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 Goldstein has been with Aish since December 2015. Caren is a New Yorker at heart but likes the slower pace of living in St. Louis. A resident since 1998, Caren and her family moved to St. Louis for her husband’s career change. She was previously employed at the JCC-Creve Coeur for nearly 13 years and has been the co-administrative assistant at Aish-St. Louis for six years. Her husband, Yiftah, is a kibbutznik, and they visit family when they can. Her daughter, Michal, is an avid music festival attendee and is a mental health counselor. Her son, Ariel, is studying towards his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. They all love to travel when they can and enjoy spending time with friends and exploring different neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Instrumental to the day-to-day operations of Aish St. Louis, Claire has been a valuable staff member for over 15 years. Combining a flair for organization and artistry, Claire does everything from designing Aish promotional material to making sure everyone has what they need to do their jobs. Born and raised in the St. Louis area, Claire is married to fellow native Carl Wolff. They have 3 married children: Ben (Jen) Wolff in St. Louis; Sam (Jess) Wolff and Basya (Shmuel) Ackerman in Jerusalem, Israel and 8 beautiful grandchildren.

Eeta Bermanski has been using her experience and expertise in the media field as a video producer and designer assisting non-profits for 15 years. With a part time job, a freelance business, and a family she pretty much has her hands full, but if she had spare time, she’d likely spend it listening to Torah classes, playing piano, and solving logic puzzles. She is excited to join the Aish St. Louis team for this project to help share the ideas of Clean Speech with the St. Louis community.

Lee Goodman is a native of St. Louis. He is a photographer, videographer and is CEO of Goodman Image. His youth was shaped by his involvement with NCSY, JSU and the Jewish Community under the guidance of Rabbi Mike Rovinsky and Rabbi Gershie Meisel, among others. The Jewish community helped him grow and realize his skills and talents.  In addition to photography and video, Lee’s passion is traveling.

Bracha Steinberg’s work as an organizational consultant, marketing strategist and writer reflects her passion for well ordered systems and the written word. Her foremost and most beloved of roles is that of wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoys sharing healthy food and inspiring music, as well as learning and connecting with family and community members, young and old. She resides in beautiful Colorado with her family.