Rabbi’s Corner

Rabbi Davey Blackman

During the course of more than a decade at Yeshivat Har Etzion, Rabbi Blackman became a close talmid (pupil) of Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, a scion of the famed Soloveitchik dynasty. It was there that Rabbi Davey developed an amazing breadth and depth of knowledge in vast areas of Jewish learning. He also has a degree in Education and Jewish Philosophy from the University of South Africa.

Rabbi Davey served in leadership roles in Bnei Akiva , South Africa, from his early youth, and also in the crack Givati infantry unit in the Israeli army. He is a husband to Deborah and father of 6 children.

Rabbi Davey displays a unique blend of mental acuity, integrity and personal warmth, which endears him to one and all. Combined with his dynamic personality and refreshing sense of humour, Rabbi Davey’s world-class lectures are infused with colour, charisma and creative thought, effectively portraying the relevance, appeal and majesty of Torah for contemporary audiences.

Rabbi Danny Eisenberg

Having spent nine years studying in Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel, Rabbi Danny has developed his own personal approach to studying the classical Jewish texts, an approach which displays the Torah's tremendous relevance and significance for the modern Jew. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Ner Le'elef leadership training programme, which has helped him develop effective models and paradigms for successful community development. Rabbi Danny has also received a BSc in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales, and has worked in technical consulting.

Rabbi Danny’s shiurim aim to reveal the power and depth inherent in the study of Torah, ranging from philosophical expositions to in-depth textual studies. He also records a podcast for people who want to learn on-the-go.

Rabbi Danny and his wife, Michelle, are a unique rabbinic couple, both being born and raised in Sydney, and each bringing with them unique personal qualities to the JLC. Rabbi Danny’s gentle and encouraging nature makes him very approachable and accessible, while Michelle’s warm and effusive nature, as well as her insightful guidance, makes her beloved and appreciated by all. They have four children.

In April 2010, Rabbi Danny took on the additional role of Rosh Kollel of the Torah Mitzion Kollel, teaching and providing leadership for the bachurim (young men) of the Kollel.

David Shaw

David was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating King David Linksfield High School, he studied in Israel before returning to South Africa to study at the Jewish Students University Program (JSUP). David then learned at Yeshivat Hamaharsha before returning to Israel where he attended Yeshivat Ohr Samayach.

While still a teenager he studied Chazanut and voice production and continued to pursue his Cantorial studies while in Yeshiva. He served as an Officer and Army Chaplain in the SA Defense Force. On leaving the Military he joined Carmel School in Pretoria as Head of Jewish Studies and simultaneously served as the Chazan Rishon of the Victory Park Shul. David established a daily Yeshiva Program at the Congregation, which inspired many of those who attended to pursue Rabbinical studies themselves, and who now serve congregations around the world. David then accepted a position with the SA Board of Jewish Education at JSUP where he lectured and became Director of Studies, and concurrently served as Menahel of Keter Torah, a Torah Community for professionals. He then moved to become Head of the Division of Informal Jewish Education, and the Educational Director of the outstanding Beit Hamedrash Hagadol in Sandton.

In 1999, David, his wife Renee, and their two children, were invited to join Moriah College where David set up a Department of Informal Jewish Studies which enjoys an international reputation as one of the premier informal facilities in the Jewish world today. David was the Chazan at the Hugo Lowy Synagogue for a decade. He has been involved in Jewish Education for over 25 years. His warm, charismatic style and boundless energy has inspired thousands of students, both in and out of the classroom.

In May 2009, David joined the full-time team at the JLC in the capacity of Dean. David conducts a number of learning sessions across a broad spectrum of ages, both one-one-one and in small groups, as well as public Shiurim. His specialty is teaching people to learn how to learn!