As the director and spiritual leader of Oorah, Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s vision of a close-knit community has become a reality. While the organization was founded in Staten Island, it has since expanded with a vast range of programs throughout the country. Rabbi Mintz’s fifty years of experience in both education and community outreach, when coupled with his kindhearted and caring approach, make him the ultimate scholar in residence. He leads a weekly Torah class each Tuesday night, followed by a session of Ask the Rabbi, and is involved in all aspects of Oorah’s programs nationwide.
Rabbi Avrohom Biderman’s relationship with Oorah dates back nearly forty years, even before TorahSpot began. He has a close relationship with Rabbi Chaim Mintz and is involved in running many of Oorah’s events and programs.
Rabbi Biderman is the Managing Editor of Artscroll/Mesorah Publications. He’s worked on hundreds of books and even authored his own, The Tabernacle, that has appeared in both Hebrew and English editions. Rabbi Biderman enjoys writing, meeting the wonderful people of the Staten Island community, and greeting TorahSpot participants. He moderates the Ask the Rabbi session each Tuesday night, and used to be in charge of making the popcorn.
Mrs. Chaye Biderman is the other half of this indomitable couple. Having first been introduced to Oorah through her husband, she now assists with Oorah Shabbatons while also running workshops for women and programs for children.
Her patient and caring nature, as well as her creative side, give her the ability to develop friendships with people of all ages. She has been teaching Home Economics to high schoolers for over two decades, and currently teaches second grade. Mrs. Biderman can be counted on to make everyone feel comfortable and ensure the smooth running of every program.
As a Staten Island native, Aliza’s always had strong ties to the community. She’s been with Oorah since 2006 and has worked tirelessly to make TorahSpot the Jewish community hub that it is.
Aliza’s warmth and love of life, combined with her responsible and empathetic nature, make her the perfect director of Little Star Preschool.
Oorah offers many opportunities to connect to your heritage and join a warm, welcoming community. By joining Oorah Staten Island, you'll also join the larger Oorah family with all that it has to offer!
Oorah Staten Island's Jewish Little Star Preschool is hosted in Torah Spot. High quality education prepares our children for life, encouraging them to achieve their dreams, inspiring them to continually improve their skills, and fostering a love of Jewish heritage.
Close relationships are forged between our children, our parents, our community and our educators which lead to our success as a school. Our outstanding team of educators uses their early childhood training and experience to create the ideal environment for our Little Stars to grow.
Are you ready to chill, have fun with friends and make new ones? ChillZone is the place for you! With a local Staten Island location, one of dozens across the country, ChillZone groups meet weekly for learning, raffles and fun with our devoted staff. With groups for boys and girls ages 9-17, there’s something for everyone at ChillZone Staten Island. Boys meet on Saturday night, and the girls’ group takes place Thursday nights.
Learn one-on-one or in a group and then enjoy fresh, hot pizza and cool activities. Whether it’s sports, dancing, baking or crafts, every ChillZone group has an exciting program planned.
ChillZone isn’t just for kids! ChillZone for Dads and ChillZone for Moms allows adults of all ages to join in the fun. With learning sessions for men and various classes and events for women, join the Staten Island community at Torahspot! ChillZone for Dads and ChillZone for Moms take place Thursday night.
Expand your knowledge! Every Tuesday night, Rabbi Chaim Mintz, Oorah's founder and spiritual leader, delivers a fascinating class on Zoom each week. These enthralling Torah classes are on a wide array of relevant, contemporary topics in Judaism. Some topics have been on your mind for years. Others are tantalizingly out-of-the-box. But all are close to home, brought into focus through the lens of our Jewish heritage, with Rabbi Mintz’s expert guidance.
Join the virtual Ask the Rabbi Live with Rabbi Chaim Mintz each Tuesday at 9 pm! Always insightful, always surprising, and always entertaining, come with your questions ready or listen to the enlightening answers to questions from people just like you. From resurrection of the dead to the purpose of life, you can ask anything at Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz. Jump in and ask the Rabbi or listen as others raise issues and topics you may have wondered about yourself. You can always ask your questions by emailing Ask the Rabbi and view the answer on our channel
