Meet Our Team

Rabbi Menachem Linzer is a graduate of Yeshiva University. He holds a Bachelors in Physics from Yeshiva College and a Masters in Secondary Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. Rabbi Linzer studied for a number of years in yeshivot in Israel including Yeshivat Har Etzion, Yeshivat Sha’alvim, and at the Gruss Kollel and he received his Semicha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Prior to joining Hillel Torah in 2009 as Principal, Rabbi Linzer served as Associate Principal at the SAR Academy in Riverdale, NY, and prior to that as a teacher/rebbe, Israel Programs Coordinator and Advisor, at the Ramaz High School in NY.

Rabbi Linzer is a collaborative leader who believes in empowering others to grow as leaders and maximize their impact. He has a strong vision for academic excellence in both Judaic and general studies and is motivated by a progressive, child-centered educational approach. His tireless dedication to the students, staff, and families and strong positive energy can be felt daily throughout the hallways and classrooms of Hillel Torah.

Rabbi Linzer is inspired by the infinite potential and goodness that lies within each human being and is a strong believer in the power of partnerships and creativity to solve problems and create new possibilities.

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Rav Natan studied at Yeshivat Orayta and then attended Yeshiva University, earning a Bachelors in Psychology from Yeshiva College, a Masters in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and Semicha from RIETS. Prior to joining Hillel Torah, Rav Natan worked at Brauser Maimonides Academy in Hollywood, Florida where he was a Rebbi, Director of After-School Learning, and the Middle School Judaic Studies Chair.

Rav Natan is a dynamic and experienced educator with a passion for helping children grow in their love for and commitment to Torah Learning and Mitzvot. He is committed to challenging and engaging students in high-level Torah learning and engaging families in the process as well. He believes that every child has the capacity to connect to their Judaism, and loves being a part of the journey of uncovering that personal voice and connection. Rav Natan is inspired by the dedication and passion of educators and is committed to supporting teachers in their growth. He is known for his warmth, energy, and ability to create meaningful relationships with students and their families.

Rav Natan was born in Ketchikan Alaska, and at the age of 9 moved to Portland Oregon. He and his family are excited to be a part of the Hillel Torah community. He enjoys hiking and being in nature, playing or following sports, live music, and swimming.

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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 be a part of this fantastic community.

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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.

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Mrs. Sari Kravitt grew up in Buffalo Grove and upon graduating from Stevenson High School, attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She received her masters in Elementary Education from National Louis University.
Sari has taught 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th grade at Hillel Torah, and moving into leadership was a natural next step. As the Dean of Student Life in the primary school, Sari is eager to strengthen the school’s sense of community, culture, and structure to promote student learning and social/emotional growth.
Sari builds meaningful trusting relationships with students and parents and these connections are what keep students engaged and excited about Hillel Torah and about learning. Sari credits her amazing Hillel Torah colleagues for helping her become the leader she is today: always pushing her to think outside of the box to make each experience at school thoughtful, child-centered, and engaging.
Outside of school, Sari enjoys going to outdoor concerts, traveling with her family, and drinking good coffee.

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Mrs. Sarah Lakin is a graduate of the University of Illinois and holds a BA in Elementary Education. In addition, Mrs. Lakin earned endorsements in four Middle School Subjects: Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Mrs. Lakin started at Hillel Torah in 2013. Before joining the Educational Leadership team as the Dean of Student Life in Middle School, she taught first grade and third grade. Mrs. Lakin was also the Athletic Director of Hillel Torah for the past several years, in addition to coaching the 7th/8th Grade Girls basketball teams since 2016.
Mrs. Lakin is dedicated to the students and the Hillel Torah community and passionately believes in educating the whole child. She believes in building relationships with children in order to gain their trust and ultimately help them succeed and flourish at Hillel Torah and in life. Mrs. Lakin is excited to be working with Middle School students and to see so many familiar faces from her many years teaching in the Primary School.

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Ms. Sydney Robinson is a graduate of Indiana University where she received her Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education. She received her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. 

Sydney has worked as a Learning Specialist at Hillel Torah for six years for grades 1-4. During her time at Hillel Torah, Sydney has enjoyed collaborating with staff members, building trusting relationships with students, and being an open and frequent communicator with parents. She attended training for the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Curriculum, Wilson Reading System. and Orton Gillingham multisensory approach to reading. 

Sydney was born in Omaha Nebraska and moved to Chicago after graduating college. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending time with family, and traveling.

Sydney is looking forward to partnering with parents, students, and staff members to give each individual student the learning environment and support he/she needs.

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Samara Kipnis graduated with a degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Samara believes in the importance of being a lifelong learner and has received certifications in the Nurtured Heart Approach, Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Wilson Reading System. She has been trained by Berit Gordon, the author of No More Fake Reading, in learning how to directly teach discreet reading comprehension skills to middle and high school students of all levels. In addition, she has been trained in teaching mindfulness, incorporating play into learning, and how to teach math to students with speech-based language disorders at the Shefa School in New York.

Samara is now working as the Middle School Student Services Coordinator at Hillel Torah. Prior to joining Hillel Torah in 2021 as a Middle School Learning and Behavior Specialist, she worked in both Jewish private schools and public schools in the Chicago area and New Jersey.

Samara is a focused leader who believes in supporting teachers in order to best meet students’ needs and in supporting students to best meet their own needs. Her long-term vision is for Hillel Torah to be a place where all students will be given the support necessary to succeed and grow academically, emotionally, and socially. She is a strong advocate for her students, and that advocacy continues through students’ transition to high school. Samara strives to be someone students, staff, and parents know they can always come to for guidance or just a listening ear.

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Email

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Background

Bachelors, Psychology (Hebrew Theological College), Semicha (Hebrew Theological College)

Joined the HT Family in

2018

Grades & Subjects

8th grade Dinim, 7th grade Talmud, and 6th grade Mishna

 I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

My 5th grade teacher helped me feel like I wasn’t on the outside, and  I want to help other children feel that too.

I love coming to work every day because

“Every day I have so much fun being around the students, and I’m thrilled that I get to spend time every day thinking of what students are going to enjoy and what is meaningful to them, inside and outside of the classroom.”

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (University of Illinois)

Joined the HT Family in

2013

Grades & Subjects

K-2 Science

ALL THE WAY FROM

Northbrook, Illinois

I love coming to work every day because

Of my students’ smiles and positivity.

Email

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Background

Bachelors in education from Seminar Hakibbutzim

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2021

All the Way From

Talmon, Israel

Grades & Subjects

3rd Grade Lashon, 6th grade Lashon, 8th Grade Lashon

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when…

When I worked with teens in Israel.

I love coming to work every day because…

I can be creative at school.

People would be surprised to learn that…

I had a motorcycle in Israel

Email

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Background

Bachelors,  (University of Manitoba)
Teaching Certificate, K – 12 (University of Manitoba)

Joined the HT Family in

1992

ALL THE WAY FROM

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Grades & Subjects

5th and 6th Grade Math

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I played school with my brother and our friends. Somehow I was always the teacher!

I love coming to work every day because

I love the kids!

Email

[email protected]

Background

Bachelors, Secondary Education (Indiana University),  Masters, Curriculum and Instruction (National Louis University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2021

Grades & Subjects

8th Grade Social Studies

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

My mom is a teacher and I wanted to be just like her!

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

Paper and coloring supplies….at the very least we could create geographically accurate maps of the island!

Email

[email protected]

Background

Judaic Teacher Certificate from Yavne Seminary
Torah Umesorah Teacher’s License
ATT Teacher’s License

Joined the HT Family in

1996

ALL THE WAY FROM

Minneapolis, MN

Grades & Subjects

5th Chumash, 6th Chumash, 7th Navi

My educational motto:

הפך בה והפך בה דכולא בה! Delve into the Torah because you’ll find everything in it.

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (Northeastern Illinois University)

Joined the HT Family in

2018

Grades & Subjects

Kindergarten

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when…

I was influenced by a wonderful teacher when I was growing up.

I love coming to work every day because…

I love being with children!

My educational motto:

Make education fun!

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Judaic Studies (Hebrew Theological College), Masters, Humanities  (University of Chicago)

Joined the HT Family in

2020

Grades & Subjects

2nd Grade General Studies

Something you didn’t know about me

I am an HT alumna, class of 2002

Email

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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

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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 Student Services

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

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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

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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

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Background

Bachelors, Education (National Louis University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2018

position

K-8 Fine Arts Instructor

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

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Background

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

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

grades & subjects

Preschool Teacher

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

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

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Speech-Language Pathology ( Indiana University), Masters, Elementary Education (Loyola University Chicago)

Joined the HT Family in

2021

Grades & Subjects

1st Grade General Studies, 5th Grade Science

I love coming to work every day because

of the collaborative work environment and wonderful students!

Email

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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

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

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Background

Bachelors, Elementary Education (University of Maryland)
Masters, Reading Specialist (National Louis University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2015

grades & subjects

4th Grade General Studies

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

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Background

Lifshizt College and Sha’anan College, Israel

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2019

grades & subjects

Chumash, Lashon, Chidon Ha’Tanach

All the way from

Israel

I love coming to work every day because

To see and to be a part of my students’ progress and growth

Email

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Background

Bachelors of Education from Shaanan College in Israel

Joined the HT Family in

2018

ALL THE WAY FROM

Maalot, Israel

Grades & Subjects

4th Grade Ivrit and Judaic Studies, 5th Grade Ivrit

I knew I wanted to become a teacher when:

I realized that I LOVE it!

I love Coming to Work Every day Because:  

I love to see my students learn new things.

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

Google Classroom and Talam books.

Email

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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

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Background

TA Certificate (Newcastle College)

Joined the HT Family in

2018

All the way From

Born in Paris and raised in Los Angeles

Grades & Subjects

Nursery

 I knew I wanted to become a teacher when…

My first teaching job started as a job ‘for now’ and I fell in love!

Email

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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

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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

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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

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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

Middle School ELA, ELA Curriculum Coordinator for grades 1-8

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

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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

[email protected]

Background

Masters, Special Education (National Louis University)

Joined the HT Family in

2019

Grades & Subjects

Students Services in Judaic Studies for Primary School

 I knew I wanted to become a teacher when

My good friend and I assisted in a Sunday School throughout high school. I veered off the path, but eventually came back

I love coming to work every day because

I love seeing how happy the students are. I am so happy to be part of the team.

Email

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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

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Background

Bachelors in Psychology from Touro College

Degree in film and television production from New York Film Academy

Joined the HT Family in

2018

Grades & Subjects

Pre-Nursery

People would be surprised to learn that …

I worked on 12 different Broadway productions

Email

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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

Nursery

Email

[email protected]

Background

Masters, Education (Loyola University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2012

Grades & Subjects

Middle School Judaic Studies Student Services

all the way from

Baltimore, Maryland

i love coming to work every day because

It’s such a friendly atmosphere.

Email

[email protected]

Background

Bachelors, Psychology (Stern College for Women)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2001

grades & subjects

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

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Background

תעודת הוראה ממכללת בית רבקה בכפר חב”ד

Joined the HT Family in

2012

All the way from

ירושלים

Grades & Subjects

1st Grade Judaic Studies

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

My SmartBoard and Pawel

My educational motto:

You don’t make mistakes, mistakes make you.

Email

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Background

Associates (Oakton Community College)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

Grades & Subjects

4th Grade Judaic 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

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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

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Background

BA, English Literature (Queens College), Masters Early Childhood and Special Education (Touro College),  Certificate in ESL (Teachers College, Columbia University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2021

grades & subjects

Nursery

I love coming to work every day because 

Engaging with everyday materials through the eyes of children is truly miraculous!

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

Train tracks because the possibilities are endless! and playdough.

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Judaic Studies and English/Communications ( Stern College, Yeshiva University)
Masters,  Jewish Education (Azrieli Graduate School, Yeshiva University )

Joined the HT Family in

2018

ALL THE WAY FROM

Randolph, New Jersey

Grades & Subjects

1st Grade Judaic Studies

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I was a little girl and I would arrange all my stuffed animals in a makeshift “class” and taught them the World Book Encyclopedia!

I love coming to work every day because…

I love to learn and challenge myself and grow, and help the students grow into themselves and love themselves and Hashem and Torah.

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

A computer which has on it the Tanach with meforshim, an ability to write and save on Google Docs, and it would need to be solar charged. And the second thing would be a boat or plane to be able to go home at the end of the experiment.

Email

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Background

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

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2017

grades & subjects

3rd Math, 4th Math, 5th Math, 7th Math

All The way from

Memphis, TN

i love coming to work every day because

I get to laugh.

Email

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Background

Beit Chana Seminary For Teachers (Tzfat, Israel)
Bachelors, Education (Judische Religion padagogische Akademie,Vienna, Austria)
Masters, Hebrew Language (Lille University, France)

Joined the HT Family in

2014

ALL THE WAY FROM

A suburb of Paris called Brunoy

Grades & Subjects

4th Grade Chumash and Parsha, 8th Grade Chumash

IF I WERE STRANDED WITH MY CLASS ON A DESERTED ISLAND, THE TWO ITEMS I’D NEED TO TEACH SUCCESSFULLY WOULD BE

A chumash and a marble jar.

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Early Childhood Education (Northeastern Illinois University)

Joined the HT Family in

2013

Grades & Subjects

Kindergarten

I love coming to work every day because…

I love seeing the smiles on the children’s faces.

Email

[email protected]

Joined the HT Family in

2005

Grades & Subjects

Nursery

 I love coming to work every day because…

It’s one fantastic play date! I get to paint, play with toys and clay, and dance to fun music with 15 of my friends!!

Email

[email protected]

Background

Bachelors, Education (Western Illinois University)
Masters, Education Reading (National Louis University)

Joined the HT Family in

2016

ALL THE WAY FROM

I moved around quite often as I was growing up. My favorite places that I lived are Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Go Packers!) and Normal, Illinois.

Grades & Subjects

Resource teacher in Kindergarten and 4th grade,  Title I Academic Coach

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I became a teacher assistant in a Special Education classroom and fell in love with the students and SpEd community.

I love coming to work every day because…

Every day is different! There is never a dull moment as a teacher.

Email

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Background

Bachelors, Childhood Education and Special Education ( New York University)
Masters,  Childhood Education with a Specialization in Math and Science (Hunter College)

Joined the HT Family in

2019

ALL THE WAY FROM

Skokie, IL (attended Hillel Torah from Nursery through 8th Grade)

Grades & Subjects

3rd Grade Math, Reading, Writing

I knEw I wanted to become a teacher when

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I was little, I used to play “school” in my grandmother’s basement with my cousins. She had an old fashion desk and a chalkboard.

I love coming to work every day because…

I love my students.

Email

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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

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Background

BS Elementary Education, Endorsement in Middle School and Science, Masters in Psychology (Northcentral University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2021

Grades & Subjects

6-8 Grade Science

I love coming to work every day because…

Middle school students are never boring! I love that they challenge me every day to be my best, they are genuine and affectionate.  In return, I enjoy challenging them to be independent learners and to reach for goals above and beyond what they think they can achieve. The satisfaction gained from watching them reach these goals and grow every day is the best part of being a teacher.

What would I like to see my students accomplish in the future?

As a science teacher, I hope to help them become lifelong learners, to ask questions always, and to use their talents and skills to make the world around them better.

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.

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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 over the years with the additions made to the school building and the purchase of the building. Mr. Plotkin has a legal background and has experience in fundraising projects including the development of Universal Studios in Orlando.

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

When Mr. Plotkin reaches out for donations, it is because he believes in Hillel Torah and the wonderful education and love of Israel that we offer our students. The funds 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.

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Mrs. Karin Felix is a graduate of Hillel Torah (’89), Ida Crown Jewish Academy (’93), and the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. During her time at Penn, Karin also studied marketing at Wharton.  After college, she worked at Kraft Foods for eight years specializing in consumer insight and strategy.

Mrs. Felix worked at Hillel Torah in a number of different roles before joining the Hillel Torah administration as Director of Admissions in 2020.  She is excited to share her passion for Hillel Torah and is looking forward to welcoming new families to the wonderful Hillel Torah community!

Mrs. Felix lives in Evanston with her husband Michael and her children, all of whom are proud Hillel Torah graduates.

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Mrs. Chaya Gordon Burstyn earned her BA in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University and her MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. She has more than 20 years of diverse marketing experience across multiple industries including Advertising, Education, Pharmaceuticals, and Wholesale Growing.

Mrs. Gordon Burstyn enjoys sharing all the wonderful programs and day-to-day experiences of Hillel Torah students with the greater community through social media, the Hillel Torah website, and the weekly Highlights email newsletter.

Mrs. Gordon Burstyn lives in Evanston with her husband Allan (’90) and her four children, all of whom currently attend or graduated from Hillel Torah.

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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.

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Email

[email protected]

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.

Email

[email protected]

Background

Bachelors of Science, Communication Arts, Political Science, and Theatre (University of Wisconsin – Madison)

Joined the HT Family in

2013

Email

[email protected]

Background

Bachelors in Elementary Education from Touro College

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2021

The Best Part About my day Is

Getting to see all of the children.

Background

Bachelors, Accounting (Roosevelt University)

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2008

Email

[email protected]

Background

UIC , Cosmetology school at Pivot Point

JOINED THE HT FAMILY IN

2020

The Best Part About my day Is

Seeing the children come to the office!

The Favorite Hillel Torah Memory Is

Watching all three of my children graduate from HT! Especially the 2020 social distance graduation!

People Would be surprised to learn that I 

I’m a hairstylist!