Kollel Ohr Yosef
Kollel Ohr Yosef is an institute of rabbinic study in Ontario, Canada, serving the Thornhill and northern Toronto communities. As a "community kollel", its faculty engages in advanced study and also reaches out to the community by offering free informal sessions and religious guidance, literally on a constant basis. The open-door institute also hosts all conventional prayers, including holiday services. The Kollel is recognized as a place where one can drop in spontaneously to connect with friendly and knowledgeable scholars. It aims to permit the Torah to speak with its original, authentic voice. The faculty's energy is devoted especially to religious engagement and the dissemination of scholarship. The Kollel's widespread financial support is purely voluntary.
| Formation | October 2007 |
|---|---|
| Type | Kollel |
| Location |
|
Rosh Kollel | Rabbi Mordechai Scheiner |
| Website | thornhillkollel |
Various recorded Kollel lectures may be viewed at Koshertube.com.
Faculty
The Kollel is led by its "Rosh Kollel", Rabbi Mordechai Scheiner. Rabbi Scheiner received his rabbinic ordination from HaRav Shlomo Miller. He was previously a student or faculty member in numerous prestigious institutions, including the Toronto Kollel Avreichim, the Kollel of Miami Beach, and the Kollel of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. The faculty and staff also includes approximately 14 others. They are dedicated to advanced Torah studies and the dissemination of Torah knowledge, and also come to the Kollel following years of studies at core yeshivos.
Location
The Kollel is located in the premises of the Beth Avraham Yosef Toronto (BAYT) Synagogue, at 613 Clark Avenue West, near Bathurst St. and York Hill Blvd. The building has ample free parking. The Kollel's space features milk and meat kitchenettes, allowing it to host free communal meals and snacks and also offer coffee at all times.
History
The Kollel was formed in October, 2007. Its initial Rosh Kollel was Rabbi Avrohom Bitterman, currently the Rav of Thornhill's Ateres Mordechai. Kollel Ohr Yosef is named in honour of Joseph Tanenbaum, a philanthropist that benefited the Thornhill community.
Programs
The Kollel's website best summarizes its many scheduled programs and events. They include a daily Morning Kollel and Night Seder. Some of these are offered in conjunction with other generous community institutions, such as the BAYT or NCSY. As an orthodox institution, the programming in many cases is gender-separate.