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Alumni Profile: Rav Nachum Wachtel (89-91)

Rav Nachum Wachtel (89-91) hails from West Hempstead, NY, the son of Dr.  Ronny & Mrs. Carrie Wachtel. He studied at the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway prior  to attending Yeshivat Sha'alvim (continuing in the West Hempstead and Yeshiva of Far Rockaway traditions of sending the best and the brightest to  Sha'alvim). Rav Wachtel forged close links with many rabbeim, including Rav  Michael Katzav, Rav Yitzchak Goldberg, Rav Yoel Amital and Rav Aryeh Hendler  (presently Sgan Rosh Yeshivat Sha'alvim).

Rav Wachtel was always "in the know". As one anonymous source has remarked  "I never had a problem knowing in advance who would daven for the amud  during the Yamim Noraim- I just had to ask Nachum".

Rav Wachtel continued his studies at Yeshiva University, learning with Rav  Herschel Schachter, Rav Michael Rosensweig and Rav Aharon Kahn. He majored  in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education in a combined BA/MS program. Rav  Wachtel received advanced training in Jewish Education Adminstration in a  joint program with YU and the Avi Chai Fountation. He completed his semicha  with Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.

Rav Wachtel truly is an integral part of th extended Sha'alvim family. He is  married to Aviva (nee Levin), and thus brother in-law of Rav Jeff (88) &  Mrs. Yoela Holman, and Rav Oran (00) & Mrs. Ayala Levin. Rav Wachtel also is  the brother-in-law and former roommate of Shana Bet Mahsgiach, Rav Ezra &  Mrs. Alisa (nee Wachtel) Shapiro. Rav Simcha Herrmann (96/7) is a cousin of  Rav Wachtel.

The Wachtels are the proud parents of Yaakov Menachem, Penina, Uri and  Shoshana. They reside in Passaic, whre Rav Wachtel has served on the Board  of Trustees of the Agudath Yisrael of Passaic Park. Rav Wachtel enjoys a  close relationship with Mara D'asra, RIETS Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yonasan Sacks.

Since 1994, Rav Wachtel has been affiliated with the Joseph Kushner Hebrew  Academy in Livingston, New Jersey. He is presently assistant principal of  the lower school.

Q- What stands out in your memory from Shana Aleph in yeshiva?

A- Strong connection between bnei chul and  Israeli students.

Q- Most memorable incident?

A- Being left behind on the sukkos tiyul.

Q- Favorite Sha'alvim food-

A- Schnitzel (actually it was the all chocolate shalosh seudus).

Q- Why did you attend Shana Bet/Gimel?

A- Because the Yeshiva was the perfect blend of Toras Yisrael Be'Eretz  Yisrael.

Q- What led you to embark in a career of formal chinuch?

A- My father's influence.

Q- An aitza for present students-

A- Take advantage of every moment, stay in often for Shabbos, try to balance  your religious feelings with a sensitivity to your parents.