Rabbi Nachum Aaron Kutnowski, known for his wealth of experience and commitment to strong academics in both Judaic and general studies, is thrilled to be making Ottawa the new home for himself, his wife CChaviva, and their seven children as he joins Torah Day School of Ottawa.

After completing an English Literature honours degree at York University, he started a program to become a Certified Public Accountant, but after 18 months realized that he really wanted a career in education. 

By that time, he was married to Chaviva, and they made the decision together to make the shift.

“Frankly, CPA was not a great fit for my personality and my interests, so my wife and I had to pivot. My wife was as supportive as could be through all of this, and I actually asked her recently, ‘how were you able to be so supportive?’ And she said, ‘you didn't really give me an option.’ I chuckled at that, and it reminded me what a strong woman Chaviva is” recounts Rabbi Kutnowski, who is originally from Thornhill, ON.

“There’s a part of me that always knew I wanted to go into education. Once I made the decision to pursue it, it seemed logical that I would go into the public school system, but that is not where my passion lies. I wanted to work in the Jewish day school system.”

Rabbi Kutnowski brings over a decade of classroom and administrative experience to the role including, having significant impact on schools and communities across Canada, including Toronto, Hamilton and Calgary. One area of attraction to the Ottawa community was the developing high school at Torah Day School. With his own son nearing high school having a local yeshiva option was a big draw. In addition, he has family here in Ottawa and both he and Chaviva are now closer to their families in Toronto. 

As he has been settling into Ottawa, he comments that the people he has worked with so far have been respectful and honest. He feels that he can be himself in our community and he will be welcomed and accepted for what he brings to the table. He is relieved to feel that way and to be feeling really good about their decision.

Rabbi Kutnowski’s strengths lie in his excellent communication skills, his ability to connect with individuals from an array of backgrounds, as well as partner with shareholders to implement a vision of growth and sustainable impact within a community. 

He is looking forward to building positive and authentic relationships with parents, students, and the staff of TDSO, as well as the wider Ottawa Jewish community. 

“I try to have a strength-based approach to growth and I'm seeing a lot of strengths. I think the school has an amazing staff, a dedicated parent body, and a strong commitment to high level Jewish and general studies education. I look forward to helping all the students, staff, and families of TDSO grow. When I was interviewing, I was looking at the pros and the cons and I just so many pros that the decision was easy.” 

Rabbi Kutnowski eagerly looks forward to cultivating each student’s unique personality and strengths in their unique service of Hashem (G-d) and the Jewish people.

Rabbi Nachum Aaron Kutnowski prides himself on being approachable, so reach out to him at rabbi.kutnowski@torahday.ca.