You might have seen him around campus, in class, or seen him advertising for the Aish Israel trip. But what is Aish HaTorah, and how did Rabbi Scott Matthias get involved in it? I interviewed him to find out.
Matthias, originally from Chicago, attended the University of Wisconsin. In his junior year, he went to Hebrew University and started traveling to the Old City for classes and Shabbat where, he said, “I was inspired.” After graduating from college, he became a full-time student in yeshiva, and got involved with Aish.
Aish is an ultra-Orthodox outreach group that Matthias said provides opportunities for Jews across the spectrum to “explore their heritage,” and has many branches across the country to develop future Jewish leaders around the world, Matthias explained.
Matthias said he is here with Aish in DC as a resource for the school, to answer questions, run leadership seminars, offer Shabbat hospitality and one-on-one learning, and organize trips to Israel. His featured program is a 10-week Jewish leadership seminar that meets every Tuesday night, from 7:30-10:00. The seminar discusses “the fundamentals of Judaism” and other topics, such as “why bad things happen to good people,” and has guest speakers from groups like AIPAC and Jews for Judaism. Upon completion of this course, participants get paid a $350 stipend. The rabbi also teaches a Jewish mysticism course on Thursday nights, covering spiritual topics like heaving and hell.
Also, if you are searching for the right Israel trip for you, there will be a trip from June 3rd to 24th. It will be a combination of touring, meeting politicians, taking Judaism courses in order to understand Judaism better—all to answer the central question of why it’s important to be a Jew. The trip is accepting applications right now. The cost is only $499 and it is all inclusive. Matthias told CampusJ, “This trip is a good opportunity for Birthright alumni to come back and experience Israel more in-depth. Birthright is a taste of Israel, but with Aish trips, you live in Israel.”
Participants will primarily stay in Jerusalem unless traveling. The trip includes tours, museums, events like paint ball, and much more. Right now, applications are just getting started; presently 10-15 people are going, and only a group of 20-25 people will be accepted.
Rabbi Scott Matthias says, “After this trip, you will feel a new sense of Jewish pride and love for Israel. If you’re interested, it’s a really great, fun trip.”