Our Community
Through diligent Torah study, commitment to growth, and a strong focus on spreading Torah, we strive to elevate the spiritual well-being of all those who come to learn with us.
The Goal
Our Mission
Our vision is to establish the Kollel as the heart of Torah life in Hollywood, an anchor of kedusha that transforms the city into a thriving center of Torah learning, Jewish values, and spiritual growth where every Jew feels connected. We aim to create a vibrant makom of Torah and outreach that impacts families across Hollywood and beyond.
Meet Our Rabbis
Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Smith ~
Rosh Kollel
Rabbi Smith grew up in Lakewood, attending Keren Hatorah & BMG, and learning under Rav Chaim Epstein ZT”L He then relocated to Miami where he joined the Miami Beach Kollel before moving to Hollywood and founding Bais Mordechai & Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
Rabbi Chaim Yeshaya Freeman ~ Director of Programing
Rabbi Freeman, originally from Atlanta, learned at Mesita of Long Beach, Rav Dovid Soloveitchik, and Beis Medrash Govoha, later serving communities in Denver & Atlanta. He now joins the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood to share authentic Torah learning & living.
Rabbi Aryeh Gitlin ~
Rosh Chabura
Rabbi Gitlin, originally from Edison, New Jersey, learned under HaRav Yisroel Brog and in the North Miami Beach Kollel, & now serves as Rosh Chabura of the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood while also guiding talmidim as Shoel U’ Meishiv at Yeshivas Yam HaTalmud.
R' Avrumi Wax
Avrumi Wax, originally from Baltimore, MD, learned at Ner Visroel, Rav Nosson Stein in Lakewood, and at Yeshivas Mir. He is now in his fourth year with the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
R' Yonah Lebovic
Yonah Lebovic, originally from Israel, learned at Yeshivas Or Visrael and Sorotzkin Yeshiva, later helping lead a halacha kollel in Beitar Illit for over seven years before joining the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
R' Manu Gershon
Manu Gershon, born in Atlanta, learned at Yeshiva Ohr Yerushalayim and Shor Yashuv, and spent eight years learning in Kollel in Eretz Visrael, first under Rav Baruch Badian and later at the Mir Yeshiva, now joining the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
Rabbi Noach Peled
Rabbi Peled, originally from South Florida & later Yerushalayim, learned under Harav Yochanan Zweig, Harav Moshe Meiselman, & Harav Michel Shurkin, spent nearly two decades teaching at Yeshivas Toras Moshe. He now serves as Mara D’asra of Khal Mikdash Melech in NMB while joining Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
R' Moshe Botton
Moshe Botton, born & raised in Hollywood, has deep roots in the community, learning for four years at the Kollel of Nahar Shalom before joining the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood. He is also the founder & editor of Yarchon HaOtzar, a monthly Torah publication distributed worldwide.
R' Roey Tal
Roey Tal, originally from Manhattan, was raised in Miami Beach and Bnei Brak. He later moved to Yerushalayim to learn at Chevron Yeshiva and now joins the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood in the mornings.
R' Dovid Asayag
Originally from Israel, Dovid Asayag learned at Yeshivas Mir Brachfeld and Kollel Lomzha in Petach Tikva, and most recently relocated to Hollywood, where he serves as Rav of Meor Yitzchok in Mapleridge and now joins the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood in the mornings.
R' Yisroel Eliyohu Yelen
Yisroel Eliyohu Yelen, raised in Lakewood, learned in yeshivos in Monsey, Yerushalayim, and Adelphia, later joining the North Miami Beach Kollel, & now serves as Director of Operations at Yeshivas Yam HaTalmud while learning 2nd seder in the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
R' Gavriel Hasson
Gavriel Hasson, originally from Boston, learned in Rabbi Bitton’s Yeshiva in Lakewood & later in Eretz Yisroel under leading Rabbonim. He now lives in Hollywood Hills with his family, learning at the Safra Kollel and joining the night seder at the Kollel Avreichim of Hollywood.
Our Purpose
Inspiring the Community through Torah
Our Kollel is a makom of Torah and avodas Hashem, dedicated to developing lomdei Torah who embody Yiras Shamayim and Ahavas haTorah. Through diligent Torah study, commitment to growth, and a strong focus on spreading Torah, we strive to elevate the spiritual well-being of all those who come to learn with us. With unwavering dedication, our Kollel yungerleit serve as a source of inspiration, strengthening the spiritual foundation of the community and ensuring the transmission of our mesora with emes, integrity, and a true commitment to Torah and mitzvos for generations to come.
Strategic Goals
Our Keys to Success
Strong Leadership and Staff
Vision-driven rabbanim and outreach leaders committed to Torah and community.
Innovative Fundraising
Raffles, brochures, and quarterly campaigns ensure financial stability.
Community Ownership
Creating shared responsibility for the Kollel’s success.
This Is Our Future
Building a Community Full of Torah
We strive to keep filling this community with light and positivity as we are raising the next generation.
Supporting the Kollel is more than giving; it is an investment in the future.
Ready to Join Our Community?
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our programs.