MEET THE TEAM
The Congregational School Office is located on the sixth floor of the Eli M. Black Lifelong Learning Center, 11 E 89th Street.
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 Silverman Cohavi has been working in the field of Jewish education for the past 25 years. She holds 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. Melissa 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 a 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, CT with her husband, Ilan, and they have two adult children who visit from time to time, but it's never enough!
MATT ALTMAN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
4th Grade through 6th Grade
maltman@pasyn.org
Matt is excited to join the PASCS team as the Assistant Director for Dalet, Hey, and Vav (ages 4–6). Matt has worked in various Jewish communities around the US and abroad. Originally from Atlanta, Matt earned his B.S. in Educational Public Policy from Georgia State University, and recently completed a M.A. in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Georgia State, Matt worked as the Director of Youth Engagement for Congregation Etz Chaim in Atlanta. Following a year of teaching English abroad in Haifa, Israel, he completed the Springboard Fellowship at Penn State Hillel. He spent many years as both a camper and the head Jewish professional at Camp Barney Medinitz in Georgia. Matt believes that Jewish knowledge should be accessible, relevant, and exciting for all ages! In his free time, Matt loves to bike around Brooklyn, read historical novels, volunteer, and study Jewish texts, especially Pirkei Avot.


SARAH CLARKSON
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
HEBREW PROGRAMMING & 7th Grade
sclarkson@pasyn.org
Sarah Clarkson is excited to join the Park Avenue Synagogue team as the Assistant Director to the Congregational School- Hebrew Programming. She is new to New York City however originally from Massachusetts.
Sarah lived in Santa Cruz, California for the past 22 years and worked at Temple Beth El in Aptos serving as their Congregational Learning Coordinator.
Sarah ran the Congregational School k-10, began the Young Family Project engaging families with young children, and created a teen engagement program called JEI (Jewish Educational Interns). She is currently enrolled at HUC in their EMA program (Executive Masters in Jewish Educational Leadership). Sarah has two D1 athletes Maya an equestrian who competes for the University of South Carolina and Noah a soccer player who plays for the University of California Irvine. In her free time, Sarah loves to walk by the water and practice yoga.
AARON HERSH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
Kindergarten through 3rd Grade
ahersh@pasyn.org
Aaron joined the PASCS 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 a Master of Arts 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, NY. He spent many summers at URJ Eisner Camp as a camper, song leader, and Jewish life specialist. Aaron grew up across Central Park, on the Upper West Side. While in high school, Aaron was inspired to become a Jewish educator because of his experiences traveling 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 each learner at their level, as well as the power of music as a way of connecting to Judaism. Aaron is delighted to engage in Jewish learning with PAS students and families!


MACKENZIE HAUN
Assistant Director, Youth Programing
Teacher & Tutor
Third, Fourth, and Seventh
Mackenzie Haun is the Assistant Director of Youth Programing at Park Avenue Synagogue and she teaches 3rd grade, a 3rd and 4th grade elective on Shabbat, and a 7th grade elective. She has a degree in Jewish Studies from the University of Kansas and has spent the last several years working for different Jewish non-profits. Mackenzie is excited to be at Park Avenue Synagogue and working with the kids!
HEATHER NOVER
Administrative Assistant
In addition to her work as an Administrative Assistant at Park Avenue Synagogue, Heather Nover is the Executive Director of the Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation located in New Brunswick, NJ. She has her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. She lives in East Windsor, NJ with her husband Rabbi Matt Nover, their daughter Jane, and their dog Jada.

MEET OUR TEACHERS
MAY ABRAVANEL
Teacher and Hebrew Tutor
Teaches Third thru Seventh grade
May Abravanel is joining us this year as a teacher and Hebrew tutor of third through seventh graders. She comes with three years of prior tutoring experience. At PASCS, she reimagines a Hebrew school with her class A Taste of Judaism: learning about Jews from around the world through their foods. May recently moved from Atlanta, GA to NYC to pursue her Master's in Couples and Family Therapy from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She is excited to pass along her love of Judaism and Israel to our students.


AMY ADLER RITELL
Hebrew Tutor
Amy lives with her husband in Ridgefield, CT and Highland Beach Fl, depending on the time of year. She has two grown children, a son who lives in Brookline MA and a daughter who recently married and is living with her husband in Scotland. Amy has been involved in some form of Jewish education for over thirty years as both a teacher and administrator for several schools in Connecticut as well as Westchester. Her favorite subject to teach is the Aleph Bet.
NOA AZAR
Teacher
Teaches Third and Forth grade
My name is Noa, I was born and raised in Israel and I'm a student majoring in musical theater at Marymount Manhattan College. I teach 3-4th graders at PAS and I also work in different early childhood and youth Jewish programing. I enjoy bringing in my background in dance and music into the classroom as a way of learning about Israel and teaching Hebrew.


CANTOR MIRANDA BECKENSTEIN
Teacher and Hebrew Tutor
Teaches First and Seventh Grade
Cantor Miranda "Mandi" Kark Beckenstein was born in Cape Town, South Africa. In 1985 she emigrated to the USA. She immediately entered the cantorial program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-Debbie Friedman School of s Sacred Music graduating with a Masters Degree in Sacred Music and Ordination as a Cantor. She has served several Reform and Conservative Congregations in the Tri-State area, as Cantor, Director of Education, Nursery School Director and most recently as a 1st thru 7th grade Hebrew teacher in our Congregational School. She loves teaching and working with our young folk, hopefully inspiring students and families to be enthused about our Jewish learning. In her free time she knits, collects mint postage stamps, loves Broadway shows and opera, as well as reading voraciously. She is the Secretary of Kol Hazzanim, the Cantors Group in Westchester County, NY.
MOLLI BEN-GAL
Teacher
Teaches First Grade
Molli is thrilled to return to PAS for her seventh year! She is lucky to teach a great group of first graders. Outside of PAS, Molli is currently pursuing her Masters Degree at NYU Silver School of Social Work. She is passionate about yoga, handmade pasta, and traveling the world.


ILANA BURGESS
Teacher
Teaches Third, Forth, and Sixth Grade
Ilana Burgess was born in Hungary and educated in Israel and the United States. She started her career a social worker in Israel and came to the states as part of an international program for educators.
For the last 45 years she has taught in Jewish Day Schools , and Congregational Schools serving as principal for 20 years.
Ilana embraces the opportunity to work with students in grades 3,4,5, and 6 grades at Park Avenue Synagogue.
She finds it very satisfying to see the growth of her students.
MOLLY CHESS
Tutor
Molly has been a member of the PASCS teaching team since 2016 and has previously taught 3rd and 6th grades and has also tutored many students. She enjoys helping students make connections to be able to decode Hebrew. In her free time, Molly enjoys creating pottery, cooking, and watching documentaries.


REBECCA CHIET
Teacher
First Grade
Rebecca Chiet (she/her/hers) is a student in The Jewish Theological Seminary's Joint Program with Columbia University. Rebecca is earning two Bachelor's Degrees in Jewish Bible and Political Science. She was born in Nanchang, China and grew up in South Florida. Raised in a multi-ethnic household as an adopted Asian-American Jew, Rebecca is passionate about embracing diversity, promoting tolerance, and ensuring equitable opportunities for marginalized groups. Additionally, in her exploration, Rebecca bridges her Asian and Jewish identities through her involvement in the Jews of Color cohort at her university's Hillel. Beyond her work on campus, Rebecca creates inclusive spaces for female-identifying Chinese adoptees and continues to explore her love for education as a Hebrew school teacher in New York synagogues.
SARIT COHEN
Tutor
Sarit is 19 years old and is a student at Stern College for Women (Yeshiva University). She attended Jewish day schools throughout lower, middle, and high school and spent a year learning in seminary in the Old City of Jerusalem. Sarit enjoys working with children and looks forward to helping the students of Park Avenue Synagogue improve their Hebrew skills.


LILIA DOLGOPOLSKAIA
Tutor
Lilia Dolgopolskaia, is a Hebrew tutor at PAS working with 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th graders. She holds an MA 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.
JORDI FEDERMAN
Tutor
Jordi is an Early Childhood Education Consultant for the NYC Department of Health in the Bronx. She has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching for a full decade. This is her 6th year as a Hebrew tutor at PAS and is excited to be back. Jordi enjoys running, going to Broadway shows and hosting Shabbat dinners for friends and family.


EZRA FELDER
Tutor
Ezra grew up with a deep Jewish tradition and rich Jewish education. He attended Jewish day school from K-12 and then spent three years in Israel before returning to college in New York. He is now in his first year of medical school but continues to find tremendous meaning in teaching children and discussing Jewish topics at PASCS. This is Ezra's third year here and currently tutors students in Grades 1-6.
DANIELLE FELDSTEIN
Teacher
First Grade
Danielle has been a teacher at PASCS for three years, currently teaching 1st grade. She also teaches at the PAS ECC, and has done so for nine years. Danielle has a dual MA in Special Education and General Education from Hunter College.


CHARLIE FEUERMAN
Teacher
First Grade
Charlie is a sophomore at the joint program between JTS and Columbia University, majoring in Talmud and Physics. In his spare time, you can find him listening to music, painting, or hanging out with his friends.
SOLOMON FOX
Tutor
Solomon Fox is a junior at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary studying Sociology and Modern Jewish Studies. This is his first year teaching at Park Avenue Synagogue and is working both 6th grade and 4th grade on High Holidays and Weekly Hebrew Tutoring, in addition to weekly subbing. Solomon has spent 5 summers teaching and as a counselor at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and is excited about being part of such a vibrant and historic congregational school.


STEVEN KANE
Teacher & Tutor
I have been teaching at PASCS since 2015 and love being a part of ushering in the next generation of Jewish learners, teachers, and tzadiks! When not at PAS, I own and operate Steven Kane Training, a fitness business specializing in chronic pain/injury, rehab, mobility, and strength. For fun, you'll find me relaxing in Central Park or going for a hike.
JOAN KANTOR
Teacher
Forth Grade
Joan Kantor has been working in the field of Jewish Education for over 4 decades. Her experiences ranges from directing her camp's teen program, to directing the after school program at the 92nd street Y to mentoring teenage girls during their Rosh Hodesh group and beyond.
Joan has been a teacher for every grade from kindergarten to adult Jewish mindfulness training. Joan is thrilled to be a member of the PAS team teaching fourth grade this year.


BALILA KRAINER
Teacher
Kindergarten
Baila Krainer's students call her Morah Baila.
Morah means teacher. She has been teaching for 27+ years, mostly young children. She is so proud of our Jewish History and loves sharing it it with all the children she teaches.
We have a rich History and a Torah that teaches us and structures us how to live and be a mench and
she feels privileged to be be able to share my passion with others.
REBECCA KUZNICK
Teacher & Tutor
Second & Forth Grade
Rebecca has been teaching at PAS for 7 years. She is currently teaching Bet and Dalet during the week, as well as tutoring and Shabbat mornings. In past years she has taught grades K-6. She also works at Shalom Shtayim. When she's not at PAS she's pursuing a career in Musical Theatre.


AVIGAYIL LANDMAN
Teacher
Kindergarten
Avigayil Landman is excited to be teaching Gan on Thursday afternoons at Park Avenue Synagogue this year. She was her Synagogue's Sabbat groups in her hometown, Atlanta, GA, for many years. She has also been a camp counselor at Jewish day camps for multiple summers. She feels so fortunate to have the opportunity to share the passion and pride that she has toward being a Jew with Jewish children. She is looking forward to an incredible year!
MISSY LAVINTMAN
Tutor
Kindergarten
Missy is a Hebrew and Judaic teacher for 46+ years at the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, University of MN, and other institutions and a former Director of Education at B'nai Emet Synagogue in MN. Currently, she is in her 3rd year as Hebrew tutor at PASCS and continues to be passionate about Israel and the Hebrew language. She spends time with her 5 children, 2 sons-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and 3 granddogs who live from Coast to Coast and in Israel.


DANIEL LEVY
Tutor
Daniel Levy is from Jerusalem. He has lived in the United States for the past 3.5 years, and loves his constant connection to Hebrew. He has been a member of the PASCS tutoring team since he moved. Daniel enjoys helping students understand the magic of the Hebrew language, decoding, and translating Hebrew words. In his free time, Daniel enjoys spending time with family, making shnitzel, watching and playing soccer.
HILA NAUS
Tutor
Hila Naus joined Park Avenue Synagogue in 2019 as a Zman Ivrit Specialist, engaging students in Hebrew through music, singing, and movement. Hila moved to the states in 2011 to study acting and music and graduated from The American, Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC with a focus on musical theater. As a native Hebrew speaker from Israel, Hila is able to connect students of all ages to Jewish heritage from an Israeli perspective. Her expertise comes from a decade long working with children in Israel and New York. When Hila is not at Park Avenue, she pursues her acting and singing careers.


ALEXANDRA NEUMAN
Teacher
Third & Sixth Grade
Alexandra Neuman is a visual artist and educator currently teaching 3rd and 6th grade at PAS. She received a BFA in Visual Arts and Anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis and an MFA in Visual Arts at University of California, San Diego. She recently published her first book with Onomatopee Projects in Eindhoven, Netherlands. When she is not teaching at PAS she is making films and working as a life coach for neurodivergent artists.
YAFFA NISHLI
Teacher
Third, Fifth, and Sixth
Yaffa Nishli currently teaches 3rd (Gimel), 5th (Hey) and 6th (Vav) grades at the PAS Congregational School. She studied Education and Sociology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Yaffa studied Computer Programming in Queens College, New York. Yaffa teaches at Park East Day School, a Jewish Day School, as a computer teacher and spent many summers as a computer teacher at the NYIT– Horizon Camp in Old Westbury, NY. She worked in The Israeli Mission to The United Nation for six years prior to teaching. She loves and enjoys teaching in Jewish schools.


FELICE OLTUSKI
Teacher & Tutor
Fourth & Sixth Grade
Felice Oltuski is an experienced Judaic studies and modern Hebrew language teacher. She teaches children of all ages, as well as adults, both in person and via Zoom. Felice grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, immersed in the Jewish community. She attended Ramaz, Park East Synagogue, and Camp Ramah. As the granddaughter of four Holocaust survivers, Felice strongly believes in participating in Jewish communities wherever she goes and spreading yiddishkeit through education and community engagement. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Philosophy and Comparative Religious Studies from Muhlenberg College. During her college years she was an active participant and leader in Hillel and Chabad. She then went on to make Aliya and lived in Israel for three years while she served in the IDF as a Combat Infantry Weapons Instructor and Commander, rank Sergeant. After returning home to the States, she picked up her Judaic studies and Hebrew teaching again and has been teaching ever since. Felice believes in teaching with joy and motivating students by planning fun, engaging lessons. In her spare time, Felice loves hiking with her dog Mika, reading at her favorite coffee shop, and watching Israeli TV shows. She’s excited to be working at Park Avenue Synagogue!
NICOLE RAPHAEL
Teacher
Second – Fifth Grades
Nicole is honored to have made her home at Park Avenue Synagogue! As an Educator at PASCS for the past four years and Founder and Artistic Director of The Mesaper Theatre, Nicole combines her passions of 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! PASCS students work as members of a theatre company, learning about the unique history of the Catskills while acquiring acting skills. Nicole holds 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 proud graduate of Smith College, as well as a member of the Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG).


HANNAH REIKES
Teacher
Fifth & Sixth Grade
Hannah is a 5th and 6th grade teacher at PASCS this year. Hannah started at PASCS in 2018 as part of her coursework at the Davidson School of Jewish Education at JTS and has continued teaching at PAS since graduating with a MA in Jewish Teaching and Pedagogy in 2020. Since joining the PAS community, she has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. She has taught Omanut (art) and Teva (nature) at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires for many years, and is a substitute teacher in Nursery-8th grade at the Heschel School. In her free time, Hannah enjoys rock climbing, cooking, and tinkering in her minecraft world on rainy days.
ETI ROZEN
Teacher & Tutor
First & Sixth Grade
Eti Rozen teaches 1st grade, and is a tutor for students in 2nd, 4th, and 6th grades at PASCS. Born in Israel, Eti has also been a Music teacher at the Schechter Manhattan school for fifteen years. Eti graduated from New York College of music, that later became the music department of NYU.


CALLIE SACKS
Tutor
Callie is so excited to be tutoring 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students at PAS this year. She has enjoyed tutoring students in various subjects throughout my undergraduate years, and when she is not tutoring and participating in Jewish education, she is currently in the process of applying to medical school. She has experience in Jewish educational programming through her work at B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp, where she served as the Head Counselor for her division, and through her participation in the FJC Cornerstone conference in 2019. She is so grateful to have joined the PAS family, and is very excited to meet more of the wonderful students and families in the community!
SARAH SHEINKOPF
Teacher
Second Grade
Sarah currently teaches Bet on Thursdays at PAS. Sarah has been a part of the PAS community for 3 years. Sarah holds a master's in Childhood and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education and is currently a Master's student at NYU Silver School of Social Work.


REBECCA SKOWRON
Teacher & Tutor
Kindergarten, Second, Fourth, & Sixth Grade
This is Rebecca's first year teaching at PAS and she is so excited to be teaching kindergarten, second grade, fourth grade, and sixth grade classes. Rebecca graduated from Ithaca College and in addition to teaching, she is a professional musical theatre performer. Rebecca is passionate about Judaism and Jewish education and is looking forward to helping students connect to and embrace their Jewish identity.
DOV SMILEY
Teacher & Tutor
Fourth & Fifth Garde
Dov Smiley is a Davidson Student of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary, focusing on Jewish Education. He has worked at Park Avenue as a classroom teacher for five years, and includes Jewish art, comic books and media projects as unique ways to give young Jewish learners a chance to explore their Jewish identity. This year, Dov is teaching 4th-5th grade, and running the Storytelling Kehila on Shabbat.


SHAI YUVAL
Teacher & Tutor
Third & Sixth Grade
Shai was born and raised in Jerusalem and lived for 4 years in Westchester, New York when he was a kid. After going to the IDF, Shai got a bachelors of jazz performance at The New School in NYC. Shai has a lot of experience working with children from the ages of 6-12, 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 now is excited to have joined again as a Hebrew school teacher and a tutor.