Dean and Founder, Aish HaTorah International

In 1974, Rabbi Weinberg started Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem with the goal of helping Jews around the world connect to the beauty and wisdom of their heritage. The organization has since grown exponentially, due to Rabbi Weinbergs ability to empower young people to take responsibility for the Jewish future. His vision and support has been responsible for many of the best ideas on Aish.com. Rabbi Weinberg passed away on February 5, 2009 (11 Shevat 5769) following a year-long battle with cancer. He leaves behind over 100 descendents, and many thousands of bereaved students.

Editor-in-Chief

Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith, originally from Toronto, lives in Jerusalem with his wife and children. He is the chief editor of Aish.com, and also oversees the many educational outreach programs at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. He is the author of Shmooze: A Guide to Thought-Provoking Discussion on Essential Jewish Issues -- a must-have little book for anyone who loves a good question.

Senior Editor

Shraga Simmons grew up trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York, and spending summers as a tour guide in Niagara Falls. He earned a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and went on to serve as a reporter for newspapers and magazines, specializing in politics and entertainment. In 1994, he received rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, and since 1997 has been editor of the Aish website. Shraga is also an expert on media bias relating to the Middle East conflict, and was founding editor of HonestReporting.com. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

Production Manager

David was born and raised in Southern California. His early passion was to be a race car driver. He followed that dream, but after reaching the winner’s podium, realized there had to be more to life than winning races. This led him to Jerusalem, where he has been overseeing the technical side of Aish.com since its inception. David’s hobbies include running a small publishing company, Warm Wisdom Press. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife and four children.

Director of Development

Jack is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, where he played varsity tennis. He has worked variously for the U.S. Air Force and in casino management in Nevada. He received rabbinic ordination in Jerusalem, and now lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife and children. Jack's responsibilities with Aish.com include fundraising, marketing and member services.

Yitzhak was born and raised in Gibraltar, a British colony on the southern tip of Spain. From an early age he pursued a career in music, and became a master percussionist. He has performed with leading Jewish artists such as Mordechai Ben David and Shlomo Carlebach, and recorded a CD of original music, Gather the Sparks. Yitzhak is no less talented as an illustrator, entrusted with creating all the graphics for Aish.com articles -- over 5,000 to date. Yitzhak lives in Jerusalem with his wife and children.

Seth is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. He earned a degree in graphic design and worked for various advertising and PR agencies. In 2000 he joined the Aish.com team, where he creates the overall site design. Seth is also the art director of our popular one-minute movies. He and his family live in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel.