(Courtesy of Heichal HaTorah) Heichal HaTorah is gearing up for what promises to be a great year ahead. The yeshiva is privileged to welcome several new hires to its stellar team.
Heichal is delighted to welcome Rabbi Chaim Siff as a ninth grade rebbe and assistant to the menahel. Rabbi Siff’s illustrious journey as a ben Torah took root during his rigorous studies at the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, Mir Yeshiva and BMG in Lakewood. These efforts culminated in his receipt of semicha from Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. In addition, Rabbi Siff holds a master’s degree in private school leadership and organization from Columbia University. With years of dedicated service as a Gemara rebbe at HAFTR and an administrative role at Mesivta Chaim Shlomo of Yeshivas Darchei Torah, Rabbi Siff brings to the institution not only an immense reservoir of Torah knowledge but also a rich tapestry of educational experience. Above all, his profound commitment to nurturing student growth makes him a valuable addition to the Heichal community.
Rabbi Dr. Joshua Strulowitz joins Heichal as the director of faculty advancements. Dr. Strulowitz has been in Jewish education for more than two decades. For the past eight years, he served as a Judaic studies and history teacher at Central, where he also served as department chair for the Torah SheBaal Peh department. He was a shul rabbi for 11 years in San Francisco, California, and the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He received his doctorate in educational leadership and innovation from the Azrieli School of Jewish Education in 2022 and his master’s in medieval Jewish history from Revel in 2016. He also won the Wexner Prize for Excellence in Jewish Education in 2019. He brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, educational pedagogy and maximizing the educational experience for each student.
Heichal welcomes Dr. Seth Taylor as the academic dean of students. Dr. Taylor is an esteemed historian who began his academic journey with a bachelor’s in History from CUNY and later earned a Ph.D. in German History from New York University. Since 1988, he has been a beloved history teacher at MTA, Yeshiva University’s High School for Boys, also serving for over two decades as the general studies principal. With a passion for instilling deep intellectual engagement, he consistently challenges his students to approach history with a discerning and analytical mindset.
Rabbi Ezra Wisotsky joins Heichal as a student life administrator under Rabbi Avi Epstein. Originating from Passaic, Rabbi Wisotsky studied at Yeshivas Yishrei Lev and then Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, under the mentorship of Rav Ezra Neuberger and Rav Tzvi Berkowitz. Currently continuing his own learning at Kollel Beis Yisroel in Chestnut Ridge, Rabbi Wisotsky is renowned for his dynamic personality and ability to connect with boys of all ages in the Passaic/Clifton community. As the head counselor of Camp Eeshay and founder of Duoz Sports, Rabbi Wisotsky stands out as one of the young leaders in our community, crafting fun and engaging programming for high school boys. He and his wife reside in Monsey, where he will be leading Friday night tishim for the Heichal talmidim.
Heichal is pleased to announce the newest addition to the Tikvah program: Rabbi Alec Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein is the managing director of the Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education and founder of Kodesh Press. He received a bachelor’s in French Language and Literature from Yeshiva University and rabbinic ordination from RIETS. He has worked in rabbinical and educational capacities for the Manhattan Jewish Experience, Congregation Shearith Israel, Mount Kisco Hebrew Congregation and Yorkville Synagogue. He is the author of “A Theology of Holiness, Maimonides on the Book of Exodus,” and is a co-editor of” Strauss, Spinoza & Sinai: Orthodox Judaism and Modern Questions of Faith.” His articles have appeared in Jewish Press, Hakirah, First Things and elsewhere. He is joining Heichal as a teacher for Tikvah and will be teaching history and English.
Rabbi Yaakov Mintz will be joining the Heichal HaTorah academic support team with a focus on guiding personalized learning programs. Rabbi Mintz, a proud Heichal parent, has been in Jewish education for two decades, teaching and holding leadership positions in both general and Judaic studies, most recently at Kushner. With a focus on alternative education, Rabbi Mintz specializes in creating unique educational plans tailored to the needs of the individual child. He supports students in pursuing their passions and reaching their potential.
