About

Rabbi Don Channen

Rabbi Don Channen is a Rosh HaYeshiva and pioneer in Jewish education. He knows the best way to teach kashrut as he has tested and given Semicha to over 700 Rabbis around the world. He is the author of Keeping Kosher in the Kitchen and is a brilliant illustrator.

Rabbi Don Channen received his first Semicha from Rav Yosef Azran, of the Beit Din of the Eida Charedit. Later, he received Semicha from the Chief Rabbis of Israel: Rav Yisrael Meir Lau and Rav Eliyahu Bakshi Doron; Rav Yehuda Deri, Chief Rabbi of Be'er Sheva, Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein, Rosh Yeshiva Diaspora Yeshiva, Rav Shalom Messas, Av Beit Din of Jerusalem and HaGaon Harav Ovadia Yosef.

For the past 30+ years he has served as a Moreh Horaah for kashrut in his home community, given Yoreh Deah shiurim to hundreds of students and ordained many students for Semicha. Many of his talmidim have chosen to pursue careers in the rabbinate, chinuch, chaplaincy and kashrut supervision. In addition, he has set up learning chaburas in the United States, England, South Africa, Australia and Israel.

Rabbi Channen has written and illustrated many books, including: “Tallis Ends and Other Tales,” portraying difficult Sugias in Baba Kama, Baba Metzia and Baba Basra, Iggeret HaRamban and Birkat Hamazon with commentary and illustrations, and has collaborated on other books, including “An Illustrated Guide to the Laws of Shemita.”

Rabbi Channen recently published a book based on his teachings at Yeshiva Chonen Daas called “Keeping Kosher in the Kitchen” — “The Great Game of Kashrut” is an offshoot of that publication.

Rabbi Channen has developed a unique style of teaching that stretches students' abilities to perceive and absorb difficult concepts. He has gained international acclaim as a dynamic teacher whose classes are innovative, intense and interactive. Yeshiva Chonen Daas is proud to present his new Semicha course which will hold the attention and develop the skills of students of all levels.

Rabbi Channen lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Yaakov Jon Goldman

Yaakov Jon Goldman is an internationally recognized expert in creating award-winning content, gamification and training. He's gifted in simplifying complex materials in fun, engaging but meaningful ways.

Yaakov Jon Goldman is a natural innovator of experiential education. In The Great Game of Kashrut, he renders complex concepts into engaging, digestible content.

He has degrees and certifications in psychology, communications, business and coaching. He's gained a unique view from traveling the world, studying Eastern and Western religions. Trained in yeshivot in Israel and America, he is committed to sharing insights that adhere to the law and spirit of the Torah. He is the founder of the company www.MyTurningPoint.com, which trains and facilitates leaders, families and teams to actualize their greatest potential, both personally and professionally.

As one of the founding directors of “Zooz,” he created cutting-edge programming and helped facilitate Jewish outreach for young professionals. He originated “The Box of Plagues,” an interactive Passover Seder. He is a co-founder of “The Shmira Project,” which has enrolled over 70,000 participants to support Jewish soldiers who put their lives on the line to protect Israel during times of war. His passion is learning and teaching Torah. He loves playing ultimate frisbee, facilitating individuals and masterminding groups for nonprofit leaders, publishing, hiking around his home in Israel and enjoying life with his wife, children and grandchildren.