Rabbi Shenhav Bendel
rabbi.bendel@sphds.org
Rabbi Shenhav Bendel has been serving the community since 2020 as a Rabbi at Bar Yochai Sephardic Synagogue, providing spiritual guidance and leadership to our community. As an ordained Rabbi with Semicha from Kollel Darchei Horaah Le’Rabanim and a graduate of the prestigious Ner Le’elef program, Rabbi Bendel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our congregation. Having completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Brooklyn College with distinction, graduating on the Dean’s List, and passed the rigorous 6-test program for Rabbinic ordination under the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Rav Moshav, he is well-equipped to provide thoughtful and informed leadership. Rabbi Bendel is deeply committed to Torah education, teaching three to four classes daily to community members of all ages and backgrounds. He also organizes meaningful Shabbat experiences, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth among those who participate. As a Rebbe at South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, Rabbi Bendel’s passion for teaching and outreach extends beyond the synagogue, inspiring a love of Torah and Jewish tradition in the next generation.
Rabbi Eli Kamholtz is a dedicated Kiruv Rabbi currently serving at Bar Yochai Sephardic Minyan in Sunnyvale, California. With a passion for helping individuals discover and connect to their spiritual roots, Rabbi Kamholtz brings years of intensive Torah study and practical rabbinical experience to his community work.
Rabbi Kamholtz received his advanced Torah education at Heichal Meir Yeshiva (2017-2020), where he studied under Rosh Yeshiva Harav Zamir Cohen and distinguished himself by reaching the highest level class. He continued his studies at Nezer Cohen Kollel (2020-2023), pursuing rabbinical ordination under Rosh Kollel Harav Yosef David Cohen while studying essential areas of Jewish law including Berachot, Tefilla, Nida, Shviit, and Shabbat.
At Bar Yochai Sephardic Minyan, Rabbi Kamholtz leads a comprehensive educational program that includes daily Halacha classes, weekly Gemara study sessions, inspirational Chizuk classes, and practical Chinuch instruction. He provides personal guidance to community members and recently established a Sunday Kollel program focusing on Gemara learning fundamentals. His teaching reaches students at all levels, from beginners learning the order of prayer services to advanced learners studying complex Talmudic texts.
Rabbi Kamholtz’s approach to Kiruv work is characterized by enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine love for helping others grow in their Jewish journey.