Congregational School Meet the Team

Melissa Silverman Cohavi

Director of Congregational School
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Melissa 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 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. 

Matt Altman

Assistant Director of the Congregational School
Grades 5, 6 & 7
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Matt has worked in various Jewish communities around the United States and abroad. Matt earned his B.S. in Educational Public Policy from Georgia State University and recently completed an M.A. in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He spent many years as a camper and the head Jewish professional at Camp Barney Medintz in Georgia. Matt believes that Jewish knowledge should be accessible, relevant, and exciting for all ages.

Aaron Hersh

Assistant Director of the Congregational School
Grades K, 1 & 2
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Aaron 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.  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.

Mackenzie Haun

Assistant Director of the Congregational School
Grades 3, 4 & Youth Programming
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Mackenzie has a degree in Jewish Studies from the University of Kansas and has spent the last several years working for Jewish nonprofits. 

Heather Nover

Congregational School Senior Coordinator
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In addition to her work at the school, Heather is the Executive Director of the Anshe Emeth Community Development Corporation in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University.  She lives in East Windsor, New Jersey with her husband, Rabbi Matt Nover, their daughter, Jane, and their dog, Jada.