Atlanta Scholars Kollel Has Inspired Atlantans For 20 years

Jewish Georgian May-June 2008

In 1987, three young rabbis and their families founded the Atlanta Scholars Kollel. From those humble beginnings, the organization has grown to 10 rabbis who teach over 1,000 people each month.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Atlanta Scholars Kollel hosted its Jewish Unity Live 2008 Dinner of Tribute on March 2. Close to 500 people attended the gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel Buckhead.

Honorees Rob, Mike, and Jon Leven

Since 1987, the Atlanta Scholars Kollel has brought pioneering programs and classes to Georgia, such as Lunch ‘N Learns, Hebrew Crash Courses, and Shabbat Across America. It now offers a wide array of programs for high school students, college students, and adults.

“Over the past two decades, the Kollel has set the standard for adult Jewish education in our community through an innovative outreach approach to Jews of all streams,” said Charlotte Marks, Jewish Unity Live event co-chair.

To appropriately mark this milestone, the Kollel honored Mike Leven and two of his sons, Jon and Rob, for their service to Atlanta’s Jewish and business communities. Mike Leven is vice-chairman of the Marcus Foundation and founder and retired chair of U.S. Franchise Systems.

Jon is the CEO of National Golf Products and Rob is the CIO of the Procaccianti Group. The Levens have taken significant leadership roles in various Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta Israel Bonds Committee, and the American Jewish Committee.

During the evening, Rabbi Menachem Deutsch, dean of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, along with David Krischer and Lynda Walker, co-presidents of the Kollel, awarded the National Medal of Jewish Unity to Mike, Jon, and Rob.

ASK Co-Presidents Lynda Walker and David Krischer present the National Medal of Jewish Unity to Jon, Mike and Rob Leven.

“Over the last 20 years, there’s been nothing we have wanted to accomplish more than getting the uplifting message of Torah to the next generation of young Jews,” said Rabbi Deutsch. “There’s nothing more worthy of recognition than a family that’s doing just that and succeeding. So, Mike, Jon, and Rob… I salute you and honor the example that you are setting for the rest of us.”

Kollel rabbis sing an original song in honor of Mike Leven.

At Jewish Unity Live, Mike and Rob Leven each spoke about their experiences studying one-on-one with rabbis from the Kollel.

“Learning Torah with Rabbi Silverman from the Kollel has enriched my life, my personal relationships, and my family life,” Rob Leven said. “I encourage everyone to try to find a few moments, reach out to this wonderful organization, and learn Torah. I promise it will have an incredibly positive impact on your life and the lives of your family.”