You matter, and you matter to Judaism. We are here because you are important to us and to God. Simple as that.
PunkTorah, a 501(c)(3) Jewish non-profit, is an online community helping people who have fallen through the cracks of Jewish life. Our multimedia network spreads a message of love, inclusion and hope to thousands of people around the world. No matter what shape you are, at PunkTorah, you fit.
There are many ways to connect with PunkTorah, OneShul, and our worldwide Jewish community. Welcome to PunkTorah: we are grateful you are here.
Our Community’s History
Patrick Aleph founded PunkTorah in April 2009 as a simple YouTube video blog. Today, PunkTorah is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with campaigns in every area of Jewish living. We are independent and unaffiliated with any movement in Judaism and we like it that way.
In only a year of full time operation, we have self-published six books, an album, launched PunkTorah.org, OneShul.org, developed The G-d Project video series, hosted events, presented at conferences and synagogues, written for other websites and magazines, managed an incredibly successful social network and touched the hearts of Jews around the world.
Our organization relies entirely on donations to prosper. Please consider a tax deductible contribution via Paypal or snail mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you email us, take a look at this list of questions.
- How do I download Free, Jewish eBooks?
Click here. You will be asked to give your email address (so we know you are a real person). From there, you’ll be sent to a page where you can download the books. And please, consider giving a $5.00 donation for each book you enjoy. It helps us to provide free, online Jewish life to over forty thousand people all over the world.
- Help! The books won’t download.
Sorry about that! Send us an email to patrick@punktorah.org and we will send you the books via email.
- What if I don’t want to give you my email address in return for free, Jewish eBooks?
We promise we won’t spam you. Spam isn’t kosher. Besides, they’re free! Fair is fair.
- How do I convert to Judaism online?
It’s possible. Check out this article and let us know what you think.
We have tons of resources for people interested in converting to Judaism. Enjoy the reading!
If you want to speak with a rabbi who handles online conversion to Judaism and long distance conversion (including people outside the USA), we recommend our friend Rabbi Jonathan Ginsberg (Conservative) in Chicago. He’ll hook you up.
- But I want to convert with Rabbi Patrick Aleph!
At this time, soon-to-be-rabbi Patrick Aleph does not do online conversions to Judaism. Seriously, Rabbi Ginsberg is a cool guy.
- I’d like to learn more about [Insert Jewish Topic].
Click here to search for any Jewish topic you are interested in.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Search our YouTube videos.
Still can’t find what you are looking for? We recommend Wikipedia or MyJewishLearning.com.
You can also email us. We answer email within 72 hours of receipt.
- Can I become a rabbi online?
Sure, check this article out.
- Are you [Orthodox, Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Messianic, Kohenet, Renewal]?
We are not affiliated with any movement in Judaism. We are independent, like you.
While we want to help everyone on their Jewish journey, we are not involved with anything related to messianic Judaism or Jews for Jesus.
- Who is Patrick Aleph?
Patrick is the founder of PunkTorah.org and OneShul.org. He is also the full time executive director and is looking forward to graduating from rabbinical school this summer.
Before Patrick started PunkTorah, he was in two, signed, national touring rock bands…hence the name, PunkTorah.
- So what is “punk” about “PunkTorah”?
Punk, like hippie, rapper, beatnik or whatever, means outsider. It means independent, DIY, pluralistic, forward thinking. It also means someone who is marginalized.
If you feel like that, then you’re PunkTorah, too.
- Will you review my book/music/film?
We would love to see your work! While you are welcome to submit any kind of media related to Jewish spirituality to us, please note that sending us something does not mean we will review it. All reviews are done by volunteers who have a heck of a lot going on in their lives. Also, we have a policy that if we cannot write a positive review of your work, we simply won’t post a review, period. Our mom’s taught us that if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Still convinced? Send us packages to the address at the bottom of the page.
- Does Patrick Aleph do speaking engagements?
Yes. Email patrick@punktorah.org. He will get back to you within 72 hours.
Please note that Patrick does not do free speaking engagements, due to the financial impact that it creates on the PunkTorah community.
- Can I write/blog/make videos/sing songs/raise money for you?
Please do! We always need:
-Writers for PunkTorah.org
-Service leaders for OneShul.org
-Web Developers (experience in WordPress)
-Fundraisers
-App Developers
Email patrick@punktorah.org. He will get back to you within 72 hours.
- Where are the PunkTorah people in my community? Where are your local events?
They’re online! Come to OneShul.org. We don’t keep databases of where everyone lives (we’re not Google or the FBI). Besides, if we did, wouldn’t that be kinda creepy?
- How is PunkTorah funded?
Our current budget is about $50,000. This is what it takes to have one full time employee, freelance tech and creative geniuses, two websites including the only online, independent minyan in the known world, and all 700 of our YouTube videos as well as blogs, podcasts, eBooks, music, and anything else the Jewish community needs.
85% of the donations we receive are from people like you.
The other 15% comes from selling cool Jewish products, small grants from Jewish organizations, and a few bucks from the sale of online advertising, ebooks and music.
Contact Us
PunkTorah
PH: (404) 735-3575
Email: punktorah@punktorah.org
Note that we are closed on weekends and all Jewish holidays
PUNKTORAH
3530 Piedmont Rd NE
#2B
Atlanta, GA 30305
