Rabbi Saul Zucker, Rosh HaYeshiva, heads the BPY team, as an educational leader with over 25 years of experience as an innovative instructor and accomplished school administrator. A long-time advocate for progressive education in both Judaic and general studies, Rabbi Zucker has most recently implemented this pedagogical approach, including active-learner methodology and inquiry-based learning, at Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he has served as principal since 2011.

While at Magen David, Rabbi Zucker built, mentored, and led an award-winning educational leadership team, which was recognized by leading educational institutions. Under his leadership, the school was awarded two Young Pioneer prizes by the Jewish Educational Project and two Pomegranate Prizes from the Covenant Foundation, in addition to having two educational administrators selected to become Joshua Venture Group Fellows. Rabbi Zucker also guided the school through the rigorous and prestigious NYSAIS accreditation process, led it to qualify as a BOLD school grantee, and fostered unique relationships with Israeli organizations to enhance students’ connections to Israel. In addition, Magen David was one of the founding schools in the I.D.E.A. Schools Network, an emerging thought leader in the implementation of project-based learning and infusing creativity in the classroom.

Prior to joining Magen David, Rabbi Zucker served as national director for the Orthodox Union’s Department of Day School & Educational Services, where he mentored heads of school and educational leaders nationwide, and was the founding rosh mesivta of The Mesivta of North Jersey. His previous positions were as a Talmud instructor, associate principal, and principal at The Frisch School, and as general studies principal at Northwest Yeshiva High School in Seattle, Washington.

Dr. Chagit Hadar is joining Ben Porat Yosef as Principal of Judaic Studies. She was born and raised in Eretz Yisrael. Dr. Hadar brings to her position a value system steeped in Zionism, Torah, ahavat hazulat (tolerance), and chesed. Having grown up in a Zionist orthodox family, within a home that opened its doors to children from broken families as a foster family, she has an abiding, personal understanding of the importance of helping children learn both middot, and to give of themselves. Dr. Hadar received a B.Ed. in Elementary School Science, from Talpiyot College, an M.S. in Professional Communication, from Clark University, and a Ph.D. in Education, with a concentration in Relationship and Interactions, from Atlantic International University. She received additional certifications in Human Resources Development and Training, from Clark University, as well as in teaching, from Rabbi Wolf Seminary for Teachers.

During the last fifteen years, Dr. Hadar has worked as a Hebrew teacher and as head of the Hebrew department at Magen David Yeshivah High School. In this capacity, she established programs for teaching Hebrew, and ‘learning-skills’ that augment students’ ability to process information and learn on a deeper, more permanent level. She also developed and implemented programs that connected students with Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Philosophically, Dr. Hadar finds personal inspiration in the vision of HaRav Kook (Israel’s first chief rabbi), and guides her life by his philosophy of the vital need for “Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Torat Yisrael” (the people of Israel, the land of Israel, and the Torah of Israel) to be integrated and work in unity.

Ephraim Silberman, Ben Porat Yosef’s new Director of Information Technology (IT), will be responsible for all aspects of “technology” at BPY, not only making sure all of the technology tools in the classrooms work well, and that the technology infrastructure in the building is intact and functioning well; he will also ensure that BPY has access to, and is availing itself of outstanding educational technology tools that will enhance learning opportunities in the classroom. Ephraim’s background includes four years at SAR High School, where he was the IT Manager and Systems Engineer. In that capacity, he was responsible for all IT planning and implementation at the school. At SAR, he helped roll out the 1:1 iPad program for 600 high school students and 100 teachers, and helped manage all multimedia setups, live streaming broadcasts, and all of the school’s technology needs. Prior to this position, Ephraim worked in IT at the Yeshiva of Flatbush High School, where he also managed and implemented all aspects of technology in the school building, including server upgrades, as well as classroom technology upgrades.

Moriah is pleased to announce the promotion of Rabbi Eitan Lipstein to Assistant Principal, Middle School Jewish Life. Rabbi Lipstein will be starting his fifth year at Moriah, and we look forward to him taking on this new role.

Moriah is pleased to announce the promotion of Erik Kessler to Executive Director. Erik begins his tenth year at Moriah and is very excited to begin his new position.

Yeshivat Noam welcomes Mrs. Jacqueline Lindenfeld as the new director of middle school support. Mrs. Lindenfeld earned her B.A. in psychology from Brandeis University, dual certification in general and special education from Hunter College, and her M.A. in public administration from Baruch College. In addition to her extensive training, Mrs. Lindenfeld brings with her a wealth of experience, having spent years as a teacher, peer coach and coordinator for special education services at some of New York’s top charter schools. Mrs. Lindenfeld is eager to get to know the students and families, and is thrilled to be a part of the Yeshivat Noam family.

Yeshivat Noam introduces Mrs. Jenny Pavel as the new director of elementary school support. Mrs. Pavel has been a member of the Yeshivat Noam faculty for 11 years. Over the years she has been a general studies support teacher, curriculum coordinator, and assistant director for elementary school support. Mrs. Pavel has a diverse educational background: she earned a B.A. from the University of Judaism and an M.A. in education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, she studied curriculum design at Teachers College, and she is currently pursuing an additional master’s degree in special education. Mrs. Pavel is passionate about promoting a positive and successful learning environment.

Tenafly Chabad Academy (formerly Lubavitch on the Palisades elementary school division) is very pleased to announce that Mrs. Stacy Katzwer will be joining the elementary administration and will serve as the general studies principal for grades 1-5.

Mrs. Katzwer holds a master’s degree in special education and learning disabilities and has been in the field—both in the classroom and as an administrator—for over 20 years. For the past two years, Mrs. Katzwer has been serving as the director of support services at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus. Additionally, she has held administrative positions at Magen David Yeshivah Elementary School, the Sinai School and Manhattan Day School.

Mrs. Katzwer has extensive experience and training in working with children ranging from kindergarten through high school. A staunch believer in empowering students to understand themselves as learners, Mrs. Katzwer works closely with students, teachers, parents and other professionals to develop strategies that enable students to realize their potential and experience success. Mrs. Katzwer has presented at numerous professional development workshops and is actively involved in teacher training and mentoring.

Mrs. Katzwer, a Teaneck resident, has also worked with hundreds of students in her private practice, teaching them to read, developing their writing, sharpening their math skills and enabling them to feel confident and successful in the classroom.

Rabbi Dov Emerson has joined the MTA Leadership Team as Director of Teaching and Learning. In this role, Rabbi Emerson will focus on faculty development and support, as well as nurturing MTA’s continued academic growth. He will work closely with the administration and faculty to continue developing innovative educational pedagogy, including educational technology, project-based learning, experiential education, and personalized learning. With the vast resources of Yeshiva University, RIETS, and the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Rabbi Emerson will explore ways to continue utilizing these partnerships to enhance the yeshiva’s educational opportunities. Rabbi Emerson joins the MTA administration with a wealth of prior leadership experience. He has served as Head of School at YULA High School in Los Angeles and, prior to his move to the West Coast, served as the Assistant Principal at HALB’s DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys. Rabbi Emerson holds Master’s Degrees in both Education and Social Work, and is currently a doctoral student at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. He has been honored for his work in Jewish education, receiving the 2011 Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for excellence in Jewish education as well as being named to the Jewish Week’s 36 Under 36 List for his work in educational technology. Rabbi Emerson and his wife Rina reside in Bergenfield, NJ with their five children, Ezra, Yitz, (both of whom will attend MTA), Yehuda, Yaakov, and Atara.

Rabbi Eytan London has joined the MTA faculty as a full-time rebbe, teaching the 11D shiur, running Basketball Intramurals, and serving as Chessed Coordinator. He has been a rebbe for the past two years at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, after serving as a rebbe and Athletic Director at Westchester Hebrew High School for the previous four years. Rabbi London, who lives in Passaic with his wife, Allie, and three children, received his semicha from RIETS and his M.A. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.

Rabbi Evan Genachowski has joined the MTA faculty as a rebbe and will teach Machshava, Halacha, and Bekius to the 9B shiur. He will also he will also oversee additional learning programs and participate in Shabbatonim, grade trips, and other learning opportunities. Rabbi Genachowski, who lives in Washington Heights with his wife, Rachel, and son, is entering his last year of semicha at Yeshiva University, completed his M.A. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, and has earned a stellar reputation as a charismatic and engaging rebbe.

Dr. Alison Matika, PhD has joined the RKYHS English department. An expert in the teaching of writing, she is involved in the school’s initiative to further develop its writing culture. Her research and conference work has focused on teenagers’ experiences viewing screen violence, and she has also presented her work considering the nexus between English teaching philosophies and real classroom practices. Her classroom tends to be a dynamic place with a multiplicity of concerns which include but are not limited to helping students develop: control over their writing, appreciation in their reading, comfort with their speaking, and a critical eye in their consumption of media.

Ms. Revi Glasser will assume the new role as the Director of Student Services for Kindergarten through 5th grade at JKHA. Ms. Glasser will oversee student academic support as well as students’ services. Additionally, she will work closely with the learning center faculty, the Essex County Commission staff and JKHA faculty. She holds degrees in Rhetoric, Inclusion & Special Education, and is also an Orton-Gillingham trained Dyslexia Practitioner. Ms. Glasser’s background extends through many grade levels, as she has taught in both the JKHA Lower and Middle Schools and has overseen academic support for students in 5th grade at JKHA, and has she coordinated communications and meetings with the Essex County Commission staff and has also taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Ivrit. A passionate and devoted educator, Ms, Glasser brings to this role many years of continued dedication to special education, inclusion, and advocacy, along with a vast knowledge in the area of language-based learning disabilities, specifically in the areas of literacy and dyslexia.

Allison Lyons joins the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy and the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School as director of admissions. Ms. Lyons has spent the last six years as director of admissions at Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, New York. Ms. Lyons is excited to combine her experience from Westchester Day School with the extremely successful admissions program in place at JKHA and RKYHS, building upon the success and increase in enrollment the school has seen over the last several years. In her new role, Ms. Lyons looks forward to greeting and partnering with prospective families for all the school’s divisions as she guides them throughout the admissions process. Ms Lyons will also serve as a school liaison for new families who explore or move to the area and benefit from the Bonim community growth incentive. Born and raised in New Rochelle, Allison holds an MSW from Columbia University and an M.A. in Jewish studies from JTS. Ms. Lyons lives in West Orange with her husband Seth and their four daughters.

Miriam Dobin– Morah Miriam is thrilled to be returning to the AABJ&D Nursery School as the Head Teacher for the three year old program and as the Early Childhood Director. She is a licensed teacher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Special Education and has over twenty-five years of classroom experience. Her belief is that early childhood is the foundation for all future learning and feels children should be allowed to learn through their individual strengths and creativity.

Hani Ibrahimian– Morah Hani was born in Israel and was a career officer in the Israeli army specializing in social services. When she came to the United States, she began her second career as a teacher in early childhood education. Her passion is instilling Judaic values and learning in a nurturing, caring and educational environment.

Felice Plaut– Morah Pliya is happy to be joining the AABJ&D nursery school this year! She has a part time practice as an Integrative Health Counselor, practicing holistic nutrition. She enjoys working with children and strive to understand each child with compassion, respect and sense of humor. Her specialty is working with the highly sensitive child and teaching them how to understand their special trait and how to adapt to their surroundings.