New Kollel Formed in Chicago

Yeshiva University, together with the Center for The Jewish Future and Kollel Torah Mitzion, recently launched a Community Kollel in Chicago. Following in the footsteps of the successful Kollelim already established in Dallas, San Francisco, and Boca Raton, this Kollel plans to "enrich" and "engage" the already strong community, according to Rosh Kollel Rabbi Reuven Brand. Rabbi Brand heads the Kollel after serving as the rabbinic intern for Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Eight other Kollel families, numerous single Kollel members, an administrative director, and a program coordinator join the Brands in creating a strong, intensive Beit Medrash with programs to impact the surrounding community. In addition to community shiurim and events, and a satellite version of YU's Kollel/Midreshet Yom Rishon program, Kollel members will learn daily with youth and students and run informal educational programs at local schools. President Richard Joel praised the Kollel with high hopes for "attracting young couples to move to Chicago" and "seeding the community with educators and rabbis to lead and inspire local synagogues and schools."