlita
2004 Letter of Approbation from the Raavad (President) of the Eidah HaChareidis Rabbinical Court, HaRav HaGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita.
Critical Work Experience
Heritage House – 1993-1994 Giving informal classes to beginners on the basics of Judaism and the holidays. I helped organize and have Shabbatonim giving guidance and establishing personal connections to our guests inspiring them to want to try and reach their full potential.
Jewish Student Information Center – 1993-2003. I utilized my skills and unique and eclectic background working with college students and teaching them the basics of Judaism. This also involved organizing Shabbatonim in other neighborhoods and going to campus for Shabbos as well. I had a database of student addresses and contacts whereby we kept in touch through a parsha newsletter and e-mail. Provided individual counseling and career guidance to students.
Beit Midrash Progam at Hebrew University – 1993-1996 Taught students one on one in various topics of Judaism: Feminism, Reform/Conservative Judaism, Why do bad things happen to good people, Secular Zionism, the uniqueness of the Jewish people, secular and religious dating…There was always close contact with the students where very often they would come for Shabbos and receive career guidance in a warm environment. Established a seminar for students in exploring their Jewish roots through media portrayal of Judaism.
Yeshivat Ohr Sameach – 1993-1995 I tutored individuals and/or groups on the ABC’s of Judaism, the holidays, the weekly parsha and halacha. Developed personal connections to the participants which included them coming for Shabbos and provided individual counseling and career guidance. I also worked for the J.L.E. (Jewish Learning Exchange) often integrating with the students and providing leadership skills and camaraderie.
Yeshivat Ohr David – 1996-2000. Weekly classes in Jewish Philosophy based on the text of Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman and weekly parsha based on the text of Rav Yeruchem Levovitz, the famed Mashgiach (spiritual mentor) of the Mir Yeshiva. I took esoteric ideas and made it understandable for the modern age. I advised and guided the students as a mentor as well as giving career guidance. I also substituted for other rebbes and gave gemara shiurim.
Kollel Merkaz HaTorah - 2001-2004 I developed a unique learning program for older men, who never had the chance to learn in Yeshiva, giving them skills and confidence to learn on their own. Taught Hebrew/Aramaic grammar as well as a proven method of retention of the material with great accuracy. There were also classes in Tenach, Chumash (in great depth), hashkafa and halacha. Brought in guest speakers from all over Jerusalem to inspire the students as well as organizing an oneg Shabbos once a month and getting together during the holidays and bein hazmanim.
The Eidah HaChareidis Rabbinical Court – 1999-2004. I had the unique opportunity of sitting in the rabbinical court and being present during the court proceedings as well as to witnessing the final rulings of the judges. I became a close confidant of Rav Sternbuch Shlita and learned from his unique ability to tackle difficult halachic problems. I met world renowned poskim of the Lithuanian world, Hasidic rebbes and teachers and learned about the inner workings of how rabbinical courts work.