This document provides an overview of Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer and Dr. Shani Bechhofer who work as a scholar-in-residence team. It includes short biographies of each, descriptions of sample programs they have conducted, and a selection of lecture topics Rabbi Bechhofer can present on. The document is seeking to schedule their programming for congregations and organizations in 2016.

1. "‫ד‬ ‫בס‬
Rabbi Yosef Gavriel and Dr. Shani M. Bechhofer
Scholar in Residence programs, Lectures, Shiurim
We are in the process of organizing our schedule for 2016.
We have a large and varied repertoire of topics and programs.
Baruch Hashem, we have been very well received in many venues, including
shuls, communal organizations, and educational institutions,
as well as hotel scholar-in-residence events and programs.
Attached are:
● Short bios
● Sample program from three recent "joint" Scholar in Residence Shabbosos.*
● A selection of topics for lectures and/or shiurim.
Our contact information is below.
Please contact us to discuss, plan and schedule programming.
Please forward this email to anyone you think might be interested!
Thank you very much,
Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer
ygb@aishdas.org
ygbechhofer@gmail.com
home: 845.425.6820
cell: 845.216.1617
www.aishdas.org/rygb
rygb.blogspot.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rygblinkedin
Shani M. Bechhofer
shanibechhofer@gmail.com
home: 845.425.6820
cell: 773.415.1508
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shani-bechhofer-6a079a13
* Please note that the PR materials in both cases were designed by the host congregations for their respective target audiences. Different
venues obviously may require different advertising approaches!
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2. Bios:
Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer is a senior lecturer for the AishDas Society, a Rebbe and Maggid Shiur
at the Mesivta of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon (commonly known as MTA) in New York, and
an adjunct professor at Excelsior College. Rabbi Bechhofer has served as a Rav, Rebbe and Rosh Kollel
in the Chicago and New York areas.
Rabbi Bechhofer is one of the few individuals to have served as Maggid Shiur for both Daf Yomi Bavli
and Daf Yomi Yerushalmi, completing both. He is also a senior lecturer for the Aishdas Society, an
association devoted to more profound understanding and experience of all aspects of Talmud Torah and
Avodas Hashem. He has served as a guest Maggid Shiur, scholar in residence, and lecturer in numerous
venues, including Alberta, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Montana, Ohio, Ontario, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin,
Israel and England. He is a prolific author. He has published many essays in major Orthodox Jewish
periodicals. His published seforim are: The Contemporary Eruv: Eruvin in Modern Metropolitan Areas,
Bigdei Shesh on Bava Basra, and Bigdei Shesh on Sefer Shoftim. Well over one thousand tapes of his
lectures and shiurim (including the entire Yerushalmi) are available on tape and online (see
aishdas.org/rygb).
Rabbi Bechhofer learned in many yeshivos, including Sha’alvim, Ner Yisroel and both Mirrer yeshivos.
He received Semicha from Rabbi Yitzchok Koolitz, Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, and Rabbi Zalman
Nechemiah Goldberg, Av Beis Din of Jerusalem. He holds an M.S. in Education (concentration in
Counseling and Guidance) from Johns Hopkins University, and is on the verge of earning a Ph.D. from
the University of Huddersfield.
Dr. Shani M. Bechhofer is an independent researcher and consultant in the field of Jewish Education,
and an adjunct professor at Lander College. She has served as a teacher, mechaneches and principal. In
her role as principal at the Hannah Sacks Bais Yaakov High School in Chicago she was recognized by
US News and World Report as one of the most outstanding principals in the country, and an article
about her success appeared in the January 18, 1999 issue of the magazine. She freqently lectures and
gives shiurim on a broad range of Torah and professional topics.
Dr. Bechhofer earned her B.A. at Stern College, her M.Ed. at National-Louis University (formerly the
National College of Education) and her Ph.D. at Northwestern University. She has published papers
and monographs in several journals and anthologies. Rabbi and Dr. Bechhofer, have six children and a
growing number of grandchildren, kein yirbu, and live in Monsey.
Many of Rabbi Bechhofer's shiurim and lectures are available online in either audio or video formats
at:
youtube.com/mtajt
yerushalmionline.org
toseftaonline.org
teachittome.com
sumseq.com
torahanytime.com
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3. 3

4. Kesher Israel’s July Scholar In Residence Team
KI is proud to welcome Rabbi Yoseph Gavriel & Dr. Shani Bechhofer – who will be joining us as team scholars in
residence for the Shabbos of July 24th (Shabbos Nachamu).
Rabbi Bechhofer serves as a Talmud Instructor at YU's High School for Boys, and also teaches at
Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Monsey. He is a writer and editor at Artscroll/Mesorah Publications.
Rabbi Bechhofer has served as a Rav, Rosh Kollel and educator in the Chicago and New York areas.
He is a sought after scholar in residence, and has lectured in many venues around the world. He is a
prolific author, and has published several books and numerous essays in major Orthodox Jewish
periodicals.
Dr. Shani Bechhofer teaches doctoral and master's level courses at YU's Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish
Education. Dr. Bechhofer has been involved in Jewish education for over two decades as a teacher, general
studies director, principal, consultant, graduate school professor and researcher. She was featured in US News &
World Report for her leadership as the Principal of the Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov High School in Chicago.
All of us look forward to learning from the Bechhofers at the following venues:
1) Rabbi Bechhofer will deliver the Shabbos morning sermon at KI
2) Following Kiddush at KI, both Rabbi and Dr. Bechhofer will speak on “Public Scofflaws: The Orthodox Chilul Hashem”
3) From 6:20 -7:20 PM Rabbi Bechhofer will share his encyclopedic knowledge with the entire community at the home of (to be
announced). He will speak on the little known Mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen (sending away the mother bird) in a talk entitled: “A
Torah of Refinement”
4) At 7:50 PM, the women of the community are invited to join together for a women’s Shalosh Seudos at the home of Aviva &
Dr. Jeff Kashuk (2945 Green St.) where Dr. Bechhofer will speak on: “Lessons in Relevance: Can the great women of our
heritage really serve as role models for our complex, busy lives?”
5) Following the 7:50 PM Mincha at KI, Rabbi Bechhofer will offer his final presentation entitled: “The P’lishtim: They Weren't
Just Philistines”
All of us at KI thank our dear friend Bobby Snyder of Florida for his sponsorship of what is sure to be a dynamic
scholar in residence weekend.
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5. Wanted: Scholar In Residence Husband and Wife Team
No its not Bonnie & Clyde its:
Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer is a sought after scholar in residence, who has presented before a worldwide audience. The
Rabbi is a prolific essayist, and has also served as a Rav, as a Rosh Kollel, and currently lectures in Yeshivas Ohr Somayach
‘s Monsey, New York campus. Busy working as a writer and editor at Artscroll/Mesorah Publications, Rabbi Bechhofer is
able to find the time to work with local teens. Over a thousand audio and video recordings of his shiurim on Jewish Thought
are available on the Internet. http://www.aishdas.org/rygb/
Dr. Shani M. Bechhofer teaches doctoral and master's level courses at YU's Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education.
After more than r two decades as an educator, Dr. Bechhofer has held the positions of teacher, researcher, professor, general
studies director, principal, and now is a consultant in high international demand. Notably the Doctor was featured in U.S.
News & World Report for her leadership as Principal of the Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov High School of
Illinois.http://www.usnews.com/usnews/ culture/articles /990118/archive_000080.htm
Schedule:
Join us for a meal, a lecture, or the entire Shabbaton!
Friday, January 21st.
4:55 PM: Evening Prayer Services
6:15 PM: Dinner*
8:00 PM: Lecture #1. “Coonskin Caps: Approaching G-d;
Chasidim vs. Misnagdim.”
SSATURDAYATURDAY, J, JANUARYANUARY 2222NDND..
8:45 AM: Prayer Services
10:20 AM: Lecture #2: “The Revolver: Points from the
weekly Parsha.”
12:00 PM: Lecture #3: “Into the Sunset: Jewish take on
end of life issues.”
LETTER: We of Beth Jacob Congregation are so glad for those
who enjoyed our Shabbaton closing out 2010.
Now let’s kickoff Twenty Eleven with another meaningful and
growth filled weekend.
We have a Husband and wife team: A Rabbi and Doctor. We will
treasure Shabbat lectures, dinners, and lunches together.
Penultimatly, the Shabbat concludes with a separation of the sexes.
The Doctor will address Women, the Rabbi men. Ultimately we
will gather for Israeli cuisine and a Saturday night panel
discussion; a showdown, a duel of sorts, between the genders and
what they have learned. We know it will be interesting and you
will want to attend to defend and support your individual growth
and your individual scholar.
Your very gender is counting on YOU!
1:00 PM: Lunch
“Rollin, Rollin, Rollin”
3:30 PM: Men's Class - w/Rabbi Bechhofer : “Men’s roles
in Judaism.”
3:30 PM: Women's Class - w/ Dr. Bechhofer : “Women’s
roles in Judaism”
4:55 PM: Light community repast:
SSATURDAYATURDAY-N-NIGHTIGHT, J, JANAN. 22. 22NDND
..
8:00 PM: Israeli Cuisine:
“Dueling Scholars:”
Q&A panel discussion and showdown. ($6)
(619) 287-9890 / BBETHETH JJACOBACOB CCONGREGATIONONGREGATION 4855 College Ave. SD., CA 92115 / BJSD.org
5

6. Lectures by Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer
This list includes a sampling of topics on which Rabbi Bechhofer has lectured.
Emuna & Hashkafa: Contemporary
& Practical Halachic Issues:
The Age of the Universe Eruvin in Metropolitan Areas
Evidence and Emunah The Definition of Death in Halacha
Does Reason Serve Faith
or Faith Serve Reason
Organ Transplants
Tradition, History & Belief Curtailing Treatment of the Terminally Ill
The Authenticity of the Torah Cholov Yisroel
Bechira Chofshis: How Free are We? Agunah Problems & Related Issues
Divine Providence Buying Meat in Non-Jewish Owned Stores
The Unity of G-d Banking in a Jewish Owned Bank
G-d's Incorporeality When & What
Mechitza is Required by Halacha
Creation Ex Nihilo May Jews Return to Spain
Worshiping G-d — Nothing Else Changing Neighborhoods
Prophecy Halachic Attitudes Towards Secular Studies
The Prophecy of Moshe Rabbeinu The Use of Microphones in Halacha
The Divine Origin of Torah Women in Jewish Communal Life
The Torah will not be Abrogated Gelatin
G-d's Omniscience Organized Labor & Strikes
Reward & Punishment Tzedaka & Ma'aser Kesafim
Moshiach: Are These Messianic Times? Glatt Kosher
Resurrection of the Dead Sheimos: What are They
& How to Dispose of Them
These & Those
are the Words of the Living G-d
Headcovering for Women
Our Relationship with Previous Generations The Great International Dateline Controversy
The Impact of Kabbala on Machashava Bishul Akum
Sophisticated Chesed Teaching Torah to Non-Jews
Denominational Attitudes Yeshivot Hesder in Halacha
Sinners Within & Ahavas Yisroel AIDS
6

7. The Greater They Are, The Greater Their Fall Cheating on Your Taxes
Chronologies of
the 2nd
Beis HaMikdosh Period
Kol Isha
Brazenness & Bashfulness Ashkenazic vs. Sepharadic Pronunciation
Exploring Chutzpa Suing Your Rabbi for Malpractice
What is True Yiras Shomayim Copyrights in Halacha
Tefilla & Avodas Hashem Workshops Autopsies & Biopsies
Truth & Falsehood Plastic Surgery & Diets
Malachim (Angels):
What are They/What do they Do?
Communal Unity
Bein Yisroel L'Amim: Judaism & Christianity Shabbos Cosmetics
What is Kedusha & How is it Achieved Cigarette Smoking in Halacha
Torah she'be'al Peh as the Focus May Women Wear Pants?
Analyzing Agadata Music in Halacha
Time & Times in Judaism Conversion
The Leviathan Laws of Waiting on Line
& Priorities in a Waiting Room
Bitachon: Trust in G-d Teshuva & Kiruv
Para Aduma Magic & Magicians in Halacha
Kilayim & Sha’atnez Practical Hilchos Mezuza
Basar Ve'Chalav Abortion
Kisui HaDam Halachos of Shabbos Goyim
Pride & Humility Electric Lights in Halacha
Friendship Vegetarianism in Halacha
Simchas Chosson V'Kalla Shabbos Elevators
Ta’amei ha’Mitzvos Heter Iska
Zav & Zava Entering Churches & Mosques
Mikveh Rebuking Wrongdoers
Orlah Cooking for & on Shabbos & Yom Tov
Aleynu Entering the Temple Mount
Atah Kadosh Restoring Avodas HaKorbonos
Atah Bechartanu Techeles
Eating Jewishly Extradition
Frankfurt vs. Volozhin In Vitro Fertilization
7

8. G-d Diminished the Moon? Surrogate Motherhood
Acher: Elisha ben Avuya Dayanim & Batei Din in Modern Times
The Jewish Concept of Thanksgiving Semicha & Psak Halacha
Shiluach HaKen Corporal & Capitol Punishment in Our Times
Hallel Opening Other People’s Mail
The Prophecy of Bilam Havdala
Chopping Down Fruit Trees The Use of Lie Detectors in Halacha
Of Donkeys & Cold Disturbing the Peace:
Exhuming & Relocating Graves
Prophecy: Dreams From Soup to Nuts:
Eating a Meal al pi Halacha
Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim Behind Bars with Halacha: Imprisonment
Yomim Tovim Sale of Weapons by Israel
to Foreign Countries
Yomim Noro’im Reversing Bal Tashchis: Recycling
Chana & Shmuel HaNavi Close Shaves with Halacha: Electric Razors
Shaul HaMelech Business Partnerships with a Goy
The Plishtim Partnerships with Mechalelei Shabbos
Existence May a Jew Own Stock
in a Company that Trades in Treifos?
The Ba'alei Machashava on War Medicines/Medical Procedures
on Shabbos/Yom Tov
Kochi v'Otzem Yadi Is a Promise Halachically Binding?
Courage & Cowardice What & Why
Rabbinic Ordinances are Binding
Sanctity & Profanity Brokerage:
Shadchanim & Real Estate Agents
Shimshon What's a Bracha & How Does it Work?
Dovid HaMelech Rise & Shine: Getting Up in with Halacha
Bar Kochba Wars & Armies
Gid HaNasheh May a Jew Become a Professional
Football Player & Related Issues
Netzach & Hod Oh No! You Have a She'eila
& no Rabbi to Ask: What do you do?
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9. Talmid Chochom Is Pasteurized Wine Mevushal?
Din: Judgement Fetal Reduction & Related Issues
Judaism & Freedom Stitches on Shabbos
The Name of G-d & the Night of the Seder Squeezing & Grinding on Shabbos
The Fifth Cup Redistributing the Wealth:
Yissaschar-Zevulun Relationships
Kabbolas Shabbos Were the Chashmonaim
Allowed to Assume the Kingship of Israel?
Rabbi Chanina & Rabbi Yannai Chopping Pesukim
Shabbos:
Six Tehillim & the Days of the Week
Sunrise, Sunset: Halachic Times of Day
Mizmor L'Dovid Rising Before the Wise & Senior Citizens
Longevity & Immortality Lifnei Iver
Astrology Rib'is: Subscribing to Jewish Periodicals?
Male & Female The First Year of Marriage
Challa Halachos of Taking Challa from Dough
Tanya for Misnagdim The Mitzvah of Ma'akeh
Ma'avir Rishon Rishon Muktzeh
Beyond Seder Shabbos Clocks
Chumros:
Is the Way to Heaven Paved with Them?
Shabbos & Electricity
Judaism & Monarchy Halacha at 35,000 Feet:
Airplane Travel Issues
Netzach Yisroel Child Abuse
Magen Dovid Happy Endings: Halachos of Haftaros
Half Hallel Constructive Justice? Bribing Public Officials
Yerushalayim Microwave Ovens: Shabbos & Kashrus
Malchus & Shechina Wills & Testaments: Issues & Resolutions
Havaya”h, Elokim, Tzevako"s, Adnu"s Office Parties: Yoreh De'ah Issues
Tzimtzum Social Gatherings: Moshav Leitzim
Beis HaMikdosh: A Neck A Change of Place:
Shinui Makom in Berachos
288 Nitzotzos The Effects of Inflation on Halacha
The Eyes of G-d Kedushas Bais HaKenesses
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10. Too Great a Test? Finders Keepers?
Abandoned Objects in Public Places
Sorcery & Sin Kavod & Kerias Sefer Torah
Amalek & Tomorrow So What's New? Chodosh!
The Throne of Dovid and Shlomo Is there a Halachic Basis for Yom HaSho'ah?
Intellect Dishwashers:
Kashrus, Shabbos & Yom Tov
Rosh and Crown Forcing a Husband to Give a Get
Tzedaka vs. Chesed Financial Assistance from non-Jews
Tanach vs. Chazal Da'as Torah
in Halachic & Non-Halachic Areas
Transitions & Chana's Song Shabbos Babycare:
Baby Wipes & Disposable Diapers
Kaf HaKela: The Catapult Reuven or Robert?
English Names for Jewish People
Gehinnom & Reward Good Intentions: Kavana for the Beginning of Shma
Beards Animal Experimentation & Tza'ar Ba'alei Chaim
Keruvim Pop-Top Halacha: Opening Various Food Containers
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