SPEAKERS
Meet Our Speakers
Rabbi Moshe Benovitz
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbi Moshe Benovitz is the Managing Director of International NCSY, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and vision of the organization, impacting Jewish youth around the world. With years of dedicated service to the Jewish community, Rabbi Benovitz has become a respected figure in Jewish education and youth programming. He is also the longtime Director of the NCSY Summer Kollel, where he has been instrumental in providing an immersive and transformative Torah experience for young men.
In addition to his leadership roles at NCSY, Rabbi Benovitz serves as a Rebbe in Reishit Yerushalayim, where he shares his deep knowledge of Torah and Jewish thought with students, fostering their spiritual and intellectual growth. His dynamic and passionate approach to teaching has inspired countless individuals to deepen their connection to Jewish tradition and identity. Known for his commitment to mentorship and education, Rabbi Benovitz continues to influence the next generation of Jewish leaders, guiding them with wisdom, compassion, and dedication. His leadership and educational impact extend far beyond his direct work, leaving a lasting legacy on the Jewish community worldwide.
Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon
Inspirational Speaker
Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon is a distinguished leader in the Jewish world, currently serving as the Nasi of World Mizrachi. Renowned for his profound scholarship and expertise, he is an internationally acclaimed posek of Halacha (Jewish law), offering guidance and clarity to communities around the globe. Rav Rimon is also a highly respected author, having written numerous books and articles on Jewish law and thought, which have had a significant impact on both the academic and practical realms of Halachic discourse.
As an educator and lecturer, Rav Rimon has inspired countless individuals through his engaging and insightful teachings, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary life. His ability to address complex issues in an accessible and relatable manner has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences, seminars, and educational programs worldwide. With a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Torah, Rav Rimon continues to influence Jewish communities through his leadership and unwavering dedication to Halacha and Jewish education.
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Rav Aharon Pessin
Inspirational Speaker
Rav Aharon Pessin is a distinguished Talmid Chacham known for his profound expertise in Jewish Law and Jewish Thought. With years of study and dedication, he has earned a reputation as a leading authority in his field. Rav Pessin is also a dynamic and inspiring speaker who travels the world, delivering lectures on a wide range of topics related to Jewish philosophy, Halacha, and ethics.
His teachings are renowned for their depth, clarity, and relevance to contemporary life, making complex Jewish concepts accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences. Whether speaking to Torah scholars or general Jewish communities, Rav Pessin is able to engage his listeners with a unique combination of intellectual rigor and passionate delivery. His ability to relate timeless Torah values to the challenges and opportunities of modern life has made him a beloved figure in Jewish educational circles. Through his worldwide travels and lectures, Rav Pessin continues to inspire and strengthen Jewish communities, fostering a deeper connection to Torah and tradition.
Rabbi Shalom Rosner
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbi Shalom Rosner is a highly sought-after Maggid Shiur with thousands of students around the world who benefit from his dynamic and insightful teachings. Renowned for his depth of knowledge and engaging delivery, Rabbi Rosner has earned a reputation as a master educator, inspiring students of all ages to connect deeply with Torah learning.
Prior to his Aliyah in August 2008, Rav Rosner served as a beloved Maggid Shiur at Yeshiva University's Stone Beis Medrash Program, where he taught a wide range of students in both formal and informal settings. In addition to his role at YU, he also served as the Rabbi of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok – the "Island Shul" – for six years, where he played an instrumental role in nurturing the spiritual and communal life of the congregation.
Since making Aliyah, Rabbi Rosner continues to teach and inspire students globally, offering classes on Torah, Halacha, and Jewish thought. His teachings resonate with a broad range of learners, from those just beginning their Jewish journey to advanced scholars. Through his engaging approach, Rabbi Rosner is able to bring the timeless wisdom of the Torah to life in a way that is both accessible and relevant to modern-day challenges. His passion for Jewish education and commitment to fostering a love for Torah has made him a beloved figure in Jewish communities across the world.
Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi is an attorney by training and a Rabbinical Court advocate, though she has not actively practiced in these fields for many years. Instead, she has dedicated her life to her two greatest passions: learning and teaching Torah. With a deep commitment to Torah study and a love for inspiring others, Rabbanit Mizrahi has become a leading figure in Jewish women's education.
Her teachings are known for their warmth, depth, and relevance to the everyday lives of Jewish women, and she has earned widespread admiration for her unique ability to connect profound Torah insights with the practical and spiritual needs of her students. Combining her admiration for Jewish women with her extensive knowledge of Torah, Rabbanit Mizrahi offers engaging and empowering classes for women, helping them strengthen their connection to Judaism and grow in their spiritual journeys.
Through her dynamic approach, she has become a beloved educator in Jewish communities around the world, impacting countless women and inspiring them to engage with Torah on a deeper level. Rabbanit Mizrahi’s classes cover a wide range of topics, including Halacha, Jewish thought, and personal growth, all while fostering a supportive environment where women can feel empowered and confident in their Jewish identity.
Rabbi Yakov and Lori Palatnik
Authors & Speakers
Rabbi Yakov and Lori Palatnik are renowned authors, educators, and internationally sought-after speakers, whose impactful messages have touched Jewish communities across the globe. They have been featured in numerous speaking engagements throughout North, Central, and South America, Europe, the CIS, and Israel, captivating audiences with their dynamic presentations on Jewish values, identity, and personal growth.
Together, they bring a unique and powerful approach to Jewish education, blending Torah wisdom with practical insights for contemporary living. Rabbi Yakov, known for his deep knowledge of Jewish law and thought, and Lori, an inspiring advocate for Jewish women’s empowerment, deliver messages that resonate with diverse audiences, from young adults to families to professionals. Their ability to engage listeners with warmth, humor, and profound wisdom has made them beloved figures in the Jewish educational world.
In addition to their speaking engagements, the Palatniks are accomplished authors, having written works that have enriched Jewish learning for readers of all backgrounds. Their books are known for their accessibility, offering meaningful lessons and insights that apply both to Jewish tradition and modern life. Through their international outreach, Rabbi Yakov and Lori Palatnik continue to inspire, educate, and strengthen Jewish communities worldwide. Their work fosters a deeper understanding of Torah and a stronger connection to Jewish heritage, making them powerful forces in Jewish education today.
Tamir Goodman
Inspirational Speaker and professional basketball player
Dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in 1999, Tamir Goodman is a former professional basketball player who gained widespread recognition for balancing his religious observance with his passion for the sport. After playing for the University of Maryland, he went on to play professionally in Israel and Europe. Today, Tamir is a successful entrepreneur, coach, educator, and motivational speaker, inspiring others to pursue their dreams while remaining true to their values. His story continues to serve as a powerful example of perseverance, faith, and dedication.
Rav Judah Mischel
Inspirational Speaker
Rav Judah Mischel is Executive Director of Camp HASC, the Hebrew Academy for Special Children. He is the Mashpiah of OU-NCSY, founder of Tzama Nafshi and the author of Baderech: Along the Path of Teshuva. Rav Judah lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife Ora and their family.
Prior to assuming a full time role at Camp HASC, Rav Judah was a Maggid Shiur & Director of Programing at Yeshivat Reishit in Beit Shemesh. A talmid of Yeshivat Shaalvim, he received Semicha from the Jerusalem Rabbinate, a BA in History from Yeshiva University, an MA in Education from YU’s Azrieli Graduate School, and was a Graduate Fellow at the CUNY Center for Coexistence at the School for Public Affairs. Rav Judah was Director of Student Activities and a member of the Judaic Studies faculty at the Frisch School, in Paramus, NJ, and led Aish HaTorah Jerusalem’s Return & Learn Program.
MK Ohad Tal
Inspirational Speaker
MK Ohad Tal is an Israeli politician serving as a member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionist Party. He holds a BA in Educational Management and Eretz Yisrael Studies from Bar-Ilan University and an Executive MBA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Tal served as a tank commander in the IDF’s Armored Corps during Operation Defensive Shield.
Before entering politics, Tal spent two decades in Jewish education and diaspora relations, including serving as an emissary for the Jewish Agency in the Netherlands and founding the Religious Zionist Emissary Center. He also served as Deputy Director of World Mizrachi and Director of World Bnei Akiva.
Elected to the 25th Knesset in 2022, Tal chairs the Knesset Committee for Public Enterprises and is a member of multiple committees, including Foreign Affairs and Defense. In 2024, he was appointed manager of the Religious Zionism Party’s Knesset faction.
Tal resides in Efrat with his wife, Tamar, and their four children.
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbi Jay Kelman is the founder and director of Torah in Motion (TiM), an organization dedicated to fostering high-level Jewish learning and intellectual engagement globally. Through TiM, he creates platforms for exploring complex contemporary issues through a Torah lens, hosting lectures, conferences and luxury educational tours featuring prominent scholars and thought leaders.
In addition to his leadership at Torah in Motion, Rabbi Kelman teaches Halacha and Rabbinics at TanenbaumCHAT and hosts the 10-minute Parsha podcast, "A Thought for the Week". He received a degree in accounting from Yeshiva University and Semicha from RIETS. A Shul rabbi in Toronto for 15 years, he is also a CPA, CA and previously worked in the tax department of a major international firm. His expertise in finance and Jewish law intersected in his long-running "Money Matters” column in the Canadian Jewish News. His divrei Torah on the Parsha, Daf Yomi, economics and more are available at torahinmotion.org
David Peyman
Inspirational Speaker
David Peyman is an American attorney who played a key role in U.S. sanctions policy during the Trump administration. From 2018 to 2020, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions, overseeing 25 sanctions programs, including those targeting Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. His work focused on enforcing economic pressure through sanctions, particularly in the maritime sector, to prevent the illicit transport of Iranian oil.
Peyman spearheaded efforts to monitor ship-to-ship transfers, worked with international partners to ensure Iranian tankers were not flagged under foreign registries, and took action against companies violating sanctions, including sanctions on the Chinese shipping giant COSCO. His leadership was instrumental in tightening enforcement and expanding the impact of U.S. economic measures against adversarial nations.
Before his government role, Peyman served as the Jewish Affairs and Outreach Director for the Trump-Pence campaign and was part of the presidential transition team. His expertise in sanctions enforcement and foreign policy continued to shape his work beyond government, as he remains an influential voice in economic statecraft and national security strategy.
Dr. Norman Goldwasser
Inspirational Speaker
Dr. Norman Goldwasser is a clinical psychologist based in Miami Beach, Florida, with over 30 years of experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the Medical College of Virginia, where he graduated magna cum laude. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Johns Hopkins University, graduating summa cum laude.
Throughout his career, Dr. Goldwasser has specialized in treating trauma-related disorders, including anxiety disorders, anger and stress management, personality disorders, and addictions. He is particularly known for his extensive use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, having over 25 years of intensive training and experience as an EMDR clinician and consultant.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Goldwasser has served as a clinical director at Horizon Psychological Services in Miami Beach since 1992. He has also been an active speaker at professional and public events worldwide, sharing his expertise on various topics related to psychology and mental health.
In recent years, Dr. Goldwasser has focused on providing support to traumatized soldiers in Israel, offering specialized therapy to help them recover from the psychological toll of combat and conflict. His work with Israeli soldiers includes EMDR therapy and other trauma-focused interventions, helping them process their experiences and regain emotional stability.
Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum has been a prominent figure in Jewish education and leadership. Prior to August 2022, he served as the Rabbi of the Irving Place Minyan in Woodmere, New York, and as the Rav Bet Sefer at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) in Lawrence, New York. In his role at HAFTR, Rabbi Feigenbaum was instrumental in guiding both students and faculty, emphasizing Torah study and Jewish values.
In August 2022, Rabbi Feigenbaum, along with his wife Malki and their six children, made Aliyah to Israel, embracing the opportunity to be part of the Jewish homeland. Since relocating, he has continued his educational endeavors, delivering lectures and shiurim throughout Israel and teaching in Aish HaTorah and Midreshet Lindenbaum.
Rabbi Jason Finkelstein
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbi Jason Finkelstein is a seasoned Rebbe with over a decade of experience in the field. He currently serves as a Rebbe at Heichal HaTorah and Yeshivat Noam where he is known for building strong relationships and helping his talmidim achieve their highest potential in learning.
In addition to his role as a Rebbe, Rabbi Finkelstein contributes to the Jewish community through his involvement with Camp Kaylie, where he serves as a Division Head.
Rabbi Finkelstein and his family live in Bergenfield, NJ.
Rabbi Dov Lipman
Inspirational Speaker
Rabbi Dov Lipman is an Israeli educator, author, and former Member of Knesset (Yesh Atid, 2013-2015). He served on the Finance and Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs Committees and led initiatives to integrate Haredim into the workforce. He is the founder of Yad L’Olim, an organization assisting new immigrants to Israel. Lipman has authored multiple books on Judaism and Israeli society and is a frequent columnist for The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel. He is also a sought-after speaker on topics related to Israeli politics, religious affairs, and Jewish education.