Gateways is an international organization whose self-declared mission is it to "raise Jewish consciousness." Origins Gateways was founded in 1998 by Rabbi Mordechai Suchard with the stated goal of "providing opportunities for Jews to unlock the treasure of their heritage through dynamic educational and social programs." The organization is based in Monsey, New York, United States. It began as an American offshoot of Arachim (meaning "values"), an Israeli Judaism outreach organization founded in 1979. Funding for Gateways is entirely from individual donors. Programs The programs educate in Jewish values and traditions." Gateways often joins with other organizations to co-sponsor events. Programs include: Family education. Learning programs for collegiates and young professionals. Services focused on the Russian American Jewish community. Singles networking and matchmaking. Learning opportunities via the internet, including an "Ask the rabbi" portal. Life skills and professional development seminars. Jewish holiday programs. In addition to the New York metropolitan area, the organization hosts events throughout the United States. Gateways personalities Gateways is staffed by a team of 45 working in seven departments. Rabbi Mordechai Suchard Rabbi Mordechai Suchard is the founder and executive director of Gateways. He is a Jewish educator, speaker and author. Biography Suchard was born in South Africa. His father is a dayan (ecclesiastical "judge") on the Johannesburg Beth Din. He studied at the Telshe yeshiva, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Ponevezh in Bnei Brak, Israel, and received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Itzhak Kolitz, the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and Dean of the Jerusalem Beth Din. Suchard founded Gateways to promote the continuity of Judaism. He has established and run a network of outreach organizations targeting college students, young professionals, singles and Russian immigrants in the United States. He is active in Jewish education on the Internet. Suchard has served on the rabbinical board of "Ask The Rabbi" answering questions about Jewish law, philosophy and ethics. He speaks across America on Jewish issues such as prophecy and seeing God in one's life. Suchard was on the American delegation accompanying US President George Bush when he visited Israel in May 2008 to mark the country's sixtieth birthday celebrations. Political views Rabbi Suchard is a supporter of Senator Joe Lieberman, contributing to his political campaign from 2002 to 2006. Rabbi Mordechai Becher Rabbi Mordechai Becher is an author and lecturer on topics of Jewish philosophy and ritual law and practice. Biography Born in Australia, Becher attended the