Dr. Michal Agus Fox graduated with a BA in Psychology from Barnard College and a MA in Special Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Dr. Fox has her doctorate in School-Clinical-Child Psychology from Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Dr. Fox has worked as the School Psychologist over the past 21 years in other Jewish Day schools including Ramaz and Manhattan Day School. Dr. Fox is married to Dr. Natie Fox and is the proud mother of four Frisch graduates.
x240Ahrona Indyk Amar, a proud Frisch alumnus, teaches in the Learning Center. After completing her undergraduate work at Cornell, Mrs. Amar earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at NYU. As an Academic Advisor at NYU, Mrs. Amar created a formal academic support program for student athletes. With a lifelong passion for swimming, Mrs. Amar also coaches the Girls’ Swim team at Frisch.
x359Mrs. Auman, Frisch Class of 2007, graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program at Stern College and earned a BA in Studio Arts with a minor in Art History. Since then, she has been working as a graphic designer and began working at Frisch in 2014.
x245Mrs. Inbal Barlev is a member of Frisch’s Hebrew department. She has a B.ED from Levinsky College of Edu. in Tel Aviv. She is certified in the Neta, Chaverim B’Ivrit and Tal-Am Hebrew teaching programs. Prior to Frisch, Mrs. Barlev taught at Heschel, MDS and Haftr.
x347Jessica Bartel, a 2002 graduate of Yeshivat Frisch, is an educator in the Learning Center. After graduating magna cum laude from Barnard College, Jessica received a dual master’s degree in General and Special Education. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Jessica is passionate about guiding her students to be thinkers. Most recently, Jessica taught at SAR Academy where she helped develop curriculum for inquiry-based units, lead Professional Development sessions, and presented at a conference for Paradigm Project.
x234Rabbi Michael Bashist is the Director of the Judaic Studies Learning Center, as well as a teacher of Talmud and Tanakh. He serves as a Grade Dean for the senior class and is a member of Frisch’s Israel guidance department. Rabbi Bashist holds a B.A. in Psychology, an MS in Special Education and Rabbinic ordination from RIETS. He has held rabbinic positions in the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, as well as Young Israel of Monsey/Wesley Hills.
x312Dr. Anne Berkman earned a BA in English from Russell Sage College, an MA in English Philology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in English Education from Columbia University. She taught on the university level before coming to Frisch. This is the beginning of her golden anniversary of teaching.
x307Mrs. Sabrina Bernath is Chair of Frisch’s Math department. She has a B.A. in Mathematics from Boston University and an M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from New York University. She is currently a graduate student in the AIP/Dragonfly Program at Miami University pursuing a second masters in Teaching Biological Sciences. Mrs. Bernath’s areas of interest include: educational technology, math accessibility for all, and teacher training.
x302Mrs. Rachel Besser is the Chair of Frisch’s Nach department and is a member of the Israel Guidance department. Mrs. Besser has a BA from Stern College, an MA from Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Hunter College. She has edited a number of books and also lectured throughout the tristate area on issues of Bible and Jewish thought.
x266Mr. Steve Bill is Director of Music at Frisch. He teaches the music specialty within Frisch’s Arts Track and is the faculty advisor for Frisch’s various music clubs. Mr. Bill is a recording and performing guitarist who was voted the most recorded guitar player by the New York Recording Musicians Society for his work on hundreds of jingles, television shows and movies. He has been a featured performer at Windows on the World, as well as assistant musical director. Mr. Bill currently serves as musical director for many special events at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Town Hall. Besides being the leader of The Sound Choice, he also runs Room 368 Productions, one of the largest contemporary ethnic music, and film music production and distribution companies.
x378Dr. Jennifer Blanck is a member of Frisch’s Science department, teaching biology and chemistry. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience from Colgate University and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, after which she completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Columbia University. She was named a finalist for the 2019 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year Award by the New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJCAPE) and was selected for a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award in 2023.
x372Mrs. Sandy Blanke has a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Columbia University, Teachers College, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. She began her teaching career at Pearl River High School in Rockland County, NY, teaching various levels of mathematics in grades 8 through 12, including many honors and regents courses, in addition to C++ programming and Italian. She eventually took a break from the classroom to focus on raising her three children, Elena, Ava, and Jesse, She returned to teaching at the Academies at the Gerrard Berman Day School in Oakland, NJ, gaining much experience in a wide range of learning styles and grade levels. Mrs. Blanke has over ten years of teaching experience and is very excited to be back in a high school setting, sharing her love of math with the students at Frisch, and to have the opportunity to bring real word connections to the study of mathematics. Ms. Blanke was raised in Italy and is fluent in Italian.
x399Rabbi Blau teaches Gemara and Navi, and overseas Frisch’s Be’er Shavua and Torah Journal publications. He is the author of “Medieval Commentary in the Modern Era: The Enduring Value of Classical Parshanut,” and his articles have been published in periodicals such as Tradition, Ten Daat and the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society. He has a BA from Yeshiva University and MA degrees from both the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and the Azrieli School of Education. He received his semicha from RIETS. Rabbi Blau has also taught in the Maimonides School in Boston, Maayanot and TABC.
x345Ms. Lauren Burstein, Frisch class of 2007, is a member of the English department, as well as the faculty adviser for both Kalliope and Envision Shakespeare. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Stern College for Women and an M.A. in English Composition and Rhetoric from Lehman College. She has previously presented papers and conducted interactive workshops at various writing center conferences.
x309Rabbi Asher Bush is a member of Frisch’s Talmud, Tanakh, Halacha and Jewish History faculty, in addition to serving as the Rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisrael of Wesley Hills. He is the author of Responsa Sho’el B’Shlomo and many dozens of scholarly articles, as well as a regular contributor of Halacha articles to Jewish blogs. In the classroom, Rabbi Bush brings these interests together demonstrating the real-life application and relevance of Jewish law.
Profile of Academic Work:
Mr. Jerry Caraccioli will be teaching the Sports Management and Business Analytics track. Mr. Caraccioli most recently served as Executive Director, Communications, CBS Sports, where he worked in the Communications Department for 25 years promoting CBS’s broadcasts of some of the biggest sporting events in the world including the Winter Olympics, NFL, multiple Super Bowls, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and Final Fours, the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open Tennis Championships. He also worked for CBS News during the 2004 Presidential Election. Prior to that, Mr. Caraccioli was the Media Director for Major League Baseball International and the Australian Baseball League in Sydney, Australia. He and his identical twin brother, Tom, have co-authored two books: BOYCOTT: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games (New Chapter Press, 2008) and Striking Silver: The Untold Story of America’s Forgotten Hockey Team (Sports Publishing, LLC 2006).
Ms. Emma Carrol earned a Masters in Jewish Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a Bachelors in History/Social Studies education from the State University of New York at Cortland. She also has a certification to teach English as a Second Language, and spent a year teaching English in Rishon LeZion, Israel. She has had articles published at Aish focusing on little known stories in Jewish history.
Rabbi Eli Ciner oversees every aspect of The Frisch School. He strives to create a learning environment which challenges each student to achieve intellectual independence and curiosity, a love for, and deep commitment to religion, an appreciation for the unique talents of each member of the Frisch community, all while gaining the confidence to discover an individual voice and personal passions. Rabbi Ciner is currently pursuing a doctorate in History of Education and Jewish Studies from New York University, where he has delivered papers on Multiple Intelligences in Teaching Talmud and Adolescent Development. He holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Education and Semikha from Yeshiva University and spent two years learning at Yeshivat Shaalvim.
x203Mr. Aron Coren is Frisch’s Athletic Director. He earned his BA in psychology from Touro College, after which he worked in real estate management. He now oversees Frisch’s 26 teams and 37 coaches.
x311Dr. Djuric is a member of Frisch’s Science departments, teaching physics. She received her B. S. in Physics in 2000 from the University of Belgrade in Belgrade, Serbia and her Ph.D. in 2005 from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ where she also conducted Postdoctoral Research for several years. Prior to coming to the Frisch School, she taught physics at Stevens Institute of Technology, Passaic County Community College, and Bloomfield College. In addition to teaching, she participated in numerous research projects on electronic transport in semiconductor devices and quantum optics.
x314Ms. Danielle Druck graduated from Binghamton University where she received B.A. degrees in both English and Judaic Studies. She spent the first portion of her career in the Beauty Marketing industry, but after leaving the corporate world has devoted her time to studying and teaching Torah. She regularly gives Shiurim and lectures throughout the Tri-State area, and also teaches a weekly Nach class at the East Hill Synagogue in Englewood, New Jersey.
x415Mr. Douglas Dunton is a member of Frisch’s English department. He holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Montclair State College and a Post-BA Teacher Certification for NJ. His areas of interest include: American Literature (by profession); Fantasy & Science Fiction (by long-time readership, interest, and study).
x321Mr. Elli Eisenman joined Frisch in December 2023 as the Assistant Director of Finance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Touro College and a Master of Science in Taxation from Fordham University Graduate School. Additionally, he is a licensed CPA.
Dr. Avigayil Elkin is very excited to be joining the Frisch faculty as co-instructor of the tenth grade Medical Science specialty track. Dr. Elkin graduated from Columbia University, where she completed a pre-medical concentration in music history and theory. She attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and went on to complete her Pediatric residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in 2004. Since then she has been an attending physician in private practice in Bergen County and is on staff at three local hospitals. She is the proud mom of two Frisch graduates and three current Frisch students (who will hopefully say hi to her when they pass her in the hallway). Dr. Elkin is thrilled to work with our students as they continue their journey in medical education.
x321Ms. Shira Fass is a member of Frisch’s Math department. She holds a B.A. in Physics from Barnard College and an M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University. She has been teaching middle and high school math for over fifteen years.
x375Dr. Meryl Feldblum, Frisch Class of 2000, is Chair of the English department. She earned a BA in English Literature and Creative writing from Stern College, an MS in Secondary English Education from Lehman College, and an EdD from Northeastern University. Dr. Feldblum is also a graduate of New York Teaching Fellows and a recipient of the Americorps Education Award.
x331Rabbi Jonathan Feldman, Frisch Class of1993, is a member of Frisch’s Talmud department. He studied at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh in Israel and obtained his BA in Philosophy from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Feldman has rabbinic ordination from RIETS and an M.S in Secondary Education from Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education.
x324Dr. Yaelle Frohlich is a member of Frisch’s History department and also serves as the school’s Communications Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in English Communications from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women, an M.A. in Modern Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and a Ph.D. from New York University in History and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Her doctoral research focused on European and American Jewish perceptions of the Land of Israel during the mid-nineteenth century. Before coming to Frisch, she worked as a teaching and course assistant at NYU, and as a writer for YU’s Communications department and the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought. In December 2016, Dr. Frohlich competed as a Canadian semi-finalist in the International Adult Bible Competition (Chidon HaTanach HaOlami) in Jerusalem.
x305Dr. Mindy Furman is Chair of Frisch’s Science department, teaching Bio and BioLab. She has a BS from the University of Maryland, an MAT in Biological Sciences from Montclair State University an M.S (Department of Microbiology and Immunology) from New York Medical College and a Ph.D (Department of Microbiology and Immunology) from New York Medical College. She has been an adjunct professor and a research fellow at New York Medical College and is a member of Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Teacher of Merit, Intel Science Search, New Jersey Science Teachers Association, National Biology Teachers Association and the New York Academy of Sciences. She is most excited about the research program at Frisch (partnered with Rutgers University) in the Waksman Student Scholar program, in which the students are doing research in molecular biology.
x230Rabbi Noah Gardenswartz is the Rosh Kollel of the Yeshivat Frisch YU Kollel, and a member of the Talmud faculty. He studied for four years at Yeshivat Har Etzion under the tutelage of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, including one year as a fellow in the Kollel Gavoha and teacher in the yeshiva’s program for American students. At Yeshiva University he studied in the shiur of Rav Michael Rosensweig while earning a BA in philosophy, graduating from Yeshiva College in 2008. He then earned his semikhah from RIETS as a member of the Wexner Semikhah Honors Program, before serving as a fellow in the RIETS Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon from 2011-2015. He was editor of the sixteenth volume of the Kol Tzvi – the Wexner Kollel Elyon’s journal of talmudic studies – and has authored several articles in a variety of publications. Rabbi Gardenswa
Ms. Esther Genuth is a member of the College Guidance department. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women and an M.S.W from the Hunter College School of Social Work, with a concentration in Group Work. She previously served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Yeshiva University where she coordinated the Honors Programs admissions process and traveled around the country to meet with high school students and administrators.
x287Dr. Gerhardt has bachelor’s degrees in both Mathematics and Economics from MIT as well as his master’s and doctoral degrees in Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. Prior to joining the Frisch faculty, Dr. Gerhardt served for 15 years in the Mathematics Department at Manhattan College (now University) in Riverdale, NY, teaching all levels and topics among the undergraduate and graduate curricula. One of Dr. Gerhardt’s proudest achievements from this time was the creation of a “math in the real world” course that allowed students to use data analytics while doing consulting work for real-world clients. Dr. Gerhardt is excited to be joining the Frisch community and to be helping bring a lifelong love of mathematics to a new audience.
Mr. Ed Gerstley is the Director of Finance at Frisch. He obtained a BA in Political Science from Lehman College of the City University of New York; CPA (Inactive). He worked as Vice President-Finance and Administration at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc, as Controller at Facelifters Home Systems, Inc., Brooklyn, NY, as Controller at Cosmopolitan Decorating, Inc., New York City and as Controller at Nussbaum Sales Corp., Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. He is currently in his thirteenth year as Director of Finance at The Frisch School, Paramus, New Jersey. During his tenure, The Frisch School acquired the property at 120 W. Century Road and issued two series of bonds through which the acquisition, construction and renovation costs were financed.
x206Marina Gimpelev holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Pace University, and PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from Columbia University. Her research at Columbia University focused on protein structure prediction and resulted in several publications in peer reviewed journals. She comes to Frisch after working as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University and Dominican College. She authored several online educational tools for Pearson Education, Inc. and is a member of American Chemical Society.
x354Rabbi David Goldfischer coordinates Frisch’s new advisory program which ensures that every student has a weekly meeting with a faculty member whose focus is to look after the student’s wellbeing and advocate for his/her needs. Having previously served as the Director of Student Activities and Senior Grade Dean at Frisch, Rabbi Goldfischer also oversees all educational programming that takes place during the course of the school year. A graduate of Frisch, Rabbi Goldfischer continued his studies for two years in Israel at Yeshivat Har Etzion. He then received his B.A. in English Literature while simultaneously earning Semikha from Yeshiva University. He is currently finishing an M.A. in Modern Jewish History at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, with a chief interest in nineteenth century Hasidic communities in Eastern Europe and their relationship with secularization. Rabbi Goldfischer served as rabbinic intern and then community scholar for four years at Congregation Ahavath Torah, in Englewood.
x237Mrs. Yael Goldfischer is the Chair of Frisch’s Humash department, as well as the Director of the Israel Guidance department for women. Mrs. Goldfischer has a dual Master’s degree from Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University in Medieval Jewish History and in Bible. She lectures regularly in various communities and at Midreshet Yom Rishon. Mrs. Goldfischer and her husband, Rabbi David Goldfischer, Assistant Principal, enjoy having their students over at their house throughout the year.
x308Ms. Lauren Goldstein is Director of Special Services at Frisch and also serves as a guidance counselor. A graduate of Barnard College, Ms. Goldstein holds a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and is a Psy.D. doctoral candidate in their clinical program. She completed an internship in both clinical psychology and neuropsychology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Ms. Goldstein has extensive experience in individual and group psychotherapy and counseling with adolescents and adults and has a comprehensive background and training in psychological testing and evaluation.
x211Mr. Josh Gombo is a College Guidance Counselor at Frisch. He attended Rutgers University where he received his BA and then continued on to earn his MS at Baruch College. He has experience working within multiple collegiate admissions offices and has spent the last 4 years as a college counselor at the Yeshivah of Flatbush. He is an active member of CAJUE (Counselor Advocacy for the Jewish University Experience) and NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counseling). He has also visited and spent time at many colleges and universities and enjoys constantly exploring new options for Jewish students to consider.
x246Marissa Guijarro (College Guidance) holds a B.A. with a concentration in Government from Harvard, a M.S. Ed in counseling from Fordham, and an Administrative Certificate in school district administration from Long Island University. She previously worked for 25 years as a high school counselor in Rockland and Westchester and has helped thousands of students throughout the college process. For over a decade, she has been a member of the Long Island University faculty in the graduate counseling program. Throughout her career, Marissa has presented on topics related to college admissions at the local and national level. As a volunteer, she is a member of several professional and civic associations, and recently served as President of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling.
x289Mrs. Ruth Himelstein received both her B.A. in Biology, and Master’s in Education with a specialization in Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduate school, she worked at the Solomon Schechter High School in Manhattan, while simultaneously earning an Advanced Master’s in Education at Columbia Teachers College. During that time, Mrs. Himelstein was the recipient of the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for New York State from the National Association of Biology Teachers. she also spent ten years teaching Biology at The Abraham Joshua Heschel School in addition to developing and running their Science Research program.
x381Rabbi Tyler Hod is a member of Frisch’s Talmud department. Born and raised in Teaneck, Rabbi Hod is eager to return to his alma mater, Yeshivat Frisch. He is finishing up his last year of RIETS Semicha at Yeshiva University. He is also on the verge of completing his MS in Jewish Education at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education & Administration.
x270Mrs. Freidi Hyman teaches Physical Education and leads the Zumba class at Frisch. She is New York State Certified for teaching students with disabilities and childhood education. Ms. Hyman earned her BA from Touro College, Summa Cum Lude, and her Masters degree in Special Education and Jewish Education from Touro College Graduate School of Education. She has certification as a personal trainer from World Instructor Training School, and has been certified as a pilates, aerobics and Zumba instructor and taught at a variety of fitness centers.
x348Mr. Mark Infield, Frisch class of 1979, is a New Jersey Department of Health certified EMT Instructor and an AHA certified CPR Instructor. He works closely with the School Nurse and teaches the EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) senior elective. In addition, he teaches EMT and CPR at the Bergen County EMS Training Center in Paramus. He is currently a Life Member of the Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps and riding with the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Bergen County EMS Special Operations Group. Mr. Infield is also a professional musician who performs at many Frisch programs, and holds a BS in Music Education from William Paterson College. He has been teaching at Frisch for 40 years.
x226Rabbi Andrew Israeli is in his second year of teaching in Frisch. He graduated from Yeshiva College in 2013 with a degree in Psychology. In 2015, Andrew completed his masters degree from the Azrieli School of Jewish education and administration. He spent two years learning in the Gruss Kollel on the Yeshiva University campus in Jerusalem while working at Yeshivat Torat Shraga. Rabbi Israeli completed his smicha from RIETS in 2016. During the summers, Rabbi Israeli serves as the head madrich and director of recruitment on the NCSY Kollel.
x379Rabbi Gedaliah Jaffe is a member of Frisch’s Talmud and Tanakh departments. He has been the Rabbi of Congregation Ahavas Yisrael in Edison, NJ since 2008. A native of California, Rabbi Jaffe graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, holds a BA from Yeshiva University in Music, and was ordained at RIETS. He has been active in a wide range of communal outreach and charitable causes with a special interest in the needs of high school and college students. Additionally, Rabbi Jaffe has lectured widely in the tri-state area as a scholar-in-residence for Lasko and Leisure Time Tours.
x338Mr. Eitan Kastner, Frisch Class of 2003, is co-chair of the History department and the faculty adviser for Model UN and The Struggle, Frisch’s school newspaper. Mr. Kastner graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program at Yeshiva University and earned an MA in the Social Sciences with a focus on American religious history; writing his thesis on the rise of Christian Zionism in America at the University of Chicago. He also focuses on Jewish history, ancient history, and art history. As a licensed New York City tour guide, Mr. Kastner often leads tours with Jewish and historical themes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His article, “Yeshiva College and the Pursuit of a Jewish Architecture,” appeared in the American Jewish History journal (2010).
x373Mrs. Elissa Katz, a Frisch alumus, is a member of Frisch’s Math department. Mrs. Katz holds a B.A. in Economics, from Brandeis University and an M.A. in Statistics from Columbia University. After having worked in the actuarial field for 10 years, Mrs. Katz transitioned into the field of education by teaching all levels of math at Bat Torah High School before coming to Frisch.
x323Mrs. Elaine Keigher is a faculty member of the Learning Center. She earned her B.A. from William Paterson University and her M.Ed. from the University of Illinois and has done doctoral work at the University of Tennessee. She has taught at the elementary school, high school and college levels.
x218Mrs. Kessler is the Registrar at Frisch and responsible for the admissions process for prospective students. She processes hundreds of applications, arranges all interviews and visits and prepares acceptance letters.
Working in a school environment for over 20 years makes it easy to oversee the busy academic office which is also one of her responsibilities. In addition, she is in charge of making all preparations for graduation and arrangements for the evening.
x201After graduating from Stern College, Ms. Kronenberg earned her Master’s in Special Education from Hunter. She taught at Yeshivat Noam for 15 years (and received the Teacher of the Year award in June 2007) and served as the Director of Judaic Studies Support for six years, where she developed a support curriculum, and oversaw the Judaic Studies support teachers. She helped develop assessments and curriculum to help the students build skills and reach their fullest potential. Ms. Kronenberg is the Director of Judaic Studies Learning Center at Frisch.
x301Elana Lefkovitz is a member of the Frisch History department, and also serves as Director of Chessed Programming and coach of the Mock Trial team. She holds a B.A. in History with a concentration in American History from Barnard College and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
x363Cheryl Leiser has worked at The Frisch School as the Alumni Coordinator since 2007. She earned her B.A. in marketing from Stern College for Women in 1989. Before joining the Frisch team, Cheryl worked at McKinsey and Company in communications from 1989 – 1996 and as a Conference Coordinator at the UJA from 1997-2007.
x221Mrs. Michal Levin is a member of the Hebrew department at The Frisch School, and also formerly taught in the Chemistry and Physics departments. She is an Ed Tech coach and certified Google and Microsoft Educator. She has delivered multiple presentations for CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education) and was a co-recipient of a Tech for Learning Initiative microgrant from The Jewish Education Project, along with Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky and Dr. Ethan Zadoff. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology/ Pre-Med track from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women.
x380Mrs. Mira Levy, Frisch Class of 2009, is a Teacher in the Art Department. She attended Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Art History. Alongside teaching, Mira is a practicing artist with a studio in Passaic, NJ.
x398Mr. Mitchell Lipton joined the Frisch faculty in January 2019 after working for twenty three years in higher education. He served as Vice President of Enrollment Services and Dean of Admissions at Cooper Union until 2018 and is excited to share his college admissions experience with the students and families of the Frisch community. While at Cooper Union, Mr. Lipton served in a range of leadership roles including membership within the President’s Cabinet, Academic Leadership Team, Academic Council, Academic Standards, and Curriculum and Admissions Committees. Mr. Lipton also served as the institutional Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Officer and member of the Revenue Task Force. He remains active with various state and national professional associations including NYSACAC, NACAC, The College Board, Rockefeller Group Scholarship Committee and Hendrick Hudson School District Project Lead The Way Advisory Team. Mr. Lipton earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration as a Robert F. Wagner Scholar at New York University and Bachelor of Arts in Economics, cum laude, from The State University of New York at Binghamton.
x204Ms. Sahrena London is a member of the Math Department. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Barnard College and a Master’s in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Karen Lopata is Director of Guidance at Frisch. Dr. Lopata earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, and is a New York licensed clinical psychologist and a New Jersey licensed school psychologist, holding a master’s and doctorate from Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She has extensive experience providing individual and group counseling to students and consulting with families and teachers.
x362Señor Meneses has decades of experience teaching Spanish, ranging from preschool to adults in the private sector as well as college level students. In addition to teaching at The Frisch School, Señor Meneses teaches at Naaleh High School for Girls in Fair Lawn. Additionally, he is a freelance Spanish translator for the U.S. Department of Justice. His personality encourages a fun environment of teaching, while challenging students to be creative and confident. He is well known for his high academic standards and his passion for teaching Spanish. Señor Meneses graduated from Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos with a degree in teaching Spanish as a Second Language. He lives in Fair Lawn, New Jersey with his family.
x400Mr. Travis Merritt graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His passion for teaching was realized in college while working with a youth program in Nashville, Tennessee. He previously taught chemistry, physics and engineering at several schools, and founded an educational travel business, where he led over a dozen international trips in South East Asia and South America with the purpose of educating students ranging in age from 12 to 20.
Mr. Merritt’s participation in a program for science teachers at Princeton University helped him develop skills in inquiry-based, student led-learning. He teaches a physics and engineering lab for gifted high school students at Stanford University’s pre-collegiate studies summer program each year. He is passionate about helping students find their love of learning and inspiration for developing skills relevant for a 21st century tech-driven world. Mr. Merritt currently resides in Monmouth County, NJ, with his wife and two children.
x368Rabbi Sheldon Morris is a member of the Talmud and Tanakh faculty. In addition to formal classroom teaching, Rabbi Morris is the coordinator for the YU and GNO extra-curriculuar learning programs which provide opportunities for students to extend their Judaic learning beyond the classroom. After receiving a BA in Psychology from Yeshiva University, Rabbi Morris received an MA in Education from Azrieli Graduate School. Concurrently, Rabbi Morris received was ordained in RIETS where he participated in the Wexner Honors Semikha program.
x333Toby Moses holds a BA in Media Studies from Queens College of the City University of New York. She worked at the Yeshiva of Central Queens before coming to Frisch in 2012. She is an administrative assistant in the academic office.
x200Mrs. Leora Moskovich attended Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. She minored in Jewish Studies and was awarded the Marcia Pearlstein Memorial Award for Excellence in Hebraic Studies. Leora earned her MPA with a concentration in nonprofit management from Baruch’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. In addition to teaching Chumash and Nach at Frisch, she is also a coach of the girls JV basketball team.
x369Rabbi Shimon Murciano has been teaching at Frisch since 1986. After earning two degrees at the University of Pittsburgh, a B.A. and an M.Ed, he accepted the principalship of a Day School in Louisville, KY, and earned a Specialist Degree in Advanced Studies in Education from the University of Louisville. He has also completed his course requirements for a Ph.D. at New York University. Rabbi Murciano served as Headmaster of Hillel Day School in Detroit, and he is the founding principal of Hillel Day School in North Miami Beach, FL.
Throughout the years, Rabbi Murciano has received several awards in recognition of his dissemination of Torah learning as a teacher and as a Menahel of Yeshivot in cities across the United States for sixty years. Rabbi Murciano has also been a member of the RCA since 1962. He is a maggid shiur of the Daf Hayomi at Ahavat Tora in Englewood.
x346Deborah Pearlman is the assistant for Frisch’s College Guidance Department. Previously, Deborah was the Program Director at Frisch from 2009 – 2019, coordinating a number of events throughout the year, including weekend retreats, dinners, graduations and various other functions. She received a BS in Biology from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women and holds her real estate license. She is also a proud Frisch parent.
x228Mrs. Sarit Perry is the new Operations Coordinator at Yeshivat Frisch. After graduating Brooklyn College Honors Program, and majoring in Education and minoring in Judaic Studies, Mrs. Perry went on to get her Masters from Baruch College in Special Education. Following that, Mrs. Perry became the Program Director at the SCC Camp in Brooklyn and then continued her career as the founding camp director at Camp Kef in Paramus N.J where she served as director for 5 years. Mrs. Perry comes to us from Solomon Schechter in New Milford, where she was the Transportation Coordinator and she assisted the Chief Operating Officer with her responsibilities. In between raising 4 daughters, she also spends her time flipping real estate, and managing rental properties. Mrs. Perry is super excited to join the team at Frisch and is looking forward to an awesome year! Fun Fact: Mrs. Perry has visited Japan over 20 times!
x205Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky is the Director of Educational Technology at Frisch. Rabbi Pittinsky received his B.A., two Master’s degrees in Medieval Jewish History and Education and ordination from Yeshiva University, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Education and Administration. He is planning his dissertation on a topic related to educational technology. In his capacity as Director of Educational Technology, Rabbi Pittinsky works with the faculty and students to integrate technology into every aspect of teaching and learning at Frisch. Rabbi Pittinsky is also a professor for MOFET’s International Online Academy and a Smart Board Certified Teacher Trainer. He is an active blogger on topics related to the intersection of technology and Jewish education and an avid user of social media. You can read his blog at: <a href=”http://techrav.blogspot.com” target=”_blank”>http://techrav.blogspot.com</a> and and follow him on Twitter <a href=”http://twitter.com/techrav” target=”_blank”>@techrav</a>.
x223Rabbi Yoni Pollock teaches Talmud and Humash at Frisch. He graduated from Yeshiva College with a degree in Psychology, and studied in the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and Administration for a Master’s in Jewish Education. He spent one year learning in the Gruss Kollel on the Yeshiva University campus in Jerusalem, while working at Yeshivat Torat Shraga. Rabbi Pollock received his semicha from RIETS and is currently studying in the RIETS-FERKAUF program for a certificate in mental health counseling During the summers, Rabbi Pollock serves as director for NCSY Israel In Depth.
x310Elizabeth Rees received a BA in English from Wake Forest University and her MA and PhD in English Literature from Fordham University. She has taught and tutored literature and composition at Fordham University, Union County College, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. She also taught high school English in Baltimore, Maryland and has worked as a book editor.
x334Bonnie Rickenberg is an Administrative Assistant in the Academic Office. Prior to joining the Academic Office, she was assistant to Associate Principal/Director of Student Support Services Elaine Keigher, and provided administrative support for other Learning Center faculty. Bonnie has been at The Frisch School since 2009, and holds a B.A. in Business Administration.
x239Rabbi Daniel Rosen has been teaching English, Communication and Journalism in the High School classroom for 30 years. Rabbi Rosen holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, an M.A. from Emerson College, an M.A.T from Boston College and an M.S. from Long Island University. Along with his classroom duties, and his work with Frisch Off The Press and the Russian Club, Rabbi Rosen engages in informal education on a variety of technological platforms.
x219Adina Kramer teaches Chumash and Nach at Frisch. She attended Yeshiva University’s Stern College and graduated with a BA in Jewish Education. She was a member of the Legacy Heritage Scholars Program and received the Miriam Araten Memorial Award for Excellence in Bible and the Sol and Sarah Friedland Memorial Award for Excellence in Hebrew Literature. She also earned a Masters in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.
x227Mrs. Ruskin teaches 9th grade and AP Biology at Frisch. Mrs. Ruskin graduated from Barnard College with a BA in Biology and a minor in Anthropology. She also holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and is a PhD candidate in Microbial Ecology at Rutgers University, where her research focuses on the ecology of bacterial communities that break down toxic hydrocarbons in the environment. She was previously a biology teacher at TABC and taught for many years at the college level. Mrs. Ruskin taught General Biology and Anatomy & Physiology labs at Rutgers University and Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology as an adjunct professor at Monmouth University. She currently teaches a fieldwork course in Oceanography every summer at Rutgers RU @ the Shore.
x316Dr. Maren Scharf, Frisch Class of 1997, is the Director of General Studies, and a member of the Science department, teaching chemistry. She is a learning specialist, formerly serving as Co-Director of Student Support Services and teaching biology, chemistry, and physics in Frisch’s Learning Center. Dr. Scharf holds a BA from Barnard College in Economics, MA in Learning Disabilities from Columbia Teachers College and EdD from Azrieli Graduate School in Jewish Education and Administration.
x257Mrs. Chanie Schlesinger is a member of Frisch’s Math department. Mrs. Schlesinger holds a BS and a MAT degree from SUNY Empire State College, along with New York State Professional Certification.
x352Nomi Schneck is completing a PhD in the Department of Art & Archaeology at Princeton University, where she is writing about the significance of ancient artistic interpretations of biblical stories. During her ten years of teaching Tanakh at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education and seven years of teaching English literature at Yavneh Academy, Nomi developed a creative arts workshop and journal as well as a summer seminar, Visualizing Jewish Texts, combining museum visits with beit midrash study. Nomi also spent time conducting research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and contributed to the Agents of Faith exhibition at the Bard Graduate Center Gallery. Her work has been funded by the Haifa Center for Mediterranean Studies, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, and the Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies. Nomi holds an M.A. in Jewish Art and Visual Culture (Jewish Theological Seminary) and an M.A. in Bible (Yeshiva University). She lives in Teaneck, New Jersey with her family.
x384Rabbi Joshua Schulman, Frisch Class of 2003, is a member of the Talmud faculty, and serves as the Director of Chessed Programming and as the Grade Dean for the Junior class. After studying at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim in Israel, R. Schulman earned a BA from Yeshiva College, an MA from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, and ordination from RIETS.
x327Yair Shahak is chair of Frisch’s Hebrew and World Languages department. In addition to Hebrew, he teaches Arabic, Italian, Yiddish and Tanach. He is the faculty advisor for the Arabic Culture and Language club, as well as the coach of the Chidon HaTanach club. From 2010-2015, he served as a full-time Instructor of Hebrew at Yeshiva University, and, in 2013 was awarded the Lillian F. and William L. Silber Professor of the Year
Rabbi David Sher is a member of Frisch’s Talmud department and serves as Grade Dean for the sophomore class. He also serves as the Director of Israel Education and Advocacy, as he coordinates programs that increase knowledge and passion among the students towards Israel and provide them with the tools to advocate on its behalf. In that capacity, he has prepared and led the senior grade on their annual advocacy trip to Washington, DC. Rabbi Sher also serves as one of our Israel Guidance Counselors. He is also the faculty advisor for the Bowling Club. Rabbi Sher studied in Yeshivat Sha’arei Mevaseret Zion, received a BA from Yeshiva College, a Master’s in Jewish Education from the Azrieli School of Education and ordination from RIETS. He has also received his MSW in Social Work from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of New Jersey.
x340Mrs. Leah Shteingart is the Frisch Registered Nurse and takes care of all students’ medical needs. She is an RNI and an EMT, a former member of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps and has worked in schools for over 20 years.
x225Mrs. Gabi Siegel teaches Chumash and Nach at Frisch. She attended Yeshiva University’s Stern College as a member of the Legacy Heritage Scholars Program. She graduated with a BA in Jewish Studies with a concentration in Jewish Education and then earned a Masters in Jewish Education from YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Gabi has previously taught in Naaleh High School for Girls, and was both a teacher and Rakezet in Midreshet Amit.
Evan Silberstein is a member of the Frisch Science department. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Education from SUNY at Stony Brook, and a Master of Science in Biology and Education from SUNY at New Paltz. Mr. Silberstein did post graduate work at Hebrew University, NYU, and Iona College. He is the author of Heath Life Science and Heath Biology Laboratory Investigations and contributing author to several Prentice Hall science texts and contributor to The Science Teacher. He began teaching in the East Ramapo Central School District in 1970, and came to the Frisch School in 2003. At Frisch, Mr. Silberstein teaches chemistry, physics, and physiology.
x343Mrs Rifkie Silverman, an alumna of Frisch, is a member of the Math and Science departments. She spearheaded and continues to develop the Frisch Engineering Program in conjunction with the Center for Initiative in Jewish Education and Sci-tech in Israel. Mrs Silverman holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University as well as an MS in Electrical Engineering from Steven Institute of Technology. Before Frisch, Mrs. Silverman worked in the research labs at Ciba Geigy Pharmaceuticals designing magnetic resonance probes. Mrs. Silverman is the proud parent of three Frisch alumni.
x355Rabbi Jonathan Spier, Frisch Class of 2002, is Director of Informal Education, a member of the Talmud faculty and Grade Dean for the freshman class. Rabbi Spier holds a BA in Psychology, a Master’s in Jewish Education, and has ordination, all from Yeshiva University.
x370Mrs. Debbie Stein is a member of the Math department. Mrs. Stein has a BA in math and accounting from Rutgers and subsequently received her CPA. She is currently working towards a Master’s in Math Instruction and Curriculum at Kean University. Mrs. Stein has taught math in the public school system.
x388Mrs. Danielle Tamir is the Assistant to the Principal. She was the assistant for Frisch’s College Guidance Department from 2015- 2019. She holds a BS in Political Science and Sociology from Queens College.
x290Mrs. Shira Teichman is a member of Frisch’s Math department. After majoring in Mathematics at Touro College, Mrs. Teichman earned an M.S. in Secondary Math Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
x332Mrs. Dalia Yahalom-Tropper ’04 has a Graphic Design degree from Rutgers (Mason Gross School of Arts – MGSA). She has worked for corporate companies such as Sotheby’s International Realty, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., and Martha Stewart as a Senior Graphic & Digital Designer, creating everything from print to apps to motion graphics. She loves being creative and everything art – so much so that she makes and sells her own Judaica on the side!
x278Rabbi Joshua Wald is the chief administrator overseeing the Judaic Studies placement and residency of all students. He focuses on directive teaching and learning, as he observes Judaic Studies classes in an effort to maximize teaching excellence and student engagement. Over the last four years at Frisch, Rabbi Wald has served as Mashgiach Ruchani and is well known as a beloved rebbe and educator who has created dynamic and meaningful relationships with countless students. Rabbi Wald received a B.A. in Psychology from Yeshiva College, a M.A. from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration and Semikha from Yeshiva University. Additionally, Rabbi Wald is completing a M.A. at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies in Medieval Jewish History.
x238Mrs. Ruth Wang Birnbaum is a member of Frisch’s English department. With a BA and MA from Brooklyn College, an ABD from NYU, and NYS secondary teaching and administrative certifications, Mrs. Wang Birnbaum has held numerous department and administrative positions during her career.
x344Mrs. Randi Wartelsky is the Director of Choral Studies at Frisch and teaches the 9th and 10th grade music elective course. Randi also directs the Cougar Chorus and Girls Glee musical groups. Additionally, Randi is the co-founder and editorial faculty advisor for Frisch’s online news magazine show, “Frisch News.”
Randi holds a B.A. in English Communications from Yeshiva University and was recognized with honor by the mid-Atlantic chapter of the National Television Academy Emmy Awards for her work on a documentary with award-winning news reporter Sara Lee Kessler.
Randi holds a Professional Certificate in Vocal Technique and Musicianship from Berklee College of Music, as well as an Advanced Professional Certificate in Music Theory, Harmony, and Ear Training.
Randi has taught general music and singing to children and adults of all ages, ranging from Mommy and Me classes to adult choirs. She is a member of the New Jersey Choral Directors Association and is proud to have spearheaded an inter-school music project that brought singers from different choirs together in a show of support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
x408Rabbi Josh Weinberg is the man behind the camera of our year-round Frisch videos. After studying for two years at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim in Beit Shemesh, he spent his undergraduate years at New York University’s Gallatin School o
Rabbi Pinchas Weinberger is a member of the Talmud and Tanakh faculty. He attended Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, obtained a BA from Yeshiva College 1975 and ordination from RIETS. Rabbi Weinberger has served as a congregational rabbi and has been teaching Torah in Bergen County for the past two decades.
x360Rabbi Yosef Weinberger graduated from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business in 2013. He received a BS in Accounting and subsequently completed the CPA examination. Upon graduation, he earned semicha from RIETS and is currently working toward a Master’s from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. He also serves as the rabbinic intern in Congregation Bnei Yeshurun in Teaneck.
x392Dr. Shira Weiss is responsible for admissions and recruitment of prospective students. She holds a PhD in Medieval Jewish Philosophy and an EdD in Jewish Education and Administration. She has delivered papers at numerous academic conferences and has published several articles in JQR and other publications. Dr. Weiss is currently writing a book on Ethics in the Bible in which she subjects Biblical narratives to moral philosophical analysis.
x351Yaron Weitzman, a 2006 Frisch graduate, teaches the school’s Sports Management classes. He’s an award-winning NBA reporter and also the author of “Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports.”
x269Rabbi Simcha Willig received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and holds a master’s degree in secondary education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. He completed his doctoral dissertation in NYU’s Education and Jewish Studies program. Bowling is a hobby of his and he plays guitar, basketball, and tennis. Rabbi Willig is married to Sari Stein and they reside in Bergenfield with their young children.
x411Dr. Moshe Wilner is a member of the History department. He earned a BBA in Finance as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Baruch College. He then went on to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he earned his DPM degree. He was in private practice in Manhattan for 27 years. Fulfilling a lifelong interest in Jewish studies, he completed an MA in Jewish History at Touro College.
x349David Winkler holds a PhD in World Literature (Italian) from Indiana University, an MA in Italian from Middlebury College, and a BS in Business Administration from Ithaca College. His research examines the shape, trajectory, ethics, and aesthetics of collective Holocaust memory, with a particular emphasis on the Italian context. Before joining Frisch he served as Assistant Professor of Italian and English at the University of Delaware, with additional faculty appointments held at Middlebury College and Indiana University. Dr. Winkler’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and his interdisciplinary profile has enabled him to teach coursework across multiple departments and curricula. He has been invited to present his research at several venues beyond the academy, including the Delaware Contemporary Museum and the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester.
x318Mrs. Ahuva Winslow is Director of Frisch’s Art department. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a B.F.A in Fine Arts and was the Keith Haring scholar for art education where she was privileged to work in Harings’s studio and learn about his life and his work.
x300Mrs. Michal Zahtz teaches Chumash and Nach at Frisch. She attended Stern College and SUNY Downstate and currently holds a Bachelor’s of Science and a Master’s degree in physical therapy. Mrs. Zahtz is a Rebbetzin at Congregation Bnai Yeshurun and a well known teacher of Taharat Hamishpacha for women. She gives classes on a wide variety of Torah related topics.
x406Rabbi Michael Zauderer is Director of Educational Operations and is a member of the Frisch Talmud and Tanakh faculty. He oversees the school calendar and coordinates co-curricular activities. Rabbi Zauderer graduated from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business with a B.S. in Finance. He holds an M.A. in Secondary Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and received ordination from RIETS. Rabbi Zauderer was an inaugural member of the YULead program and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Jewish Education and Administration from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education.
x329Ms. Zelenetz graduated with honors cum laude from Brandeis University, with dual degrees in Psychology and Education. Upon graduation, she participated in the Americorps program, teaching in East Harlem while earning her MsEd from Hunter College. Ms. Zelenetz subsequently enjoyed a sixteen-year tenure as both Physical Education teacher at SAR Academy and winning coach of the multi-championship Girls Varsity Basketball at SAR High School, and, for several of those years, served as SAR’s Middle School Athletic Director as well. Most recently, she ran the Phys Ed program at the Moriah School in Englewood. Ms. Zelenetz is thrilled to be joining Yeshivat Frisch’s premiere Torah, academic, and sports community, and can’t wait to share enthusiasms with her supportive athletic faculty and energetic student teams.
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