St. Louis Kollel

Students

Males and females, teens and seniors, businessmen and stay-at-home moms. Orthodox, conservative reform and unaffiliated Jews. They all find a warm home at the Kollel.

"The Shema commands us to love the lord with all your heart. It's remarkably hard to love someone without knowing them, and harder still to open yourself up to knowing them when they are not immediately accessible. The Kollel is a place where I can come to know God through learning, listening and laughter. I'm sure my chavrusa feels a bit like I did when teaching remedial math, but he's a great friend and spoon feeds me Talmud like a patient father nourishes a child. Yet each day, this child grows, and comes to know God, and through that knowledge, comes to love God... helping me to fulfill the mitzvah of the Shema."
Mr. Steve Elfanbaum, President
Asynchrony Solutions "When I found the Kollel two-and-a-half years ago, I had many questions about Judaism. Questions about G-d, about keeping kosher, about Shabbat, family, Israel, authority, tradition, etc. After a phone call to the Kollel, I was set up with knowledgeable study-partners who helped me look into these question and learn some Torah. The more answers I received, the more questions I encountered. To borrow a popular metaphor, as my island of Torah knowledge grows, my shoreline of questions expands ever more. That I can now answer many of the questions with which I initially came to the Kollel is tremendously satisfying. That's growth - and that's what the Kollel is about."
Mr. Brian Glazer, Attorney
Greensfelder Attorneys at Law "To me, Kollel is inspirational. I look forward to studying with Rabbi Levitansky for many reasons. He introduces aspects of torah to me that I am able to question and ponder without any judgment. He encourages curiosity.

There are no boundaries or limits to what we cover in our study group. We all have different views of Judaism with varying degrees of observance. Regardless of this fact we are tolerant of one another and eager to learn. I highly recommend Kollel to everyone with an interest in expanding themselves spiritually and emotionally. "
Lori Tesser, Home Maker
B’nei Amoonah Extended Day Program "I have a small beef with the St. Louis Kollel.

Since I started learning there, I've easily gained 10 pounds. Sure, the Kollel offers customized learning. I just tell the rabbis there what I want to learn and when, and they set it up.

The problem is that the rabbis are so friendly, it's pretty common to get invited to meal after meal after meal. Finish a tractate of Mishna, get three homemade desserts. Go to a class, have some pasta salad.

Other than that, this place is the best. The environment is laid back and welcoming. But c'mon. How about a low-calorie option?"
Shane Graber, Reporter
St. Louis Post-Dispatch "The Kollel is a great place to learn about Judaism and meet young Jewish people. Rabbi Levitansky is an excellent facilitator."
Josh Kalacheck "I really enjoy coming to Sroy’s class, he has a lot of interesting things to say. It’s a great new way to learn more about being Jewish and meet new and interesting people"
Nina Feldman "After a fast-paced week at work, Sroy’s interactive lectures give me the opportunity to explore my heritage, relax with Jewish friends, and leave reenergized for the week ahead."
David Goldstick