| Rabbi Asher Brander has served as Rabbi for Westwood Kehilla since
1994. Born in Oak Park, Michigan, Rabbi Brander grew up in Kew Gardens
Hills, attended Yeshivat Chofetz Chaim, Yeshivat Sha’alvim, Yeshiva
University & Gruss Kollel in Israel. He received his B.A. in
Computer Science from Yeshiva University in 1989. Rabbi Brander
received his Ordination from RIETS (A division of Yeshiva University)
in 1991 and completed an M.A. in Jewish Secondary Education from
Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate Institute through the Block
Fellowship.
Rabbi Brander lectures throughout the Los Angeles community, sits on
the RCC’s Family Commission, has founded the LINK Kollel, is a frequent
contributor to various communal and national newspapers/journals. His
charisma, energy and upbeat personality as well as his expertise and
leadership abilities have contributed to the growth of the Kehilla.
After moving to LA with his wife, Batyah in 1990, Rabbi Brander became
a Rebbe at Yeshiva University of Los Angeles High Schools (where he
still teaches today) learned in the YOLA Kollel under Rabbi Nachum
Sauer for 7 years, and taught Adult Education in YOLA. As a community
leader, who is also very devoted to his wife, he and Batyah have three
wonderful children. About the Kehilla, Batyah says, "It rivals
Disneyland as the friendliest place on earth. At the Kehilla there’s a
down-to-earth genuineness. Everyone is accepted just as they are. And
it is one of the few non-yeshiva davenings I’ve ever been to where
there is no talking and where people respect the sanctity of the
synagogue." |
|
