MTA’s opening week was full of energy, as everyone was eager to begin a year of learning and growth. The excitement actually began the prior week, as faculty arrived for opening meetings and an opportunity to learn together. It was particularly thrilling to welcome so many new faculty members who are a fantastic addition to the yeshiva.
Heather Benjamin joins the MTA team as the history department chair. Benjamin comes to MTA from Ma’ayanot, where she’s been a member of the faculty since 2017, teaching history, government and introduction to sociology. Prior to that, she taught history at Heichal HaTorah after 17 years teaching social studies at RYNJ. Benjamin also served as an adjunct lecturer and associate professor of sociology at Drew University. She earned a bachelor’s in history from Rutgers University, graduating summa cum laude, and earned a master’s in sociology from NYU, where she completed her PhD comprehensive exams in American law and family.
Rabbi Benyamin Bortz joins MTA’s faculty as a Tanach rebbe. Rabbi Bortz holds a degree in psychology from Yeshiva University and is currently pursuing semicha at RIETS. He is currently in the final year of a master;s in Social Work program at Wurzweiler. Rabbi Bortz has a wide range of educational experience, including serving as a chinuch rebbe at Camp Kaylie, directing an NCSY TJJ bus and working in MTA as a guidance counselor intern.
Melanie Gordon-Felsman has spent 20 years as a marketing and communications executive for a variety of software and IT service companies. As a PR practitioner, Felsman represented some of Wall Street’s top executives and even helped develop a show for CNBC. Working in not-for-profits and education is a passion that Felsman looks forward to bringing to MTA every day as she builds on the success of the business and entrepreneurship portion of MTA’s unique areas of concentration electives program. Felsman is currently co-authoring a book on communications for branding purposes to help companies understand language, social media, speaking and blending of idioms based on the specific medium being used.
Shayna Haberman is an accomplished science educator who will be joining a strong MTA science department. She graduated with a bachelor’s in mathematics and statistics from the University of Connecticut. Following her undergraduate degree, she earned a research M.Sc. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Tel Aviv University. During her master’s, Haberman researched the structure-based design of drugs targeting the M2 channel of the influenza virus. Haberman joins MTA after teaching science at York Preparatory School in New York.
MTA is excited to welcome Rabbi Zvi Kaminetzky, brother of fellow MTA rebbe, Rabbi Shai Kaminetzky. Rabbi Zvi Kaminetzky spent three years learning at KBY followed by Yeshiva University where he majored in political science, was a member of the Masmidim honors program and is now a member of the YU Kollel Elyon. Rabbi Kaminetzky spent a number of summers as a madrich on NCSY Kollel, and served as a night seder rebbe in the Heichal HaTorah beis medrash. Rabbi Kaminetzky comes to MTA most recently from the Gruss Kollel, where he also served as a va’ad rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga.
Another exciting addition to the areas of concentration program is Leah Korach, a teacher of graphic design. Korach graduated from Stern College with a BFA in graphic design and studio arts. She later received her MFA in design and technology from Parsons School of Design at The New School. With a decade-long tenure in design and art trading, Korach’s work leverages art and design skills in commercial settings.
Finally, MTA welcomes Rabbi Jed Zaslow who spent two and a half years in Eretz Yisroel learning at Yeshivat Hakotel followed by Yeshiva University where he majored in psychology, received semicha and is currently pursuing a master’s in education at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. Rabbi Zaslow brings a strong background in NCSY, as well as service as the rabbinic intern at Congregation Ahavas Achim in Highland Park. He is now beginning his second year of the Beren Kollel Elyon.
