About

For almost two decades, Rabbi Raphael Leban’s warmth, wit and wisdom have made him a beloved teacher of Torah with a devoted following of students from across the Denver community. Originally from Virginia, Rabbi Leban learned Torah at the Mir Yeshiva in Israel and received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Z.N. Goldberg of the Jerusalem Beis Din. He is the author of Torah Today, a popular series of comments on the weekly parsha (portion). As managing director of The Jewish Experience, Rabbi Leban develops outreach and community programs, and co-shleps the organization to greatness along with Rabbi Ahron Wasserman. Allegedly one of the world’s most extreme skiing rabbis, Rabbi Leban now prefers the quiet life with his wife Ita and their three children, perfecting his cholent recipe in the relative safety of their home. Right around dawn you can find him teaching the daily Daf Yomi Talmud class at Merkaz Torah.

Rabbi Yosef David hails from Lakewood, New Jersey and attended the world renowned Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Rabbi David is the Executive Director of Aish HaTorah of St. Louis and loves teaching Torah as well as leading an Educational Service at Nusach Hari Bnai Zion every Saturday morning. He loves leading thought provoking discussion groups on any/every topic. He feels privileged to lead Couples’ and Men’s Missions to Israel, where his knowledge and easy-going nature are highly appreciated. Yosef and his wife Mimi enjoy hosting Shabbos and Holiday dinners, and their joint efforts at BBQ have won quite a few awards. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, weightlifting, and experiencing the outdoors. Yosef and his wife, Mimi, have been married 26 years and are parents to 7 fabulous children ages 25-8

Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. As a child, when making a list of places he might one want to live, St. Louis was between the Congo and Dazakhstan. Becoming a Rabbi occupied a similar place on his list of possible occupations. Rabbi Greenwald loves living in St. Louis and frequently states, “It is a great place to live, but I would not want to visit.” Rabbi Greenwald lives in St. Louis his wife Chana.  They are the parents of five wonderful children.

Caren and her family enjoy being part of all that the St. Louis/St. Charles Jewish communities have to offer. Caren’s position as administrative assistant at Aish has been very meaningful for her, especially since it feels like a “home away from home” for so many and the connections she’s made have been so rewarding. She and her family relish attending many cultural, educational, and seasonal events that bring everyone together throughout the year.

Shelley Dean has been an integral part of the St. Louis Jewish community since 2003.  In addition to creating and running her Rhythm ‘n’ Ruach program for Jewish Preschools and synagogues across the country, she had been an essential part of the social media aspect for Kohn’s Kosher Deli.  She is currently the social media director for Aish HaTorah St. Louis.  She loves the time that she spends with her 4 amazing teenagers, ranging from 13 – 18 years old.