Meet Our Team

Rabbi Menachem Linzer is a graduate of Yeshiva College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Physics, and receiving his Master of Science in Secondary Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. He received his Smicha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Prior to being the Principal of Hillel Torah, Rabbi Linzer worked at Ramaz High School in Manhattan and SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY. He has served as a teacher, the Israel Programs Coordinator and Advisor, the Co-Curricular Faculty Advisor, Grade Advisor and the Associate Principal of Judaic Studies.

Rabbi Linzer has brought a strong positive energy to Hillel Torah. There is a new spirit in the school for learning and caring for others, and a deeper appreciation for Israel. His vision of achieving academic excellence in Judaic and Secular studies is readily visible as you walk through Hillel Torah, noticing all the technological resources that have been added, including SmartBoards, SmartTables and an updated Computer Lab. Of special note is Rabbi Linzer’s work in the development of Hillel Torah’s Student Services Department, offering enrichment and support to all of our students.

Mrs. Tamar Friedman is a graduate of the Michlalah, Jerusalem College for Women and has a Master of Science in School Administration from Northeastern University in Chicago. Mrs. Friedman participated in many continuing education programs including, the Harvard Principals Institute, WIT- the Web Institute for Teachers at the University of Chicago, and later served as the assistant director of JWIT – the Judaic Web Institute sponsored by Lookstein, Jesna and the ATT.

Mrs. Friedman has co-authored and submitted for presentation at the American Educational Research Association Conference, a comparative study between John Dewey’s theory of moral education in the practices and principles of Jewish education. She has served as a mentor in the Lookstein Summer Institute for North American Jewish School Administrators at Bar Ilan, and has served as part of the Hillel Torah administration since 1996 after many years of teaching in the school’s Hebrew Department in all grade levels.

Ms. Miriam Kopelow is a graduate of The University of Wisconsin – Madison where she received her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She received her Masters in Leadership for Educational Change from Bank Street College in New York City.

After starting her teaching career in Madison, Ms. Kopelow relocated to New York and joined the faculty at Hannah Senesh Community Day School in Brooklyn, NY. While developing a stellar reputation among students, parents and colleagues as a capable and seasoned progressive educator, Ms. Kopelow emerged as a leader. She has a proven track record as a successful teacher mentor, curriculum evaluator and designer, team leader and has also presented at numerous national education conferences. Additionally, Ms. Kopelow is a certified yoga teacher, specializing in wellness techniques for youth and for adults who work within education. Ms. Kopelow was born in Canada, raised in Chicago and excited to have returned to the area with her family to begin working at Hillel Torah.

Ms. Kopelow is dedicated to progressive education, child-centered practices, and experiential learning. She is inspired by the passion of the Hillel Torah staff and delighted to join the fantastic community.

Mrs. Jennifer Wasserman is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Immediately following her undergraduate studies at Michigan, Mrs. Wasserman pursued and obtained a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University. After moving to Chicago a few years later, Mrs. Wasserman went on to receive an Educational Leadership Type 75 Certificate from DePaul University.

Mrs. Wasserman spent several years teaching kindergarten both in Michigan and for Cook County School District 130 in Illinois. In addition to her school experience, Mrs. Wasserman has experience working at several different camps including serving as the Director of Summer Programs at St. Benedict Preparatory Preschool and as the Director of Junior Side at Camp Tamarack in Michigan. Mrs. Wasserman stepped out of the classroom in 2013 and joined the Heller JCC in Lakeview as the Assistant Director for three years before joining the Hillel Torah team as the Director of Early Childhood.

Mrs. Wasserman is passionate about working with young children, committed to effective early childhood educational programming with strong family partnerships, and is thrilled to be a part of the Hillel Torah team

Mrs. Susan Nesher is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Following her undergraduate studies, Mrs. Nesher pursued and obtained a Master of Science Degree from Loyola University of Chicago, and later earned a Certification of Advanced Study, specializing in reading, from National Louis University.

Prior to her promotion to Director of Student Services, Mrs. Nesher worked as the Student Services Coordinator in the Middle School. Her responsibilities included developing and implementing programs for students needing academic, social/emotional, ELL support and enrichment. Before joining the Hillel Torah team, Mrs. Nesher worked in Highland Park and Bensonville schools providing strategic intervention and reading development for struggling learners. In addition, Mrs. Nesher is an accomplished and innovative leader with over twenty years of management experience in the non-profit sector.

Mrs. Nesher is thrilled to be part of the Hillel Torah community and is passionate about the whole-child approach to education. She believes that the students we often try to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring us.

Mrs. Margot Parnass was born into Hillel Torah. Her parents, Rabbi Bruckenstein and Rachel z”l set the foundation for the school, with Rabbi Bruckenstein as the founding Principal. Margot is a graduate of Hillel Torah (‘75), Ida Crown Jewish Academy (‘79) and University of Illinois and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Margot comes from a long line of Jewish scholars and educators with a strong commitment to Torah education and academic excellence. Margot began her career being involved with the Jewish community working as the Director of the Chicago Jewish Youth Council. She coordinated the Greater Chicago Walk with Israel and as part of the Metro Teen Department, she was the Producer/Director of Teen Cable Television where she taught high school students how to produce, direct and act in local productions. Margot continued producing and directing videos for private events and nonprofit organizations, leading her to assist Hillel Torah with their promotional videos.

Her involvement at the school continued to grow when she became a Hillel Torah parent and became involved in various school events and functions. Margot returned to teaching students at Hillel Torah as a kindergarten assistant teacher in 2001.

Having been a former student, parent and teacher Margot has a unique perspective and a keen ability to share her experiences with everyone she greets as Hillel Torah’s Director of Admissions and Marketing. Her passion and commitment to Hillel Torah have been instrumental to the growth and success of the school.

Ed Plotkin fell in love with Hillel Torah when his daughter began Kindergarten 35 years ago, joined by her brother and sister. He has been Board President twice, and involved with the additions to the school and the purchase of the building. Mr. Plotkin has a legal background and has been involved in fundraising projects including the development of Universal Studios in Orlando.

As the Director of Development for the past six years, Mr. Plotkin is proud of the increased funds he raised that benefit all HT students. As a grandparent of Hillel Torah, it was also easy for him to establish our Grandparents’ Club which allows grandparents the opportunity of being part of their grandchild’s learning experience at Hillel Torah.

When Mr. Plotkin reaches out for donations to the school, it is because he believes in Hillel Torah and the wonderful education and love of Israel that it offers the students. The money raised will ensure that no child will be turned away for financial reasons, and that Hillel Torah will be here for future generations of students.

Dov Shandalov began his career at Hillel Torah 33 years ago, at the age of 22. After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University and DePaul University with a BA in Business Administration, Mr. Shandalov assumed the position of Hillel Torah’s Business Administrator, a position he continues to hold today. He has truly enjoyed watching thousands of Hillel Torah children walk down the halls, and gets particular pleasure from seeing HT parents, who he first knew as HT students, walk their children into Hillel Torah.

Mr. Shandalov feels blessed to have had all three of his daughters attend Hillel Torah and that he had a front row seat to watch them grow each and every day. In addition, Mr. Shandalov’s wife is an assistant teacher in our early childhood department, making it a real family affair. When he’s not in school, he can be found visiting his children on both coasts of the country and rooting on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Email

carly.brandwein@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (University of Illinois)

Joined the HT Family in

2013

Grades & Subjects

Primary School Science

ALL THE WAY FROM

Northbrook, Illinois

I love coming to work every day because

Of my students’ smiles and positivity.

Email

melissa.brenner@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (University of Vermont)

Joined the HT Family in

2015

Grades & Subjects

Kindergarten A

I LOVE COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY BECAUSE

Every day is different!

MY EDUCATIONAL MOTTO

“Just keep swimming.” – Dory, Finding Nemo

Email

alison.fink@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Education Studies (Brandeis)
Bachelors, International and Global Studies (Brandeis)
Masters, Education (Dominican University)

Joined the HT Family in

2015

ALL THE WAY FROM

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Grades & Subjects

2nd Grade General Studies

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I used to play “teacher” with my younger sister when I was little and I started wearing overalls everyday just like my 3rd grade teacher!

Email

michael.friedman@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (Yeshiva University)
Masters, Education (Touro Graduate School of Education)
Semicha, (RIETS/Yeshiva University)

Joined the HT Family in

2019

Grades & Subjects

5th Grade Mishna, 6th Grade Mishna, Primary Judaic Studies Resource

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

My teachers inspired me to want to learn, I knew I wanted to pass that on.

If I were stranded with my class on a deserted island, the two items I’d need to teach successfully would be?

The Mishna and a stack of Post-It Notes

Email

tali.garden@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (Queens College)
Masters, Jewish Education (Azrieli Graduate School)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2018

grades & subjects

7th Navi/Dinim/Chumash, 8th Chumash

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

We had teacher-student switch day in 11th grade for Purim and I taught a class to my peers. I then realized I loved teaching.

Email

hadas.golan@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Political Science and International Relations (Tel Aviv University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2016

Grades & Subjects

3rd Grade Judaic Studies Teacher, 6th Lashon, 8th Lashon

all the way from

Petach Tiqwa, Israel

my educational motto

Hard work and persistence will get you anywhere you want in life.

Email

yoni.gold@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (Yeshiva University)
Masters, Jewish Education (Azrieli Graduate School)
Masters, Industrial Organizational Psychology (Roosevelt University)
Masters, Business Administration (Roosevelt University)

Joined the HT Family in

2013

Grades & Subjects

5th Mishna, 6th Chumash, 7th Navi/Dinim, 8th Gemara

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I felt the care, warmth and love of my own teachers when I was in school.

Email

noah.goldman@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Astronomy and Physics (University of Maryland)
Masters, Science Education (Illinois Institute of Technology)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2016

Position

Educational Technology Specialist

MY EDUCATIONAL MOTTO

I teach students, not information.

if i were stranded with my class on a deserted island, the two items i’d need to teach successfully would be

A good night’s sleep and my mind.

Email

debra.goldstein@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Education (National Louis University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2018

position

K-8 Fine Arts Instructor

ALL THE WAY FROM

Johannesburg, South Africa

I KNEW I WANTEd TO BECOME A TEACHER WHEN

I realized my passion, making art, could become my profession. I also love the creative energy children bring to art.

if i were stranded with my class on a deserted island, the two items i’d need to teach successfully would be

Scissors and some glue, a bit of glitter would be nice, too!

Email

katie.goodman@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Fashion Merchandising (Indiana University)
Masters, Elementary Education (University of Maryland)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

grades & subjects

2nd Grade General Studies Coteacher

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

I worked at a day camp for preschoolers. They stole my heart!

Email

sarah.gryka@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Education with a Minor in Math (Knox College)
MBA,  (Keller Graduate School of Management)

Joined the HT Family in

2015

ALL THE WAY FROM

Schaumburg, IL

Grades & Subjects

6th grade Math, 8th Grade Algebra, Science

If I were stranded with my class on a deserted island, The two items I’d need to teach successfully would be?

Everlasting chalk (is that a thing?) and a surface to write on.

Email

debbie.jacoby@hilleltorah.org

Background

BA in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, MA in Reading and Language from National Louis University.

Joined the HT Family in

2011

Grades & Subjects

Library – Nursery through Fourth Grade

I Knew I wanted to become a teacher

From the time I was a little girl.

I love coming to work every day because

I love sharing books and stories with Hillel Torah students.

Email

lior.kakon@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Educational Management (Ben Gurion University)
Masters, Public Policy and Management (Ben Gurion University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2000

grades & subjects

6th Lashon, 7th Lashon, 8th Lashon, 7th Grade Girls’ Advisor

I LOVE COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY BECAUSE

There is always a new and exciting project or program to do!

Email

eris.katz@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Hebrew and Judaic Studies (Rabbi A Zlotnick Hebrew Teachers Seminary)
Masters, Education (Rabbi A Zlotnick Hebrew Teachers Seminary)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2008

Position

Nursery B Teacher

ALL THE WAY FROM

Johannesburg, South Africa

I LOVE COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY BECAUSE

I enjoy seeing my students excited to learn and stay active.

Email

robbin.katzin@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Hebrew Studies (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
Masters, Library Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

1995!!

POSITION

School Librarian

my educational motto

Using the school library is as much about learning responsibility as it is about developing a love of books and reading.

Email

hannah.klein@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (University of Maryland)
Masters, Reading Specialist (National Louis University) – expected March 2019

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2015

grades & subjects

Kindergarten C

ALL THE WAY FROM

Houston, Texas

MY EDUCATIONAL MOTTO

Hands-on educational experiences are important for students to be able to engage with their learning.

Email

hannah.kowitt@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Humanities and Religious Studies (Maimonides College)
Masters of Education, Administration and Supervision  (Loyola University) Masters of Arts, Teaching (North Park University)

Joined the HT Family in

2019

Grades & Subjects

4th Grade General Studies

I knew I wanted to become a Teacher when

I was in 4th grade.  I used to take notes on my own teachers’ teaching styles to help prepare myself to be a great educator

Email

sari.kravitt@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign)
Masters, Education (National Louis University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2012

Grades & Subjects

Middle School Language Arts

i knew i wanted to become a teacher when

I transformed my childhood bedroom into my classroom. Complete with a library scanner/check out station.

I LOVE COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY BECAUSE

I love the people I work with because they challenge me to do my best.

Email

carly.krawetz@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors in Social Work and Master in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Joined the HT Family in

2019

ALL THE WAY FROM

Northbrook, Illinois

I love coming to work every day because

All the students and staff are warm and welcoming

I knew I wanted to become a social worker because

I realized that I loved helping others and having new challenges each day.

Email

aaron.leibtag@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, History (Yeshiva University)
Masters, Education (Azrieli Graduate School)
Semicha (RIETS)

Joined the HT Family in

2011

Grades & Subjects

7th Talmud, 8th Talmud and Navi/Dinim

All the way From

Baltimore, MD

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I was in high school! My grandfather, whom I am named for and never got to meet, was a well-known teacher in Baltimore.

if I were stranded with my class on a deserted island, the two items I’d need to teach successfully would be

Tissues (Hillel Torah students use a lot of tissues), more tissues

I love coming to work every day because . . .

Each day is new and exciting.

Email

anita.london@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors of Science, Education (University of Iowa)

Joined the HT Family in

2001

Grades & Subjects

4th and 5th Grade Science, 6th Grade Math

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I was confused in math class and wanted to help other students not to be confused.

I love coming to work every day because . . .

I love seeing the change in students over the years and watching them grow in confidence.

Email

lee.matanky@hilleltorah.org

Background

BA from Stern College/Yeshiva University, MA in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education.

Joined the HT Family in

2001

Grades & Subjects

Pre-Nursery

Email

leah.miller@hilleltorah.org

Background

Masters, Education (Loyola University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2012

Grades & Subjects

MS Judaic Studies Student Services Coordinator

all the way from

Baltimore, Maryland

i love coming to work every day because

It’s such a friendly atmosphere.

Email

ashira.ozarowski@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (Stern College for Women)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2001

grades & subjects

Pre-Nursery

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

My kids were in preschool. I thought, “I would love to do that!”

FAVORITE PRESCHOOL ACTIVITY

Dancing freestyle to music together with the kids.

Email

shainy.peysin@hilleltorah.org

Background

Associates (Oakton Community College)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

Grades & Subjects

4th Grade General Studies Assistant Teacher

ALL THE WAY FROM

Hadley, Massachusetts

I LOVE COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY BECAUSE

Everyone at Hillel Torah makes me feel special and valued.

Email

laurie.pinchot@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, History (Barnard College)

Joined the HT Family in

2007

Grades & Subjects

5th Social Studies, 7th Jewish History, 8th Jewish History, Names, Not Numbers © Program Coordinator

I KNEW I WANTED TO BECOME A TEACHER WHEN

I wrote a musical about the Fall of Rome in 7th grade Social studies. I realized that being a creative, passionate teacher makes students love learning. (I still remember the lyrics!)

I LOVE COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY BECAUSE

Hillel Torah is a place where teachers genuinely care about the “whole” student, not just the math problem or historical facts they are teaching!

Email

sydney.robinson@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Elementary and Special Education (Indiana University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2016

POSITION

Grades 3-4 General Studies Resource Teacher

All the way from

Omaha, Nebraska

I KNEW I WANTED TO BECOME A TEACHER WHEN

I started taking home my teacher’s anchor charts from elementary school to play school in my basement with my siblings.

Email

aliza.rosenbaum@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Judaic Studies (Stern College for Women)
Bachelors, Performing Arts (Stern College for Women)
Masters, Education (Azrieli Graduate School)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2011

grades & subjects

6th Chumash, 7th Chumash, 8th Dinim/Tefillah, 8th Grade Girls’ Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, Student Council Advisor, MS Student Life Coordinator

I KNEW I WANTED TO BECOME A TEACHER WHEN

I had Mrs. Bobbie Rosenzweig for Language Arts at Hillel Torah in 8th grade — she showed me that a teacher can do a lot more than just teach their subject; they can really impact a student’s life on a deep level.

secret talents

1. I can do a perfect impression of Winifred Banks from Mary Poppins
2. I can write Hebrew backward
3. I dominate Bananagrams
4. I have been known to: Secretly teach Language Arts in my Chumash classes, use rubrics and protocols for everything we do in class, insist on getting your dvar Torah signed, and occasionally perform musical numbers for my 8th grade girls 🙂

Email

chaim.safier@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Finance (Yeshiva University)
Masters, Adolescent Education (St. Johns University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

grades & subjects

4th Math, 5th Math, 7th Math, 8th Math

All The way from

Memphis, TN

i love coming to work every day because

I get to laugh.

Email

audrey.schwartz@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Early Childhood Education (Stern College for Women)
Masters, Early Childhood Education (Bank Street)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2018

grades & subjects

Pre-Nursery A

If I were stranded with my class on a deserted island, the two items I’d need to teach successfully would be?

Nothing! There is so much for the children to touch and to learn through exploration… Actually, a first aid kit might come in handy and music for an epic dance party.

Email

anna.shkolnikov@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, General and Special Education (Blitstein Institute of Hebrew Theological College)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

grades & subjects

Kindergarten B

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

I made actual homework for my friends when we played “school” as kids.

Email

samantha.toljanic1@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Communications (University of Illinois)
Masters, Secondary Education (National Louis University)

Joined the HT Family in

2011

Grades & Subjects

6th Social Studies, 7th Language Arts, 8th Language Arts

my educational motto

Everyone can learn, it’s my job to figure out how.

Would you rather have a third leg or a third arm?

I’d want the arm so I could grade papers, record the grades, and file them all at the same time!

Email

sarah.weinstein@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2013

grades & subjects

Ist Grade General Studies

I KNEW I WANTED TO BECOME A TEACHER WHEN

I first wrote on an overhead projector in elementary school… pure bliss.

If I were stranded with my class on a deserted island, the two items I’d need to teach successfully would be?

Any piece of technology and some crayons!

Email

karin.felix@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (University of Pennsylvania)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2013 (on and off)

Position

Secretary

FAVORITE HT MEMORY

My 8th grade year at HT — organizing a Chanukah boutique, going to Washington and speaking at graduation!

people would be surprised to learn that i

Like to do DIY projects at home.

Email

rena.litwack@hilleltorah.org

Background

Bachelors, Marketing (Sy Syms School of Business)
Masters, Business Administration (SUNY New Paltz)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2015

All the way from

Monsey Ir Hakodesh

People would be surprised to learn that

I was a tomboy growing up and am still a bit of a daredevil, having jumped off a cliff and out of an airplane.