Rabbi David Hofstedter is a Canadian real estate executive, author, and philanthropist. As the founder and President of Davpart Inc., a Toronto-based real estate firm established in 1993, he has extensive experience acquiring, building, and managing commercial, industrial, residential, and retail properties. Throughout his career, Davpart has built a strong reputation in property management and major urban development projects.

Aside from his business career, Hofstedter is an educational leader in the Orthodox Jewish community. In 1997, he founded Dirshu, a non-profit company that offers structured programs and testing for Torah study. The programs have helped thousands of global participants build sustainable study habits.

What is the primary inspiration and goal behind Dirshu?

David Hofstedter: I founded Dirshu to help people build structured daily Torah study habits. Good intentions are common, but without a set routine, daily commitments can be difficult to keep up with. We aim to provide specific study tracks, realistic schedules, and regular testing. This framework helps participants stay consistent, measure their progress, and retain what they learn. When people have clear goals to meet every morning, the likelihood of success increases significantly. A set system removes daily hesitation about when or how much to learn.

How does Dirshu support long-term learning?

David Hofstedter: The system relies on clear structure and accountability. Participants follow specific daily schedules and take periodic written exams. Regular testing turns occasional reading into active engagement. Knowing a test is coming encourages thorough review, which builds confidence and helps learners stay committed to their daily study. Repetition creates a lasting foundation of knowledge that participants carry with them forever.

How has Dirshu grown since its founding?

David Hofstedter: It started as a small local project and eventually became an international community. Dirshu currently operates in Canada, America, Israel, Europe, and South America. We publish dedicated study materials, coordinate global testing centres, and hold major events. Digital tools also make our study schedules accessible to anyone with Wi-Fi. This expansion supports thousands of dedicated students in every region. Seeing learners from different backgrounds take the same exam on the same day shows the strength of this shared mission.

How do you manage your work at Davpart with your commitment to Dirshu?

David Hofstedter: Real estate projects and educational non-profits require careful planning and organization. At Davpart, developing properties involves setting timelines, managing resources, and keeping teams focused on long-term goals. Dirshu operates similarly in terms of scheduling and execution. Managing both requires strict personal discipline and effective delegation. Maintaining high standards in commercial developments and international educational programs depends on structured operational execution.

Why are accountability and testing so important for building long-term retention in learning?

David Hofstedter: Accountability transforms motivation into concrete daily action. Without testing, it is easy to mistake passive reading for true knowledge. When learners prepare for a formal exam, they engage with the text more thoroughly and quickly find gaps in their comprehension. That immediate feedback loop drives mastery. Regular testing builds genuine confidence, ensuring that the knowledge gained is clear, precise, and permanent.