Campus Kiruv, Pittsburgh
Over the past 3 years, Rabbi Seth and Lisa Cook have turned Aish IU into the destination on campus for Indiana University’s Jewish student population. Averaging 100+ participants for Shabbat meals each week, and spearheading a host of other programs including classes, 1-on-1 learning, cooking workshops and Israel trips, Rabbi Seth and Lisa are now running one of the most successful campus kiruv programs in the field, exemplifying both cutting edge outreach programming and a sought-after model that is now being emulated across North America and in the international arena.
Originally from Marion, Ohio, Rabbi Seth spent 7 years learning at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem before returning with his family to Indiana University, his Alma Mater, to build up Aish on Campus. With his magnetic personality, warmth and finely tuned teaching and relationship-building skills, Seth is highly-respected and liked by students and colleagues alike. Lisa, a native of Melbourne, Australia, is known for her teaching and gourmet cooking skills, as well as for her tireless work and absolute dedication to Aish IU and to the Jewish people at large. During summers in Israel, Rabbi Seth and Lisa are frequently called upon by various organizations to speak about their success and experience on campus, helping shape and build future leaders of Klal Yisroel.