Rabbi Mendy Piekarski
I like to teach, but more than that, I like to learn.
That's why I like to keep my classes very engaging, as I like to hear what you think, and what you have to say.
I think true wisdom, comes about when we have various opinions which challenge and complete one another.
I also like to make the classes personal, so I encourage people to share their experiences and their story.
Bottom line, what makes our classes stand out, are the unique, intellectually and emotionally deep, group of people that joins.
You will be in for a fun ride!
A little bit more about me:
I have been studying Talmud, Jewish mysticism, and Kabbalah for over 10 years, after which I went on to receive my Rabbinic degree from Rabbi Yaruslavsky (the top halachic authority for Chabad in Israel).
I also received a degree in advanced contemporary halachah from Rabbi Faitel Levin (Australia's most sought-after lecturer on Halachic issues), as well as became certified by Rabbi David Lau (Chief Rabbi of Israel) and Rabbi Ulman (top halachic authority in Sydney, Australia) to perform Jewish wedding ceremonies.
I have studied Jewish Mysticism under the personal guidance of Rabbi Manis Friedman (Youtube's most popular Rabbi) and Rabbi Simon Jacobson (Spiritual leader of The Meaningful Life Center, called a “Spiritual Starbucks” by the New York Times.)
I have taught Jewish mysticism at Yeshiva University (in Manhattan) and various high schools in Chicago, Monsey, and Brooklyn. As well, I have given Torah classes on chabad.org (the most visited Jewish website with over 50 million views annually) and the WSNR and WVIP Radio stations.
I have promoted Jewish community connection on MSNBC NEWS, BBC OS RADIO, BBC 5 LIVE BREAKFAST SHOW, NBC, TIMES OF ISRAEL and others.
Recently I started writing for "The Canyon Chronicle", and have a Column titled "Soul & Coffee".
I am a certified instructor by the Jewish Learning Institute to teach their courses in Topanga.
Click here to register for the latest JLI course.
Here's what the community has to say about our classes:
"It was an all around enlightening and joyous series—each class a separate unit, and yet part of the overall theme. Excellent syllabus. Lots of laughs and discussion. I learned so much. Enjoyed the group participation. Rabbi Piekarski kept things moving, is very respectful of other people's points of view, taught in simple ordinary terms, used examples and stories that made everything clear, made sure we all understood each step of the way, and was just a fun guy to be with." - J. F.
"I enjoyed learning techniques to reframe everyday activities in a way that emphasizes their inherent spirituality. Connecting to G‑d is something achievable at any moment, and the course taught techniques and concepts in order to achieve this goal." - J.W.
“Mitzvahs are Hashem’s love language” has been echoing in my head and heart all week ❤️ thank you for that." - D. G
"I totally enjoyed the format. I wasn’t planning on taking all of the other courses but I’m pretty excited now! I love the short movies. It breaks up the learning and kind of re-engages my interest. I love the hour-long format. Perfect time frame... I love the amount of time you give the class to answer. Not too long, not too short. I loved the fluid style. Made me feel like it was the perfect amount of time for each class, with enough space for discussion, but not too much that we ended early. In general, I thought you seemed confident, and very capable with the information. It seemed like you knew your stuff. It also seemed like you enjoy the material, which makes the class more interesting for me, I respond to your enthusiasm... It’s a great quality to have as a teacher. There wasn’t anything I thought needed improvement. I take a lot of classes, continuing education units for my license, so I’m a pretty good judge. I was very impressed. Thank you Rabbi Mendy!" - G. N.
"Thank you so much Mendy, for your wonderful class" - R. M.
"Thank you so much Mendy!! This class has given me so much to think about, and so much to Google about when I'm up late... I'm really enjoying it, can't wait to see you guys again and discuss it more, both online and in person!" - E. W.
"I learned so much. To the point that I've been re-reading the books to take in the material we had to skip over. You are so knowledgeable, yet humble enough to say "I don't know the answer to that". I notice that you have the respect of everyone in the class. You move things along seamlessly, while acknowledging the value each person's comments and questions bring to the session. You yourself seem excited to make the meeting a great experience for us. Everyone seemed really engaged and hanging on what was coming next.I thought the whole course was terrific, and have no criticisms at all." - J. F.
"I enjoyed the discussion on what happens after death, from the Jewish perspective. I think that most people are interested in this type of discussion because we will all experience death and most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one to death. So, we’re all wondering… I also liked the discussion on dreams. We all have them. Good to talk about them and learn from others!. .. I like the way you encourage participation by asking the students to read the text aloud and to ask questions. I very much enjoyed the discussions." - A. K.
"Rabbi Mendy, The course was perfect for us, being total novices. It was a great beginners introduction. I loved the videos, graphics, multi-media. I loved how you follow the book so we can go back and fill in more of the material. You knew what you wanted to convey each session and didn't linger or go over the time. You gave everyone plenty of space to ask questions. I also " liked" your opener jokes. Thank you so much!!" - G. F.
"You did a wonderful job presenting the facts and interpretations, while listening to all the participants' views and perspectives even when they went far afield. The materials (book and videos) were lively and tied important Jewish concepts and values to daily life and the challenges we face." - A. H.
"Hi, Rabbi Mendy. Great, powerful, important class. Best and thanks" S. F.
"I liked the course. I found it interesting and thought provoking." - G. E.
"I loved loved loved our lessons! I did think you were smarter than the text from the other source. But that’s a compliment because I felt you were speaking in a much more authentic and intelligent voice, but I understand the pre-ordered texts served their purpose. I also love how you included everyone in our lessons: having everyone read from the book, as well as welcoming all questions." - J. R.
"The "Read It In Hebrew" class, conducted by Rabbi Mendy Piekarski, was an absolute joy. He removed the mystery and set me on the path to an understanding of G‑d's language, the oldest language in the world. Rabbi Mendy encouraged us at every moment—I personally did not want the class to end, and will look forward to continuing my studies. Thank you, Rabbi Mendy. This class has made me feel that my brain has been fed and watered." - S. F.
"I shared the Rebbe's wisdom about productivity, mission and faith with a friend who was just diagnosed with cancer. She was especially interested in finding purpose in the face of her challenge. It is a blessing to connect and share." - A. H.
Click here to register for the latest JLI course, or email: [email protected]