Dr. Hakham Yehonatan Elazar-DeMota ס״ט was born in Miami. He comes from a long line of Sephardic families from Spain, Portugal and North Africa, which established themselves in the Caribbean before migrating to the United States of America.
He began his rabbinic education under Hakham Yosef Benarroch ע״ה ,ס״ט, at the Sephardic Education Center of North Miami Beach (yore yore). After that, he studied the laws of shehitah with Hakham Abraham Bitton ס״ט, and was certified by Hakham Israel Levi Tytell. Thereafter, he continued his studies under Hakham Mordekhay Levi de Lopes ס״ט (yadin yadin). Moreover, H. Elazar-DeMota was certified in Israel as a mohel by Hakham Yoel Nissim Dayan.
Apart from rabbinic studies, H. Elazar-DeMota has a Master’s degree in Anthropology and Religious Studies from Florida International University and a PhD in International Law from the University of Amsterdam.
H. Elazar-DeMota is a the author of numerous books and articles on Western Sephardic Jewry. He established his beth midrash in 2009 in the Capital of the Dominican Republic, then in La Romana in order to strengthen the Sephardic Jewish identity therein.

Of Moroccan descent, Hakham Hananiah comes from a family of rabbis and cantors. Hakham Hananiah, who spent the past six years in Los Angeles, has a master’s degree in Chinese medicine, and is  a certified clinical hypnotherapist and neurofeedback practioner. He studied formally at Yeshivat Porat Yoshef in Jerusalem, and additionally with learned rabbis.

Of Spanish and Portuguese descent. Was born in Argentina and made aliyah over 20 years ago. Hakham Eliezer studied under Hakham Jacob Levi de Oliveira and Mori Qapah for many years. In 2004, he was ordained by the nascent Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. He serves as one of the dayanim for the Israeli-based organization União Sefaradita Hispano-Portuguesa. He is also a hyper-glot and teaches online Hebrew courses and translates professionally for international and local clients.

Hakham Daniel Marcou ס”ט is a Torah scholar, shochet and community leader in Quebec city. He has a professional background in aviation logistics as well as in International relations as a policy analyst. He has a Multidisciplinary Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Law and Political Science and a Master’s Degree in International Studies (Law, Political Science and Commerce).

In his early 20s he spent some time learning in a Hesder Yeshiva in Israel under Hakham Yosef Sanado. In 2021 he started his advanced studies under the guidance of Dr. Hakham Yehonatan Elazar-De Mota specialising in the laws of kiddushin and gittin. He obtained his ordination at the end of 2024. Additionally he trained as a Shohet under the guidance of Hakham Gil and Hakham Elazar De-Mota.

Currently, Daniel serves as shohet and rabbi of the small multi-cultural jewish community in Quebec city where he has been an active lay leader for some years. In his current capacity he is working to revitalize jewish life in Quebec by providing religious services, life-cycle events and kasher meat for all the jewish families in his area.

Hakham Yoshiyahu Silfa ס”ט is a Torah scholar and community leader with Sephardic-Caribbean roots. His work bridges Jewish tradition with contemporary life through education, counseling, and spiritual leadership. His academic background includes studies in Communications, Clinical Psychology, and a Master’s in Clinical Neuropsychology which inform his approach to community service and individual guidance.

Hakham Silfa deepened his knowledge of Jewish law, receiving ordination as a Rabbi (Yore Yore) from Rav Asher ben Mordekhai through Yeshiva Yosef Karo. He subsequently continued his advanced studies under the guidance of the distinguished Dr. Hakham Elazar-De Mota, specializing in the complex laws of diné dayanim.

Complementing his rabbinic ordination, Hakham Silfa underwent extensive training to become a certified shohet. Additionally, he has cultivated expertise as a hazzan in the Spanish-Portuguese liturgical tradition. Hakham Silfa serves his community through teaching, counseling, and facilitating Jewish observance. He maintains a focus on authentic tradition while addressing modern challenges, always prioritizing meaningful service and Torah values.

Hakham Netanel Gil ס”ט is a Torah scholar and communal leader with a solid foundation in law, governance, and Jewish learning. His academic path includes a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration, which enrich his contributions to Jewish education, leadership, and community advocacy.

In 2017, Hakham Gil earned his Teudat Shohet from Dr. Hakham Elazar-DeMota. Two years later, in 2019, he achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving his first semikha from Rabbi Haim Obadiah. In 2024, Hakham Gil further solidified his rabbinical credentials by earning an additional semikha from his longtime mentor, Dr. Hakham Elazar-DeMota, furthering his expertise in rabbinic jurisprudence and communal responsibility. His studies, which have spanned over a decade, reflect his commitment to preserving and teaching traditional Jewish law and customs.

Currently, Hakham Gil serves as a rabbi and teacher in the thriving Jewish community in the Dominican Republic, where he dedicates his time to teaching Shehitah and providing guidance to the community. His passion for Jewish education and his expertise in Torah and practical halacha continue to inspire those around him.