About Us
kol·lel | \kō-‘lel\ | – noun – A group of dedicated Torah students.
Often refers to the location in which they study, (i.e., “at the kollel.”).
Based on the root “L’k’lol,” “to include or bring together.”
WHO WE ARE
We are a community education center built to help every Jewish person to connect to engaging, in-depth Torah learning. A warm environment where the Jewish spark within becomes ignited, through lively and interactive education.
Our Story
In 2023, a group of dedicated rabbis came to Tucson with a vision: to strengthen Jewish education, identity, and connection. They saw the potential. Families looking for a place to grow. Individuals searching for meaning and learning. So they got to work. They reached out to local residents. Invited them to the first events. Opened their homes for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals. Started offering classes and one-on-one learning sessions. They didn’t just want to start a shul. They wanted to lay the groundwork for something bigger, for a community center that would serve everyone, from complete beginners to advanced learners. They wanted to connect each Jew to his/her heritage – exactly what our people have done since the beginning.
The community saw what was happening, and they jumped right in. What started with a handful of families has grown into 150+ families engaged with TTC. What started with a few chavrusas has become over 35 weekly learning partnerships. What started as a vision is now a living, breathing community. Classes are happening all over Tucson. We travel to Sabino Canyon, NSI offices, U of A, and homes throughout the city. Women’s events draw 40-80 people each time, without fail. Kids programs have 25+ consistent children showing up every week. The phones ring with halachic questions, learning requests, and people wanting to get involved. And we’re just getting started.
We exist to make Torah accessible
Not just for one group. Not just for the experienced. Not just for the “regulars.”
For everyone. The Torah belongs to the Jewish people. It’s ours.
Which means it’s yours. And we need to bring it to every Jewish person we can
“I’ve loved hosting classes with TTC and deepening my own Jewish learning and engagement. More broadly, the Tucson Torah Center is a tremendous asset for the city, strengthening community, sharing knowledge, and creating meaningful opportunities to connect as Tucson’s Jewish community continues to grow.”
Jordan Levy
Our Team
Rabbi Yeshaya Levin
Rosh Kollel
Rabbi Yeshaya and Mrs. Rivky Levin joined TTC in 2023. Outgoing and friendly, Rabbi Levin serves as our Rosh Kollel. He grew up in Seattle, WA, where he developed a love of the outdoors.
Rabbi Levin’s Torah Knowledge and personality have become a key resource for the Torah Center. As Rabbi of the Congregation and Rosh Kollel, he leads The Center’s deliberate focus on authenticity and sets the tone for jewish purpose, identity, and knowledge all while fostering an accessible and welcoming environment.
Mrs. Rivky Levin M.S.Ed. was raised in Rochester, NY. Talented and experienced, Mrs. Rivky brings her energy to the Tucson Torah Day school as Director of the early childhood education program.
Rabbi Yehuda Palgon
Rosh Kollel
Rabbi Yehuda and Mrs. Tehilla Palgon joined TTC in 2023. A native of Miami, FL, Rabbi Palgon has been bringing a sense of fun and passion to Jewish programming for years. His ability to create engaging, meaningful relationships has been central to connecting all different elements of the community. His warmth, energy, and genuine love for connecting people with Torah make him a natural fit for building community in Tucson.
Formerly of Manalapan, NJ, Mrs. Tehilla Palgon brings her warmth and hospitality to every aspect of the community. She works professionally as a CPA.
Rabbi Aharon Dovid Heisler
Executive Director and TTDS Head of School
Rabbi Aharon Dovid and Mrs. Sara Heisler joined TTC in 2023. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Rabbi Aharon Dovid Heisler is a capable go-getter with an entrepreneurial spirit. Rabbi Heisler brings a wealth of experience in building Torah infrastructure. He’s been involved in learning, teaching, and organizing, for many years and has a knack for developing deep connections with community members. Rabbi Heisler’s door is always open to the community at large.
Mrs. Sara Heisler M.Ed grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She brings fresh energy to the Tucson community as the NCSY/JSU chapter director.
Rabbi Yehuda Leiter
Rabbi Yehuda and Mrs. Rochie Leiter joined TTC in 2023. Rabbi Leiter grew up in Rochester, NY, and Manalapan, NJ, and was raised with a deep appreciation of the value of making an impact on the Jewish community. Rabbi Leiter is particularly skilled at helping others find their “spot” in Torah learning. Whether through monthly shiurim, one-on-one learning, or social activities, he’s committed to building the next generation of Jewish Tucson.
Mrs. Rochie Leiter grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She earned a master’s degree in social work from Wurzweiler school of social work and is currently a LCSW. She heads TTCs women’s division.
Rabbi Josh Levy
Rabbi Josh and Mrs. Avigail Levy joined TTC in 2023 . Originally from Manalapan, NJ, Rabbi Levy brings enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to developing Jewish infrastructure in the Tucson community. As “Head Chiller” he leads the weekly ChillZone program to give kids a sweet taste of their jewish Identity and Heritage. With a knack for organization and friendly nature, Rabbi Levy and his wife have been event co-ordinators, responsible for organizing TTC community events.
Originally from Queens, NY, Mrs. Avigail Levy MS, CCC-SLP brings her passion and creativity to TTC. Mrs. Levy currently teaches Kindergarten and is the program coordinator at TTDS.
Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh Rennert
Rabbi Tzvi Aryeh and Mrs. Tsirel Rennert joined TTC in 2023. Rabbi Rennert is a talented and conscientious Rebbe at TTDS. His easy-going and optimistic personality has endeared him to the children he teaches. Rabbi Rennert brings both skill and warmth to his work, helping young people connect with Torah through practical skill. He gives them their first experience in reading Hebrew and understanding the meaning of what they are saying. On Sundays, Rabbi Rennert runs the super popular “Bagels, Bites, and Beyond” program.
Originally from Queens, NY, Mrs. Tsirel Rennert brings her organizational skills to help with TTC women events. Mrs Rennert currently works as an actuary.
Rabbi Michoel Kessler
Director of Development
Rabbi Michoel and Mrs. Sima Kessler joined TTC in 2025. Rabbi Kessler brings Texas warmth and organizational expertise to TTC. Growing up in Houston and serving as Building Manager at RSA, he developed a deep passion for building thriving Torah institutions. With tireless drive, Rabbi Kessler is dedicated to expanding TTC’s reach and strengthening Jewish life across Tucson.
Originally from Milwaukee, Mrs. Sima Kessler brings her creativity and love for teaching to TTC. Mrs. Kessler currently teaches in the preschool of TTDS.
Rabbi Binyomin Goldenberg
Rabbi Binaymin and Mrs. Elisheva Goldenberg joined TTC in 2025. Rabbi Goldenberg grew up in North Miami Beach Florida and teaches in TTDS with a clear vision that each child succeeds in the long-term, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He is always looking for new ways to make the classroom a fun, exciting experience that the children will look forward to. Rabbi Goldenberg uses an array of creative and visual techniques to present ideas to the students and uses many of the same skills when learning one-on-one with community members.
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Mrs. Elisheva Goldenberg, a nurse practitioner, brings her passion for education by coordinating youth groups on Shabbos afternoons.
Mrs. Rochie Leiter
LCSW, Director of Women's Programming
Mrs. Rochie Leiter grew up in Bucks County, PA, shaped by a family culture centered on Jewish values and communal responsibility. Mrs. Rochie Leiter is an accomplished social worker dedicated to supporting individuals and families in our community. As Director of Women’s Programming at TTC, she draws on her clinical training to create meaningful programs that nurture personal growth and Jewish connection. Her approach fosters a close-knit, caring community where every woman feels welcomed, valued, and empowered in her personal and spiritual journey.
Mrs. Sara Heisler
M.Ed. Director of Teen Programming
Mrs. Sara Heisler grew up in Milwaukee, WI, in a family deeply rooted in Jewish outreach. An experienced educator and artist, Mrs. Heisler is building something new in Tucson: dynamic programming that combines Jewish learning, social connection, and real growth. Through JSU chapters, regular events, and partnership with NCSY, she’s creating opportunities for Tucson’s teens to find their place in Torah life.