Gateways Personalities: Leading Educators in Jewish Outreach
Gateways is an organization dedicated to the promotion and continuity of Judaism, powered by a professional team of 45 staff members operating across seven specialized departments. At the heart of its mission are distinguished scholars and educators who bridge the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary life through lectures, literature, and digital outreach.
Key Facts
- Gateways is staffed by 45 employees across seven departments.
- Rabbi Mordechai Suchard is the founder and executive director.
- Rabbi Mordechai Becher serves as a Senior Lecturer and author.
- Rabbi Jonathan Rietti is a Senior Lecturer and educational consultant.
- The organization focuses on outreach for college students, young professionals, and the broader Jewish community.
Rabbi Mordechai Suchard: Founder and Visionary
Rabbi Mordechai Suchard is the founder and executive director of Gateways. As a Jewish educator, author, and speaker, he has dedicated his career to ensuring the continuity of the Jewish faith. Born in South Africa to a father who served as a dayan (an ecclesiastical judge) on the Johannesburg Beth Din, Suchard's academic journey took him to the Telshe yeshiva in Cleveland, Ohio, and Ponevezh in Bnei Brak, Israel.
He received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Itzhak Kolitz, the Dean of the Jerusalem Beth Din and Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. Beyond his leadership at Gateways, Rabbi Suchard has established a wide network of outreach organizations in the United States, specifically targeting Russian immigrants, singles, young professionals, and college students. He is also a prominent voice in digital Jewish education and has contributed to the "Ask The Rabbi" board, addressing complex questions of ethics, philosophy, and law.
His influence extends to the highest levels of diplomacy; in May 2008, he was part of the American delegation accompanying US President George Bush to Israel for the country's 60th anniversary celebrations. Politically, he has supported Senator Joe Lieberman, contributing to his campaigns between 2002 and 2006.
Rabbi Mordechai Becher: Philosophy and Ritual Law
Rabbi Mordechai Becher is a Senior Lecturer for Gateways and a leading figure in American Orthodox Jewish outreach. Born in Australia and educated at Bialik College in Melbourne, he earned his rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. His teaching career spans several prestigious institutions, including a 15-year tenure at Ohr Somayach College and four years at Ohr Somayach Thornhill in Toronto.
Rabbi Becher's life is marked by a blend of military and spiritual service. After moving to Israel in 1978, he served in the Israel Defense Forces' armoured infantry as an army chaplain, where he trained future educators and rabbis. He identifies Rabbi Moshe Shapiro as his rebbe (primary mentor) in the study of Torah and Judaism.
Literary and Media Contributions
Known for integrating humor into his teachings, Rabbi Becher has delivered provocative lectures such as "Shabbos: Who Invented the Weekend Anyway?" and "Guns and Moses: A Jewish Perspective on Politics." He is a prolific author, having written Gateway to Judaism: The What, How and Why of Jewish Life and co-authored After the Return: A Guide for the Newly Observant. He also wrote Avodat Ahavah (Labor of Love), a Hebrew text focusing on the laws of kiruv (Jewish outreach).
His reach extends to broadcast media through a radio show on OU-Radio and a cable television program on Shalom TV titled "Dimensions of the Daf," which explores the daf (a single page) of the Talmud. Additionally, he has contributed to Israeli geography software and is a recognized speaker for the Israeli Consulate in New York.
Rabbi Jonathan Rietti: Education and Inner Growth
Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, an English-born educator and speaker, serves as a Senior Lecturer for Gateways. The son of British director and actor Robert Rietti and a descendant of the Sephardic leader the Ben Ish Chai, Rabbi Rietti's education included studies at Dvar Yerushalaim under Rabbi Baruch Horovitz. He received his rabbinical ordination from Gateshead Talmudical College and helped establish a kollel (an institute for advanced Talmudic study) in Gibraltar.
Beyond his rabbinic duties, Rabbi Rietti holds a Master's degree in education. Since 1986, he has worked as an educational consultant, specializing in guidance for parents of children with ADD and those who are gifted. His holistic approach to life is reflected in his book, The Art of Healthy Living, which applies the teachings of Maimonides to modern diet and health. With over 200 recorded lectures, he focuses on authenticity in Judaism, positive parenting, and personal inner growth.
Summary of Gateways Leadership
| Name | Primary Role | Key Specialization | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbi Mordechai Suchard | Founder & Executive Director | Outreach & Continuity | US Presidential Delegation (2008) |
| Rabbi Mordechai Becher | Senior Lecturer | Philosophy & Ritual Law | Author of multiple guides to Jewish life |
| Rabbi Jonathan Rietti | Senior Lecturer | Education & Wellness | Expert in gifted/ADD education |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of Gateways?
Gateways aims to promote the continuity of Judaism through education and outreach, specifically targeting college students, young professionals, singles, and Russian immigrants.
Who is the founder of Gateways?
The organization was founded by Rabbi Mordechai Suchard, who also serves as its executive director.
What is a 'daf' in the context of Rabbi Becher's work?
A 'daf' refers to a single page of the Talmud, the central text of Jewish civil and ceremonial law.
Does Rabbi Jonathan Rietti specialize in areas other than theology?
Yes, Rabbi Rietti is an educational consultant with a Master's degree in education, specializing in support for parents of gifted children and children with ADD.
What is 'kiruv' as mentioned in Rabbi Becher's writings?
Kiruv refers to the process of Jewish outreach, aimed at bringing non-observant Jews closer to traditional Jewish practice and knowledge.