Sarah Sharim Kashanirokh comes from a traditional Persian and religious family and has grown up in Los Angeles. She attended Or Hachaim Academy for elementary school, followed by Valley Torah for high school, and later studied at Tomer Devorah Seminary. She pursued her undergraduate studies at UCLA, earning a Bachelors degree in Political Science. Currently in law school, Sarah has a deep passion for Torah learning and teaching. Her years as a Judaic studies teacher, working with both Jewish school students and those from public schools, as well as her experience teaching at seminaries across Jerusalem, led her to join the JLIC team. Eventually, she and her husband Benjamin pioneered the JLIC Pico Hub, creating a welcoming and engaging space for students and young professionals in the community.
Benjamin Kashanirokh comes from a traditional Persian family. After completing his bachelor’s degree at UCLA, he spent three years studying at Ohr Somayach Yeshiva. His personal religious journey—from public school to yeshiva—has given him a unique ability to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds, offering wisdom, mentorship, and guidance at this pivotal stage in their lives.
Sarah and Benjamin lived in Israel during the first year of their marriage before returning to Los Angeles to launch the Pico Hub. Shortly after returning, they welcomed their first child. They currently live in the Pico-Robertson area, where they enjoy hosting students for Shabbat meals and shiurim throughout the week. They can’t wait to meet and connect with each of you at SMC and within the greater Pico-Robertson community!