Rabbi Aryeh Markman has served as the Executive Director of Aish HaTorah Los Angeles since 1994. A graduate of the University of Illinois with distinction in Finance, he discovered Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem during a transformative visit to Israel. Opting for Talmudic studies over MBA offers from prestigious universities, Rabbi Markman earned Smicha/Rabbinical Ordination under Rabbi Noach Weinberg, the Dean and Founder of Aish HaTorah. In 1991, he and his wife Rochel moved to Los Angeles, where they are proud parents and grandparents of children stretching across 10 time zones. Rabbi Markman is known for giving all the quality time necessary to connect people to who the resources they need and is a very passionate teacher of Judaic studies. Most recently, Rabbi Markman orchestrated the first ever Jewish American Summit (2024) in dedication to his father.
Be the light
Meet the division
jmi
The Jewish Men’s Initiative (JMI) is a dynamic community for Jewish fathers in Los Angeles. Men come together to explore Judaism, strengthen values within their families, and enhance their perspectives. Through meaningful outtings, bonding opportunities, and unforgettable trips, members build lifelong friendships while deepening their understanding of Torah values. Signature programs like Israel trips and weekend retreats provide the chance for personal and spiritual growth. JMI fosters a sense of brotherhood and shared aspirations among its members. With passionate leadership by Rabbi Aryeh Markman, Rabbi Azriel Aharon, and Rabbi Shlomo Seidenfeld, JMI continues to impact the men positively inspiring productivity and empowerment.
Azriel Aharon is the COO and CFO of Aish LA and Director of the Jewish Men’s Initiative (JMI), where he plays a vital role in empowering fathers through personal and spiritual growth. Rabbi Az uses his Jewish journey to inspire and connect with those who attend his events and plays a major role in supporting the Jewish community. Aharon is also an EMT and has taken initiative as a responder for Hatzolah for almost 25 years. Az and his wife Debbie, the proud parents of five children, have hosted over 10,000 people for Shabbos meals for over 30 years. Az enjoys cycling, CrossFit, triathlons, and plays guitar, blending passion with purpose in every aspect of life.
Shlomo Seidenfeld is a known speaker and leader within Jewish Men’s Initiative and the general Jewish community. With his expertise in communication, mental health, relationships, and business, he has guided a variety of people spanning all ages to live a more fulfilling life. Starting his career in Jewish education he served on both coasts where he would find his community on the west coast.. He was the Director of Isralight Los Angeles and to this day takes wisdom from his colorful career milestones and applies it to his classes. Today he lives in Los Angeles teaching, running his real-estate investment firm (Nourmand & Associates) and kvelling as a proud father with his wife and three daughters.
Rabbi Aryeh Markman
CEO | JMI Executive Director
Rabbi Azriel Aharon
CFO | JMI Director
Shlomo Seindenfeld
Educational Staff
Rabbi Aryeh Markman has served as the Executive Director of Aish HaTorah Los Angeles since 1994. A graduate of the University of Illinois with distinction in Finance, he discovered Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem during a transformative visit to Israel. Opting for Talmudic studies over MBA offers from prestigious universities, Rabbi Markman earned Smicha/Rabbinical Ordination under Rabbi Noach Weinberg, the Dean and Founder of Aish HaTorah. In 1991, he and his wife Rochel moved to Los Angeles, where they are proud parents and grandparents of children stretching across 10 time zones. Rabbi Markman is known for giving all the quality time necessary to connect people to who the resources they need and is a very passionate teacher of Judaic studies. Most recently, Rabbi Markman orchestrated the first ever Jewish American Summit (2024) in dedication to his father.
Rabbi Aryeh Markman
CEO | JMI Executive Director
Azriel Aharon is the COO and CFO of Aish LA and Director of the Jewish Men’s Initiative (JMI), where he plays a vital role in empowering fathers through personal and spiritual growth. Rabbi Az uses his Jewish journey to inspire and connect with those who attend his events and plays a major role in supporting the Jewish community. Aharon is also an EMT and has taken initiative as a responder for Hatzolah for almost 25 years. Az and his wife Debbie, the proud parents of five children, have hosted over 10,000 people for Shabbos meals for over 30 years. Az enjoys cycling, CrossFit, triathlons, and plays guitar, blending passion with purpose in every aspect of life.
Rabbi Azriel Aharon
CFO | JMI Director
Shlomo Seidenfeld is a known speaker and leader within Jewish Men’s Initiative and the general Jewish community. With his expertise in communication, mental health, relationships, and business, he has guided a variety of people spanning all ages to live a more fulfilling life. Starting his career in Jewish education he served on both coasts where he would find his community on the west coast.. He was the Director of Isralight Los Angeles and to this day takes wisdom from his colorful career milestones and applies it to his classes. Today he lives in Los Angeles teaching, running his real-estate investment firm (Nourmand & Associates) and kvelling as a proud father with his wife and three daughters.
Shlomo Seindenfeld
Educational Staff
Meet the division
jwi
The Jewish Women’s Initiative (JWI) empowers Moms in Los Angeles to embrace and share the wisdom of Judaism in their homes and communities. By offering lessons, socials, and international trips, JWI creates opportunities for meaningful learning, personal growth, and connection. Women build relationships, deepen their understanding of Jewish values, and strengthen their families. Signature programs include Shabbat dinners, community events, and an inspiring Israel trip in partnership with Momentum. JWI celebrates the transformative power of Jewish women to uplift their families and enrich the world around them.
Chana Heller, MSW, is the Director of JWI – Jewish Women’s Initiative at Aish Los Angeles and has dedicated over three decades to teaching Jewish women to embrace and love their heritage. She holds degrees from Hampshire College and Wurzweiler School of Social Work and studied for two years at Neve Yerushalayim in Jerusalem. Married to Rabbi Dov Heller, MFT, they have five married children and nineteen grandchildren, most of whom live in Israel. Chana enjoys working with young professionals, appreciating their openness to growth and change during a pivotal time in their lives. She also recognizes the deep hunger for growth among mothers, despite their busy lives. Her passion lies in helping Jewish women connect to their identities and find inspiration in their journeys.
Lisa Richards, a Los Angeles native, met her husband Scott at Cal State Northridge, and together they’ve built a vibrant family with four children and four grandchildren all living in LA. A passionate educator, Lisa has been teaching first grade at Yeshiva Ohr Eliyahu for over a decade. She and Scott have dedicated their lives to Jewish outreach, hosting countless guests at their Shabbat table. As former JWRP City Leaders in 2014, they bring unmatched enthusiasm to every initiative. When she’s not engaging in Jewish outreach, she travels and stays active and spends time with her loving family. This year, Lisa is leading one of the inspiring women’s Growth Groups.
Debbie Hirschmann, a UCLA graduate with a B.S. in Kinesiology and an MBA from USC, has seamlessly blended her professional and personal passions. She works in the pharmaceutical industry and lives in Los Angeles with her husband Ross and their two daughters, Aleeza and Eliana. Debbie first connected with Aish Los Angeles before her engagement and has since become an active leader. She loves teaching classes, leading women’s Growth Groups, and guiding inspiring JWI trips to Israel. Her enthusiasm for Judaism and community shines in everything she does.
Rebbetzin Chana Heller
Director | JWI
Lisa Richards
Director of Growth Group Education
Debbie Hirschmann
JWI Educators
Chana Heller, MSW, is the Director of JWI – Jewish Women’s Initiative at Aish Los Angeles and has dedicated over three decades to teaching Jewish women to embrace and love their heritage. She holds degrees from Hampshire College and Wurzweiler School of Social Work and studied for two years at Neve Yerushalayim in Jerusalem. Married to Rabbi Dov Heller, MFT, they have five married children and nineteen grandchildren, most of whom live in Israel. Chana enjoys working with young professionals, appreciating their openness to growth and change during a pivotal time in their lives. She also recognizes the deep hunger for growth among mothers, despite their busy lives. Her passion lies in helping Jewish women connect to their identities and find inspiration in their journeys.
Rebbetzin Chana Heller
Director | JWI
Lisa Richards, a Los Angeles native, met her husband Scott at Cal State Northridge, and together they’ve built a vibrant family with four children and four grandchildren all living in LA. A passionate educator, Lisa has been teaching first grade at Yeshiva Ohr Eliyahu for over a decade. She and Scott have dedicated their lives to Jewish outreach, hosting countless guests at their Shabbat table. As former JWRP City Leaders in 2014, they bring unmatched enthusiasm to every initiative. When she’s not engaging in Jewish outreach, she travels and stays active and spends time with her loving family. This year, Lisa is leading one of the inspiring women’s Growth Groups.
Lisa Richards
Director of Growth Group Education
Debbie Hirschmann, a UCLA graduate with a B.S. in Kinesiology and an MBA from USC, has seamlessly blended her professional and personal passions. She works in the pharmaceutical industry and lives in Los Angeles with her husband Ross and their two daughters, Aleeza and Eliana. Debbie first connected with Aish Los Angeles before her engagement and has since become an active leader. She loves teaching classes, leading women’s Growth Groups, and guiding inspiring JWI trips to Israel. Her enthusiasm for Judaism and community shines in everything she does.
Debbie Hirschmann
JWI Educators
Jill Kahn is a certified life coach with a talent for helping clients identify and overcome personal and professional blocks. Known for her perceptive and compassionate approach, Jill provides tools for reducing stress, building confidence, and setting achievable goals. She specializes in guiding clients through transitional periods, offering practical strategies to help them find clarity and purpose. Her coaching style is rooted in empathy, intuition, and accountability, empowering clients to make meaningful progress. Jill’s work inspires confidence, productivity, and self-discovery in all who work with her.
Jackie Louk is a passionate advocate for increasing awareness and sensitivity around infertility in the Jewish community. Through her work with Yesh Tikva, she focuses on providing resources and support for those struggling silently with infertility. Jackie believes in the importance of listening, understanding, and respecting each person’s unique journey. She strives to equip individuals with the tools to be allies, offering compassion and encouragement to those in need. Her work aims to foster a more supportive and empathetic community. Jackie is dedicated to empowering others through understanding and education.
Holly Magady
JWI Educators
Jill Kahn
JWI Educators
Jackie Louk
JWI Educators
Holly Magady
JWI Educators
Jill Kahn is a certified life coach with a talent for helping clients identify and overcome personal and professional blocks. Known for her perceptive and compassionate approach, Jill provides tools for reducing stress, building confidence, and setting achievable goals. She specializes in guiding clients through transitional periods, offering practical strategies to help them find clarity and purpose. Her coaching style is rooted in empathy, intuition, and accountability, empowering clients to make meaningful progress. Jill’s work inspires confidence, productivity, and self-discovery in all who work with her.
Jill Kahn
JWI Educators
Jackie Louk is a passionate advocate for increasing awareness and sensitivity around infertility in the Jewish community. Through her work with Yesh Tikva, she focuses on providing resources and support for those struggling silently with infertility. Jackie believes in the importance of listening, understanding, and respecting each person’s unique journey. She strives to equip individuals with the tools to be allies, offering compassion and encouragement to those in need. Her work aims to foster a more supportive and empathetic community. Jackie is dedicated to empowering others through understanding and education.
Jackie Louk
JWI Educators
Lucy Blinder, a dedicated JWI Growth Group leader, brings her passion for teaching and mentorship to the Jewish Women’s Initiative. A graduate of USC Pharmacy School, Lucy works at Kaiser’s inpatient pharmacy while balancing her vibrant family life with her husband, Bob, a workers’ compensation attorney. An accomplished chef, she has been featured on Aish.com for her culinary talents. Lucy and Bob are proud parents of four children and five grandchildren (so far!), often traveling to New York to spend quality time with their growing family. Her energy and enthusiasm shine in everything she does.
Lucy Blinder
JWI Educators
Karen Sarto
JWI Educators
Lucy Blinder, a dedicated JWI Growth Group leader, brings her passion for teaching and mentorship to the Jewish Women’s Initiative. A graduate of USC Pharmacy School, Lucy works at Kaiser’s inpatient pharmacy while balancing her vibrant family life with her husband, Bob, a workers’ compensation attorney. An accomplished chef, she has been featured on Aish.com for her culinary talents. Lucy and Bob are proud parents of four children and five grandchildren (so far!), often traveling to New York to spend quality time with their growing family. Her energy and enthusiasm shine in everything she does.
Lucy Blinder
JWI Educators
Karen Sarto
JWI Educators
Meet the division
myaish
The MyAish division inspires young Jewish professionals in Los Angeles to embark on meaningful spiritual journeys. Through engaging classes, trips, and events, MyAish is credited for their contributions to personal growth, community connection, and a deeper appreciation of Jewish heritage. Rooted in the philosophy that Judaism is a journey where every step counts, MyAish offers flexible learning opportunities tailored to individual goals and schedules. Rabbi Yitz Jacobs and Dalia Partouche lead MyAish with dedication, creating events that empower participants to discover their potential. Guest speakers enrich these experiences, providing fresh perspectives on Torah wisdom. MyAish builds connections that inspire, educate, and elevate lives.
Rabbi Yitz Jacobs, raised in a secular Jewish household in Long Island, discovered his passion for Judaism during a transformative trip to Israel after deferring law school. Immersed in Aish HaTorah, he found inspiration in reconciling science and Torah, a journey that reshaped his worldview. Ordained in 2002, Rabbi Jacobs now serves at Aish Los Angeles, teaching classes, hosting Shabbatons, and leading impactful programs like the Discovery Seminar. He empowers young Jews to connect with their heritage, find meaning in life’s challenges, and embrace personal growth. Guided by Rabbi Hillel’s teachings, Rabbi Jacobs inspires others to invest in themselves and become generous contributors to the world. His mission is to help others cultivate a deep, authentic relationship with Judaism and their community.
Dalia Partouche is a passionate teacher who has been inspiring Jews of all ages for over 16 years. Growing up surrounded by pets, she developed a unique connection to nature and creativity. Dalia is also an artist who loves to paint, drawing inspiration from her vibrant life experiences. She began her journey with Aish as a UCLA sophomore in 2006, serving as the Aish Sephardic Campus Director. After graduation and seminary studies in Israel, she became the Young Professionals Program Director for Aish, a role she continues to lead with enthusiasm. Since 2007, her programming has brought tens of thousands of Jews closer to their heritage through classes, trips, and community events.
Rabbi Yitz Jacobs
Executive Director | MyAish
Dalia E. Partouche
Program Director | MyAish
Shanna Gilardi
Assistant to Directors
Rabbi Yitz Jacobs, raised in a secular Jewish household in Long Island, discovered his passion for Judaism during a transformative trip to Israel after deferring law school. Immersed in Aish HaTorah, he found inspiration in reconciling science and Torah, a journey that reshaped his worldview. Ordained in 2002, Rabbi Jacobs now serves at Aish Los Angeles, teaching classes, hosting Shabbatons, and leading impactful programs like the Discovery Seminar. He empowers young Jews to connect with their heritage, find meaning in life’s challenges, and embrace personal growth. Guided by Rabbi Hillel’s teachings, Rabbi Jacobs inspires others to invest in themselves and become generous contributors to the world. His mission is to help others cultivate a deep, authentic relationship with Judaism and their community.
Rabbi Yitz Jacobs
Executive Director | MyAish
Dalia Partouche is a passionate teacher who has been inspiring Jews of all ages for over 16 years. Growing up surrounded by pets, she developed a unique connection to nature and creativity. Dalia is also an artist who loves to paint, drawing inspiration from her vibrant life experiences. She began her journey with Aish as a UCLA sophomore in 2006, serving as the Aish Sephardic Campus Director. After graduation and seminary studies in Israel, she became the Young Professionals Program Director for Aish, a role she continues to lead with enthusiasm. Since 2007, her programming has brought tens of thousands of Jews closer to their heritage through classes, trips, and community events.
Dalia E. Partouche
Program Director | MyAish
Shanna Gilardi
Assistant to Directors
Meet the division
aishlit
AishLIT introduces young professionals to the deeper meaning and relevance of Judaism in a way that resonates with modern life. From the comfort of Rabbi Jack and Shira’s home, they offer high-quality educational programs, one-on-one learning, and networking opportunities. AishLIT creates a dynamic space for socializing, growth, and connection. The Meluls offers mentorship, classes, and organized trips around the world designed to inspire personal and spiritual development. AishLIT also offers a housing program that allows Jewish students to experience community and the inclusive nature of Pico-Robertson’s hospitality. It serves as both a guide and a supportive home for young professionals navigating their Jewish journey.
Born in Manchester, UK, Rabbi Jack Melul is a passionate leader and visionary educator who spent over a decade training at some of the world’s top Rabbinic Academies. In 2012, he earned Semicha from Israel’s Rabbinical Supreme Court and Beit Medrash Darchei Horaah Lerabanim, guided by the late Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l. A captivating speaker, Moroccan cantor, and spiritual coach, Rabbi Jack co-founded AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles with his wife, Shira, sparking a revolution for young professionals. His drive for education also inspired the creation of Akiva on Campus, where his engaging lectures on Talmud and Jewish philosophy continue to transform lives.
Born in Jerusalem, Shira grew up in a home where education was a cornerstone, igniting her lifelong passion for teaching and inspiring others. With a deep love for the Jewish people and the English language, she earned a degree in education and moved to the UK, where she became a dynamic dorm counselor and teacher. As the founding Director of AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles, alongside her husband, Rabbi Jack, Shira inspires young professionals with engaging classes and one-on-one mentorship. A dedicated wife and mother, Shira also empowers young women in dating, personal growth, and leadership. Her infectious passion extends to serving as a liaison for internships and Israel trips, creating unforgettable opportunities for students and professionals.
Rabbi Jack Melul
Director | aishLIT
Rebbetzin Shira Melul
Director | aishLIT
Born in Manchester, UK, Rabbi Jack Melul is a passionate leader and visionary educator who spent over a decade training at some of the world’s top Rabbinic Academies. In 2012, he earned Semicha from Israel’s Rabbinical Supreme Court and Beit Medrash Darchei Horaah Lerabanim, guided by the late Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l. A captivating speaker, Moroccan cantor, and spiritual coach, Rabbi Jack co-founded AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles with his wife, Shira, sparking a revolution for young professionals. His drive for education also inspired the creation of Akiva on Campus, where his engaging lectures on Talmud and Jewish philosophy continue to transform lives.
Rabbi Jack Melul
Director | aishLIT
Born in Jerusalem, Shira grew up in a home where education was a cornerstone, igniting her lifelong passion for teaching and inspiring others. With a deep love for the Jewish people and the English language, she earned a degree in education and moved to the UK, where she became a dynamic dorm counselor and teacher. As the founding Director of AishLIT – Young Professionals Los Angeles, alongside her husband, Rabbi Jack, Shira inspires young professionals with engaging classes and one-on-one mentorship. A dedicated wife and mother, Shira also empowers young women in dating, personal growth, and leadership. Her infectious passion extends to serving as a liaison for internships and Israel trips, creating unforgettable opportunities for students and professionals.
Rebbetzin Shira Melul
Director | aishLIT
Meet the division
Executive Learning
The Executive Learning mission is to connect and inspire Jews to a journey of heritage and personal growth through events, classes, programs, and trips. All of which are personally created towards the men and women who support and generously give to Aish Los Angeles. The Executive Learning team believes that Jewish education can be taken at each individual’s own interest and pace, and should be done in a form that best fits individual learning techniques and comfort. For that offering both one-on-one and group learning opportunities.
Rabbi Ron Jawary
Educational Staff
Rabbi Yitz EtShalom
Educational Staff
Rabbi Dov Heller
Educational Staff
Rabbi Ron Jawary
Educational Staff
Rabbi Yitz EtShalom
Educational Staff
Rabbi Dov Heller
Educational Staff
Meet the Division
Marketing & Design
Charles “Chaz” Volk is a driven entrepreneur, content creator, and project leader. Outside of work, Chaz is deeply involved in his Jewish community, enjoys playing pickleball, trains for Spartan Races, and showcases his creativity as a DIY furniture design. He is also the host of Bad Jew, the 17th most-listened-to Jewish learning podcast globally, celebrated as “the place where there is no such thing as a bad Jew.” a
Noa Drori, a University of Oregon graduate with a degree in Business and a concentration in Marketing, began her career by enhancing her family’s construction company’s online presence through social media. She quickly expanded her expertise, acquiring clients for website editing, social media growth, and WordPress development. With skills in SEO and online marketing, she has supported numerous small businesses and organizations in Los Angeles. She has single-handedly given AishLIT the online presence it has garnered success and high impressions from their followers. Inspired by her passion, she founded Papion Marketing, where she continues to help clients achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.
Charles Volk
Chief of Marketing
Noa Drori
Web Developer | aishLIT Marketing Director
Charles “Chaz” Volk is a driven entrepreneur, content creator, and project leader. Outside of work, Chaz is deeply involved in his Jewish community, enjoys playing pickleball, trains for Spartan Races, and showcases his creativity as a DIY furniture design. He is also the host of Bad Jew, the 17th most-listened-to Jewish learning podcast globally, celebrated as “the place where there is no such thing as a bad Jew.” a
Charles Volk
Chief of Marketing
Noa Drori, a University of Oregon graduate with a degree in Business and a concentration in Marketing, began her career by enhancing her family’s construction company’s online presence through social media. She quickly expanded her expertise, acquiring clients for website editing, social media growth, and WordPress development. With skills in SEO and online marketing, she has supported numerous small businesses and organizations in Los Angeles. She has single-handedly given AishLIT the online presence it has garnered success and high impressions from their followers. Inspired by her passion, she founded Papion Marketing, where she continues to help clients achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.
Noa Drori
Web Developer | aishLIT Marketing Director
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