Faculty

.. Faculty


		Rav Ira Kosowsky (Director) is a dynamic and inspirational educator who believes in personal growth through open discussions, in-depth Torah study, and community involvement. Rav Kosowsky has established Student Leadership Programs in many countries – including England, South Africa and the United States – that are characterized by practical leadership training, which has empowered the graduates to get involved in many meaningful challenges in the Jewish world. He has rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University, and a Master's degree in Bible from Bernard Revel Graduate School.

		Rav Ben Tzion Goldfischer (Mashgiach Ruchani) is an extremely talented and popular educator both in the formal and non-formal realms. With the ability to relate to others at all levels of religious observance, intellect and age, he has inspired and affected countless students at Midreshet Moriah, Birthright, Aish Hatorah, NCSY, Reishit Yerushalayim and Torat Shraga, among others. While Rav Goldfischer's classes and programs are known to be challenging and enlightening, they are always delivered with humor and entertainment. Rav Goldfischer has been involved in NCSY as far as he can remember but most significantly he founded and directs The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ), a month-long touring and learning program in Israel, where he connects public school students with their Jewish roots, sharing his vast knowledge of our heritage and history through archeological sites, Biblical texts, hikes and trips. Rav Goldfischer received his Rabbinical Ordination from Yeshiva University and holds a BA in Biology and History. He is also a licensed tour guide through the Ministry of Tourism of Israel.

		Mrs. Meryl-Lee Avraham (Assistant Director and Internship Coordinator) has an ability to impart her passion for Torah and mitzvot in a manner that is truly unique. She is able to synthesize classroom curriculum into the terms of daily living, while building confidence and self-esteem in her students. Meryl-Lee was the director for many years of a vast network of outreach programs throughout New Jersey known as L.A.V.E. (Life And Values Education). She founded the Ari Kraut Friendship Circle, which provides community assistance to families with special needs children, by pairing the children with trained and eager teen volunteers.

		Mrs. Shira Reifman (Executive Director) holds a BA, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and a Masters of Social Work (MSW), all from Columbia University. Prior to making aliya she spent 10 years directing informal Jewish educational programs, first as a Regional Director and National Director of Operations for the National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) and then as the Executive Director of the Jewish Student Union. Shira is a Wexner Graduate Fellow and has earned numerous distinctions for her work with NCSY and Jewish youth. Since making aliya, Shira has worked as the Executive Director of Lamdeni and as a fundraising consultant for the UK-based consulting firm, Secure Prospects. Shira is married to Rabbi Daniel Reifman and the couple lives happily in Yad Binyamin with their five wonderful daughters, a dog and two cats.

		Mrs. Shira Melamed (Eim Bayit and Assistant Internship Coordinator) made aliya after high school. After learning at Midreshet Harova for a year, she did sherut leumi in Jerusalem as a music therapist working in a school for autistic children. Shira graduated from Bar Ilan with a degree in social work. In addition, she served as an intern in a drug rehabilitation center in Bnei Brak, including weekly sessions with clients, family therapy and group therapy.

		Mrs. Vivienne Kosowsky (American Liaison and Special Projects Coordinator) has been actively involved in Machon Maayan since its inception. She made aliya in 1995 with her family, following which, they did a 5 year shlichut in Cape Town. She holds a BSc honors degree in Speech and Language Therapy, and when not working for Machon Maayan, or being a mom, she runs her own private practice as a Speech and Language Therapist and as a Holistic Healing Practitioner. She is also the wife of the dynamic director of Machon Maayan and the mother of a Machon Maayan alumna.

		Mrs. Rachel Moore (Administrative Director, North American Office) has been working in Communications and Administration in the Jewish non-profit world in Israel and the US for fifteen years. After spending a year in Israel, she received a BA from McGill University in Canada. She then made aliya, working for Jerusalem City Hall, as Associate Director of the Milah Institute, and as Public Relations Director at Ramah Programs in Israel. Since moving to the United States in 2000, she has been working for several Jewish non-profit organizations in Israel and the US. When not working for Machon Maayan, she is teaching Hebrew, taking care of her seven children, and blogging about all of the above.

		Mrs. Shulamith Baruch is originally from Lawrence, NY. She is a talented fine artist, graphic designer and illustrator. She has been involved in outreach with Partners in Torah. She is one of the founders of Kulanu, an organization that was conceived around her kitchen table along with a small group of mothers of children with special needs. She is dedicated to developing relationships with her students, while inspiring and encouraging them to recognise their own unique talents and creative styles.

		Mr. Zeev Ben Shachar has been an educator for the David Project in Israel for the last 3 years. He was born and raised in Ramat Gan, Israel. In the IDF, he served with the infantry unit Sayeret Givati, as a combat soldier and then as a commander. Mr. Ben Shachar received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College. After graduating, he stayed on at Harvard to teach in the Psychology as well as Middle Eastern Studies departments, where he received Harvard's certificate of distinction for excellence in teaching. He is currently pursuing an MA degree in Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University and lives in Jerusalem.

		Mrs. Dina Blank holds a BA from Columbia University and an MA in Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School at Yeshiva University. She is a graduate of the Atid Fellows program and is a mainstay on the faculty of Shaalvim for Women.

		Rav Michael Bramson is a warm and engaging teacher, who caters to the needs of each individual student. His ability to incorporate comments and concerns from across the spectrum makes him a truly universal educator. The influence of his talents have been felt during the summers by the Ethiopian community of Natzrat Elit in Israel, during Shavuot & Simchat Torah in the city of Newport News, Virginia, on Shabbatonim throughout New Jersey, and as one of the most successful teachers at the Berman Hebrew Academy of Greater Washington. Rav Bramson has Rabbinical Ordination from Yeshiva University and a BA in Psychology. His summer daily halacha is subscribed to by almost 60 of our alumni.

		Rav Ari Cutler received semicha from Yeshiva University and has a Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Rav Cutler has been invloved in Machon Maayan for over four years and teaches Tefillah, Parsha and Shir Hashirim. Rav Cutler was an NCSY director and ran the National Council of Young Israel Summer programs. He currently is the Rav and head of Chinuch at Camp Moshava Ennismore. Rav Cutler, his wife Leah, and their four children live in the old city.

		Mrs. Dina Etigson's students thrive on her rare combination of intellect and spirituality. After receiving her BA from State University of New York at Albany and working at Morgan Stanley, Mrs. Etigson moved to Israel and joined the Matmidot Program at Matan. In addition, Mrs. Etigson participated in the Machon Gevoha Program at Nishmat.

		Rav Uri Etigson received semicha from Yeshiva University and holds a Masters degree in Jewish Philosophy. He has guided students from various yeshivot and midrashot into the depths of Jewish thought and mystical teachings. Rav Etigson has also served in Tzahal as a hospital Chaplain. His warm smile, patience and understanding are only part of the reason that many students feel connected to him.

		Mrs. Pesha Fischer has worked as the Campus Torah Educator at the University of Maryland. Previously she was the Judaic Studies Coordinator at Yavneh Academy in Dallas. Mrs. Fischer has studied in the Bruriah Scholars program at Midreshet Lindenbaum and Matan. She holds a Master's Degree in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University. She has taught at MMY and Michlelet Neve Daniel and is also currently teaching at Tiferet.

		Mrs. Esther Grossman originally from Elizabeth, New Jersey, received her Teacher's Certificate from Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women. She graduated with a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College for Women, and received her Masters in Secondary Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School. She has taught and/or lectured in numerous seminaries including Midreshet Moriah, B'not Chayil, Nishmat, & Shalavim for Women. Additionally, back in the United States, she was a full-time teacher of Judaic Studies at the Weinbaum Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton for nine years. Mrs. Grossman enjoys spending time with her family, jogging, reading, and music.

		Rav Simcha Hochbaum is a resident of Chevron's Avraham Avinu neighborhood. His song-filled and soul-stirring shiurim in Chassidut, Tefila, and other various topics have inspired students at Machon Maayan since it's inception in 2006. A long time student and musmach of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, zt"l (the final of Reb Shlomo's 36!), Rav Simcha graduated Yeshiva University with a B.S. in accounting and studied at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. He was the Rabbi of The Eldridge Street Synagogue in New York City, a Judaic studies instructor at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford CT, and has taught at a number of Israeli yeshivot and midrashot. In addition, Rav Simcha has founded a number of "Carlebach Minyanim" throughout Israel. He is the Director of Tourism in the Holy City of Chevron, and is available for individual and private group tours of Chevron, The Old City of Jerusalem, Kotel Tunnels as well as neighborhoods throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

		Mrs. Ruthie Lerer holds a BA from London School of Jewish Studies. She has studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum and Nishmat,Jerusalem. While in London she taught at the King Solomon High School and JFS. She co-founded and was joint administrator of "The Beit Midrash For Women",a post seminary learning program for college students. Ruthie made aliya four years ago and lives in Beit Shemesh with her husband David and their four children.

		Mrs. Avital Levin graduated with a BA in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a Master's degree in Social Work from New York University. She has counseled adolescents in various clinical and scholastic settings. Mrs. Levin has previously taught at the OU Center in Jerusalem and currently serves as Female Educational Coordinator for Meor, an outreach organization that provides Jewish education to college students across the United States and Israel. She has also studied at the Yeshiva University Women's Midrashiya where she graduated with a certificate in infertility counseling and teaching kallahs.

		Rav Dov Lipman is the author of three books: "Discover: Answers for Teenagers (and Adults) to Questions about the Jewish Faith," "Time-out: Sports Stories as a Game Plan for Spiritual Succes, and "Seder Savvy: Insights for Meaningful Discussion." His knowledge and depth of understanding comes alive in the classroom with his exciting and personable teaching style. Rav Lipman received semicha from Rav Yaakov Weinberg, zt"l of Ner Yisrael Baltimore and completed a Masters in Education from John Hopkins University. Rav Lipman was involved in outreach at college campuses in America and at a summer camp in the former Soviet Union and is currently a community activist in Beit Shemesh.

		Mrs. Shelly Padowitz is a wise, creative, and captivating educator. She brings more than decade of experience in high school and informal adult education. She made aliya two years ago from London where she was a leading rebbetzin and lecturer for Aish UK's Young Professionals Division. She now lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with her husband and their five children. Shelly holds a BA in Creative and Fine Arts from Stern College and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and studied at Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women.

		Mrs. Daphna Secunda previously served as the Director of Women's Programming at the Center for the Jewish Future at Yeshiva University. She has also served as an instructor of Jewish Philosophy at Stern College for Women. In addition, she has lectured widely in Tanach and Jewish Philosophy both locally and in the United States. Daphna resides in Modiin with her husband Shai and their four children.
		Rav Jeremy Spierer has taught Tanach and Gemara to high school students for the past 13 years, at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School and at the SAR High School. He received Semicha and Masters in Tanach and in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University. He is currently writing his doctoral thesis on the impact of the first year of college on Jewish beliefs. Rav Spierer made aliya with his family this past summer, living with his wife Ilana and their five children in Neve Daniel.
		Dr. Dodi Tobin is a graduate of the Matan Advanced Tanach program, and is completing an M.A. in Tanach at Bar Ilan University. Dr. Tobin holds a B.A. in Psychology from Barnard College and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition to teaching at Machon Maayan, she is the Director of Matan Bet Shemesh, and lectures at Matan branches throughout Israel. Dr. Tobin's inspirational lectures combine literary analysis, classical commentary, modern scholarship and psychological expertise to facilitate a rich understanding of biblical texts while underscoring their message for contemporary society. Dr. Tobin has worked as a psychologist and researcher, and has published studies on the post-high school Israel experience and aliya absorption issues. She is the former Director of Social Services for Nefesh B'Nefesh and has served on the administrations of Nishmat and Pardes. Dr. Tobin made aliya in 1998, and resides in Beit Shemesh with her husband Marc and four children.

		Rav Aharon Wexler made aliya after high school and studied in Yeshivat HaKotel. After Yeshiva, he studied for his BA in Archeology and then went back to Yeshivat HaKotel for his Rabbinic Ordination. Rav Wexler went on to earn an MA in Jewish History and is now a Doctoral Candidate. Rav Wexler teaches in many post-high school Yeshiva programs and during the summers leads Birthright-Israel tours, and other educational touring programs.

		Mrs. Sacha Gorelik made aliya at the beginning of high school with her family to Ramat Beit Shemesh. Sacha then completed a year at Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women. She is currently studying toward a degree in Social Sciences at Bar Ilan. She also teaches gymnastics and does holistic massage on the side. Sacha loves learning with the Machon Maayan girls in the Beit Medrash Program and feels that she gains alot from them.

		Mrs. Laura Stein (Machon Maayan '06-'07, '07-'08) is originally from Toronto, Ontario and is an alumna of the first year of Machon Maayan. After her year in Israel Laura went back to the United States and studied in Touro's Landers College for Women in Manhattan, NY where she received her BA in Psychology. In 2009 she returned to Israel and worked at Machon Maayan as a madricha. She now lives in Jerusalem with her husband and is part of Machon Maayan's Beit Midrash Program. She hopes to give the girls a taste of what she gained during her time at Machon Maayan.

		Mrs. Ita White is originally from Monsey, NY. She attended Tiferet for a year and a half and subsequently worked there as a madricha. Ita made aliya, currently lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh and is in the process of completing a course of study in web design. She is very excited to be a part of Machon Maayan as a member of the Beit Midrash Program.