Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz

Rabbi Michalowicz is a dynamic speaker and charismatic leader and the Rabbi of the Westmount Shul & Learning Centre.

A native Clevelander, he studied for 10 years at university level rabbinic school where he received his prestigious Yoreh-Yoreh S’micha [ordination] from the world-renowned Telshe Yeshiva of Cleveland. During that time he also graduated from the Kaufman Pedagogical Institute where he was granted the degree of “Educator in Israel”. In addition, he graduated with an M.Ed. from John Carroll University.

Since his arrival in Toronto in 1984, he has been actively involved in Jewish Education at all age levels.

He was a master teacher at Eitz Chaim Schools where he taught hundreds of children over a period of 11 years. During that time he upgraded his skills and completed coursework for his MA in Special education from York University. During those years, he served as the director of the Toronto Jewish Network, coordinating chavruta programs in various synagogues in the city. He volunteered extensively at the BAYT synagogue where he taught many adult education classes.

As well, Rabbi Michalowicz has lectured locally and internationally for various Jewish outreach organizations. He also served as the principal of the ORAH School for Jewish Children from the Soviet Union for fourteen years. He is one of the most sought after speakers in the GTA and his popular classes are the most well attended in town.

He has been the spiritual leader of our Westmount congregation for the last 25 years; while being an active force for Jewish outreach in Thornhill. Since 2004 he has exclusively focused his energies and talents in order to build our Shul into becoming “the” Community Shul in Thornhill. He has the unique ability to speak to large crowds, while simultaneously cultivate relationships with the individuals who make up our community.

He has been married to his wife, Gail, for 43 years and has  nine children and many grandchildren.

Podcasts

Erev Shabbos Drush

Each Shabbos during world history is different. No two Shabbasos are the same. As you get ready for Shabbos, listen to each, once in a lifetime opportunity ,that you should anticipate, that will get you into the perfect frame of mind for this coming Shabbos.

Pardes of the Parsha

Take a stroll every week into the Torah portion of the week, and see how the 4 layers of the Parsha, the Peshat, Remez, Drush, and Sod intermingle to reveal a beautiful orchard. A refreshing view of the Pardes (orchard) will give you the proper view of your present life conditions

B’yam Darkecha on the Beauty of shabbos

Study the Sefer “B’yam Darkecha, to discover the beauty of Shabbos through the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Morgenstern. This comprehensive class will shed light on how to appreciate the true gift of Shabbos as seen in the light of Chassidus. You can e-mail Rabbi Michalowicz with questions or comments at rabbimichalowicz@gmail.com

 

Megilas Esther based on the Mechir Yayin Commentary

STUDIES OF MEGILAS ESTHER BASED ON THE COMMENTARY OF THE RAMA CALLED “MECHIR YAYIN.” IT IS A BEAUTIFUL HOMILETICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE MEGILAH AS A PARABLE OF THE 3 STAGES OF HUMAN LIFE.

Understanding the Sefiros

Understand the Mystical Sefiros and their relevance in developing a deeper relationship with Hashem & Mitzva observance. This series is based on the Sefer “Da’as HaSefiros” which incorporates the teachings of Rabbi Reuven Shlosberg (Jerusalem) which explain the conduct of hashem and recognizing our own human spiritual essence.

Master Meseches Moed Katan

Learn Meseches Moed Katan at a deliberate pace with a focus on Halacha Le’Ma’ase.

Gates of Prayer

Based on the sefer “Gates of Prayer” written by Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus zt”l. In the Torah, the number 10 denotes completion or perfection. The Talmud relates that there are 10 distinct terms for prayer. To better understand these ten terms, enables us to tap into these ten diverse capacities, and to access this inner potential allows us to unleash all that prayer has to offer. Gates of Prayer explores this entire spectrum of prayer by delving into the meaning, significance, and implications that lie at the heart of each of these ten distinct concepts in prayer.

Moreh Nevuchim

Study the Final Work of the Rambam with the benefit of the most current commentaries of R’ Shlomo Toledano and Machon Hagos VeDa’as Yisrael

The Lights of War

Join Rabbi Michalowicz as we study, for an hour each week, this short treatise written by Rav A. Y. Kook , that explains what brings nations to war and what are the positive geulistic aspects of large-scale wars. Written during WWI, but even truer today, Rav Kook points out the important traits of altruism, unity and much more, that are brought out davka during war. Also drawing from the commentary of Rav Uri Sherki.

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