About Us

Rabbi Mark Zelunka

Rachel Zelunka

Rachel Zelunka was born in Toronto some 25 odd years ago. She went to Leo Baeck Day School and then to Vaughan Secondary School. Rachel graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and then went on to Osgoode Hall Law School. Rachel was raised in family that was open to all religions and after timely investigation; she decided to learn more about Judaism in Jerusalem at E.Y.A.H.T – Aish HaTorah’s Womens College of Jewish Studies. She enjoys having a ridiculous number of guests on Shabbat and roller blading. She is currently the director of recruitment and follow-up for AishCampus. Apart from teaching a few times a week, Rachel spends most of her time trying to deal with her husband's poor sense of humour.

The Aish Couple: Erez and Jane Farkas

By: Amanda Buckstein

Meet Jane and Erez Farkas. The two have been working for Aish Ha’Torah, leading Jewish youth in Toronto, since 2007.  What you and most other people don’t realize is that they haven’t always been with Aish, nor were either of them observant religious Jews. In Jane’s case, she wasn’t even Jewish at all.

Jane was born in Siberia, and shortly after moved with her family to Israel. Her family then picked up and moved to Thornhill, where they lived a very secular life, up until her mother told her she wasn’t really Jewish. Jane took it in stride; it didn’t faze her, because she really believed she didn’t have any connection to being a Jew.

When Jane turned eighteen, she went on Birthright where she took advantage of everything the trip had to offer including the Jewish educational program. When she returned home, she realized that she had fallen in love with Judaism. Jane wanted more, and that’s when she rather accidentally found Aish Ha’Torah. They provided her with books to study, and she began taking some classes including the Maimonides program. It was at this point that Jane began the conversion process to become Jewish.

Erez, on the other hand, grew up as a non-observant Jew in Foresthill. After graduating from high school, he found himself at McMaster studying business. When he realized a business degree wasn’t what he wanted, he decided to spend some time on a Kibbutz in Israel to figure things out. Like a lot of young Jews, Erez applied for Birthright and planned on extending his trip to stay on a Kibbutz. Once he arrived in Israel, someone approached him and said, “why stay on Kibbutz, you won’t figure things out there.” Erez agreed, and he began researching Yeshiva’s. This is when he found Aish Ha’Torah, where he studied for five years learning to become a Rabbi.

Rabbi Mitch Goldstein grew up in London, England and attended Carmel College. After graduating he went into business, as a recruitment consultant and earned his own consultancy by the age of 20. While working hard, he would volunteer his time to Aish UK.  Inspired by Aish, he headed to Jerusalem to study at Aish HaTorah Yeshiva. After seven years of studying, he received his rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Noah Weinberg and attended the Ner L’elef Rabbinical training program.  

accustomed himself to hosting large amounts of University students for cool events and fun Shabbat meals. He also has a fantastic impression of Ali G (pictures can be found on Facebook). His lively, intellectual and relevant approach became so famous it even made the pages of the Local newspaper (check out the article www.independent.com/news/2008/feb/28/jewish-awareness-movement-attempts-connect-student/)

Chana Goldstein graduated in Law from The University of Nottingham, England, but took a bit of a different path into politics in her attempt to rule the world. She took a year to study in Jerusalem at Aish HaTorah’s women’s seminary and during that time, she started a PR agency for non-profit organizations in Israel. In her spare time she would teach and make vast quantities of cookies. She is an expert in Jewish philosophy and women’s issues and wants hang out with girls who love chocolate as much as she does. She has no hidden talents, but an incredible ability to speak and eat chocolate at the same time! Her culinary skills are amazing and she loves to entertain. With a down-to-earth manner, her classes are hysterically funny and straight to the point – not to be missed!

Their first post was sunny Santa Barbara California, where they ran a highly popular campus program. Rabbi Mitch and Chana enjoyed sharing their wisdom in a way which was engaging and relevant. They also ran over 8 trips worldwide over the two years. They have now joined Aish Toronto to head up Aish in the Annex, directed towards students and young professionals in the downtown area, providing educational and social opportunities. They live in their beautifully styled house in the Annex. They love to host vibrant and enjoyable Shabbat Dinners at their house.