Raised as an orthodox Jew and educated in yeshivot, Rabbi Siegel had the fortune to study Jewish Thought and Philosophy with Prof. Eliezer Berkovitz. His creative approach to halacha and Jewish Thought provided the necessary tools for a life long odyssey of exploring Jewish Thought and practice. Semicha for some is a culmination and a portal to a career. For Rabbi Siegel it was a starting point for discovery and self-discovery. It brought him to Israel in search of Jewish fulfillment; to the Israel Defense Forces where he continued his journey of self-discovery and Jewish destiny, honorably discharged as an officer; and to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where he pursued graduate studies in Jewish History and Thought.