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About
Aish HaTorah, commonly known as Aish, is an international Orthodox Jewish educational and outreach organization founded in 1974 by Rabbi Noah Weinberg in Jerusalem, Israel, where it is headquartered. Established initially to educate young Jewish students, particularly travelers and volunteers, about Orthodox Judaism's history and traditions, Aish began with six students and rapidly expanded its scope. Its mission is to revitalize Jewish identity and heritage among Jews of all backgrounds, focusing on connecting secular or unaffiliated Jews to their heritage through accessible classes, seminars, educational programs, and media that promote Jewish values, Torah study, and spiritual renewal. Over time, Aish has grown into a global network with yeshiva programs, audio centers, and branch locations in major cities worldwide, including St. Louis and Los Angeles in the United States. It employs innovative methods such as interactive seminars, publications—including its first book published in 1975—and a robust online presence through its website Aish.com and various social media channels. Early milestones include the establishment of its first international branch in 1979. The organization emphasizes practical and inspirational Jewish learning, personal growth, community building, and support for Jewish identity. Founded after Rabbi Weinberg left the Ohr Somayach yeshiva, which he co-founded, Aish operates as a nonprofit entity supported by donations, enjoying tax-exempt status, and has no recorded legal controversies or financial scandals. It maintains institutional ties to other Jewish advocacy groups, including historical connections to the Clarion Project through Raphael Shore. Additionally, Aish HaTorah is affiliated with a political party, Aish Ha'am, which participates in World Zionist Congress elections, reflecting its engagement in broader religious and political aspects of the global Jewish community.