At Collective Kindness, we are not your typical organization.
We are everyday people with regular jobs, who share a deep commitment to our mission: being there when no one else is.
Our focus is clear – providing unwavering support to Jewish families facing crisis.
What sets us apart is our dedication to going the extra mile. When a concerned friend reaches out on behalf of a family in need, we step in. We assess the situation, provide immediate assistance, and work tirelessly to create long-term solutions. We believe in creating a positive, self-sustaining cycle of health. Together, we are making a profound difference, one family at a time.
Our work is inspired by words said by the Frierdiker Rebbe as the Holocaust ravaged European Jewry:
“How can a man sit and eat calmly when he knows that his brother is expiring for want of a piece of bread? …In truth, charity should be given with sensitivity, while feeling the other’s need.”
Our course of operation was charted by the Rambam, who wrote:
“There are eight levels in charity, each level surpassing the other. The highest level beyond which there is none is a person who supports a Jew who has fallen into poverty by] giving him a grant or a loan, entering into partnership with him, or finding him work so that his hand will be fortified so that he will not have to ask others.”
The holistic and human approach of Collective Kindness is the living legacy of Shalom Goodman’s grandmother, Joann Raskas, a woman of valor who personified kindness. Grandma Joann was a woman of chessed who would give the shirt off her back for someone. When she heard someone wanted to learn to play music, she’d sponsor piano lessons, buy them a guitar, and check in on their progress. Learn more about Joann Raskas here.
Grandma, we miss you, we love you, and we know you’d be infinitely proud of the work being done here at Collective Kindness
Co-Founder, Executive Director & Board Chair
Co-Founder, Executive Director & Board Chair
Shalom started Collective Kindness almost by accident.
After learning about a family that didn’t have meat and potatoes two days before Passover, he sprang into action, raising funds for this family and sending food packages. And he’s never stopped helping since.
Using his network of connections, Shalom solves problems with efficiency and sensitivity, and most importantly, utmost confidentiality.
Shalom lives in Chicago, IL. with his wife and young son.
Co-Founder, Vice President & Board Member
Co-Founder, Vice President & Board Member
Leivi lives in New Haven, CT, with his wife and children. He works six days a week in Hartford, yet makes time to be involved in the New Haven community and loves Chesed.
When he witnessed his friend Shalom do a crowd raise, he saw an opportunity to scale.
Leivi and Shalom joined forces and are actively working on helping Jewish families in need.
Click here to follow Leivi on Linkedin.
Senior Case Manager
Senior Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Manager
Dovber Engel is a certified therapist and Rabbi, renowned for his compassionate approach to mental health and well-being. He combines Jewish teachings with contemporary therapeutic techniques to help individuals and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics. His empathetic listening and insightful guidance foster a strong therapeutic alliance with his clients.
As a Case Manager at Collective Kindness, Rabbi Engel supports Jewish families in need, developing customized action plans and coordinating with professionals to provide comprehensive assistance. He currently works full-time as a school counselor, supporting staff, students, and their families, while also meeting with private clients, continuing his commitment to mental health and personal growth in the community.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Einstein is a dedicated case manager at Collective Kindness, where he supports individuals and families in need. With a sensitive and caring nature, Rabbi Einstein brings years of experience to his role, guiding clients toward stability and empowerment.
In addition to his work with Collective Kindness, Rabbi Einstein serves as the Mashpia at Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo in New Haven, CT. For over 15 years, he has mentored Yeshiva students, providing spiritual guidance and practical advice. He assists young men in the dating process and supports young couples adjusting to married life. His dual roles allow him to impact both the Yeshiva and the broader community.
Client Coordinator
Client Coordinator
Chaya Sara Koniarski serves as a dedicated Client Coordinator at Collective Kindness. With a strong passion for outreach and a commitment to helping others, she brings a wealth of experience from her time on shlichus in Australia, where she led impactful programs for Chabad Youth. This work deepened her appreciation for community engagement and inspired a lifelong mission of support and connection.
Before stepping into this role, Chaya Sara enriched her Jewish knowledge and personal growth during a year of study in Tzefat, Israel. This transformative experience continues to influence her approach to providing compassionate and culturally sensitive assistance to families in need.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Shterna Shemtov holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Bar Ilan University and a Master’s from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. As a therapist and coach, she is passionate about helping others unlock their full potential and recognize their worth. Shterna also leads mindfulness groups and enjoys spending time with her family in South Florida.
At Collective Kindness, Shterna combines her coaching expertise as a case manager, bringing her skills to support individuals and families. She guides clients in understanding how past experiences shape their lives, empowering them to navigate challenges and build healthier relationships.
Growth Advisor
Growth Advisor
Ori Holtzman is a dynamic growth advisor at Collective Kindness, where he empowers clients with clarity, vision, and actionable game plans to achieve their career goals or scale their businesses. Known for his unique blend of hustle, care, and professionalism, Ori brings a results-driven approach to every engagement.
Based in Coral Springs, Ori lives with his wife and three children, balancing a vibrant family life with his passion for business growth. His impressive career includes co-founding and serving as COO of Keeper, followed by a role as Director of Operations at Sparkles Gift and Party. Currently, he leads as CEO of Sabrent, driving innovation and expansion in the tech and retail space.
You can follow Ori Holtzman on LinkedIn
Case Manager & Shluchim Thrive Lead
Case Manager & Shluchim Thrive Lead
Job Placement Advocate
Job Placement Advocate
Job Placement Advocate
Job Placement Advocate
Strategic Resume Coach & Mentor
Strategic Resume Coach & Mentor
Job Placement Advocate
Job Placement Advocate
David Botvinnikov brings years of expertise in healthcare leadership, combining strategic vision with a talent for building high-performing teams. As a Co-Founder of Olivera Health Group and Chief Strategy Officer at Rockwell Health, he has a proven track record of matching exceptional talent to roles where they excel, fostering organizational growth and innovation. Beyond his leadership roles, David’s work as a private equity investor highlights his passion for turning ambitious visions into successful realities.
Joining Collective Kindness as a Job Placement Advisor (JPA), David is committed to empowering job seekers to navigate their career journeys with confidence. His dedication to advocating for individuals in need and guiding them toward fulfilling opportunities reflects his belief in the transformative impact of meaningful work. Through his role, David helps connect skills to aspirations, supporting people in building stable, successful lives.
Follow him on Linkedin here
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Shaul Wasserman is a seasoned financial expert whose comprehensive expertise aligns seamlessly with Collective Kindness’ mission. With a diverse background spanning public accounting, healthcare tax advisory, real estate development, and entrepreneurship, Shaul brings a deep understanding of financial landscapes to the organization. His ability to identify opportunities for savings, investment growth, and wealth management empowers families to regain financial stability and achieve long-term sustainability. Through meticulous financial analysis, innovative tax planning, and astute investment management, Shaul designs tailored financial plans that align with each family’s unique goals.
His strategic approach, combined with Collective Kindness’ comprehensive support system, ensures sustainable personal financial health and prosperity. Shaul’s commitment to helping families take charge of their financial futures makes him an invaluable asset to the organization.
You can learn more about Shaul here
Business Coach Specialist
Business Coach Specialist
Dovid Marasow, our business coach specialist at Collective Kindness, leverages his extensive experience in negotiation, communication, construction, public relations, and customer service. His background, marked by a strong professional acumen, equips him with the skills necessary to guide individuals through the intricacies of business and personal growth. Dovid’s expertise is a vital asset to those seeking to overcome challenges and achieve success.
You can follow Dovid on Instagram. Click here to view his profile
Board Member & Treasurer
Board Member & Treasurer
Zevi Wolman brings a wealth of entrepreneurial spirit and leadership to the Advisory Board of Collective Kindness, with nearly fifteen years of experience as the CEO of Make It Real, a global toy company.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Zevi is deeply committed to community service and empowerment. He is a founding member of Living Smarter Jewish, a non-profit organization focused on guiding individuals, couples, and families toward financial freedom through educational resources and tailored advice. His involvement extends to significant contributions to Relief of Baltimore, Bobbie’s Place of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Business Loan Fund, as well as serving on the board of the Orthodox Union. Zevi’s knack for providing clarity and direction during challenging times has made him a valued voice among founders and leaders, ensuring that his insights and leadership significantly benefit Collective Kindness’s mission to support Jewish families. His dedication to both business success and community well-being exemplifies the balance of professional achievement with profound communal impact, making him an inspiring and integral part of our team.
Board Member
Board Member
Mimi, a seasoned entrepreneur and business consultant, brings her expertise in finance and real estate investment to the Board of Directors at Collective Kindness. Her journey, shaped by her resilience as a single mom, fuels her commitment to financial stability and empowerment. With a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs of creating a secure future, Mimi’s insights are invaluable to our mission. Her passion extends beyond professional success; she values personal well-being and practices yoga for balance. Mimi’s contribution to Collective Kindness reflects our core values of support, empowerment, and the harmony between personal growth and professional achievement, making her a key asset in our efforts to assist Jewish families.
You can follow Mimi on Instagram
Board Member & Secretary
Board Member & Secretary
“Adam, a dedicated leader in the West Boca community, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to Chessed and Tzedakah. As the visionary behind Tikvah Lake Luxury Rehabs, Adam combines his professional expertise with a deep sense of compassion, offering transformative care to individuals on their path to recovery. He brings his passion for helping others to Collective Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Jewish families in need, where his efforts help create meaningful change. Beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Adam champions numerous nonprofit causes, lending his time, resources, and heart to initiatives that uplift and empower those in need. His dedication reflects a core belief in the power of kindness to inspire and transform lives.”
Board Member & Secretary
Board Member & Secretary
Based in Denver, Matis is a seasoned businessman and former CEO with extensive nonprofit board experience, including serving on the Economic Development Council for Orange, CT, the Greater New Haven Jewish Federation, and the Southern CT Hebrew Academy. At Collective Kindness, he brings his wisdom and passion for service to support Jewish families in need, offering guidance with care and compassion.
In his professional work, Mark combines holistic financial planning with career coaching and consulting, helping clients build and implement life and business plans based on trust and integrity. He and his wife Deborah are proud parents of three daughters and many grandchildren. Living in Denver, Mark enjoys the Rocky Mountains as his backyard, spending his free time skiing, hiking, backpacking, and fly fishing
Lead Member of Advisory Board
Lead Member of Advisory Board
Rabbi Avrohom Leventhal, the visionary behind the “Smart Chesed” approach, serves as the director of Lema’an Achai, a pioneering organization championing proactive and dignified poverty solutions. Prior to making Aliyah in 2005, he was a senior instructor at the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore and director of the Ahavas Yisrael Charity Fund. Rabbi Leventhal’s mentorship and innovative philosophy have profoundly influenced our work at Collective Kindness, shaping our mission to provide empowering, sustainable assistance to families in need. Residing in Ramat Bet Shemesh, his global impact as a mentor and leader continues to inspire our approach and ethos.
Member of Advisory Board
Member of Advisory Board
Member of Advisory Board, Mental Health Lead
Member of Advisory Board, Mental Health Lead
Moishe Dov Chanin, PCC, stands out as a beacon of compassion and expertise on the advisory board of Collective Kindness. His extensive background, marked by pioneering meaningful community engagement and personal development, enriches our mission. A certified professional life coach, Moishe Dov’s dedication to supporting individuals on their journeys of growth and Self-actualization showcases his commitment to making a tangible lasting difference in people’s lives.
Born and raised in Crown Heights, he remains deeply connected to his roots, living there with his wife Chaya, co-founder of The Frock NYC, and their four children. Moishe Dov’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his founding of the popular “Itchke’s Shtiebel” community shul, and his love for music, often seen jamming on the guitar with friends, adds another layer to his dynamic personality. Through his life coaching and various community initiatives, Moishe Dov Chanin is devoted to lifting people up, engaging in impactful projects, and changing lives for the better.
Moishe Dov is a Co-founder of The Gathering, an organization that offers retreats that allows people to create true healing without sacrificing religion.
You can learn more about Moishe Dov here
Member of Advisory Board, Lead Rabbinic Counsel
Member of Advisory Board, Lead Rabbinic Counsel
Rabbi Menachem Posner, a guiding light at Collective Kindness, brings his vast experience as managing editor at Chabad.org, the world’s premier Jewish informational website, to our team. Since 2006, after earning his rabbinic degree from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch, Rabbi Posner has dedicated himself to writing, researching, editing, and answering complex inquiries, making him an invaluable mentor for those seeking wisdom on intricate issues. Residing in Chicago, Illinois, with his family, his deep commitment to providing guidance and support mirrors our mission of empowering individuals with knowledgeable insights for life’s challenging questions.
Learn more about Menachem here
Member of Advisory Board, Lead Counsel
Member of Advisory Board, Lead Counsel
Igor Meystelman joins the Advisory Board of Collective Kindness, bringing a rare blend of legal acumen and deep understanding of family dynamics as our General Counsel, enhanced by his recent completion of a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Educated at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Hofstra University School of Law, Igor’s journey from the first college graduate in his family to founding the IM Law Group is marked by a passion for empowering those in need. His legal expertise spans crucial areas like bankruptcy, foreclosure, and family law, making him a vital asset in our mission.
At Collective Kindness, Igor’s role extends beyond legal counsel; his approach, grounded in empathy and a therapist’s sensitivity, promises to enrich our support for Jewish families facing challenges. He’s committed to ensuring that our guidance not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term resilience and success within the communities we serve.
See his Podcast: Dating, Marriage and Divorce Conversations
