Torah Tech, a gap-year program in Israel for male high school graduates that blends Torah with personal and professional development, has hired a new mashgiach ruchani. Rabbi Ely Allen, a former Northern New Jersey Hillel director and Bergenfield resident prior to making aliyah three years ago, has officially joined the staff in the mentorship role. Rabbi Allen, with his years of proven mentorship ability, will be working alongside the students, checking in with them, making sure they’re doing well and providing them with his guidance as needed.
Torah Tech is a new program located in the heart of Tel Aviv. Currently finishing up its inaugural year, the program boasts an impressive array of offerings geared towards not just learning Torah and trips, but also getting the students prepared for their future professional lives and careers. As described on its website, the program stands out for not using a traditional model but rather following its own unique system, and is something that all prospective students can find beneficial.
“Our multifaceted program challenges students to strive for excellence both religiously and professionally, by immersing them in the world of Torah and ruchniyut, as well as the world of high-powered Israeli businesses and tech companies,” Torah Tech explained. “This rare combination can only be found in Eretz Yisrael, the eternal homeland of Am Yisrael and the birthplace of unparalleled innovation and advancement in business and technology.”
In his new role as the mashgiach ruchani, Rabbi Allen will be contributing to the students’ development. Using a holistic approach, his main focus will be on welfare, whether it be spiritual, physical or psychological. Speaking with The Jewish Link, he elaborated on his thoughts about the program and detailed what he’s most looking forward to in the role.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Torah Tech family,” Rabbi Allen shared. “I love working with students and am very much looking forward to helping them in whatever capacity I can. I welcomed this opportunity when it was brought to my attention in part because of the interesting and special way the program works and the aspects it chooses to focus on. My goal in this position is to both help the kids make the most of their Jewish experience in Israel and also provide them with any mentorship they might find useful or need.”
Yehudah Goldberg is one of the co-founders of Torah Tech. Speaking with The Jewish Link, he explained that Rabbi Allen’s addition to the staff marks an important and exciting point in the program’s history. Having already been acquainted with Rabbi Allen, and having learned with him when he still lived in Bergenfield, Goldberg said that he complements the goals that Torah Tech strives to continue to achieve.
“I have known Rabbi Allen for over 20 years and I am so excited to have him joining Torah Tech,” Goldberg shared. “He’s always been a close mentor of mine. Any problem or issue I had, no matter what time of the day it was, he was always there to sit down with me to discuss it and offer me his advice. I have so many fond memories of learning with him, and I’m so happy that now our students will be able to experience that same level of mentorship.”
Rabbi Shlomo Chayen, the other co-founder of Torah Tech, echoed these sentiments, giving his own thoughts on the addition of Rabbi Allen.
“One of the most important lessons that Torah Tech strives to impart on its students is professionalism, both in your Jewish life and your work,” Rabbi Chayen shared. “Rabbi Allen is someone who is right in line with our values, and someone who will add a lot to the experience we want our students to have. He’s extremely personable and embodies professionalism with his gentle soul and the way he carries himself. It’s great to have him with us.”
Torah Tech is currently accepting applications for the coming year. If you are interested in applying or would like to make a donation to the program, you can do so at https://www.torahtech.co/. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Goldberg at [email protected].
By Adam Samuel
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at adamssoapbox.com.
