Rabbi Heshy Steinmetz directs the Boys' Division of Aishel. Since moving to Toronto in 1995, he has been making a mark on the תורה community in multi-faceted ways: his contribution include outstanding work as a beloved Rebbe at The Toronto Cheder and all important efforts as a competent Hatzoloh responder.
Rabbi Steinmetz received his Smicha from Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Moshe in South Fallsburg, New York. His magnetic personality and כח השמחה make him uniquely qualified for his outreach position. He has worked closely with teens since 2000, both one-on-one and in group settings, cultivating real relationships based on understanding and trust. He labours tirelessly to place his boys in the appropriate Yeshivos throughout Eretz Yisroel and the United States.
Mr. Joe Apter, Program Coordinator and lead mentor of the boys' division of Aishel, is a graduate of the program himself. As one of Rabbi Steinmetz's earliest talmidim, he attended "The Center's" bi-weekly drop ins for close to two years. His experiences with Aishel led him to Eretz Yisroel, where he attended Yeshivas Neve Zion for two and a half years. There he achieved his Bachelors in Talmudic Law. He then continued his learning in Yeshivas Bais Yisroel for a year and a half. Upon returning to America, he learned in Shor Yashuv in Far Rockaway, New York.
After getting married in 2008, Joe and his wife spent the year in Telshe Stone (Eretz Yisroel) learning in the Neve Tzion Kollel. There he gained first -hand experience working with teens from all over the world. He worked closely with boys one on one and in groups helping them find their path back to torah. He fostered very close, long lasting relationships with the bachurim, many of whom he is still in touch with today.
Joe's life experience, coupled with his warmth and charisma, make him a unique asset to the program, as he can relate to the boys, like not many can. He is deeply devoted to the boys, and gives them much of his time, at the program and away. He hosts Shabbos meals, organizes and attends Shabbotons, takes them out for lunch, and is always available to talk.
Originally from New York, Mrs. Rivky Coffer has been involved with youth programming for more than two decades. Over the years, she has run group programs for unaffiliated youth in many organizations and places, including NCSY, JEP, Kiev and Moscow and has taught in various outreach institutions. During the summers as well, Mrs. Coffer involved herself with youth in camps, such as Camp Anna Heller-Sternberg and JEP's Camp Nageela East. Since moving to Toronto, Mrs. Coffer has been coordinating programs for girls in our community, such as the weekly "coffee shop" learning exchange, annual summer camp, and many other events. Through these programs, she has given them positive experiences and introduced them to good roles models that benefit today's teens.