Staff Biographies:
Rabbi Joel Hoffman
Joel has been the director of Birthright Judaism since its inception in 1999 (in the early years the organization was called Uforatzta). Concurrently, for his "day job," Joel has worked as the principal of a Hebrew school (MO), as the rabbi-in-residence at a Jewish community day school (LA), and then as the director of a Bureau for Jewish education-equivalent (CT). He is currently in his 10th year working as a special education teacher (MA).
Over the years Joel has given 100s of lectures on Jewish topics—all for free--in 12 different states. He particularly enjoys introducing 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 at an Evangelical gathering about Israel advocacy with 700+ people in attendance. Joel has also published over 30 d'vrei Torah, online essays, journal articles, and opinion-editorials. (see Writings.)
Joel's general education includes a B.A. from the University of Illinois--where he played on the ice hockey team (ACHA Div. 1)--a master's degree in education from Gratz College, and a Massachusetts Teacher's License in special education and middle school math/science.
Joel's formal Jewish education includes earning a master's degree in Jewish studies from Spertus College, and then studying in Israel for three years--the final two years at Yeshivat Darche Noam (a.k.a., "Shapells") which culminated in obtaining rabbinical ordination.
Joel lives in the Boston area, all three of his children are in high school, and he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, working out, and rooting for the New England Patriots.
There Are No Other Staff Members at this Time.
Rabbi Joel Hoffman
Joel has been the director of Birthright Judaism since its inception in 1999 (in the early years the organization was called Uforatzta). Concurrently, for his "day job," Joel has worked as the principal of a Hebrew school (MO), as the rabbi-in-residence at a Jewish community day school (LA), and then as the director of a Bureau for Jewish education-equivalent (CT). He is currently in his 10th year working as a special education teacher (MA).
Over the years Joel has given 100s of lectures on Jewish topics—all for free--in 12 different states. He particularly enjoys introducing 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 at an Evangelical gathering about Israel advocacy with 700+ people in attendance. Joel has also published over 30 d'vrei Torah, online essays, journal articles, and opinion-editorials. (see Writings.)
Joel's general education includes a B.A. from the University of Illinois--where he played on the ice hockey team (ACHA Div. 1)--a master's degree in education from Gratz College, and a Massachusetts Teacher's License in special education and middle school math/science.
Joel's formal Jewish education includes earning a master's degree in Jewish studies from Spertus College, and then studying in Israel for three years--the final two years at Yeshivat Darche Noam (a.k.a., "Shapells") which culminated in obtaining rabbinical ordination.
Joel lives in the Boston area, all three of his children are in high school, and he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, working out, and rooting for the New England Patriots.
There Are No Other Staff Members at this Time.
