About us
We are a community resource for everyone who wants to connect with Jewish wisdom.
Our Story
The North Suburbs are home to a strong, growing Jewish community.
Over the past decades, dedicated rabbis and educators have been building Torah infrastructure and bringing meaningful learning opportunities to the area. The next logical step? A dedicated Torah learning center where anyone, regardless of background or affiliation, could sit down one-on-one or in small groups to explore Jewish texts and ideas at their own pace.
This model has seen success in communities like Orlando, Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, Tucson, and more. Torah centers have become vibrant hubs of learning and connection, strengthening Jewish life for all members of the community.
In late summer 2025 the North Suburban Torah Center opened. Rabbi Akiva Wasser and Rabbi Azriel Zuckerman, both experienced educators from Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in New York, moved to Northbrook with their families to bring that same vision to the North Suburbs.
Their task was to set up a resource for the entire community, working alongside existing institutions and educators to create more opportunities for Torah learning and Jewish growth.
Since opening our doors, we’ve built chavrusas (learning partnerships), launched weekly classes, and hosted Shabbos meals and community events.
We couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds.
Rabbi Akiva Wasser
Rabbi Wasser grew up in East Brunswick, NJ, where his father served as the community rabbi. He spent ten years studying in Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Queens. During that time, he was active in the JEP program and worked hard to deepen his Torah knowledge and cultivate his natural love for teaching. Rabbi Wasser is known for his warmth, patience, and ability to make even complex Torah concepts accessible. Whether you’re learning one-on-one or joining a group, he meets you where you are and helps you delve deeper.
Mrs. Tova Wasser
Originally from the Valley in Los Angeles, Mrs. Wasser holds a degree in special education and brings both expertise and compassion to her work with children. Her parents have been deeply involved in Valley Torah High School for years, and she’s carried that same dedication to Jewish education into her life in the North Suburbs. The Wassers and their children are excited to be part of the North Suburbs community.
Rabbi Azriel Zuckerman
Rabbi Zuckerman was born and raised in Chicago. After spending many years in Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim (and being involved with JEP), he became a beloved high school teacher in Monsey. Rabbi Zuckerman is charismatic, funny, and has a gift for making Torah learning feel relevant and exciting. His energy is contagious, and his passion for Jewish life runs deep. Rabbi Zuckerman is also a well-known mohel and travels to perform bris ceremonies for families across the region. NSTC is available to help coordinate and schedule bris ceremonies for families in the North Suburbs, regardless of affiliation or background.
Mrs. Rivka Leah Zuckerman
A trained physician assistant, Mrs. Zuckerman spent ten years working in hospital medicine before moving to the North Suburbs and making family life her main focus. Her medical background, combined with her warmth and wisdom, makes her a natural resource for women in the community looking for support, guidance, and connection. The Zuckermans and their children are thrilled to be back in Chicago.