Aish volunteer helps others connect to Jewish roots

By Phyllis Steinberg
Journal Staff Writer

Michael Chesal is in touch with his Jewish roots. He spends his free time lecturing on Judaism, planning Jewish programs and inviting newcomers in the Jewish community to his home for Shabbat meals.

Chesal became more immersed in his Jewish heritage by attending an Aish Ha Torah lunch-and-learn series. Aish HaTorah of South Florida is a social and educational outreach organization that seeks to promote the Jewish heritage through community events and education programs.

Rabbi Tzvi Nightingale is the director of the South Florida branch of the organization, which is located in Hollywood and has programs in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Nightingale and his staff are busy lecturing and spreading the word about Judaism in South Florida communities.

Aish HaTorah volunteers like Michael Chesal are important assets in promoting the work of the organization, Nightingale believes.

“Michael is a tireless worker for our organization,” Nightingale said. “He assists with programming and participates in many activities which further the goals of our organization. He has been helping us for several years and is a true mensch.”

Chesal, a Fort Lauderdale resident, is an attorney and works in Miami for the firm of Kluger, Peretz, Kaplan and Berlin specializing in intellectual property. He and his wife, Jana, are the parents of three children - Zev, 13, Aryeh, 10 and Miriam, 8. Chesal’s parents are Nat and Marlene Chesal of Fort Lauderdale. Chesal and his family are members of Young Israel of Hollywood.

Jewish Journal: Why have you chosen to volunteer for Aish HaTorah
Michael Chesal: I believe in its mission of promoting the Jewish heritage.
JJ: When did you first become acquainted with the organization?
MC: In 1989, I attended a lunch-and-learn series that Rabbi Nightingale was offering, and I found the classes to be very interesting. It made Judaism more relevant in my daily life.
JJ: Were you raised in an Orthodox home?
MC: No, we were affiliated with a Reform congregation.
JJ: What are some of the activities that you volunteer in at Aish?
MC: I have been chairman of Aish for the past four years. I assist in planning programs for the organization. I also am involved in bringing rabbinic students to our area each year to lecture and meet members in the community. This past summer, we had six rabbinic students, five men and one woman, from Lakewood, N.J. I also give lectures for Aish.
JJ: If your wife involved in Aish activities?
MC: Yes, my wife and I attend many Aish activities. We also invite families to our home and we host them for Shabbos meals quite frequently.
JJ: Are you involved in any other activities in the community?
MC: I am an active volunteer for the Florida Bar Association and serve on the council in the business law section.