Rabbi Nachman Bulman zt"l
Visionary. Educator. Builder of Torah Communities.
Rabbi Nachman Bulman zt"l (1925–2002) devoted his life to inspiring Jews through Torah, education, and personal example. A gifted scholar, educator, speaker, and mentor, he influenced thousands of students and families in America and Israel, leaving a legacy that continues to shape generations.
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A Life Shaped by Torah
Born in New York to a family of Gerrer Chassidim, Rabbi Bulman grew up during a time when serious Torah education in America was still uncommon. From an early age, he displayed unusual leadership, warmth, and intellectual brilliance.
His Torah outlook was shaped by several great traditions: the Chassidic heritage of Ger, the profound scholarship of Yeshivas Rabbi Isaac Elchanan, and the philosophy of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. Together, these influences formed a unique personality—deeply rooted in tradition while able to communicate Torah to every kind of Jew.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Bulman visiting the community kindergarten
A Pioneer in Jewish Education
Long before Jewish outreach became widespread, Rabbi Bulman recognized that the future of Torah Judaism depended on inspiring hearts rather than simply transmitting information.
He became one of the leading educators and speakers of his generation, helping shape the early NCSY movement, training teachers, founding educational institutions, contributing to The Jewish Observer, and mentoring countless young people who would later become leaders themselves.
His extraordinary ability to connect with people from every background made him one of the most respected Torah educators of his era.
Building Communities
Although Rabbi Bulman served distinguished communities throughout the United States, his lifelong dream was to build Torah in the Land of Israel.
In 1979, that dream became reality with the founding of Kiryat Nachliel in Migdal HaEmek.
His vision extended far beyond establishing another school. He sought to create a living Torah community—one that combined outstanding education, strong families, genuine warmth, and personal responsibility.
He helped establish not only educational institutions, but also a synagogue, a kollel, and a community built upon Torah values.
Rabbi Bulman welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir during his visit to Migdal HaEmek.
A Teacher Who Changed Lives
Rabbi Bulman believed that every individual deserved personal attention.
When a young girl's continued Torah education depended on arriving at school on time, he drove her despite suffering severe pain. Moments later he collapsed, and doctors discovered that his appendix had ruptured. To him, ensuring one Jewish child remained in Torah education was worth any personal sacrifice.
Years later, that same student raised an observant family, touching future generations through the education he had helped preserve.
Rabbi Bulman at the Hanukkah celebration at the Boys' Talmud Torah.
Leading Through Kindness
Rabbi Bulman's influence rarely came through confrontation.
When he noticed neighbors unknowingly working in their garden after Shabbat had begun, he did not rebuke them. Instead, he gently offered to help them finish their gardening earlier each Friday afternoon. The kindness behind the message reached their hearts, and they never again worked in their garden on Shabbat.
This gentle, respectful approach characterized his entire life.
(Im Chafetz Hashem Banu... Ve'alenu) ...אם חפץ ה' בנו ועלינו
A phrase Rabbi Bulman often repeated in times of challenge, expressing his belief that faith in Hashem calls us to accept responsibility and move forward with courage.
Every child who enters Mosdot Nachliel today is part of the vision Rabbi Bulman began more than four decades ago.
His dream lives on—not only in buildings, but in the lives of every student, family, and future generation shaped by Torah.