Posted on 06/06/25
Baltimore, MD - June 6, 2025:
Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you well.
After seven incredible years of devoted leadership, we share bittersweet news that Rabbi Yossi Kohen will be stepping down from his role as Director of Torah Youth Association (TYA), a position he has held since 2018. Under R’ Yossi’s thoughtful and passionate leadership, TYA has grown into a vibrant and meaningful part of our community.
While we will deeply miss his presence at the helm of TYA, we are thrilled for R' Yossi as he takes the next step in his journey, assuming a new and exciting role as Director of Development at Yeshivas Mekor Chaim (YMC). We thank him and his Rebbitzen for all they have given to our teens, families, and the broader TYA mission, and wish him much Hatzlacha in this new chapter.
At the same time, we are excited to announce the next generation of TYA leadership. Please join us in welcoming Binyamin Bakaev as the new Director of TYA. Binyamin brings a deep personal connection to the organization, having grown up in the community and served with distinction as an advisor over the last few years. Alongside him, Chaim Goldman will be joining the team as well. Chaim too is a proud TYA alum and beloved advisor, known for his energy, warmth, and genuine care for each teen he encounters.
Both Binyamin and Chaim embody the values and vision that TYA stands for, and we are confident they will continue to build on the solid foundation laid by R’ Yossi and TYA’s founder, Gobbie Cohn.
We can’t wait to introduce the community to this passionate new team and to share what’s in store for the future of TYA. Thank you for your continued support and belief in the power of meaningful teen engagement.
With gratitude and excitement,
Rabbi Jonah Lerner, Regional Director
Rabbi Benyamin Moss, Associate Regional Director
Gobbie Cohn, TYA Chairman