Staff Biographies
Joel E. Hoffman
Similar to rabbi's throughout most of Jewish history, Joel Hoffman has a regular "day job" while teaching and writing about Judaism in his free time. He worked at Jewish non-profit organizations for 10 years, and is currently in his eighth year working as a special education teacher -- teaching math and science courses.
Over the years Joel Hoffman has given 100s of lectures—all for free--which has taken him to 12 states (CA, CO, TX, LA, MO, OH, PA, NY, CT, RI, MA, and NH) in which his focus has been to introduce Jews to the richness of the Talmud and to how Hasidic teachings can spiritually enhance one's life. A couple of teaching highlights include being the scholar-in-residence for an all-day retreat of the Los Angeles Board of Rabbis, and speaking in a Evangelical church about Israel advocacy with 700+ people in attendance. Joel has also published 28 d'vrei Torah, online essays, journal articles, and opinion-editorials. (see Writings.)
Joel Hoffman has a B.A. from the University of Illinois (’91) where he played on the ice hockey team, earned a master's degree in Jewish studies from Spertus College, and then spent three years intensively engaged in Jewish studies in Israel--the final two years at Yeshivat Darche Noam (a.k.a., “Shapells”)—which culminated in obtaining rabbinical ordination ('99). Additionally, Joel has a master's degree in education, a Massachusetts Teacher's License, and has taken courses towards a doctorate in education.
Joel Hoffman lives in the Boston area, has three teenage children, and he enjoys hiking, working out, and rooting for the New England Patriots.
Joel E. Hoffman
Similar to rabbi's throughout most of Jewish history, Joel Hoffman has a regular "day job" while teaching and writing about Judaism in his free time. He worked at Jewish non-profit organizations for 10 years, and is currently in his eighth year working as a special education teacher -- teaching math and science courses.
Over the years Joel Hoffman has given 100s of lectures—all for free--which has taken him to 12 states (CA, CO, TX, LA, MO, OH, PA, NY, CT, RI, MA, and NH) in which his focus has been to introduce Jews to the richness of the Talmud and to how Hasidic teachings can spiritually enhance one's life. A couple of teaching highlights include being the scholar-in-residence for an all-day retreat of the Los Angeles Board of Rabbis, and speaking in a Evangelical church about Israel advocacy with 700+ people in attendance. Joel has also published 28 d'vrei Torah, online essays, journal articles, and opinion-editorials. (see Writings.)
Joel Hoffman has a B.A. from the University of Illinois (’91) where he played on the ice hockey team, earned a master's degree in Jewish studies from Spertus College, and then spent three years intensively engaged in Jewish studies in Israel--the final two years at Yeshivat Darche Noam (a.k.a., “Shapells”)—which culminated in obtaining rabbinical ordination ('99). Additionally, Joel has a master's degree in education, a Massachusetts Teacher's License, and has taken courses towards a doctorate in education.
Joel Hoffman lives in the Boston area, has three teenage children, and he enjoys hiking, working out, and rooting for the New England Patriots.
