Our Leadership
Rav Aryeh Stechler |Rosh Yeshiva
Rav Aryeh Stechler founded Heichal HaTorah of Teaneck, NJ in 2013 and currently serves as the Rosh Yeshiva and Dean. Rav Stechler received his BA in Philosophy from Yeshiva College, Semicha from RIETS under the guidance of HaRav Hershel Schachter and Rav Michael Rosensweig. He holds a certificate in School Leadership from Harvard Business School and Harvard School of Education.
Rav Eli Belizon | Rosh Kollel
Rabbi Eli Belizon is a world-renowned maggid shiur and poseik. A musmach of RIETS, YU, he learned in Yeshivas Mir and the Wexner Kollel Elyon. He serves as a Rebbe at YU, known for his clarity, warmth, and ability to inspire talmidim. Rabbi Belizon is the Mora D'asra of Young Israel of Fair Lawn and a dayan for geirus on the Bergen County Beis Din.
Rav Menachem Genack | Rosh Kollel
Rav Menachem Genack is a prominent Rav, Talmid Chacham, poseik, and community leader, best known as the long-time CEO and Rabbinic Administrator of OU Kosher, where he oversees the world's largest kosher-certification agency. A close disciple of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, he received advanced semichah from the Rav and has been a central force in disseminating and publishing the Rav's Torah. Since 1985, he has served as the rabbi of Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Englewood, New Jersey, while also teaching and writing extensively on Jewish law, thought, and public leadership.
Rav Dovid Goldman | Heichal Hatorah Menahel
Rav Dovid Goldman attended Chafetz Chaim Yeshivas for Mesivta, Beis Medrash, and Kollel. After receiving semicha, he was a Rebbe in the Mesiva. He served for 14 years as a Menahel, at Missouri Torah Institute in Chesterfield Missouri, and Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel in Brooklyn NY. For 16 years, Rav Goldman has given high-level Gemara shiurim, most recently the 12th grade Honors Shiur in YTY.
Rav Yitzchak Reichman | First Seder Rebbe
Rav Yitzchok Reichman learned at Shaar HaTorah under Rav Kalman Epstein and his father-in-law, Rav Sholom Spitz, and later at Yeshivas Brisk with Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik. He spent 14 years in Bais Medrash Govoha, serving six years as a rosh chabura, where his shiurim combined deep lomdus with practical halacha and mentorship. Together with his father, Rav Herschel Reichman, he has published volumes of Reshimos Shiurei HaGrid Soloveitchik, preserving the Torah of Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik.
Our Fellows
Avi grew up in Hillside, NJ, and attended JEC, Yeshivas Mevaseret, Yeshivas Toras Moshe, and Shor Yashuv. Upon returning to New Jersey, he sought a focused, serious kollel environment surrounded by bnei aliyah committed to constant growth—leading him to Heichal HaTorah. Passionate about Gemara, Machshava, and Chumash, Avi brings energy and consistency to his learning. He lives in Passaic with his wife and values being part of a strong, like-minded community of kollel families. Avi cherishes the opportunity to connect personally with Heichal’s high school talmidim through learning and chaburos and hopes to one day teach Torah with the same warmth and clarity that his own rebbeim modeled for him. He believes every Jew possesses immense potential, and that Heichal’s Kollel provides the ideal environment to help bring that greatness to life.
Avi Antelis
Avi grew up in Hillside, NJ, and attended JEC, Yeshivas Mevaseret, Yeshivas Toras Moshe, and Shor Yashuv. Upon returning to New Jersey, he sought a focused, serious kollel environment surrounded by bnei aliyah committed to constant growth—leading him to Heichal HaTorah. Passionate about Gemara, Machshava, and Chumash, Avi brings energy and consistency to his learning. He lives in Passaic with his wife and values being part of a strong, like-minded community of kollel families. Avi cherishes the opportunity to connect personally with Heichal’s high school talmidim through learning and chaburos and hopes to one day teach Torah with the same warmth and clarity that his own rebbeim modeled for him. He believes every Jew possesses immense potential, and that Heichal’s Kollel provides the ideal environment to help bring that greatness to life.
Gedalya Bruh
Originally from Woodmere, NY, Gedalya attended DRS, Torat Shraga, Yeshiva University, and RIETS, where he majored in Accounting. He was drawn to the Heichal HaTorah Kollel to continue learning full-time while gaining chinuch experience under the guidance of exceptional roshei kollel. He found Heichal’s environment—its talmidim, rebbeim, and atmosphere—the perfect setting for spiritual and professional growth. Gedalya lives in Passaic with his wife and three children. He believes the Kollel’s unique strength lies in its ability to allow members to spend their days fully immersed in Torah while simultaneously influencing the high school talmidim through example and presence. For Gedalya, it is a zechus to gain real chinuch experience before entering the field full-time, and his greatest satisfaction comes from helping students feel confident, connected, and uplifted in their avodas Hashem.
Originally from Woodmere, NY, Gedalya attended DRS, Torat Shraga, Yeshiva University, and RIETS, where he majored in Accounting. He was drawn to the Heichal HaTorah Kollel to continue learning full-time while gaining chinuch experience under the guidance of exceptional roshei kollel. He found Heichal’s environment—its talmidim, rebbeim, and atmosphere—the perfect setting for spiritual and professional growth. Gedalya lives in Passaic with his wife and three children. He believes the Kollel’s unique strength lies in its ability to allow members to spend their days fully immersed in Torah while simultaneously influencing the high school talmidim through example and presence. For Gedalya, it is a zechus to gain real chinuch experience before entering the field full-time, and his greatest satisfaction comes from helping students feel confident, connected, and uplifted in their avodas Hashem.
Originally from Englewood, NJ, Zecharia attended Moriah Day School and Frisch High School before three years at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim, then Yeshiva University, where he received Semicha from RIETS. He lives in Passaic with his wife, Avital, and their two daughters. Zecharia's favorite aspect of the Kollel is the shared recognition of the impact limud haTorah has on every fellow, and how its focus on hasmadah shapes each avreich into a more refined person, husband, father, and rebbi.
ZECHARIA COMET
Originally from Englewood, NJ, Zecharia attended Moriah Day School and Frisch High School before three years at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim, then Yeshiva University, where he received Semicha from RIETS. He lives in Passaic with his wife, Avital, and their two daughters. Zecharia's favorite aspect of the Kollel is the shared recognition of the impact limud haTorah has on every fellow, and how its focus on hasmadah shapes each avreich into a more refined person, husband, father, and rebbi.
Moshe grew up in Monsey, NY, and attended Heichal HaTorah for high school before learning in Yeshivat Shaalvim, Yeshivas Mir, Yeshiva University, and the Gruss Kollel. While at YU, he majored in Accounting and learned under Rav Eli Baruch Shulman, serving as his shiur assistant. Returning to Heichal has been a meaningful opportunity for Moshe—to learn in Kollel in the very Beis Medrash where he once sat as a 14-year-old talmid. He lives in Teaneck, NJ, with his wife and son, and feels privileged to contribute once again to the yeshiva that played such a formative role in his growth.
MOSHE FOGELMAN
Moshe grew up in Monsey, NY, and attended Heichal HaTorah for high school before learning in Yeshivat Shaalvim, Yeshivas Mir, Yeshiva University, and the Gruss Kollel. While at YU, he majored in Accounting and learned under Rav Eli Baruch Shulman, serving as his shiur assistant. Returning to Heichal has been a meaningful opportunity for Moshe—to learn in Kollel in the very Beis Medrash where he once sat as a 14-year-old talmid. He lives in Teaneck, NJ, with his wife and son, and feels privileged to contribute once again to the yeshiva that played such a formative role in his growth.
Chaim grew up in Bayswater, Far Rockaway, and learned in Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, Yishrei Lev, and Ner Yisroel. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Touro University and a B.T.L. in Talmudic Studies from Ner Yisroel. Chaim and his wife live in Passaic, and feels that learning in the Heichal Kollel has transformed their home into one filled with Torah and simchas ha’chaim. He connects with Heichal’s high school talmidim through learning and chaburos, embodying the ideal of lilmod al menas lelamed. Chaim continues to be shaped by his remarkable Rebbeim—Rav Belizon’s passion, Rav Genack’s mesorah, and Rav Reichman’s depth—and is inspired by Rav Stechler’s vision and love for every Jew. He strives to be a true ben Torah and to help others grow along their own paths of Yiddishkeit.
CHAIM FRIEDMAN
Chaim grew up in Bayswater, Far Rockaway, and learned in Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, Yishrei Lev, and Ner Yisroel. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Touro University and a B.T.L. in Talmudic Studies from Ner Yisroel. Chaim and his wife live in Passaic, and feels that learning in the Heichal Kollel has transformed their home into one filled with Torah and simchas ha’chaim. He connects with Heichal’s high school talmidim through learning and chaburos, embodying the ideal of lilmod al menas lelamed. Chaim continues to be shaped by his remarkable Rebbeim—Rav Belizon’s passion, Rav Genack’s mesorah, and Rav Reichman’s depth—and is inspired by Rav Stechler’s vision and love for every Jew. He strives to be a true ben Torah and to help others grow along their own paths of Yiddishkeit.
Yisroel grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, and learned at local yeshivos through high school before continuing to Yeshiva Gedola of South Fallsburg and later Brisk in Yerushalayim. He lives in Stony Point, NY, with his wife and six children. Yisroel values being part of an environment that promotes personal growth and excellence in learning while inspiring Heichal’s talmidim to elevate their own standards. He feels privileged to learn under the leadership of Rav Belizon, Rav Reichman, and Rav Genack, each of whom helps bridge this generation to the great Torah figures of the past. The Kollel provides him with the opportunity to share his passion for Talmudic study and to transmit the skills, depth, and excitement of learning to the next generation.
YISROEL HOCHMAN
Yisroel grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, and learned at local yeshivos through high school before continuing to Yeshiva Gedola of South Fallsburg and later Brisk in Yerushalayim. He lives in Stony Point, NY, with his wife and six children. Yisroel values being part of an environment that promotes personal growth and excellence in learning while inspiring Heichal’s talmidim to elevate their own standards. He feels privileged to learn under the leadership of Rav Belizon, Rav Reichman, and Rav Genack, each of whom helps bridge this generation to the great Torah figures of the past. The Kollel provides him with the opportunity to share his passion for Talmudic study and to transmit the skills, depth, and excitement of learning to the next generation.
Originally from Edison, NJ, Nesanel graduated from TABC and spent two transformative years learning in Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in Yerushalayim. He went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Yeshiva University. Following his studies, he continued his learning in halacha at RIETS under the tutelage of Rav Aryeh Lebowitz, shlita. Nesanel saw Heichal HaTorah’s Kollel as a remarkable opportunity to immerse himself in serious limud haTorah, foster personal growth, and take meaningful steps toward a future in chinuch. He lives in Passaic with his wife, Alexa, and their son, Avrumi. Nesanel deeply values the ability to learn with full focus while simultaneously engaging with Heichal’s talmidim. He feels privileged to gain from the Kollel’s distinguished Rebbeim and strives to emulate Rav Belizon’s passion for Torah, Rav Genack’s steadfast commitment to mesorah, and Rav Reichman’s clarity and refined middos. Nesanel believes that the Kollel’s unique combination of rigorous learning and hands-on teaching is powerfully shaping avreichim to assume meaningful leadership roles in Klal Yisroel.
NESANEL KRAMER
Originally from Edison, NJ, Nesanel graduated from TABC and spent two transformative years learning in Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in Yerushalayim. He went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Yeshiva University. Following his studies, he continued his learning in halacha at RIETS under the tutelage of Rav Aryeh Lebowitz, shlita. Nesanel saw Heichal HaTorah’s Kollel as a remarkable opportunity to immerse himself in serious limud haTorah, foster personal growth, and take meaningful steps toward a future in chinuch. He lives in Passaic with his wife, Alexa, and their son, Avrumi. Nesanel deeply values the ability to learn with full focus while simultaneously engaging with Heichal’s talmidim. He feels privileged to gain from the Kollel’s distinguished Rebbeim and strives to emulate Rav Belizon’s passion for Torah, Rav Genack’s steadfast commitment to mesorah, and Rav Reichman’s clarity and refined middos. Nesanel believes that the Kollel’s unique combination of rigorous learning and hands-on teaching is powerfully shaping avreichim to assume meaningful leadership roles in Klal Yisroel.
ELI SAKS
Eli grew up in Philadelphia and learned in the Mesivta High School of Philadelphia, Yeshivas Toras Moshe, and Ner Yisroel. He joined the Heichal HaTorah Kollel to continue growing in Torah and avodas Hashem while contributing to a community dedicated to developing future mechanchim and leaders. Passionate about halacha and known for his Brisker-style learning, Eli delivers a weekly Thursday night chaburah to Heichal’s high school talmidim, connecting deep lomdus with practical halacha. Living in Passaic with his wife, he finds tremendous inspiration in watching Heichal’s talmidim engage meaningfully with Torah and strives to help train and inspire the next generation of bnei Torah.
Eli grew up in Philadelphia and learned in the Mesivta High School of Philadelphia, Yeshivas Toras Moshe, and Ner Yisroel. He joined the Heichal HaTorah Kollel to continue growing in Torah and avodas Hashem while contributing to a community dedicated to developing future mechanchim and leaders. Passionate about halacha and known for his Brisker-style learning, Eli delivers a weekly Thursday night chaburah to Heichal’s high school talmidim, connecting deep lomdus with practical halacha. Living in Passaic with his wife, he finds tremendous inspiration in watching Heichal’s talmidim engage meaningfully with Torah and strives to help train and inspire the next generation of bnei Torah.
SHLOMO STERN
Born in Israel and raised in America, Shlomo attended JEC High School, Torat Shraga in Israel, and is pursuing a degree in Psychology at Lander College. He joined Heichal’s Kollel to surround himself with like-minded bnei Torah who are deeply committed to learning and passionate about shaping the next generation of talmidim. Shlomo lives in Passaic with his wife, who works locally as a physician assistant in women’s health. Being part of the Kollel fills him with a profound sense of purpose that carries into his home life. He believes Heichal’s Kollel is unique in its perfect balance—nurturing personal growth while simultaneously preparing its members to become community leaders. Inspired by Rav Stechler’s vision and dedication, Shlomo strives to live a life of connection and fulfillment through Torah, contributing meaningfully to the Kollel’s mission of building both rebbeim and talmidim.
Born in Israel and raised in America, Shlomo attended JEC High School, Torat Shraga in Israel, and is pursuing a degree in Psychology at Lander College. He joined Heichal’s Kollel to surround himself with like-minded bnei Torah who are deeply committed to learning and passionate about shaping the next generation of talmidim. Shlomo lives in Passaic with his wife, who works locally as a physician assistant in women’s health. Being part of the Kollel fills him with a profound sense of purpose that carries into his home life. He believes Heichal’s Kollel is unique in its perfect balance—nurturing personal growth while simultaneously preparing its members to become community leaders. Inspired by Rav Stechler’s vision and dedication, Shlomo strives to live a life of connection and fulfillment through Torah, contributing meaningfully to the Kollel’s mission of building both rebbeim and talmidim.
Originally from Passaic, NJ, Eli Sudwerts is a proud alumnus of Heichal HaTorah High School, Yeshivat Shaalvim, and Yeshiva University, where he earned a degree in Accounting. Drawn back to the Heichal Kollel by its warm and supportive environment, Eli treasures the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers while reconnecting with talmidim and his former Rebbeim. Passionate about Gemara iyun and bekius as well as tikkun hamiddos, he brings energy and chiyus to every interaction—whether in the Beis Medrash or informal moments with Heichal’s high school talmidim throughout the day. Guided by the example of Rav Stechler, Rav Belizon, Rav Reichman, and Rav Genack, Eli hopes to emulate their humility, enthusiasm, and commitment. Living in Passaic with his family, he is devoted to nurturing the next generation of mechanchim and talmidim, helping them see that Yiddishkeit is not a life of “no’s,” but a life of the deepest “yes’s” to Torah and to Hashem.
ELI SUDWERTS
Originally from Passaic, NJ, Eli Sudwerts is a proud alumnus of Heichal HaTorah High School, Yeshivat Shaalvim, and Yeshiva University, where he earned a degree in Accounting. Drawn back to the Heichal Kollel by its warm and supportive environment, Eli treasures the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers while reconnecting with talmidim and his former Rebbeim. Passionate about Gemara iyun and bekius as well as tikkun hamiddos, he brings energy and chiyus to every interaction—whether in the Beis Medrash or informal moments with Heichal’s high school talmidim throughout the day. Guided by the example of Rav Stechler, Rav Belizon, Rav Reichman, and Rav Genack, Eli hopes to emulate their humility, enthusiasm, and commitment. Living in Passaic with his family, he is devoted to nurturing the next generation of mechanchim and talmidim, helping them see that Yiddishkeit is not a life of “no’s,” but a life of the deepest “yes’s” to Torah and to Hashem.