Faculty & Staff

Julia Buonagurio joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2018. She teaches Biology, Chemistry, Forensics, Food Science, and Environmental Science, as well as a STEM elective in the high school. She received her B.S. in Biology and Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and has earned a M.A. in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh as well as a M.A. in Nutrition Education from American University. Before Kohelet, Mrs. Buonagurio taught at a Biotechnology high school outside of Washington, D.C., where she was the lead of the Biology team.

Rabbi Horn has been serving as the Dean of Students in Kohelet Yeshiva since 2015. He joined the Kohelet faculty in 2011 as a Gemara and Biology teacher and a Beit Midrash fellow, and assumed the role of Director of Student Activities in 2012. He earned his B.A. in Biology from Yeshiva University and received both semicha and a M.A. in Education from YU. Through the YU Center for the Jewish Future, Rabbi Horn developed and implemented educational programs in many North American communities and taught classes to adults and children in Gemara and Tanach. Before coming to Kohelet he served as the Director for Middle School NCSY in New Jersey and as a rabbinic intern at the Herzlia Adas-Yeshurun Synagogue in Winnipeg, Canada. In addition to his administrative responsibilities at Kohelet, Rabbi Horn continues to teach Gemara.

Before becoming Assistant Principal, Mrs. Twersky served as Kohelet Yeshiva Lab and Middle School’s Director of Operations. Prior to joining Kohelet Yeshiva, she served as the Government Relations Coordinator at SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY, where she oversaw the NYC Loan Certificate Program and NYS Mandated Services, and was the liaison between SAR and the New York City Committee on Special Education. Most recently, Mrs. Twersky was OU Advocacy’s Associate Pennsylvania Regional Director, working with Jewish day schools across Pennsylvania to maximize government funding. Mrs. Twersky graduated from Sy Syms School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University.

As the Associate Principal for Judaic Studies K-8, Rabbi Wilensky focuses on building and implementing our K-8 Limudei Kodesh curriculum, overseeing special Limudei Kodesh programs and events, and ensuring that KYLS and KYMS continue to foster the growth of our children into eager and excited Bnei and Bnot Torah. Before joining Kohelet Yeshiva, Rabbi Wilensky spent nine years as the rabbi of Congregation Sons of Israel in Allentown, PA, where he also taught 7th and 8th grade Limudei Kodesh in the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley. Before moving to Allentown, Rabbi Wilensky taught Limudei Kodesh at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC), and served as the Associate Rabbi of Congregation Ohab Zedek in Manhattan. Known for his warmth, affability and passion for Torah learning and Torah living, Rabbi Wilensky spent two years studying in Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh before attending Yeshiva University where he received semicha from RIETS and a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli. Most recently, Rabbi Wilensky completed a second master’s degree, this time in Special Education from Lehigh University’s College of Education

Carmen has worked in facility management for 25 years. He was the Director of Plant Operations at Eastern University and has overseen facilities management at Saint David Church / Queen of Angels School and Malvern Institute, and he therefore has a deep understanding of the rhythm and needs of schools and faith-based organizations.

Bio coming soon.

Rachel Cohen is a highly experienced financial professional with a diverse background in finance. Having led finance roles at SodaStream International Ltd, KPMG, and Edgify Ltd., Mrs. Cohen brings a great deal of finance experience and human relations expertise to Kohelet. Mrs. Cohen holds an Executive MBA in financial management for accountants from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a BA in Accounting and Information Systems. As a CPA, Mrs. Cohen brings a wealth of experience in financial operations, reporting, budget planning, and cash management. Recently relocated from Israel, Mrs. Cohen has joined the Lower Merion Jewish community with her family.

Jennifer Groen is a seasoned Jewish communal professional, bringing a great deal of experience and expertise to Kohelet. A graduate of the Day School Leadership Training Institute, Ms. Groen most recently served as the Assistant Head of School for Strategy at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. During the decade she was with Barrack, Ms. Groen was intimately involved in the operational aspects of the school, including strengthening the school’s financial health, significantly increasing enrollment and retention, mobilizing volunteers, managing tuition assistance, and growing institutional advancement. Before her time at Barrack, Ms. Groen worked in the field of Jewish education locally, nationally and in Israel. Ms. Groen earned a Master of Social Work from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Comparative Religions from Muhlenberg College. Currently, Ms. Groen is a Legacy Heritage Fellow and is pursuing her Masters in Jewish Education degree at the Hebrew University.

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Mary Black joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2013. She graduated summa cum laude from St. Joseph’s University with a major in English and minors in Classical Studies and Gender Studies, and went on to receive her Masters of Arts in Writing Studies at St. Joseph’s. She has five years' experience as a literacy mentor, having tutored adults and students in composition and reading comprehension at the St. Joseph’s University Writing Center, the Center for Literacy, and Kenderton Elementary School in Philadelphia. Ms. Black interned for Running Press during graduate school, served as an editor for Progressive Business Publications in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and contributed to multiple university and student publications, including the English Department Newsletter at St. Joseph’s.

Elena Gershman joined Kohelet Yeshiva in the fall of 2007 as the High School office manager. A graduate of Temple University with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Ms. Gershman taught nursery school and ran a family business. She is the proud parent of three sons, all of whom are Kohelet graduates.

Ilana Gordon is the friendly and dedicated Office Manager at Kohelet Yeshiva Lab and Middle Schools. With a background in both Biotechnology and Business Administration, as well as working for four years at the Kohelet Foundation, Ilana brings a unique skill set and experience to her role. As a proud parent of four current Kohelet students, she wholeheartedly identifies with the mission and hashkafa of our school. Ilana is the welcoming face behind the desk and behind the scenes, ensuring that Kohelet's teachers, students, and even the pizza on pizza day are as perfectly organized as can be.

Bio coming soon.

Morah Aviya has a Bachelor of Education (with Excellence) in Elementary Education, with a specialization in Bible and Hebrew Language from the David Yellin Academic College in Jerusalem, Israel. Aviya served in the Israel Defense Forces as a Soldier Teacher, after which she was commissioned as an officer in the Education Corps. She completed her military service with the rank of First Lieutenant. Before joining Kohelet Yeshiva, Morah Aviya taught 1st and 2nd grade at Pisgat Hamadaim Vehaomanuyot in Jerusalem. She brings the spirit of Israel to Kohelet, and helps the students experience the joy of learning, and a connection to Torah.

Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Mr. Berliant holds a degree in Computer Science from Yeshiva University and has years of experience working in education, including as an educational support for judaic and general studies, an informal educator, and a classroom teacher. He has worked in camps, yeshivas, and public schools. Before relocating in 2018 to Cherry Hill, NJ, Mr. Berliant served as the Director of Educational Technology at Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan, where he also taught classes in Math and Computer Skills. Mr. B. strives to foster a safe and healthy environment for students to explore and build critical tech literacy skills. He encourages students to think critically and problem solve, and wants students to gain an awareness and understanding of the technology that touches so many aspects of their lives. He looks forward to a great year together!

Rabbi Avi Berman is passionate about limudei kodesh. He has taught a variety of subjects including Mishnah, Gemara, and Halachah at the Jewish Foundation School of Staten Island. Rabbi Berman received a BA in Judaic Studies from Yeshiva University where he graduated summa cum laude and earned a dual MA/MS in Jewish Studies and Education from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Additionally, Rabbi Berman studied at Yeshivat Hakotel for three years where he was a sho'el u'meishiv, learned in Yeshiva University’s Katz Kollel under the auspices of Rabbi Hershel Schachter where he was awarded the Kupperman Fellowship for promising scholars, and received his semicha from RIETS studying under Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz. Rabbi Berman firmly believes in teaching Torah in a manner that is both real and relevant to the students of today.

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Julia Buonagurio joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2018. She teaches Biology, Chemistry, Forensics, Food Science, and Environmental Science, as well as a STEM elective in the high school. She received her B.S. in Biology and Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and has earned a M.A. in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh as well as a M.A. in Nutrition Education from American University. Before Kohelet, Mrs. Buonagurio taught at a Biotechnology high school outside of Washington, D.C., where she was the lead of the Biology team.

Rebecca Chabrow joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2022 as its Director of College Counseling & Academic Advising. Her more than a decade of experience includes directing the college counseling programs at the American Hebrew Academy (NC), Benjamin Franklin International School (Barcelona), and Linden Hall (PA), as well as serving as Director of Enrollment Management at Gratz College. Ms. Chabrow has visited over 200 colleges, including >40 Hillels/Chabads, and is actively involved in Counselor Advocacy for Jewish University Experience (CAJUE). With CAJUE, she has been working to plan a college counselor tour geared towards Jewish day school counselors and has advocated for better inclusion of Jewish students on college campuses and equity with CollegeBoard testing. She earned her B.A. in Interpersonal Communications at the University of Delaware, M.A. in School Counseling at Montclair State University (NJ), and a Graduate Certificate (with honors) in College Counseling through UCLA Extension.

Rebecca Damsker joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2004. She teaches American History and World History and Advanced Placement Psychology, and she previously coordinated Kohelet’s chesed program. She received her B.A. in History (cum laude) from Wheaton College and earned an Master's in Education from Arcadia University. Before her appointment at Kohelet, Ms. Damsker taught at Cheltenham High School.

Mrs. Davies, a social worker and educator, brings over 15 years of experience in formal and informal Jewish educational settings at the elementary, middle, and high school level. She has served as a school counselor and Judaic Studies teacher at schools in Cherry Hill, NJ, Charleston, SC, and Oakland, CA. Mrs. Davies’s expertise and passion centers around developing a curriculum that integrates Judaic studies and social-emotional learning. She is a sought after educator known for connecting in deep and meaningful ways with her students, young and old. Mrs. Davies, her husband, Rabbi Michael Davies, and their five children moved to Cherry Hill last summer. Mrs. Davies was involved with religious guidance at Kohelet Yeshiva High School for the 2021-2022 school year and is very excited to be joining the Lab and Middle School team! 

Nicholas Ecker is a 2022 graduate of Villanova University, where he earned his MA in Theatre. While at Villanova, he was a stage manager, dramaturg, actor, director, and accompanist. He earned his BA in Interdisciplinary Arts with minors in Music, Theatre, and Communication/Journalism at Shippensburg University in 2016 and was resident music director there for three years from 2015-2017. Upon graduating from Ship, Nic was theatrical director and head of the theater department at his alma mater, Biglerville High School, for four years until 2020 before attending Villanova. Since graduating with his MA, Nic has music directed and accompanied various productions/camps in and around the Philadelphia area, including The Shipley School, The Arden, Villanova University, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, and Wolf PAC. Nic is eager to share his love of music and the arts with everyone at Kohelet and create something magical together.

Hailing from the Yishuv of Bruchin in the Shomron in Israel, Morah Doreen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ariel University, a Masters in Educational Counseling, and a teaching certificate from Bar-Ilan University. Over the years, Morah Doreen has taught Jewish History, Civics, and Hebrew in both elementary and secondary schools. Morah Doreen has also worked as an educational counselor and a CBT therapist. She believes that working with students is a great privilege, and enjoys helping them grow in their learning and personal development.

Bio coming soon.

Rabbi Dovi Friedman received his Smicha from Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdam and is currently completing a Master's in Education through American Public University. Rabbi Friedman has taught subjects in Judaics and Mathematics at Jewish Day Schools in Detroit, Michigan, and Lakewood, New Jersey with students in middle school through high school. Before teaching, he worked as Head of Boy's Programming for Camp Nageela, where he engaged kids from elementary through high school in Jewish programming and education. Rabbi Friedman is from Queens, New York, and currently lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with his family.

Morah Mara was raised in Philadelphia and is a graduate of Akiba Hebrew Academy. Morah Mara earned two bachelor’s degrees from Columbia University and its joint program with JTS. She later continued her Jewish education as a Drisha Arts Fellow and earned a Master’s from Pace University. While living on the Upper West Side in NYC, Morah Mara created a dance program for preschool children called “Wiggling Bookworms” that used movement to teach stories and themes. Before coming to Kohelet, Morah Mara taught in Manhattan Day School’s preschool, and she enjoys integrating her passion for Dance, Art and Judaic Studies with Reading, Writing, Math and Science at KYLS.

Sara Goldfuss was born and raised in Philadelphia. She has her Masters in Early Childhood Education and taught at Germantown Jewish Centre and Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El before becoming an Early Childhood Director at Society Hill Synagogue and then Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel in 2020. There, she cultivated a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum with a focus on inquiry-based learning and exploration through play. She believes that children learn best when they feel safe, confident, motivated, and engaged. She is excited to join the team at Kohelet and get to work with the wonderful community of teachers, administrators, parents, and students!

Morah (Stacey) Nechama is a graduate of Barnard College and the U.S. Yoetzet Halacha Program of Nishmat's Miriam Glaubach Center. In addition to her work at Kohelet, Morah Nechama also gives adult education classes for various organizations in the greater Philadelphia area including Aish Chaim, Lower Merion Synagogue, and Hillel at the University of Pennsylvania. She currently serves as the Yoetzet Halacha for the greater Philadelphia community and the Young Israel/Aish in Las Vegas. She has published reflective essays and articles on chabad.org. You can find her audio classes on YUTorah.org.

Bio coming soon.

Rabbi Gordon received a B.A. in Jewish History from Yeshiva University, a M.A. in Talmud from Bar Ilan University, and semicha from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Before joining Kohelet in 2013, Rabbi Gordon lived in Israel, teaching Tanach, Gemara and Halacha at Yeshivat HaKotel and Midreshet Devora, while studying toward a B.Ed and Israeli Teaching Certificate from Herzog College. He has served in a variety of leadership positions for youth programming in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Rabbi Gordon lives with his wife Ilana and four children in Lower Merion.

Rivkah Gruber earned her degree in Neuroscience from Stern College, where she discovered a passion for science communication. She performed genetic and neuroscience research in several labs before joining The Idea School as a science teacher in 2021. While at The Idea School, she created and taught project-based learning curricula for Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Physics. She collaborated with scientific companies and educational institutions to create real-world educational experiences for her students. She is teaching Biology, Physical Sciences, and Physics at Kohelet, and is excited to continue bridging the learning to real-world application through inquiry, projects, and research with her talented and creative students.

Bio coming soon.

Morah Honig has taught Gemara and Tanach at Kohelet Yeshiva since 2011. After earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Stern College, Morah Honig studied at the prestigious Yeshiva University Graduate Program for Women in Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS) for four years. She also earned a Master’s degree in Medieval Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of YU. She came to Kohelet as an experienced middle and high school teacher, having taught Gemara, Tanach, and Jewish law at Ma’ayanot High School in New Jersey, and the North Shore Hebrew Academy Middle School in Great Neck, NY. She also taught kallah classes in Manhattan, and a women’s Gemara shiur at the Mount Sinai Jewish Center of Washington Heights.

Sara Kalish joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2018. A Licensed Social Worker, Mrs. Kalish earned her B.A. in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College with minors in Child and Family Studies and Education and her M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. Native to the Philadelphia area, she has experience working with students and their families across the city. Mrs. Kalish also teaches Health & Wellness courses for 9th grade girls and boys.

Rachelle Kalkstein joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2013. She has worked in the field of education since 2001, both as a teacher and as a psychology professional. She received her B.A. in Liberal Studies from Thomas Edison State College and received two Master’s Degrees in Special Education and School Psychology from College of New Rochelle and Touro School of Education and Psychology. Mrs. Kalkstein has experience working with students of all ages and over a wide range of levels and subjects in mainstream classrooms and one-on-one settings.

Morah Rachel Katz Passow has been teaching art to young people for over 15 years. She developed and taught the art programs at Torah Academy and Eden Village Camp, and worked all over the Philadelphia area with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and Spiral Q Puppet Theater. Morah Rachel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Tyler School of Art, where she majored in painting and sculpture. She also studied art throughout travels around Europe, Central America, Israel and the U.S. Her personal work includes large scale puppetry and costuming, drawing, painting, printmaking and an endless array of all kinds of fiber arts.

Rabbi Baruch Kampinski comes to us from the Givat Mordechai neighborhood in Jerusalem. He has a bachelor's degree in Education and Oral Torah Instruction and History from the Shannan College and is a graduate of the Kiryat Shmona Yeshiva and rabbinical studies at the Kollel within the yeshiva and later in the Kollel Mada Toratecha. In recent years, Rabbi Baruch has taught at the Eretz HaTzvi Yeshiva in various roles. Rav Baruch is also one of our community Shlichim from Bnei Akiva.

Morah Noa comes from the Givat Mordechai neighborhood in Jerusalem. She holds a bachelor's degree in Ivrit and Tanach Teaching from the Talpiot College and is nearing the completion of a master's degree in Jewish Studies Teaching from a college in Jerusalem. Noa has extensive experience teaching middle and high school students, and in recent years she has taught at the Talia Ulpana in Jerusalem and at the 'Hatemid' High School in Kiryat Shmona. At the Talia Ulpana, Noa was also responsible for the middle school’s social activities. Noa is also one of our community Shlichot from Bnei Akiva.

Paul Knapp joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2023 after moving to the area all the way from Chile. He has worked as a teacher since 2008, both in high school and in undergraduate and graduate schools. He received his B.Sc. and his M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and most recently his B.Ed. in High School Math Education from Universidad San Sebastian, also in Chile. Mr. Knapp has experience teaching math at different levels, but also teaching other STEM classes such as physics, chemistry, engineering and computer science. He also has professional experience as a manager in an important manufacturing company in Chile.

Mrs. Leas is a lifelong Philadelphian who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology with PA certification in Guidance from Temple University. She began her career at Torah Academy of Greater Philadelphia as the Guidance Counselor for the elementary and middle school, and taught Advanced Placement Psychology. After taking time off to raise her 3 children (including Jake ‘20, Joey KYHS ’22, and Aliza KYMS ’21 and KYHS ’25) she served for 8 years as the middle school resource teacher for Politz Hebrew Academy. At Politz, she emphasized executive functioning as an integral component of student success. Her educational philosophy focuses on developing holistic strategies for students to address their educational, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Bio coming soon.

Daniel Morgan teaches World and Jewish History, U.S. History, and Civics courses (all honors). Before coming to Kohelet, Mr. Morgan taught at multiple Philadelphia area charter and public schools before taking a permanent teaching position within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Cardinal O’Hara High School, where he instructed Honors World History and AP U.S. History. He also worked in the business sector for over 12 years in the area of Management Services. Mr. Morgan, who comes from a family of teachers (his mother and father both served as lifelong music teachers), was born in South Philadelphia and raised both there and on Deer Isle, Maine. He received his B.A. in History, with minors in Business Administration and Philosophy, from the University of New Hampshire, and his M.A. in Education (summa cum laude) from Widener University. Mr. Morgan lives with his wife, Dr. Annamarie Christina, a pharmacist, and their daughter in Wallingford, PA.

Morah Jackie grew up in Woodmere, NY, but quickly fell in love with Philadelphia when she moved here in 2010 for graduate school. Morah Jackie received her masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and continued her training in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arcadia University. Morah Jackie has been working as a school social worker for the last ten years. She enjoys working with children and their families to support them with their social, emotional, and academic needs. Morah Jackie has a particular interest in facilitating students’ development and maintenance of core social skills, self-regulation, and executive functioning. During her time as a school social worker, Jackie collaborated with professionals across multiple disciplines to ensure a child’s optimal success inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, she has designed and facilitated school-wide initiatives to promote a kind and inclusive school environment. Morah Jackie is excited to spend time in the classroom and nurture her students’ interests, relationships and learning. Being a part of the Kohelet community as a parent and faculty member is a dream come true.

Mr. Daniel Ostrov holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and History from Tulane University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Glass from Tyler School of Art. Prior to coming to Kohelet, he taught in the Tyler School of Art continuing education program, and worked as an arts coordinator in numerous schools. In his own work, Mr. Ostrov uses glass, wood, metal, ceramics and found objects to shape sculptures that embody the subconscious creation of memory and experience. Mr. Ostrov works for the artist Donald Lipski to create public art installation pieces that are displayed throughout the country.

Morah Chava is originally from Monsey, New York, where she attended ASHAR. After high school she studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum and then New York University, where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Morah Chava worked as a pediatric nurse educator and as a clinical nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at Bellevue Hospital. Before joining the Kohelet Yeshiva staff in 2020, Morah Chava was a head teacher at Gan Chabad Montessori.

Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Mr. Ragosin has been teaching since 2018. He holds a BA in Political Science from Carleton University in Ottawa and a BeD from the University of British Columbia. Before joining Kohelet, Mr. Ragosin taught social studies and Israeli culture at Netivot HaTorah and General Studies at Vancouver Hebrew Academy. Mr. Ragosin  aims to provide creative learning opportunities with the goal of fostering a life-long love of learning in his students. He works to create an environment where students are able to take responsibility for their learning and growth, helping them grow into critical, independent, and conscious thinkers.

Bio coming soon.

Ms. Resnick joined Kohelet Yeshiva as a mathematics teacher in 2020, but has been teaching math since 2002. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science in Education from Haifa University in Israel. Furthermore, she holds a Pennsylvania Teaching Certification for middle and high school. Previously she worked at Ironi Gimel Middle School and High School, Maale Zvia School for 5 years, and Red Lion School for 9 years. Over her years as a teacher, Ms. Resnick has worked with students of all ages and levels.

Originally from Rockville, MD, Morah Hannah holds a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. After graduating from Indiana University, Morah Hannah worked on both the residential and academic teams at the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, NC. She is a graduate of the PELE Fellowship through the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Through this program, she earned her Masters Degree in Constructivist Approaches to Jewish Education. Morah Hannah enjoys guiding students through the learning process and building a warm and welcoming classroom community.

After graduating from Towson University with a degree in Elementary and Special Education, Morah Hannah taught elementary school in the public and private school systems in Baltimore and Philadelphia. She was the lead teacher in the Bright Horizons Jewish preschool, and completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education at West Chester University. Before taking on her current role  as Director of Inclusion, Morah Hannah was the Inclusion Specialist in the KYLS K/1. Rooted in a commitment to inclusion education, and a passion for Judaism, Morah Hannah individualizes curriculum infused with Jewish values in order to promote the success and well being of all students. Morah Hannah loves being a part of a team that fosters imagination, curiosity, creativity and independence as the core of not only academic excellence, but an engaged life.

Morah Hadassah grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, and is proud to still call it her home. She received her Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Temple University, and is currently in her last semester of law school there. Morah Hadassah has worked in many different roles, including as a nursery teacher, a legal intern, and the head of Bnei Akiva of Philadelphia. She is passionate about the intersection of law and education, and is equally happy in the classroom or running extracurricular events. Morah Hadassah cannot wait to start working at Kohelet full-time!

Rabbi Avrumi Schonbrun is originally from Cedarhurst, New York. After High School, he learned in Yeshivat Shaalvim in Israel for two years. Following Yeshiva, he attended YU where he majored in Math. He continued at YU for Semicha at RIETS and then as a Fellow in the Beren Kollel Elyon. Throughout his time in YU, Rabbi Schonbrun was privileged to learn under Rav Rosensweig shlit”a. Rabbi Schonbrun also served as the Campus Rabbi at Stern College for Women for the past three years.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Schur is an educator with extensive teaching experience in high schools and other academic institutions. Before joining Kohelet Yeshiva, he served as head of the Hebrew program at Kosloff Torah Academy. Dr. Schur has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a PhD in Medieval Jewish History from New York University. Over the past 15 years he taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies at New York University, Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schur shares his love for Ivrit with his students, while making the study of the language challenging, inspiring and enjoyable.

Anna Schwartz grew up in Texas and attended Brandeis University where she received her degree in Russian literature. She went on to Daemen College for her master's degree in Special Education. Before coming to Kohelet, she worked in Brooklyn teaching English and American History at Yeshivah Prep High School as well as serving as the college guidance counselor. Furthermore, she has many years of experience teaching 2nd and 3rd grade and has enjoyed teaching many different grades. Anna is excited to be joining the Kohelet team and is looking forward to helping her students develop their skills and grow as readers and writers.

Morah Malkie, a Brooklyn native, received her bachelor's degree at Brooklyn College, after which she went on to obtain her Masters of Education degree from Hunter College with dual certification in General Education and Special Education with an emphasis on learning disabilities. She then taught as a Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) provider, working in private Jewish and Catholic schools with students from kindergarten to seventh grade. After relocating to Pennsylvania in 2016, Morah Malkie worked as a pre-k teacher for the School District of Philadelphia, where she honed her skills as a classroom teacher, striving to provide foundational and school readiness skills with students exhibiting a wide variety of academic and behavioral needs. She is a strong believer in the unique individuality and identity of every student, and loves working  with the talented Kohelet Yeshiva team! 

Originally hailing from Los Angeles, Rabbi Sieger completed two years of intensive study at Yeshivat Har Etzion. He is a graduate of Yeshiva University, where he studied Marketing and Management at the Sy Syms School of Business. While at YU, he studied under Rav Michael Rosensweig, Rabbi Mayer Twersky and Rabbi Daniel Feldman, among others, and received his Semikha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Rabbi Sieger completed his masters degree at the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and was selected as an Azrieli PELE fellow, a program which emphasizes constructivist methods in the classroom. Before joining Kohelet, Rabbi Sieger taught elementary Judaic Studies at Yavneh Academy in Paramus, New Jersey. Rabbi Sieger hopes to create a Limudei Kodesh classroom that encourages students to develop a deep love of Torah and to develop sophisticated critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging environment. 

Dr. Ariella Silver is coming to us from The Shefa School, a school for children with language-based learning disabilities, where she served as the Middle School Psychologist. Prior to working at The Shefa School, Dr. Silver was the Director of the Psychology Training Program at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. While at Mount Sinai, she held faculty appointments as an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry. Dr. Silver's APA pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship focused on gold-standard assessment practices to identify individuals with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. She earned her doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology from Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.

Toba Stern grew up in New Rochelle, NY, and received her bachelor's degree from Cornell University. After graduating college, she relocated to Philadelphia and completed two years of service with Teach for America. She holds an M.S.Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the Kohelet team, she taught at a charter school in West Philadelphia, where she also spearheaded the drama department. She is a dedicated advocate for racial justice and equity in education, and looks forward to bringing her passion to the Kohelet community.

Bio coming soon.

Alicia Sussman joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2010 and serves as the Math Department Chair as well as the Math Learning Specialist. She holds an M.Ed. in secondary math education from St. Joseph’s University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Delaware. At Kohelet, Ms. Sussman teaches all levels of math and provides additional support in mathematics to learners who are struggling. Ms. Sussman previously taught middle and high school students at the Crefeld School for 10 years, where she additionally served as the Head of the Department of Mathematics. She tutors all levels of mathematics, as well as for the ACT and SAT. Ms. Sussman holds certification in the teaching of yoga and has taught pre-schoolers through adults.

Rabbi Daniel Taban has over thirty years of experience in Jewish education. Early in his career, he served as a full-time rebbe at Yeshiva Elementary School of Miami and at Torat Hayim Hebrew Academy of Los Angeles. At the latter, he was soon promoted to Principal, a position he served in for over 25 years. A musmach of the Talmudic University of Florida, Rabbi Taban has a particular interest in empowering the students whom others may overlook. He has taken many continuing-education courses, including, most recently, an intensive multi-sensory course in teaching kriah and ketivah. Rabbi Taban and his family live in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Orna Torgeman was born and raised in Haifa, Israel. As a teenager, she served her country in the Sherut Leumi program by teaching sixth grade at a public school and working with a program to rehabilitate juvenile offenders and at-risk youth. She also wrote and produced shows for hospitalized children. Ms. Torgeman graduated from Haifa University with a B.A. in Jewish History and Jewish Philosophy and a teaching certificate. She went on to serve as coordinator of the university’s Jewish Philosophy Department and as an organizer of many international conferences for the university. She began her teaching career in the Philadelphia area at the Solomon Schechter Day School, and in the year 2000, she joined the Kohelet Yeshiva faculty.

Rebecca Vegh joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2023. A Licensed Social Worker, Mrs. Vegh earned her B.A. in Psychology from Yeshiva University and her M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, with an added certificate in Jewish Communal Service from Gratz College. Mrs. Vegh has experience working in other schools across the Philadelphia area and served as an intern in Kohelet Yeshiva while in her graduate school program. She is excited to be back at Kohelet and looks forward to working with our high school students! 

Dr. Watts holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, an M.A. in English from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in English from Bryn Mawr College. She holds certification from the State Board of Private Academic Schools to teach secondary-level English. She has taught English at Torah Academy and previously served as an assistant professor at La Salle University. Dr. Watts is an expert on the 20th century American Jewish writer Bernard Malamud and has published widely on his work. Her articles appear in a variety of journals, books and reference works, including Holocaust Literature (edited by S. Lillian Kremer), The Torah U-Madda Journal, >thelehrhaus.com, Modern Jewish Studies, and Studies in American Jewish Literature. She also served as the bibliographer of the Bernard Malamud Society from 1994 to 2009, and, with Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky, won the inaugural Kohelet Prize for Interdisciplinary Studies in 2017.

Diane Weintraub joined the Kohelet Yeshiva faculty in 2004. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, where she graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Following graduate training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in immunology, she taught at the high school and community college level in Baltimore. She received a Masters of Science in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum from Drexel University in the spring of 2015. Mrs. Weintraub holds Pennsylvania state certification in both secondary chemistry and biology education and was recognized by the state as highly qualified in both subjects. Taking up the role of STEM coordinator at Kohelet Yeshiva in 2015, she helped shape the STEM initiative and is responsible for administering all STEM programing in our high school.

After attending Barnard College in New York City and receiving a master’s degree in Ancient Judaism at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Morah Ruth completed a year of service as an AmeriCorps member in Brooklyn, NY. After that, she began her teaching career at the Rodeph Sholom School and  earned a master's degree in Jewish Education from the WIlliam Davidson School of Jewish Education. Subsequently, she taught for four years at the Shefa School, a Jewish day school for students with language-based learning disabilities.

Rav Yaakov, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, has Semikha from RIETS, a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education and Administration from Azrieli, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Creighton University. Before joining KYLS in 2016, Rav Yaakov served as an Educator, Pastoral Services Coordinator, and Mashgiach Ruchani in Omaha, Nebraska. In those positions, he developed and promoted educational and social programs for youth and adults, implemented curricula for supplemental Jewish learning, and oversaw a wide range of services in the Jewish community from kashrut to conversions to pastoral care.  Known for his sincere and compassionate nature, Rav Yaakov is passionate about Jewish education and experiences. Rav Yaakov believes that it is vital for children to enjoy their learning, and make connections to the material, their peers and their teachers.

Brian Whitley joined Kohelet Yeshiva in 2025 and teaches Geometry, Precalculus, and Calculus as a member of the mathematics department.  Prior to joining Kohelet, he taught within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Archbishop John Carroll High School and in the New Jersey public school system at Nottingham High School in Hamilton Township.  Before teaching, he worked for a number of years as a data analyst in the private sector for multiple advisory and management companies.  Between working as a data analyst and becoming a math teacher, he worked for a year as an English Language Assistant in Madrid, Spain.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a focus in actuarial science from Stockton University.  Originally from the Jersey shore, he now resides in the Spruce Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife and their daughter.

A Philadelphia native and graduate of Akiba Hebrew Academy, Morah Aria brings many years of teaching experience to our 2nd and 3rd grade. She is a master teacher who taught 3rd grade General Studies at Kellman Brown Academy for 10 years. Morah Aria has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Temple University, a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies, and a Certificate in Jewish Education from Gratz College. Morah Aria believes in giving her students many opportunities to shine, grow and succeed. Morah Aria is thrilled to be part of a team that helps students grow in their curiosity, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Morah Rachelle is originally from Cedarhurst, New York. Morah Rachelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Stern College and has been working in early childhood education for the last decade. Morah Rachelle has an inquiry based, interactive approach to education, and he allows the questions of her students to lead her instruction. She believes that sparking a love of learning in young students creates lifelong learners. Morah Rachelle believes in educating every part of a child’s mind and often incorporates the arts into her lessons. Rachelle has been incorporating a social-emotional curriculum as well to help create a safe, warm and inviting classroom community.