RABBI YAAKOV GABEL
Rabbi Yaakov Gabel was born in 1961 and grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Languages and Literature from Colby College in 1984, and a Master’s Degree in that same field from University of Chicago in 1986.
In his early twenties, Yaakov’s ongoing search for knowledge and spirituality led him to Torah study and observance, and upon finishing his university studies in 1986, he moved to Israel where he attended numerous yeshivos.
Still feeling a void in his religious life, Yaakov discovered the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, where he found answers to his most nagging questions and the connection with G-d he was looking for.
Rabbi Gabel received semichah in 2004 from HaRav Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg, and taught Gemara, Halacha and Chassidus for 10 years in Tzfat. He has also authored several translations of Breslov works, Including Eternally Yours: The Collected Letters of Reb Noson of Breslov and Kitzur Likutey Moharan (Abridged Likutey Moharan).
He wishes to offer a healthy, comfortable setting for serious Torah study, drawing on Rebbe Nachman’s teachings and the holiness of Tzfat, where each student can grow and blossom in genuine faith, wisdom, and service of G-d.
Yaakov and his family have been living in Tzfat for 24 years,
RABBI ARI FENTON
Rabbi Ari Fenton, originally from Chicago, Illinois, decided as soon as he first arrived in the Holy Land that he would make Israel his home.
He returned to America to complete his studies in literature and music, constantly searching for meaning and truth. Soon after completing his BA Degree at Bard College in upstate New York, he came back to Israel to delve into the world of Torah.
He learned at Yeshivos Torah Ohr, Shalom Rav and Birchas HaTorah. After his first trip to Uman, his heart was ignited with a love for Rebbe Nachman and his teachings, and a firm commitment to his pathway.
Rabbi Fenton’s vision is to create a space for learning in Tzfat where seekers can come together to learn seriously, daven passionately, and follow the pathway of Rebbe Nachman with joy. He envisions that the Yeshiva will offer baalei teshuva and lovers of Tzfat the tools they need to access and learn all of the Torah’s dimensions.
Ari lives in the Old City of Tzfat with his wife and children.