Batya and Nachman Paul have been at the heart of Yeshivat Frisch’s operations for 12 years, since their eldest daughter Debra entered the yeshiva as a freshman in 2011. Frisch has benefited from their dedication to the Frisch Family ever since. Nachman has served on several committees, joined the Board of Trustees and eventually served as Vice President, then President from 2018-2021. Batya served a five-year term as President of the Frisch Parents Association (FPA). Many incredible, essential Frisch programs began during her tenure, such as the Tour Program and the annual Purim concert and Chagigah. In addition, Batya has chaired the Annual Dinner for the past five years.
The Pauls’ involvement with Frisch has reflected their professional talents and extraordinary commitment to the broader community. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nachman attended Torah Academy and the Ner Yisrael High School. He then studied for a year at Yeshivat Sha’alvim in Israel, later graduating from Yeshiva University and Cardozo School of Law. Today, he is Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lazard’s Asset Management business and a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership Team and Strategic Growth Group. He serves as President and Director of The Lazard Funds, Inc. and is a member of other key firm-level committees. He is a member of the New York and New Jersey State Bars. Nachman began working in the investment field in 2000, upon joining Lazard. Previously, Nathan was an associate with Schulte Roth and Zabel LLP working in their investment management practice. Nachman has served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of Yeshivat Noam, Gabbai at Congregation Beth Abraham, and Yamim Noraim Gabbai at Congregation Keter Torah, where the Pauls have been members for the past 16 years. After a decade of involvement in the American Friends of Migdal Ohr, he currently serves as their President.
Batya was born in Liberty, NY and spent part of her upbringing in Monsey. She attended Bat Torah Academy, Bnot Torah Institute in Israel and graduated from Stern College for Women with a BA in Political Science, with a minor in Business. She worked for three years as the Executive Director of New Jersey NCSY, and has spent the last 26 years as a full time volunteer with organizations that have become part of the backbone of Bergen County’s Jewish community. She was part of the original steering committee and founding Board of Directors at Yeshivat Noam and remained actively involved until all of the Paul children graduated. Batya has also been actively involved in Sharsheret, a national Breast Cancer organization since its inception, and currently serves as Treasurer. She also is an integral part of the leadership team that launched Yeshivat Shalshelet, the first Orthodox yeshiva elementary school educating students with language based learning disabilities, which began operations this past September. Batya currently serves as Shalshelet’s Executive Vice President.
Batya and Nachman met in 1991 while working for NCSY and were friends for several years before dating and getting married in 1994. They have lived in Teaneck and Bergenfield for the past 28+ years. All of the Paul children have attended or currently attend Frisch: Debra ‘15 (married to fellow Frisch alum Tal Singer ‘15), Steven ‘18, Jonathan ‘23 and Sophia ‘25.
“We got involved because we believe strongly in giving our time and resources to the schools our children attend,” explain Batya and Nachman. “Our favorite part of Frisch is the connection between the students and faculty. The open door policy which allows students to build meaningful relationships with their rebbeim and teachers is unparalleled. When we think of Frisch, we feel warmth, love and meaningful connections. Our family is very intertwined with our yeshiva and we feel at home when we walk through the doors.”