Gateways (organization)

"[1] Gateways was founded in 1998 by Rabbi Mordechai Suchard with the stated goal of "providing opportunities for Jews to unlock the treasure of their heritage through dynamic educational and social programs.

It began as an American offshoot of Arachim (meaning "values"), an Israeli Judaism outreach organization founded in 1979.

He has established and run a network of outreach organizations targeting college students, young professionals, singles and Russian immigrants in the United States.

[8][14][18] Suchard was on the American delegation accompanying US President George Bush when he visited Israel in May 2008 to mark the country's sixtieth birthday celebrations.

Shortly thereafter, he started lecturing at Neve Yerushalayim, Darchei Binah[22] and Ohr Somayach College, remaining at the latter for 15 years.

[26] He has co-authored two books on contemporary issues in Jewish law and has responded to legal, ethical and philosophical questions on the Ohr Somayach "Ask the Rabbi" website.

[5] He is known for his sense of humor, evidenced by some of the lectures he delivers, with titles including "Guns and Moses: A Jewish Perspective on Politics," "The Rooster, the Tree and the SUV," "First Fruits, Cheeseburgers and Lord of the Flies" and "Shabbos: Who Invented the Weekend Anyway?

"[29] Becher is the author of books, including Avodat Ahavah (Labor of Love, available only in Hebrew) covering the Jewish laws related to kiruv.

He co-authored After the Return: A Guide for the Newly Observant with Moshe Newman and wrote Gateway to Judaism: The What, How and Why of Jewish Life.

He runs educational seminars and lectures,[35] focusing on inner growth, relationships, positive parenting, health, and support for the authenticity of Judaism.