1974
Rabbi Mintz distributes Shabbat Packages in his Staten Island community
get to know oorah A full spectrum of support for Jewish children and their families
“Warm, dedicated & knowledgeable people are the heart of Oorah.”
Founder, Director, Spiritual Leader & Advisor Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s vision of a close-knit community has grown into a network of support for Jewish children and their families. From its beginnings in Staten Island, Oorah has expanded to offer educational opportunities, mentoring, and community programs across the country. His decades of experience in education, together with his warmth and personal concern for others, continue to shape Oorah’s approach. Rabbi Mintz remains involved in Oorah’s programs nationwide. Each Tuesday night, he leads a weekly Torah class followed by Ask the Rabbi, giving individuals and families a welcoming place to learn, ask questions, and seek guidance.
- Rabbi Chaim Mintz
- Eliyohu Mintz
CEO - Rabbi Yitzchok Kornblau
COO - Ben Turin
General Counsel - Rabbi Yehoshua Weinstein
President
Founder
Executive
-
Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Eliyohu Mintz
Avraham Biderman
Rabbi Tzvi (Heshy) Forster
Elli Bohm
Simcha Londinski
Yehoshua Weinstein
Sender Shulman
Board
Program Directors
our history
1972
Rabbi Chaim Mintz begins Jewish Outreach
1975
Oorah delegations begin distributing Chanukah menorahs to Jewish families
1980
- Oorah distributes Sukkahs within the tri-state area
- Oorah hosts its first Purim seudah
1984
Oorah awards its first tuition scholarship
1995
- Kars4Kids is founded
- The annual Oorah Auction kicks off its first year
1996
- Cucumber Communications is founded
- The oorah.org website is launched
2002
Oorah is endorsed by 50 Jewish leaders
2004
- GirlZone opens in the Poconos
- Oorah hosts their first Shabbat with 80 Participants
- Jewish holiday gifts are sent out
2005
- The TorahMates Program is launched
- Oorah expands to 100+ Employees
2006
- GirlZone moves to Gilboa, NY
- BoyZone begins in Gilboa, NY
- Oorah launches programs in Canada and Israel
2007
- Fiveish is created
- The Rebbetzins network for singles is launched
2008
Oorah’s first annual Chanukah concert is held
2009
- The first Shmorg is released
- Oorah hosts Sukkos for the first time
- TorahSpot weekly classes begin with Rav Chaim Mintz
- ChillZone begins in Brooklyn
2010
- BoyZone moves to Stamford, NY
- TorahMates begin earning rewards for every minute learned
- Oorah’s Little Star Preschool opens in Staten Island
2011
- TorahMates exceeds 1000 pairs
- Oorah hosts Pesach for the first time
- Shabbat with Oorah exceeds 600 Participants!
2012
ChillZone expands to over 30 locations
2020
- Ask the rabbi expands to Zoom
- The Dira opens in Lakewood, New Jersey
- TorahMates Jewish Resources library is launched
2021
The Junior TorahMates program is launched
2022
Oorah begins the kollel stipend program to help support their cherished alumni who have gone on to attend kollel
2024
Oorah's program for students studying in yeshiva/seminary in Israel is rebranded as Shteigers
2025
Oorah unified its programs under one cohesive brand, redesigning all Oorah logos for a consistent visual identity.
Present
Over 15,000 TorahMates learn weekly
The Rebbetzins program boasts over 1554 engaged members
Over 85+ ChillZone locations are open across the US and Canada
1500+ campers attend TheZone each summer
Oorah awards scholarships to over 2,400+ students annually,
allowing them to attend yeshiva and day schools across the country.
Contact Us
USA Address
1805 Swarthmore Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone
Tel. 732.730.1000
Intl: 866.472.8623
Email: oorah@oorah.org