Carly Brandwein
Primary School Science Teacher
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.
Melissa Brenner
Kindergarten A Teacher
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
Alison Fink
2nd Grade General Studies Teacher
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!
Rabbi Michael Friedman
5th and 6th Grade Mishna, Primary Judaic Studies Resource
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
Tali Garden
MS Judaic Studies Teacher
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.
Hadas Golan Ayache
3rd Grade Judaic Studies Teacher and MS Judaic Studies Teacher
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.
Rabbi Yoni Gold
MS Judaic Studies Teacher, Student Activities Coordinator
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.
Noah Goldman
Educational Technology Specialist
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.
Debra Goldstein
Fine Arts Instructor
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!
Katie Goodman
2nd Grade General Studies CoTeacher
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!
Debbie Jacoby
Library/Story time
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.
Lior Kakon
MS Judaic Studies Teacher, 7th Grade Girls Advisor
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!
Eris Katz
Nursery Teacher
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.
Robbin Katzin
School Librarian
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.
Hannah Klein
Kindergarten C Teacher
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.
Sari Kravitt
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
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.
Carly Krawetz
Social Worker
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.
Lee Matanky
Pre-Nursery Teacher
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
Leah Miller
MS Judaic Studies Student Services Coordinator
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.
Ashira Ozarowski
Pre-Nursery B Assistant Teacher
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.
Shainy Peysin
4th Grade General Studies Assistant Teacher
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.
Laurie Pinchot
MS General Studies Teacher, Names, Not Numbers © Program Coordinator
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!
Sydney Robinson
General Studies Resource Teacher
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.
Aliza Rosenbaum
MS Judaic Studies Teacher, 8th Grade Girls' Advisor, Student Council Advisor, MS Student Life Coordinator
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
- I can do a perfect impression of Winifred Banks from Mary Poppins
- I can write Hebrew backward
- I dominate Bananagrams
- 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 🙂
Chaim Safier
4th Grade Math and MS General Studies Teacher
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.
Audrey Schwartz
Pre-Nursery A Teacher
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.
Anna Shkolnikov
Kindergarten B Teacher
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.
Samantha Toljanic
MS General Studies Teacher
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!
Sarah Weinstein
1st Grade General Studies Teacher
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!