Personal Background:
Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become a rabbi?
I grew up shomer Shabbos & kashrus, a warm home, but not ‘Rabbi religious.’ As I grew and learned more I felt that there was a truth to what I was studying and wanted to go deeper. I’ve always been a responsible person, so part of my growth was always going to be trying to inspire others
Besides writing, what other roles or responsibilities do you hold in your community?
Aside from teaching and writing, I’m Director of Education for an outreach organisation for young families
Journey as an Author:
What motivated you to start writing books, and how did you initially get into publishing?
I used to write a weekly dvar torah home to my parents from yeshiva, and it blossomed from there. When my grandmother passed away someone suggested I write a book in her memory. It’s been quite a journey since then, with the quality improving in many areas!
Can you share some insights into your writing process and routine?
I find that when I’m in the zone, writing comes very naturally and words emerge quickly. But it’s about carving out those focused moments.
Success and Balance:
How do you balance your time between writing, community leadership, and other commitments?
I wish I knew! Life is a balancing act. Switching off is crucial…until the next call! Rav Moshe Shapira was asked what the balance between learning and teaching should be (he was giving dozens of shiurim a week). He said that he didn’t know! Who does?
What has been the most rewarding experience for you as an author so far?
The longevity of Journey through Nach was ba’h amazing. And I love it when people come up to me saying that they’ve read one of my books. It justifies all the hours, time, effort and tefillos that people should learn Torah from what I write.
About His Books:
Your books cover a range of topics from Parasha to children’s stories. How do you choose the themes and subjects you write about?
Genuinely, I work backwards. I look for a ‘need’ – what book do I feel people need to read or hasn’t been written yet. And then I write it!
What has been your favorite book to write so far?
They’ve all been so different. Journey through Nach was a real journey (!) – it took years. The Interactive Parsha book I feel really helped people at the back end of Covid. And being asked by my Rosh Yeshiva Rav Zvi Kushelevsky to write his sefer in English was a privilege and a great way of kee
What are your future writing plans?ping a good kesher.
iyH a short book about Purim. And more excitingly, a book outlining key areas of hashkafa based on my classroom teaching – something I feel is hugely necessary. There are books I have written but I never managed to publish; maybe one day they will surface too!
Insights and Perspectives:
Who are some of the authors or mentors that have influenced your writing style or approach?
When I read something good I take lessons – whether in writing style, sometimes ideas or even the way things are presented in sequence. There are probably authors who have influenced me who I can’t recall. As the Rambam says, we are all influenced by our society and environs – and what we read is no different.
Experience with Adir Press:
What has your experience been like working with Adir Press, and how have they supported your journey as an author?
Moshe and Adir Press are amazing. Personal friends, professional path-setters. A real fantastic personalised experience.
