Rabbi Avi and shana hoffman
Avi and Shana Hoffman moved to White Plains almost 10 years ago from Yerushalayim. After their marriage in 2006, Avi - originally from Brooklyn, and Shana - originally from Queens, moved to Israel for three years where Avi obtained his Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination) from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz. While Avi was working hard at his Smicha, Shana completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology, and her Masters in Mental Health counseling at Touro College in Israel. Their oldest daughter Bella, who is almost 12, was born on their first wedding anniversary. While they are very grateful for the years they spent living, learning, and growing in Eretz Yisroel, in 2009, they were presented with a unique opportunity. Together with Rabbi Yossi and Elisheva Oratz, and The Sytner and Becker families, they relocated to White Plains to create The Jewish Renaissance Experience (JRE). Under the direction of Rabbi Yossi and Elisheva Oratz, they began to create a Jewish organization in Westchester county that aimed to connect The Jewish people to their heritage in a meaningful, inspiring and enjoyable way. The early months of the JRE’s existence was actually based out of the Beit Midrash of YIWP. Hosting classes, learning opportunities and more, the YIWP was their home until they found a center of their own in Scarsdale to continue their sacred (Important ) work.
From day one, Avi and Shana rolled up their sleeves to become an integral part of the YIWP community. Avi is one of our regular Shlichei Tzibbur for Shabbat, Holidays and the Yamim Noraim. He also shares his energy and enthusiasm with the boys in our shul that he’s taught to read from the Torah and lead davening in preparation for their Bar Mitzvahs. On occasion, Avi has also used his humor and torah to inspire us with classes or when delivering a guest sermon from the pulpit. Not to let Avi have all of the fun, Shana has also taught her share of girls prepping for their Bat Mitzvahs, and Kallah classes to young women in preparation for their Weddings. She recently joined the YIWP Mikva committee, and is looking forward to working on this exciting new project. Beyond the walls of YIWP and JRE, Avi has recently taken a position as the Rav Beit Sefer of the Westchester Torah Academy (WTA) in New Rochelle. Shana, after working for many years at Ohel Children's Home and Family Services Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in Queens, has recently joined a Private Practice in Scarsdale. In addition to Bella, their Sabra, they have 3 more children - Hindy (9), Yosef (6) and Yaakov Shimon (almost 2).
Avi and Shana feel very honored and humbled to receive The Keter Shem Tov award, and are honored to share it with Rabbi Yossi and Elisheva Oratz. They send a sincere beracha to Rabbi Greenberg and his family and to all of the YIWP community and all those that are celebrating with them in this honor, that they should only have simcha, hatzlacha and good health for many years to come.
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