From the CEO

From the desk of Rabbi Steven Burg, AISH CEO

Aish social media content
Rabbi Burg

Investing in the Jewish People

Our goal was to make the acquisition of Jewish wisdom, which has been responsible for the establishment of ethics and morality across the globe for the past 3500 years, part and parcel of the definition of what it means to be Jewish.

Aish student dancing with Torah at IDF base
Rabbi Burg

Tears Flowing in the IDf

At the base, the Torah was completed and every student had a chance to dance with the new Torah. Our students brought tremendous spirit and joy to the event.

Rabbi Reuven Biermacher
Rabbi Burg

A Precious Soul

Eight years ago on 11 Tevet on the Hebrew calendar, we received a call that one of our dearest faculty members, Rabbi Reuven Biermacher HY”D was slaughtered as he left the Old City of Jerusalem.

President Biden and Dougass Emhoff at the White House
Rabbi Burg

White House on (Hanukkah) Fire

At the end of the night we had a chance to hear from President Biden who expressed his support for Israel and the Jewish Nation.

Rabbi Berkovitz speaking with Aish student
Rabbi Burg

Engaging (even anti-Israel) Young Jews

We must make a strong case for the fact that Judaism brought morality and ethics to the world. We must recapture their passion and utilize it to make the world a better place.

Rabbi Burg and the Israel Economic Forum
Rabbi Burg

Sleepless Nights

This past week I traveled to seven cities in five days with Aish’s indefatigable Executive Director, Rabbi Ben Gonsher.

Aish partners packing food for soldiers
Rabbi Burg

300,000 Jews

300,000 Jews traveled to Washington to tell the world that they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jews of Israel. The spirit of the Jewish Nation can never be broken. Am Yisroel Chai!

police officer receiving award at Aish ceremony
Rabbi Burg

A 13 year old Proud Jew

As this unprecedented situation continues with over 200 of our Jewish brothers and sisters in captivity, we are quickly learning who our friends are around the world.

girls shopping in a grocery store
Rabbi Burg

Love Has No Borders

One of the highlights amongst all the sorrow has been the incredible amount of kindness that has come as a result of so many Jews being displaced from their homes.

Rabbi Burg

Prayers Heard Around the World

With the help of a small group of dedicated partners who care deeply for the Jewish nation, the heads of Aish Israel, Rabbi Eitiel Goldwicht and Rabbi Shimmy Kaufman leapt into action coordinating a “Global Day of Prayer for the Hostages and the Missing.

Rabbi Burg

Sending Love with a Broken Heart

Our hearts are broken over the pain that the Jewish Nation has suffered. Yet, there is an inner resolve among us all that we must now move forward and support the IDF as they seek the return of the captives.

Rabbi Burg

Love from Israel

So many emotions have run through my heart over the past few days: incredible sadness at what has transpired; tremendous pride at the heroes who raced down south to save Jews; and, an unbreakable commitment to do whatever I can do strengthen the Jewish people.

Rabbi Burg

Our Collective Super Power

I told one of our supporters recently that I believe that Aish’s “Super Power” is the fact that we listen carefully to feedback. We know that the only way to be truly successful is to keep improving, and improvement only comes with guidance and the humility to listen to others.

Rabbi Burg

Unforgettable Moments & Reflecting on Rosh HaShana

May the coming year be one filled with laughter, passion, inspiration, joy and fulfillment. May the Almighty bless us all with a closeness to Him and each other. May we merit to reunite with Him in His holy palace in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Burg

Love & Hugs

My friends, love is the one resource which is unlimited and we will never run out. Let’s spread our love among our Jewish brothers and sisters.

Rabbi Burg

Help Me Fix This

The biggest threat that I am more concerned about than any of the other typical menaces is the lack of unity among the Jewish people.

Rabbi Burg

efg@aish

The success of the Jewish people has always revolved around community. We are strongest when our community is united and most vulnerable when we are at odds with each other. During this time we reflect on our lives. What can we be doing better?

Rabbi Burg

Who is your community?

The success of the Jewish people has always revolved around community. We are strongest when our community is united and most vulnerable when we are at odds with each other. During this time we reflect on our lives. What can we be doing better?

Rabbi Burg

Nothing is Sweeter Than This

I travel to be with my Jewish family all around the world. Nothing is sweeter than to sit and talk with Jews from different communities.

Rabbi Burg

Falling In Love

Whether it be online or in cities around the world, Aish is inspiring the Jewish nation. Our mission continues to be to ensure 100% of our brothers and sisters ‘Fall in Love with being Jewish’.

Rabbi Burg

Push Forward

This past week, Aish ordained six young rabbis in Jerusalem. I was honored to speak at their graduation.

Rabbi Burg

Bridging the Divide

Many challenges have come along with the extraordinary growth Aish has experienced over the past few years. One of the most pressing issues we have dealt with is a lack of physical space. I am excited to announce that we have recently leased space in the Old City for a new Beis Medrash.

Rabbi Burg

Smashing Goals and Breaking Records!

Two years ago Aish branched out from the website onto other social media platforms. Our target for 2023 was 50 million video views on SM. I am proud to report that we achieved that goal in just 6 months! We are consistently breaking a million website sessions on aish.com every month.

Rabbi Burg

Freedom to Embrace

I always enjoy spending the 4th of July in Israel. It is a constant reminder of the strong bond between Israel and the United States.

Rabbi Burg

Sacred Community

One of the most important aspects of being a Jew is the concept of community. Throughout the ages, the Jewish people have been known for the strength of our ability to support one another.

Rabbi Burg

Inspirational Partnerships

There is no greater joy that the Almighty has then to see his children working hand in hand towards the betterment of our nation. Thank you Olami for providing a passionate Jewish path for young Jews around the world.

Rabbi Burg

Why?

As we have embarked on this annual rigorous self evaluation, I find myself focused on one major question. This question is not “What” or “How” but rather that of “Why.

Our Greatest Threat Is Not What You Think

Our Greatest Threat Is Not What You Think

For eleven years, I have made it a priority to be in Israel for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Those…
Never Again Means Now

Never Again Means Now

This week, as I send greetings from Jerusalem, I found myself thinking deeply about Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.…
Now We Have to Be the Story

Now We Have to Be the Story

Over Pesach, I had the privilege of speaking with so many people, and I kept hearing the same thing. The…
Tonight We Remember Who We Are

Tonight We Remember Who We Are

The message of Pesach is not theoretical. It is the story of a people who stood up to tyranny, who…
The Ending Is Already Written

The Ending Is Already Written

Missiles over Israel. Rising antisemitism across the world. A constant awareness that there are those who seek our destruction. The…
Between Purim and Passover… Something Is Happening to Our People

Between Purim and Passover… Something Is Happening to...

Three weeks into this current escalation, Jewish hearts are pulled in many directions. Fear, strength, exhaustion, pride, unity, and longing…
The Room in Jerusalem Was On Fire

The Room in Jerusalem Was On Fire

Earlier in the week, we ran our annual campaign called “All In for Aish.” For the past several years, this…
A Personal Note I Almost Didn’t Write

A Personal Note I Almost Didn’t Write

This week, the world witnessed a powerful moment. Israel and the United States stood together and moved decisively against a…
This Is Not a Time to Bow

This Is Not a Time to Bow

I was on my way to Israel this past Sunday, and throughout Shabbos, I was with many dear friends of…
Our Next Test Is Each Other

Our Next Test Is Each Other

This week also included a meaningful and important meeting that connects directly to these themes of unity, relationship, and standing…
A Defining Moment for Aish and the Jewish Future

A Defining Moment for Aish and the Jewish...

This past week was truly exceptional. I feel deeply blessed to have been with so many of you at the…
Defending Civilization Begins With Knowledge

Defending Civilization Begins With Knowledge

I am incredibly energized by where Aish is heading. The work being done with AI, online learning, and social media…
One Family, One Moment, One People

One Family, One Moment, One People

Through the Erber family, who dedicated a Torah in Ran’s memory this past Sukkot, I had the privilege of getting…
Tel Aviv is Searching, and AISH is Responding

Tel Aviv is Searching, and AISH is Responding

This week, three of our incredible scholars, Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen, Rabbi MZ Dubov, and Rabbi Mathias, traveled to Tel…
From Jerusalem to Miami: Aish at a Turning Point

From Jerusalem to Miami: Aish at a Turning...

Cross River dedicated the Essentials wing of our new women’s building. Cross River is an institution rooted in powerful values.…
From Latin America to Somaliland, Aish at Work Across the World

From Latin America to Somaliland, Aish at Work...

This week was filled to the brim with activity. Every single day, I met with elected officials and leaders. I…
Hatred Does Not Define the Jewish People

Hatred Does Not Define the Jewish People

This week, we hosted two dozen soldiers from the elite units of the newly formed Chashmonaim Brigade who made a…
From Bondi Beach to the White House

From Bondi Beach to the White House

As we mourned the souls murdered at Bondi Beach, I found myself once again speaking on news programs as a…
Reclaiming Our Maccabee Strength

Reclaiming Our Maccabee Strength

As Hanukkah approaches this Sunday night, I find myself entering another round of conversations with the media, both Jewish and…
What Happens When Mothers Come to Learn in Jerusalem

What Happens When Mothers Come to Learn in...

This past week, we experienced one of our most innovative programs and I was blessed to participate in it. The…
Carrying the Destiny of Israel Together

Carrying the Destiny of Israel Together

The week began with conversations with leaders of the Hesder community, of which AISH is a proud member. It continued…
I Saw Our Women Rise, I Saw Our Community United, and I Left Filled With Hope for a Strong Jewish Future

I Saw Our Women Rise, I Saw Our...

My journey began last Friday night in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where I had the great honor of attending an alumni…
A crisis of love that no one is discussing

A crisis of love that no one is...

I encourage every one of you to find a Jew you do not know and invite them for Shabbos. The…
Welcome Rabbi Meyer May to the Aish Family

Welcome Rabbi Meyer May to the Aish Family

One of the amazing things about Rabbi May is that he truly espouses all three of the core values of…
Aish Ha’am: One People. One Mission. One Future.

Aish Ha’am: One People. One Mission. One Future.

This week, a dream became reality as I had the honor of leading our Aish Ha’am delegation to Jerusalem. It…
This Is Why I Still Believe in Us

This Is Why I Still Believe in Us

After landing in New York on my way back from Israel, I joined an event organized by Rabbi Saj Freiberg…
Sitting in the Knesset, Witnessing History Unfold

Sitting in the Knesset, Witnessing History Unfold

As an American citizen and a proud Jew, I love both the United States and Israel. Watching these two nations…
They’re Coming Home

They’re Coming Home

Shehechiyanu v’kiyemanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh is such a beautiful blessing that we say around the holiday time, thanking God for…
When Adversity Shapes Greatness

When Adversity Shapes Greatness

The highlight of my year has always been spending Yom Kippur at AISH. From the very first day that I…
In Memory of a Fallen Hero, We Build Together

In Memory of a Fallen Hero, We Build...

This past Tisha B’Av, we released a powerful documentary film telling the stories of hostages, bereaved families, and heroes who…