Rabbi Gedalia Liebes

rabbiliebes@monmouthtorahlinks.org

Rabbi Liebes seeks to connect Jews to their true heritage, guiding people to see beyond the “do’s and don’ts” of Judaism, and find the deeper beauty and purpose of Torah.  His goal is to build Torah Links into a flourishing center of learning and celebration, a place where any Jew can find an entry point.  He looks forward to continuing to grow a close-knit Jewish community in Marlboro.

Rabbi Liebes teaches many Adult Education courses at Torah Links, as well as teaching Mishnah to fifth graders at Shalom Torah Academy in Marlboro.  

Rabbi Liebes is originally from Baltimore, where he attended Ner Yisroel Yeshiva.  He spent two years at Heichel HaTorah in Israel.  He then attended Beit Medresh Govoha in Lakewood, where he was ordained and earned a Masters in Talmudic Study.  He lives in Marlboro with his wife Malky and their children.   

Rabbi Yitzchok Oratz

rabbioratz@monmouthtorahlinks.org

Rabbi Oratz is committed to building a unique Jewish community here in Marlboro -- one based on Torah values, but also one that is welcoming and non-judgmental.  By relating to each Jew as a human being, his vision is to create an environment where Jews of all backgrounds can move beyond any negative stereotypes and find unity in learning and spiritually growing together.  He believes that living a Torah lifestyle has tangible and immediate benefits in this world -- right here, right now.

Rabbi Oratz finds that doing outreach work is a pathway to personal growth that also enriches one's understanding of Judaism.  Among his greatest joys are sharing the beauty of Shabbos with fellow Jews, and also teaching Talmud.  He also looks for ways to demonstrate how it is possible to be observant yet still participate in  American life. 

Rabbi Oratz, one of 10 brothers, is originally from Brooklyn.  He attended Yeshiva Torah Temimah in Flatbush and then spent a year in Jerusalem studying at the Brisk Yeshiva of Rabbi Dovid Soleveichik.  He then returned to the U.S., where he was ordained and earned a Masters in Talmudic Studies at Beis Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey.  Rabbi Oratz and his wife Toby live in Marlboro with their children.

Rabbi Yossi Sobel

rabbisobel@monmouthtorahlinks.org

Rabbi Sobel firmly believes that Torah learning can greatly enhance the life of any Jew, regardless of background.  He teaches by probing into the enigmatic statements of scripture, bringing to light the practical applications for everyday living.  He helps others strive to improve their everyday human relationships by understanding the psychology of the personalities that we encounter in the Bible.

In addition, Rabbi Sobel uncovers the kabbalistic meaning of numbers in the Torah (numerology), and their significance for transmitting the deeper messages within.

Rabbi Sobel believes that music has the power to touch the soul and unite Jews of all backgrounds. He uses not only spiritual and religious music, but popular music, and folk music of all nations in order to inspire a yeaning for G-d and add "kavanah" (intention) to prayer services.

Rabbi Sobel was founder and co-director of the Shalom Heritage Center in East Windsor, New Jersey.  He is also an avid skier and basketball player, noting the need for both a "healthy body and a healthy mind (Rambam)."

Rabbi Sobel was born in Brooklyn, the oldest of 11 children including 9 sisters.  He was raised in Jerusalem and attend the Kol Torah and Mir Yeshivos in Israel.  At age 21, he returned to the U.S., attending Beis Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he was ordained and earned a Masters in Talmudic Studies.  He now lives in Marlboro with his wife Tamar and their children.