About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Kollel Ateres Ami offers a revolutionary Yeshiva-like structured learning program and environment. Offering various tracks to help people of all levels and all life circumstances continue to improve their Torah learning skills as well as gain a deep understanding of the principles our faith is built upon.
Boruch HaShem, thanks to the hard work of frontline kiruv organizations, the numbers of Baalei Teshuva in Chicago continues to grow. However, maintaining steady spiritual growth can be challenging after the initial spark of inspiration. Whether an individual has been fortunate enough to have attended Yeshiva or is wholly new to Torah learning, Ateres Ami offers the environment needed to nurture continued growth.
Our Kollel is active around the clock, with learners of all levels engaged in Torah study alongside peers, mentors, and role models. It is a space for the committed pursuit of Torah knowledge and personal spiritual growth.
Our Story
An essential part of a person’s spiritual growth is understanding the spiritual framework within which we serve HaShem, known as Hashkafa. Rav Aryeh Shulman, Rosh Kollel Ateres Ami, has devoted many years to learning the field of Hashkafa to help people appreciate the wisdom of the Torah beyond the letter of the law. Additionally, having grown up in Chicago’s northern suburbs as a secular Jew, and having a medical school background. The Rosh Kollel can relate to the background and needs of Kollel Ateres Ami’s diverse constituents, as well as relate the Torah to modern day science and philosophy.
Mission Progress
7
AVREICHIM
9
ALUMNI
70
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
700
HOURS OF LEARNING EACH WEEK
L'Tzorech Aliya Fellowship
Kollel Ateres Ami has established this unique fellowship to provide a smooth transition from growing as a full-time learner in Eretz Yisroel to growing as a working man in the United States. Although the number of hours the Fellow will spend learning will be significantly less than what he had been doing in Eretz Yisroel, he will learn to fully leverage shorter and more intense blocks of time that will define his day and help him to grow while providing for his family. This new growth style will be enhanced by an environment of peers and role models in the Kollel Ateres Ami’s learning programs who have already gone through this transition, as well as the Kollel Avreichim and the Rosh Kollel who work tirelessly to help this happen.
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Team Members
Berish Perlman
Associate Program Director
Warm and fuzzy with an obsession for seforim, if you walk into the Kollel, Berish won't forget you.
Yechezkel Fekson
Avreich
Underneath the tough Russian exterior and hiding behind a sharp tongue, lies a caring and thoughtful person
Zev Garsik
Rabbi, Mentor
With a warm smile and an easygoing disposition, R' Zev is easy to love.
Aryeh Shulman
Rosh Kollel
Sharp, pointed, and direct, Rabbi Shulman has a simple formula. If you want to grow, he will help make that dream a reality.
Yaakov Chaim Olevitch
Avreich
Studious and melodious, R' Yaakov Chaim is the longest serving member of the Kollel.
Ilya Shulman
Founder
Founder of the Kollel. Although Ilya has moved on to Eretz Yisrael, the Kollel still reflects his vision.
Meyer Swed
Avreich, Mentor
R' Meyer is energetic and friendly. Learning with him is an unforgettable experience.