Meet Our Team

The Atlanta Scholars Kollel Rabbinic Team

The Atlanta Scholars Kollel rabbis hail from all corners of the USA and Israel. We range in ages and talents, but we all share a love of learning and teaching Torah here in Atlanta.

Rabbi David Silverman, aka Rabbi Dave, one of the original founders of the Kollel, now shares the leadership responsibilities with Rabbi Doniel Pransky. As the Dean, Rabbi Silverman oversees the fundraising and the outreach activities. He runs the high school program at Pace, Woodward, Paideia, and North Springs, teaches a few adult classes, including Study Buddies – the longest continuously running Kollel class, and learns one-on-one with supporters and growth oriented Jews. Rabbi Dave, originally from LA, is known for his proficiency at juggling, mime, and burning his hands as one of the Kollel Kashering team. He received his rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College as well as a MS in Education from Johns Hopkins Univ.

Rabbi David Silverman, Dean

Rabbi Pransky, originally from Philadelphia, studied for many years in Yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore, MD, receiving his smicha there, and spent four years in the Columbus Community Kollel in Columbus, OH, before coming to Atlanta. Meticulous and thorough, Rabbi Pransky specializes at presenting complex and in-depth concepts in a clear, articulate format, on a wide-spectrum of subjects. He is equally comfortable teaching students with little background and those with yeshiva experience, often at the same time.

Rabbi Doniel Pransky, Rosh Kollel

Rabbi Doron Silverman, no, not related to Rabbi Dave but has A LOT in common with him; grew up in Southern California (San Diego), received rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College, MS in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and even his father has the same name as Rabbi Dave's! After joining the Kollel as one of the first young couples in 2012, Rabbi Doron and his family have been in Atlanta ever since. For six years Rabbi Doron Silverman worked in recruiting and building a successful staffing company before rejoining the Kollel as Assistant Dean.

Rabbi Doron Silverman, Assistant Dean

Reuven Blitman was raised in Flatbush, New York, where he proudly played center on his high school basketball team. His love for the game was clear then-and he’s still known for his impressive skills on the court today. Yet, even more than basketball, Reuven’s true passion has always been learning. That dedication led him to continue his studies in Israel, where he learned at Yeshivat Toras Shraga and later at the Mir Yerushalayim. Reuven then married Leah (née Skulnick) of Passaic NJ, and the couple moved to Baltimore, where he learned at Ner Yisroel. Reuven has recently joined the Atlanta community and is enthusiastic about being part of the ASK Kollel. He is a devoted father of four - Esther (5), Rachel (3), Aryeh (1½), and Atlanta’s very own native, baby Rina (3 months). Dedicated and full of energy, he’s often spotted on early morning or late-night jogs, keeping himself energized for a productive and meaningful day.

Rabbi Reuven Blitman

Rabbi Yaakov Fleshel hails originally from Cape Town, South Africa. The only time you don't detect an accent is when he is doing his Israeli and Brazilian soccer commentary or duck-brushing-his-teeth impersonation. Rabbi Fleshel is partnering up with the Meor Leadership Program to educate and inspire college students at Emory University. In his free time, he runs after his active sons, plays soccer and eats biltong in his home.

Rabbi Yaakov Fleshel

One of the original founding families of ASK, the Friedmans arrived in Atlanta in 1987. In 1994 some ASK students asked Rabbi and Morah Dena Friedman to assume leadership of the newly formed Congregation Ariel in Dunwoody, a position they hold until today. In addition to her role as Rebbetzin of Ariel, Morah Dena is the beloved kindergarten teacher at Torah Day School. Rabbi Friedman teaches torah morning and evening in the ASK Dome adjacent to Ariel. Recently, his fame has spread as the Rabbi in the Jeff and the Rabbi show on YouTube. Rabbi Friedman a native of Minneapolis, refuses to wear a winter coat in Atlanta. Rabbi Friedman received a bachelors and Masters of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College.

Rabbi Binyomin Friedman

Rabbi Netanel Friedman joined the Kollel in Dunwoody in 2014 with his wife Reva and their 6 children after 3 years in Massachusetts and is enjoying the warmer climate. With his exuberant energy, Rabbi Friedman can be found all over town teaching and running programs. His Young Couple events have created a wonderful network for families to connect. He'll meet virtually anyone for coffee or pizza to discuss life and the pursuit of Jewish meaning. He hosts the annual JWRP Men's trip to Israel which is becoming increasingly popular. Rabbi Netanel loves to sing and be in the great outdoors. He received a Bachelors and Masters of Talmudic law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore.

Rabbi Netanel Friedman

Rabbi Goldberger is the coordinator of the Lavista Community Beis Midrash in Toco Hills. He was ordained at Ner Israel Rabbinical College and has a Bachelors of Talmudic Law from there as well. His responsibilities at the Kollel include teaching, programming, fund-raising, shlepping, cup-stocking, and all other aspects of maintaining the Kollel's largest facility. Rabbi Goldberger is known for his singing and classical piano talent and is the son of a 7th generation cantor. Born in Akron Ohio, and raised in Silver Spring, MD, Rabbi Goldberger joined the Kollel in 1989, while also pursuing a 9-year teaching career ... In their spare time, Rabbi and Mrs. Goldberger enjoy keeping in touch with their children and grandchildren!

Rabbi Menashe Goldberger

Rabbi Hiller's good cheer and educational technique allows him to teach students on all levels mastery of the hebrew language and learning skills. Rabbi Hiller, who enjoys Hebrew grammar and usage, is a second grade rebbe at Torah Day School, as well as being the director of Pirchei Day Camp. Rabbi Hiller received his Rabbinic Ordination from the Mirrer Yeshiva in New York and an MA in cognitive educational psychology from the Teachers College at Columbia University. Rabbi Hiller, his wife Leah and their children came to Atlanta from Israel in 1993.

Rabbi Moshe Hiller

Rabbi Pacey Horowitz grew up in Baltimore Maryland and spent over ten years learning in Ner Yisroel before continuing his studies in the Mir in Yerushalayim. He has a deep love and passion for both Torah learning and teaching! He is excited to connect with and be a part of the growing Atlanta Jewish community! Pasy married an Atlanta native, Chana Malka Lipschutz, who currently teaches middle school at Torah Day School. When not busy at Kollel, Pasy enjoys entertaining his kids with his various musical talents, baking skills, and just taking them around town to Atlanta's different beautiful parks and trails.

Rabbi Pesach (Pacey) Horowitz

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