MEET OUR STUDENTS

"My experience with J-Beatz was life changing, and I don't use that word lightly.

I came to a J-Beatz class from a secular background, honestly hesitant to even be there. Rabbi Kersh's choice of topics and his teaching style kept me engaged in a way nothing Jewish ever had before. That class led to an Arizona trip — mornings of real Torah learning, afternoons doing things I actually wanted to be doing. Then Rabbi Kersh offered me J101, Ohr Somayach's ten-month yeshiva program with internships and real-world experience. I went. It changed my life.

And J-Beatz didn't stop there. The woman I married — whose Jewish journey was also shaped by the same J-Beatz community — met me in that world. Rabbi Kersh officiated our chuppah. We live in Passaic now. I learn Torah every day. And I am the director of operations at The Tefillin Project, providing other Jewish guys with the same mitzvah that started my own return.

None of this happens without that first class. Without Rabbi Kersh and Rebbetzin Kersh opening doors I didn't even know existed and walking me through them one at a time.

I'm a J-Beatz student. So is my wife. And the home we're building started there."

"They say that Hashem brings to you exactly who you need at each chapter in your life. Being introduced to Rabbi Kersh and J-Beatz was the perfect example of that. At a time when my brain was spinning, not knowing where to begin, Rabbi Kersh's kosher course helped break things down for me into easily digestible steps. He taught me in a clear way, citing sources to help us attach meaning to the actions we were about to undertake in our lives. He also spent hours going through the details of my kitchen with me and outlining all of the necessary steps I would need to complete in order to Kosher it when the time came for me to do so. 

Rabbi Kersh has been a tremendous resource to me whenever Jewish issues come up, extending far beyond Kashrut Halacha. He's spent time learning holiday halachot with me, and most recently helped me get to Israel to learn in seminary this upcoming December by organizing a scholarship to help with travel expenses. 

His reach is wide and knowledge even greater. But the most valuable, to me, is the safe space that is provided to ask questions which I believe is the most important  resource a growing Jew can have." 

 "Through the J-Beatz Fellowship, I had the privilege of going to Poland to expand my Jewish exposure and education by physically seeing multiple concentration & death camps. It was heart breaking and will forever have an impact on me. I learned, I cried, I questioned humanity, but above all I grew as a Jewish individual. It amazes me that the Jewish people are STILL here and I am so proud to be apart of that miracle." #amisraelchai🇮🇱 #WeRemember

 "Rabbi Kersh was instrumental in helping me change my life. When I first met him I was inspired by his depth and speaking charisma. He comes off soft at first, but his love and passion for Judaism hits the heart because it comes from the heart. Over the last three years, we've learned together and built a relationship that helped me grow and flourish on my Jewish journey. Rabbi Kersh helped me get to Israel to learn there for a year, and when I came back we learned daily. I'm grateful for his work and presence in my life and for his continued influence in my Jewish journey and my connection to Hashem! Thank you Rabbi!"  

"I had the privelege of meeting Rebecca and Rabbi Kersh in early '25 and began to feel a strong connection to the deep Torah wisdom that they shared with such warmth and compassion. Driven by my love for my roots, especially in Jewish mysticism, I began weekly learning sessions with the Kersh's. I found incredible meaning in everything i was discovering. Feeling my inate pull to Eretz Yisrael, J-Beatz helped illuminate the path for my summer in Jerusalem with the Aish Aspire Seminary. I enjoyed it so much that i decided to stay for another 6 months!  Although I am now back in New Jersey, my heart is still in the Holy Land! I am so grateful to the Kersh's for their continued support, helping my Jewish journey move onwards and upwards."

 "Learning with Rabbi Kersh and J-Beatz has been immensely important for me to learn about Judaism. It's challenging to understand the meaning behind the Mitzvot and their rules. Fortunately, the podcasts Rabbi Kersh creates for us help to clarify both. I'm always looking forward to thought provoking 1-on-1 conversations that follow, to gain further insight. After all, Judaism is about asking questions and seeking for truth." 

 "The J-Beatz program has given me so much! From the very first class with Rabbi Jonny, I noticed how much there is to talk about within the Jewish tradition and faith and it really doesn't matter what your upbringing is religiously,  Rabbi Jonny will make sure you feel comfortable and welcome. Classes are full of depth and meaning , it enriched my soul. The one on one conversation is super important because you can ask all the questions you want, especially if you don’t feel comfortable sharing within the group. Rabbi Jonny took his time and went above and beyond to explain everything we asked him. He is a modern, well educated rabbi that knows how to reach everybody and meet them on their level.  I am excited to participate in part 2 of the program." 🙏🏻

 "I have had the pleasure to participate in 2 of Rabbi Kersh's programs; both the J-Beatz and Podcast Fellowships. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to connect more with my faith and people in the Jewish community. Through lively discussions with my peers, lectures and discussing with Rabbi Kersh 1-on-1, I feel a stronger connection to Judaism. I am so happy I was able to find these programs and look forward to continuing my Jewish education with Rabbi Kersh in the future."