Clergy

Rabbi Chaim Strauchler - Senior Rabbi

Office Phone: 416.789.3213 ext 201
True Emergencies: 416.886.4237
Email: RabbiStrauchler@shomayim.org
Blog: Rabbi's Blog

Rabbi Chaim Strauchler loves being a rabbi. When asked about his work, he replies, “I wake up every morning and do mitzvot – good deeds.” As a rabbi, he is fortunate to help people during their most joyous and also most challenging times. He particularly loves the opportunity to teach Torah. Rabbi Strauchler has been blessed with superb lay leadership and has partnered with them to create a meaningful and exciting synagogue environment.

Rabbi Strauchler believes in synagogue life. “A great synagogue like Shaarei Shomayim is a multiplier. It is the place where we go to make a difference, to make our Jewish lives matter. We come together here to do things that we cannot do alone. We educate the next generation in our values and enjoy the seasons of Jewish life together. We support the State of Israel and work on behalf of the beautiful Canadian society in which we are so blessed to live. A shul is a place where we do things together that truly matter.”

Since Rabbi Strauchler’s arrival at Shaarei Shomayim in 2008, the shul has witnessed constant growth.

While committed to Modern Orthodoxy, Rabbi Strauchler stresses the importance of being able to see past labels, towards the right and the left of the religious spectrum. He tries to look at a person for who they are, and not at the external appearance.

Rabbi Chaim Strauchler received his ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University. Rabbi Strauchler earned a Diploma in Theology and a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Bernard Revel Graduate School, and is a Wexner Graduate Fellowship alumnus. As a student, Rabbi Strauchler founded the literary journal, Mima’amakim. Before joining Shaarei Shomayim, Rabbi Strauchler served as rabbi at Beit Chaverim Synagogue in Westport, Connecticut. Rabbi Strauchler is currently a member of the executive of the Rabbinical Council of America and the Rabbinical Vaad HaKashruth of COR.

Rabbi Strauchler is married to Avital. They have five children: Tehilla, Adir, Atara, Zvi and Freda.

Rabbi Jesse Shore - Assistant Rabbi

Office Phone: 416.789.3213 ext 204
True Emergencies: 647.215.6113
Email: RabbiShore@shomayim.org

Rabbi Jesse Shore received his Bachelor's in philosophy and psychology at Yeshiva University. His deep appreciation for Zionism and the desire to reclaim and strengthen our historical and religious ties to the land of Israel, led to his work as a coordinator for Hasbara Fellowships, promoting Israel on college campuses throughout the United States. Rabbi Shore’s love for his Jewish heritage, biblical and rabbinic literature and strong sense of peoplehood brought him back to Yeshiva University to pursue his rabbinic ordination and a Master's in Bible.

Rabbi Shore is passionate about community building. He believes that fostering unity while cherishing our individuality is an ongoing and meaningful enterprise. He is interested in the interaction between analytic philosophy and Jewish thought, and enjoys singing, hiking and sonorous acoustic folk music.

Ralph Levine - Shamash

Email: ralphlevine@rogers.com

Ralph Levine, Shaarei Shomayim’s Shammas and Baal Koreh, is responsible for the Torah readings at our services and for overseeing daily morning services. Ralph is a resource to those who are sitting shiva and can assist with the recitation of kaddish. He offers training to boys in advance of their Bar Mitzvah and can provide tutorials to adults who wish to improve their davening or haftarah reading skills.

Rabbi Elliott Diamond - Downstairs Minyan Rabbi

Email: RabbiDiamond@shomayim.org

Rabbi Elliott Diamond has long been associated with Jewish education in Toronto and currently serves as the Vice Principal of Jewish Studies at Netivot HaTorah Day School. Rabbi Diamond has been an important member of the Shaarei Shomayim community for many years and has contributed to the synagogue in many capacities. Currently, he is the leader of our Downstairs Minyan and a member of the synagogue clergy.

Rabbi Diamond holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto, pursued his Masters in Education from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education and received his rabbinical ordination from the late Chief Rabbi of Montreal, Rabbi Pinchas Hirzprung, z”l.

The Downstairs Minyan at Shaarei Shomayim offers an intimate Shabbat and holiday service led by participants. Rabbi Diamond’s weekly d’var torah is a thoughtful and meaningful part of the service. “Everyone deserves a moment of inspiration,” says Rabbi Diamond. “At the Downstairs Minyan we try to make that moment happen in our warm and friendly atmosphere.”

Rabbi Diamond and his wife Rochelle have three children, Avi, Eliana and Amiel.

Zvi Katzman - Baal Tefilla

Email: zzKatzman@gmail.com

Zvi Katzman and his wife Yael have 5 beautiful children.

At a young age, Zvi began studying classical Ashkenaz Vilna nussach with his Zaidy, Yisrael Stercz, who was a prize pupil of Moshe Koussevitzy. Zvi and Yael spent 2 years abroad, one in Yerushalyim where Zvi studied at Yeshivat Ohr Somayach. While there Zvi led the Ohr Somayach Jewish Learning Experience trips several times a year. The other year was spent in Coral Gables, Miami. Zvi and Yael served as the campus outreach family at University of Miami.

Today Zvi takes pleasure in leading the Congregation of Shaarei Shomayim as the Chazzan. Zvi enjoys to bring new modern tunes together with classical nussach of the past to create an inspiring and meaningful davening