MEET THE TEAM
The Congregational School Office is on the sixth floor of the Eli M. Black Lifelong Learning Center, 11 E. 89th St.
212-369-2600, x509, pascs@pasyn.org
Office hours:
Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
MEET OUR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
MELISSA SILVERMAN COHAVI
DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
mscohavi@pasyn.org
Melissa has been working in the field of Jewish education for over a quarter of a century. She has a master’s in Jewish education from Hebrew Union College, a master’s in social work from Yeshiva University, and a B.A. in Judaic studies from the University of Michigan. She is very connected to Israel, having lived there for several years, and she believes that a Jewish education should include building a connection to and knowledge about Israel. Prior to this position, Melissa was the Director of Jewish Identity Development at Congregation B'nai Yisrael in Armonk, New York. She spent five summers on faculty at Jewish camps and has worked with individuals of all ages in the Jewish educational sphere. Melissa considers herself to be a lifelong learner and believes that each day brings something new to learn. She lives in Stamford, Connecticut with her husband, Ilan. They have two adult children who visit from time to time, but it's never enough!
MATT ALTMAN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
Grades 5, 6 & 7
maltman@pasyn.org
Matt, the Assistant Director for Hey, Vav and Zayin (grades 5, 6 and 7), has worked in various Jewish communities around the United States and abroad. Originally from Atlanta, Matt earned his B.S. in Educational Public Policy from Georgia State University and completed an M.A. in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Georgia State, Matt became the Director of Youth Engagement for Congregation Etz Chaim in Atlanta. Following a year of teaching English in Haifa, Israel, he completed the Springboard Fellowship at Penn State Hillel. He has spent many years as a camper and the head Jewish professional at Camp Barney Medintz in Georgia. Currently, Matt is participating in the prestigious Mandel Teacher Educators Institute (MTEI) Fellowship. Matt believes that Jewish knowledge should be accessible, relevant, and exciting for all ages. He lives in South Brooklyn with his wife, Amira.
MACKENZIE HAUN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
Third and Fourth Grades, Youth Programming
mhaun@pasyn.org
Mackenzie has been working in the Jewish educational field since 2018. She has worked in Jewish communities all across the South and has spent the last several years in New York. Mackenzie has a B.A. in Jewish Studies from the University of Kansas and is currently pursuing an Executive Master's in Jewish Education. She is very passionate about helping students feel connected to the Jewish community and begin the lifelong process of figuring out their Jewish identity. Originally from Kansas, Mackenzie has spent significant time in the Midwest, South, and now Northeast in Jewish communities of varying sizes and denominations. She also loves songleading and leads services in the congregational school often. In her free time, Mackenzie loves to spend time with friends, read, listen to Taylor Swift, and bake (which she also sometimes does for youth programming here at the synagogue). She is very grateful to be here and spending time with your children.
AARON HERSH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
Kindergarten, first and second grades
ahersh@pasyn.org
Aaron joined our team in 2021 as an intern while studying for his master's degree. He earned a B.A. in American Studies and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University and an M.A. in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Prior to pursuing his M.A., Aaron was a full-time educator at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York. He spent many summers at URJ Eisner Camp as a camper, song leader, and Jewish life specialist. Aaron grew up across from Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. While in high school, he was inspired to become a Jewish educator because of his experiences on a family trip to Israel and working as a teen teaching assistant at his synagogue. As a teacher and song leader, he believes in the importance of meeting learners at their level, as well as the power of music as a way of connecting to Judaism. He is delighted to engage in Jewish learning with PAS students and families.
HEATHER NOVER
CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL SENIOR COORDINATOR
Heather joined the Park Avenue Synagogue team in September 2021. She has a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University and is dually certified as a School Counselor and Student Assistance Coordinator in New Jersey. Prior to working at PAS, Heather taught Congregational School for several years, spanning grades Pre-K through 12. She lives in East Windsor, NJ with her husband Rabbi Matt Nover, their daughter Jane, and their rescue dog Ginger.
MEET OUR TEACHERS
ADAM ADLER
Teacher, Grade 6
Adam is from Houston, Texas. He has been teaching since 2013, but this is his first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Adam has a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and is a practicing attorney since 2016 in California, Texas, and New York. He is currently a trial lawyer for a firm based in New York City. Adam has lived in Tel Aviv, Israel for three years and speaks fluent Hebrew. He has a deep love for Judaism and Israel.
NOA AZAR
Teacher, Grades K, 2, and 3
Z'man Ivrit
Hebrew Tutor
Noa is from Holon, Israel. She has been teaching for 4 years, and this is her third year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Noa studied Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. She enjoys bringing her background in dance and music into the classroom as a way of teaching about Israel and teaching Hebrew. By using interactive games, songs, and art projects, she makes learning Hebrew and Israeli culture engaging and fun.
CANTOR MIRANDA 'MANDI' KARK BECKENSTEIN
Hebrew Tutor
Miranda was born in Cape Town, South Africa. In 1985, she emigrated to the United States to enter the cantorial program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, graduating with a master’s degree in Sacred Music and Ordination as a Cantor. She has served several Reform and Conservative congregations in the tri-state area as Cantor and Director of Education. She loves teaching and working with young folk and hopes she Inspires students and families to be enthused about Jewish learning.
JAKE BENGELSDORF
Teacher, Grades 3, 4, and 5
Jake is from Nashville, Tennessee. He has been teaching for 6 years, and this is his first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Jake is studying Business and Political Economy with a minor in Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University. His favorite part of his own Congregational School experience was when his class was able to work with his home synagogue community through social action.
NOAH BERGER
Teacher, Grade 1
Noah is from Vancouver, Canada. He has been teaching for 5 years, and this is his first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Noah is studying History and Jewish Texts through the double-degree program at Columbia and Jewish Theological Seminary. He enjoys teaching about the heroes found throughout Jewish history and holidays.
RAZ BETSER
Shlicha
Teacher, Grades 6 and 7
Raz is the Park Avenue Synagogue's Junior Shlicha. She is from Shoham and just finished her military service in Israel. Raz worked as a Hebrew teacher for soldiers who made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel).
SARIT COHEN
Hebrew Tutor
Sarit, a student at Stern College for Women (Yeshiva University), attended Jewish day schools throughout lower, middle, and high school and spent a year learning in seminary in the Old City of Jerusalem. She enjoys working with children and looks forward to helping students improve their Hebrew.
LILIA DOLGOPOLSKAIA
Hebrew Tutor
Lilia has an M.A. in Hebrew Language and Jewish Tradition. She has more than 25 years of experience teaching Hebrew to all ages and all levels. Lilia loves to teach/tutor and believes that every student can succeed. Her approach is adaptive and based on keeping students actively engaged.
RENEE FULLER
Teacher, Grades K and 5
Renee is from Potomac, Maryland. She has been teaching for 3 years, and this is her first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Renee studied Psychological and Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. Her favorite part of her own Congregational School experience was learning Hebrew to be able to better understand prayers and Jewish texts.
STEVEN KANE
Teacher, Grade 3
Steven is from Westchester, New York. He has been teaching for 15 years, and this is his eighth year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Steven studied Theatre Arts at Marymount Manhattan College. His work teaching at Park Avenue Synagogue is a core part of his Jewish identity.
JOAN KANTOR
Teacher, Grades K and 4
Joan is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has been teaching for more than 35 years, and this is her fourth year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Joan studied Social Work and Jewish Communal Studies at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She loves teaching children and experiencing their curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy.
LESLIE KORNSGOLD
Hebrew Tutor
Leslie is from East Windsor, NJ. She has been teaching for more than 20 years, and this is her first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She studied Sociology at Colombia University. Her favorite part of her Jewish education experience was preparing for Jewish holidays.
REBECCA KUZNICK
Teacher, Grades 1, 2, 4, and Shabbat
Hebrew Tutor
Rebecca is from Dix Hills, New York. She has been teaching for 8 years, all of which have been at Park Avenue Synagogue. She studied Musical Theatre at Ithaca College. Her favorite part of her own Congregational School experience was learning about Jewish culture and meeting wonderful friends.
TAMAR LAVINTMAN
Hebrew Tutor
Tamar has been a Hebrew and Judaic teacher for over 46 years at the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, and other institutions, and is a former Director of Education at B'nai Emet Synagogue in Minnesota. She is passionate about Israel and the Hebrew language. She spends time with her five children, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and three granddogs.
DANIEL LEVY
Hebrew Tutor
Daniel, who is from Jerusalem, loves his constant connection to Hebrew. He enjoys helping students understand the magic of the Hebrew language, decoding, and translating Hebrew words. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, making schnitzel, and watching and playing soccer.
PHYLLIS MARMER
Hebrew Tutor
Phyllis has worked with students in grades 1 through 6, which has given her the pleasure of watching them grow and learn to become Binei Mitzvah. Phyllis grew up in New York City and attended Ramaz School and then Lehman College, graduating with a degree in English and then an Education Master’s K-6. Phyllis previously taught at Hebrew Schools in New York City and Westchester. She also teaches Jewish American History and Culture to retirees of DC 37. She lives in Westchester with her cat, Ketzle.
JOE MELNICOVE
Teacher, Grade 2 and Ritual Lab
Joe is from Israel. He has been teaching for 5 years, and this is his first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. He earned an MA in Music Performance from Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance. His favorite part of his own Jewish education experience was learning about his family’s past.
HILA NAUS
Teacher, Grades 1 and 3
Hila is from Bnei Brak, Israel. She has been teaching for 8 years, and this is her sixth year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She has a degree in Musical Theatre from The American, Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Her favorite part of being a Congregational School teacher is witnessing the growth and development of her students, and seeing them develop a deeper understanding of their Jewish identity. She loves seeing how excited they get during the holidays, how curious they are when they study the Torah stories, and how proud they feel when they learn something new!
NICOLE RAPHAEL
Teacher, Grades 2 and 4
As an educator at PASCS and founder and artistic director of The Mesaper Theatre, Nicole combines her passions for acting, Jewish heritage, and education. In addition to teaching Kitah Bet, Nicole has developed and is facilitating the special Shabbat Elective: From Page to Stage -- Out of the Apple Orchard in which PASCS students work as members of a theater company, learning about the history of the Catskills while acquiring acting skills. Nicole has a master's degree from the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary and an MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio Drama School at The New School. She is a graduate of Smith College and is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild.
ETI ROZEN
K-2 Hebrew Specialist
Hebrew Tutor
Eti is from Israel. She has been teaching for over 28 years, 10 of which have been at Park Avenue Synagogue. She received a Bachelors of Music from New York College of Music. Her passion is teaching young students the Hebrew language and about Israel, especially the technological innovations and inventions that Israel has contributed to the world.
EMMA SESAR
Teacher, Grade 3
Emma is from Los Angeles, California. She has been teaching since she was an undergrad at Tulane University. This is her second year at Park Avenue Synagogue. Her undergraduate degree was in Psychology and Early Childhood Education/Jewish Studies. She is now pursuing her Masters in Jewish Education through the Davidson School at Jewish Theological Seminary. She feels that the values she was taught through her Jewish education as a child shaped her into who she is today.
ILANA SHECHTER
Teacher, Grades 1, 3, and 5
Ilana is from New Rochelle, New York. She has been teaching for 2 years, and this is her first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She is studying Human Development at Binghamton University. Her Congregational School experience as a child taught her so much about what it means to be a Jew, and her journey as a Jewish adult would not have been the same without that experience!
NOA SILBERSTEIN
Teacher, Grade 3
Noa is from Los Angeles, California. She has been teaching for 5 years, and this is her first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She is studying Art History and Visual Arts at Barnard College. Her favorite part of her own Congregational School experience was the amazing community that the students cultivated together.
REBECCA SKOWRON
Full-Time Teacher
Rebecca is from Westfield, New Jersey. She has taught since she was in High School, and this is her third year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She earned a BFA in Musical Theatre at Ithaca College. Her favorite part of her own Congregational School experience was the community that she found. Some of her friends from Congregational School are still very close friends today!
RUTHIE STOLOVITZ
Teacher, Ritual Lab
Hebrew Tutor
Ruthie is from Atlanta, Georgia. She has been teaching for 8 years, and this is her second year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She is in the PsyD program at Kean University studying School and Clinical Psychology. Her favorite part of her own Congregational School experience was connecting with role models. She still vividly remembers the kindness of her teachers and hopes to replicate that in her work at Park Avenue Synagogue.
RYAN WASSERMAN
Teacher, Grades 1, 3, and 6
Hebrew Tutor
Ryan is from Marlboro, New Jersey. He has been teaching for 4 years and this is his first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. He is studying Drama and Romance Languages at New York University. His favorite part of his own Congregational School experience was getting to see his friends and feeling the sense of Jewish community outside of his secular school.
ELIZA YNOA
Full-Time Teacher
Eliza is from Bellport, Long Island. She has been teaching for 2 years, and this is her first year at Park Avenue Synagogue. She studied Jewish Studies, Art History, and English Literature at CUNY Hunter College. Her favorite part of Jewish education is building community through learning together.
SHAI YUVAL
Teacher, Grades K, 5, and 6
Hebrew Tutor
Shai was born and raised in Jerusalem and lived for four years in Westchester, New York as a child. After going to the IDF, Shai got a bachelor’s of jazz performance at The New School in New York City. Shai has a lot of experience working with children having been an after-school program teacher in Israel and also teaching drums privately for many years. Shai worked at Park Avenue Synagogue from 2018-2020 in the Shabbat Program and is excited to return.