OUR HISTORY
Since its humble beginning, Oorah developed into a multifaceted nonprofit organization offering social, educational, and religious services to thousands of families throughout the world.
Oorah’s dozens of programs have broadened Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s impact, continuing each year to carry out his vision with care and dedication.
1972
Rabbi Chaim Mintz begins Jewish Outreach
1973
First Fundraising Events Including a popcorn sale, a petting zoo, and carnivals
1974
Shabbat Packages Distributed in Staten Island
1975
Chanukah Menorah Distribution Begins
1980
First Sukkahs Distributed in Tristate Area
First Public Purim Seudah
1982
Shalom Chesed Fund Begins
1984
First Tuition Scholarship Awarded
1986
First Chavrusa (Torah Partnership) Program
Oorah Branded as Kiruv Rechokim
1990
Volunteer Tutoring Program Begins
1992
Initiated Program to Sell Chometz
1995
Kars4Kids Founded
First Simchas Beis Hashoeva
Annual Oorah Auction Begins
Horeini Torah Center Opened
1996
Cucumber Communications Founded
Oorah.org Website Launched
1999
Auction Extends to Israel
2000
Oorah Becomes Incorporated in the USA
Kirby Card Program Begins
2002
First Radiothon
Oorah Endorsed by 50 Jewish Leaders
2004
GirlZone Opens summer camp in the Poconos
First Shabbat with Oorah Weekend Retreat with 80 Participants
2005
Official TorahMates Program Begins
Oorah Moves to Accommodate 100+ Employees
Holiday Gift Program Expands
Jewish GirlZone Website Launched
The Israel Connection
2006
Purim Seudah Moves to Lakewood
GirlZone Moves to Gilboa, NY
Boyzone Begins in Gilboa, NY
Jewish BoyZone Website Launched
Oorah Incorporated in Canada and Israel
2007
Oorah's Auction Mascot Fiveish Created
Rebbetzins Matchmaking Program Begins
Designer Sukkahs
Fundraising Project Launched
2008
First Annual Free Chanukah Concert
with famous Jewish singers
2009
First Shmorg Released
First Public Sukkos in Camp
TorahSpot Weekly Classes Begin
Avos U’Banim Learning Program Begins in Brooklyn
2010
TorahMates Mileage Program Begins
Little Star Preschool Opens in Staten Island
Avos U’banim Expands to Queens
2011
Avos U’banim Name Changed to ChillZone
ChillZone Girls Begins
TorahMates exceeds 1000 Pairs
Oorah's Camps Now Called TheZone
First Public Seder at TheZone
Shabbat with Oorah Exceeds 600 Participants
2012
Launch of Our Donor Decide Program
Enhanced Livestream of Rabbi Chaim Mintz’s Weekly Torah Class and Ask the Rabbi Sessions
Opened 5 Year Old Class in Little Star Preschool
2013
Expansion of Oorah Staten Island Programming
ChillZone Expands to Over 30 Locations
2014
Oorah Gains Tax Exempt Status at TheZone Campus
Restructuring of the Rebbetzins Mentor/Shadchan Program
2021
Junior TorahMates