RABBI YOSH BERKOWICZ

Cherished for his warmth, approachability, and ability to connect with students on a personal level, Rabbi Josh - affectionately known as Rabbi Yosh - is not your typical rabbi. As one of the spiritual leaders of Chabad NDG, he plays a central role in Chabad on Campus Montreal, especially at Concordia University. Whether teaching, cooking, or guiding students on their Jewish journey, Rabbi Josh is a beloved presence on campus and beyond.

He serves as the Assistant Rabbi at Chabad of NDG and the campus Rabbi for Chabad at Concordia University. Rabbi Yosh lives near the Loyola Campus in NDG with his wife Chani and their five beautiful children. He studied Jewish Law and Spirituality at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ, and recently earned an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from McGill University. Whether it’s a themed Shabbat dinner, a spirited class, or a jam session with students, Rabbi Yosh brings heart, humor, and a grounded presence to everything he does. He’s passionate about building vibrant Jewish life and is looking forward to another incredible year ahead.

SPIRITUAL LEADER & CAMPUS RABBI

Rabbi Josh plays a pivotal role in creating vibrant Jewish life at Concordia, especially across the SGW and Loyola campuses. Known for his steady support, deep knowledge, and non-judgmental presence, he has become a go-to figure for students seeking to explore or strengthen their connection to Judaism.

He leads weekly lunch and learns, where students engage with Jewish ideas in an open, down-to-earth environment. Whether it’s answering meaningful questions, offering personal guidance, or simply being there when students need someone to talk to, Rabbi Yosh shows up with kindness and authenticity.

Jam Session

Shabbatons

Parties

Teaching

Tefillin

Shofar

HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING & ADVOCACY

Rabbi Yosh is constantly creating meaningful, inclusive Jewish programming for students. He’s the driving force behind Jewish advocacy initiatives, holiday tablings, and campus-wide events like Purim parties, Hanukkah celebrations, and inspiring Shabbatons that leave a lasting impression.

This year, he helped launch the first-ever Jewish programming at Loyola campus, bringing regular Shabbat tablings, outreach, and Torah learning to a whole new corner of Concordia.

Sukkot

Chanukah

Shabbat Table

HOME HOSPITALITY

Together with his wife Chani and their 5 children, Rabbi Yosh makes Jewish life on campus feel like home. From their warm and welcoming home, they host regular Shabbat dinners for students, often featuring international cuisine themes, a nod to their love for cooking (and his at-home pizza).

Whether it’s a first Shabbat experience or a weekly tradition, students leave feeling nourished in every way.

KOSHER CONCORDIA

In response to the need for accessible kosher food on campus, Rabbi Josh and Chani co-founded Kosher Concordia. Through this initiative, they prepare home-cooked kosher meals for the Hillel room, offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. No student is left behind, physically or spiritually.

Their warmth, generosity, and down-to-earth leadership have made them one of the most appreciated teams in the Montreal Jewish student community. Students often say it's not just what they do, but how they do it - with care, inclusivity, and heart - that makes all the difference.

BELOVED EDUCATOR

Students love his classes for how engaging, relevant, and practical they are. Many describe them as the first time they’ve truly felt empowered to take ownership of their Jewish identity. His ability to make complex ideas relatable has earned him a reputation as a favorite teacher and mentor.

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