Rav Ari Katz Appointed as New Director
of Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh

At a festive board meeting during the summer, Rav Ari Katz was unanimously appointed as the new Director of Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh. Rav Katz, an alumnus of the Yeshiva, was visibly moved by the appointment, and by the great responsibility of taking over the reins from Eli Klein in leading the Yeshiva towards continued growth. He looks forward to a transition period of working together with Eli Klein, to the full cooperation of the Rosh Hayeshiva and the rest of Kerem B'Yavneh's staff, and to the continued support of alumni and friends in Israel and worldwide. The Yeshiva's administration, together with its alumni and friends, extends him heartfelt wishes of bracha v'hatzlacha in his new position.

Rav Katz joined the Hesder program at Kerem B'Yavneh in 1985 and served in the army's artillery corps, where he was later appointed chaplain. He learned in the Yeshiva for nine years, completing his Semicha through the Rabbanut Harashit (Israel Chief Rabbinate) and earning a teaching diploma from the Teachers' Seminary in Kerem B'Yavneh. After serving as a popular overseas madrich for five years, Rav Katz went with his family in 1994 on shelichut to Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as a Rebbe in the Feinstone Yeshiva of the South for five years.

In 1999 Rav Katz returned to Kerem B'Yavneh, where he was appointed assistant Mashgiach Ruchani for overseas students. He also gave them a daily bekiyut shiur and a weekly parsha sicha based on the teachings of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Goldvicht zt"l. Beloved by his talmidim, and a most dynamic speaker, Rav Katz inspired and continues to inspire those around him. True to his ideals of love of Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael, Rav Katz moved with his wife Aviva and four children to Gush Katif in 2004 (one year before the expulsion), where he served as Rosh Yeshiva of Katif High School for boys. Rav Katz's special ruach added much strength to the residents of Gush Katif during this trying period.

When evicted from Gush Katif, Rav Katz returned to the Yeshiva, and resumed his position as Assistant Mashgiach for overseas students until his most recent appointment. He was also blessed with an additional son during the past year.