Meet Your Faculty

Rav Yitzchak Berkovits

Rosh Yeshiva

About Yitzchak Berkovits

Rav Yitzchak Berkovits is the Rosh Yeshiva of the Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He is a leading expert on Mitzvot Bein Adam L’Chavero, the Torah’s wisdom regarding interpersonal relationships, and is the Posek and spiritual guide for hundreds of Jewish outreach professionals and many organizations around the world. Before assuming the position of Dean at the Aish HaTorah Yeshiva, Rabbi Berkovits was the founder and Dean of The Jerusalem Kollel and has been the Mashgiach Ruchani of Aish HaTorah for 16 years.

Rabbi Steve Burg

CEO of Aish

About Steve Burg

Rabbi Dovid Rosman

Director

About Rabbi Rosman

Rabbi Dovid Rosman is the Director of Yeshiva Aish HaTorah and the Dean of the Gesher program. After receiving his B.A. and Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshiva University, he and his wife moved to Israel and he began teaching at Aish HaTorah. Some of his most popular classes are on the topics of relationships, preparation for a Jewish marriage, and raising children.

Rabbi Rosman is the author of Torah Connections- Reaching Your Potential Through the Parashah, and the best selling book: YourWife Yourself- a Husband’s Guide to Shalom Bayis.

Aleeza Lebowitz

Menahelet

About Aleeza Lebowitz

Aleeza Lebowitz brings her more than 2 decades of professionalism and post high school seminary experience to the Aish Gesher family. After receiving her BA in Judaic studies from Stern College, Aleeza completed her Masters in Social Work at the Wurzweiller School. She has deftly integrated her passion for Torah and psychology to not only provide her talmidot with authentic appreciation for Torah and Avodat Hashem but to also inspire them to utilize that knowledge to achieve their own personal success. Aleeza's ability to teach a broad spectrum of classes as well as her background in developing and directing various seminary programs provides our team with the model needed to maximize our students' success.

Michal Dubov

Managing Director

About Michal Dubov

Michal is from Brooklyn, NY. She studied Operations and Business Management at the Wharton school. Subsequently, she worked at Prudential Retirement as a digital strategist and, upon moving to Israel, was recruited to a start-up in the fin-tech sector to develop and manage it from the ground up through launch.

While Michal enjoyed making the business world more efficient, she realized that her skill-set is helpful and much needed in the Jewish non-profit world. Michal served as the Executive Director of Jewessence, a seminary for young women looking to rediscover Judaism, and oversaw all operations, staff, and improved the institution's financial health.

Michal brings an abundance of experience in developing companies and ideas from the ground up through execution. She thrives on efficiency.

Just because things have always been done a certain way doesn't mean there's no better way.

She's always pursuing the better way.

Dena Rich

Dean of Students

About Dena Rich

Dena Rich has been involved in education for almost two decades. After receiving a BA in Psychology from Stern College, Dena Completed a double Masters in Education and Special Education from Touro University. While teaching at Ramaz, Dena instilled within each student a passion and desire to be the best version of themselves, regardless of their individual struggles. After teaching at Ramaz for ten years, Dena decided to utilize her skills in an administrative role at the Yeshiva of North Jersey. There, she created a customized support program to enable all types of learners to feel empowered and maximize their success inside and outside of the classroom. After making Aliyah with her family in 2017, Dena began working in the Seminary world as a rakezet where her focus was connecting with the students and providing academic and emotional support. Dena looks forward with great excitement to continuing her work at Aish Gesher for Women.

David Cutler

Executive Director

About David Cutler

David Cutler is the Executive Director of EFG @ Aish. He previously served for 21 years as Director and Executive Director of NCSY Summer. David brings decades of experience from his work with NCSY, where he helped tens of thousands of young people experience Israel, connect to the land, and deepen their connection to Judaism. He lives in Woodmere with his wife, Marilyn, and their son, Yosef.

Rabbi Moshe Poleyeff

Associate Director

About Rabbi Poleyeff

Rabbi Moshe Poleyeff grew up in Englewood, NJ, studied at Yeshivat Sha'alvim, Yeshiva University, and the Gruss Kollel, and received his Semicha from RIETS. In addition to his responsibilities in the seminary, Rabbi Poleyeff serves as the educational director and a Rebbe for the efg@aish Yeshiva and is a lecturer for the Aish Discovery Seminar. During the summer, he serves as the administrative director of NCSY Kollel. Rabbi Poleyeff and his family live in Ramat Beit Shemesh.

Shani Benovitz

Shana Aleph Rakezet

About Shani Benovitz

Hannah Paul

Shana Aleph Rakezet

About Hannah Paul

Hannah is originally from Riverdale, NY. She and her husband most recently lived in the Old City with their daughter where they were the Av and Eim Bayit of Aish Gesher for Men. Hannah received her masters from Silberman school of Social Work at Hunter College. She then continued her studies at the Neve Family Institute where she is studying individual, couples, and family therapy. Hannah is passionate about fostering self awareness, confidence, and helping to enable girls to reach their potential.

Tova Orenbuch

Programming Coordinator

About Tova Orenbuch

After attending Stern College and Azrieli Graduate School for Education, Tova made Aliyah to Yerushalayim fulfilling a lifelong dream. She joins Aish Gesher after teaching in various seminaries as well as the Emek Learning Center. Tova’s goal in the classroom is to empower her students to become critical readers of whatever they encounter. With even a little bit of textual skills we can unlock the Torah and its commentaries to see that everything can be found within them. Her ability to capture her students' attention with questions and relevant messages leaves them wanting to come back for more. With her relatable messages, Tova is able to develop meaningful relationships with her students that last well beyond their time in Seminary. Tova lives with her husband and children in the Givat Mordechai neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

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Noa Tusia

Logistics Coordinator

About Noa Tusia

Rivka Pesha Alter

About Rivka Pesha Alter

I grew up in Alabama - yes there are Jews there - and always had a thirst for adventure and depth. That dual desire has led me on interesting journeys to far away lands, both externally and internally, and eventually led me to Israel, where my soul soars and my passion for travel and experience is satisfied by an hours drive in almost any direction to a whole different climate.

While I love to laugh and rarely turn down a good conversation, I am also quite the introvert - writing poetry and meditating in my down time. "I love my life - even when it's hard it is still good - and I want you to love yours too! I deeply wish to facilitate the discovery (in each and every person including myself) that the lines that seemingly divide are actually ties that bind.

Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen

About Rabbi Cohen

Having spent six important years living in Asia immersed in Eastern philosophy and tradition, Dov Ber Cohen returned to his Jewish roots and the profound wisdom and insight to be found in the teachings of the great Jewish Sages throughout the generations. After becoming a Rabbi, Dov Ber has continued traveling the world, running programs to aid people in tapping into their greatest potential and guide their own journey through life in an empowered, mindful, and joyous way.

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Julia Field

About Julia Field

Julia is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and made Aliyah at age 18 when she came for seminary. Since then, she has yet to leave the seminary world thanks to her extensive experience as a Madricha and as Logistics and Programming Coordinator at MMY.

Currently, Julia and her husband live in Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem, and she is studying for her Bachelor of Education in Jewish Philosophy and Tanach at Michlala College for Women. Her passion lies in sharing her pursuit of constant personal growth with young women. She naturally leans on her connection to Chassidus and intense focus in Tikkun HaMiddos to create meaningful and lasting experiences. Julia loves Tiyulim, Kumzitzin, and hosting Shabbos meals!

Rabbi Ephy Greene

About Rabbi Greene

Rabbi Greene has been teaching in the US & Israel for over 20 years. A graduate of Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from RIETS and an MA from the Azrielli Graduate School of Education. While teaching in Ramaz Middle School and SAR High School, Rabbi Greene built original educational programs such as Family Torah Programming, an Israel Guidance department, and Religious Guidance department. Upon Aliyah in 2008, Rabbi Greene taught at Yeshivat Torat Shraga and served as Chessed Programming Coordinator. Rabbi Greene has also taught at Midreshet AMIT, Mercaz Tiferet, and graduated the ATID Fellowship.

In his spare time, Rabbi Greene sings and composes original music, and has produced two Cd's of original compositions, Ashrei (2007) and Samachti (2012) plus the 2015 single release of "Nachamu". Rabbi Greene's classes share a depth of inspiration and aspiration which have endeared him to hundreds of students. Rabbi Greene lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife and children who love when Gesher students come for Shabbos.

Rabbi Yosef Hirschel

About Rabbi Hirschel

Rabbi Lebowitz

About Rabbi Lebowitz

Rabbi Ian Schwartz

About Rabbi Schwartz

Rabbi Ian Schwartz lives in Jerusalem where he completed his Rabbanut Smicha at Yeshivat Hakotel. He earned his Master’s in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli School and teaches Halacha, Hebrew, and Jewish thought at the Aish yeshiva & seminary. Ian is committed to inspiring meaningful growth and connection through Torah learning and serving his country during Milium. His love for Torah and Am Yisrael shines through in all his work, where he brings sincerity, dedication, and leadership.

Tovi Lobel

Shana Aleph Rakezet

About Tovi Lobel

Before marrying and moving to Israel, Tovi was a sought after preschool teacher in Torah Academy for Girls where she was known for bringing Torah to life with unique creativity and warmth. Her collaboration with teachers to produce engaging hands on curriculum as well as her dedication to her classroom and students earned her the Young Mechanchos Award from Torah Umesora at the age of 26.
Now Tovi brings the same kochos to her students at the seminary level; her infectious love of learning, propensity to connect, and ability to underline the depth and relevance of Torah to each person on their level. Tovi’s deep hope for each student is that they feel empowered and supported in becoming the best version of themselves, and she’s excited to be a supporting cast in that journey.

Ashira Senter

Shana Aleph Rakezet

About Ashira Senter

Ashira received her teaching certificate from BJJ seminary. She continued her education at Touro University, where she graduated with a B.S in Biology and Judaic studies and is currently pursuing her M.A in Judaic studies. While living in America, Ashira taught a variety of limudei kodesh subjects at Naaleh High School for Girls as well as directed their Judaic programming. Since moving to Israel, Ashira has taught in Sharfman's seminary and coordinated programming in Bais Yaakov Machon Raaya. Ashira is looking forward to taking her passion and energy and becoming part of the incredible faculty at Aish!

Nomi Zahn

Shana Bet Rakezet

About Nomi Zahn

Nomi originally from Rochester, New York, is looking forward to bringing her “out-of- town” warmth to Gesher. She received her M.S. in Secondary Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and has experience teaching in HANC High School in Long Island. There she served as the Junior grade Mechanechet, Director of Religious Programing, Coordinator of Student Activities, taught Navi, Chumash, and an array of elective courses to all grades. She is excited to join Gesher and bring her love of all Torah topics to the post high school level. She lives in Yerushalayim with her husband and family.

Avi Chowaiki

Eim Bayit

About Avi Chowaiki

Rabbi Yisroel Benovitz

About Rabbi Benovitz

Rabbi Benovitz studied in Yeshivat Kerem B'yavneh and then received Semicha from Rav Zalman Nechemiya Goldberg. He has worked at Yeshivat Torat Shraga and spent many summers working on the NCSY Summer Kollel. More recently he has been working as the assistant director of Camp Morasha's Sulam Program.

Rabbi Benovitz concurrently learns at Gruss Kollel, Yeshiva University's (RIETS) Kollel in Yerushalayim.

Rabbi MZ Dubov

About Rabbi Dubov

Born in Minsk, Belarus, MZ grew up in Brooklyn in an immigrant family which fled the USSR due to antisemitism. He attended public school until enrolling in the Boston College Carroll School of Management, from which he graduated with a B.S. in Operations & Business Consulting. During his time at BC, he became heavily involved in Israeli Advocacy, co-founding “Eagles for Israel.” While running diplomatic and cultural events, MZ met Rabbi Chananel Weiner, a student of Rabbi Noach Weinberg zt”l (the founder of Aish). Rabbi Weiner opened MZ’s eyes to the depth and beauty of his Jewish roots.

After graduation and before jumping into the corporate world, MZ came to Aish to learn more and decided to stay, having found his calling in life. With seven years of Torah study under his belt, MZ received Rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Nachum Barowski and Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl.

You can find him teaching on different Aish programs daily, organizing experiences for visiting groups, and serving as a mentor to students past and present. Rabbi MZ enjoys playing basketball, hiking, taking joyrides, listening to music, and teaching his kids about this wonderful world in which we live. He and his wife often host for Shabbat in their home in French Hill, Jerusalem.

Meira Fried

About Meira Fried

Pearly Hausman

About Pearly Hausman

Pearly was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and earned her B.S. in Education and Special Education from Touro College. She began her career teaching sixth-grade Social Studies before moving to Israel with her husband following the birth of their first child. For over a decade, Pearly has served as a mechanechet and educator in various seminaries, including Sharfman’s and Tomer Devorah. She also founded and directed a women's learning program in Ramat Eshkol, originally known as The Chabura, now renamed Reconnect. Currently residing in Jerusalem with her husband and children, Pearly works as a Support Manager for Partners in Torah. She is passionate about fostering an interactive and growth-oriented learning environment, incorporating in-depth exploration of Tefillah and Torah sources into her teaching.

Rabbi Meir Kahane

About Rabbi Kahane

Rabbi Meir B. Kahane has been at the forefront of Jewish education for over two decades teaching students of every level from front line kiruv- both rechokim and krovim- to Bais Yaakov and Yeshiva. He is currently the menahel of Chedvas Bais Yaakov in Yerushalayim.

With a mix of deep machshava and meaningful messages, Rabbi Kahane is one of the most sought after and dynamic speakers in the Jewish world today and has become known worldwide as a highly innovative educator with a unique grasp of what inspires today’s generation.

Rabbi Kahane is also the author of the highly acclaimed bestseller "A Fire in the Darkness: Guidance for Growth when Life Hurts" based on the writings of the Piaseczner Rebbe in his monumental work Aish Kodesh, printed by Menucha publishers.

A popular lecturer on TorahAnytime.com, Rabbi Kahane posts shiurim on a variety of topics including the sefer Aish Kodesh.

Rabbi Kahane lives in the Maalot Dafna neighborhood of Yerushalayim with his wife and family.

Shayna Ungar

About Shayna Ungar

Shayna grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and holds a degree in Family Therapy and Dynamics from the University of Maryland, where she developed a passion for helping others build stronger, healthier relationships.

Shayna’s love for teaching and fostering meaningful connections began during her time at NCSY, where she worked in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. It was there she discovered her passion for Torah, growth, and creating community.

Now, Shayna loves working at Aish, where she gets to combine her three passions: Torah, People, and Music. After a lifetime of dreaming to do so, she currently lives in Jerusalem with her husband, continuing to inspire others and grow through her work.

Rabbi Avraham Willig

About Rabbi Willig

Avraham Willig is a unique blend of rabbi, lecturer, psychotherapist, and musician. Beloved by his students for his knack at fostering uplifting relationships, Rabbi Willig is known for his warm personality and quick smile.

Rabbi Willig loves people and loves Judaism, and has enjoyed introducing one to the other at Aish Jerusalem where he passionately engages his students in Torah and Jewish philosophy for the past decade.

Raised in New York, Rabbi Willig studied at University of Maryland, Ner Israel Rabbinical College, earned rabbinic ordination from the RIETS School of Yeshiva University, and obtained his Masters of clinical Social Work at the Wurzweiler School of Yeshiva University.
A practicing psychotherapist, Rabbi Willig has a private practice in individual, marital, and family therapy in Jerusalem and Bet Shemesh, and runs groups and workshops about relationships, marriage, and marital intimacy.

Rabbi Willig is a soulful musician who plays piano and guitar, and has released two music albums singing his original compositions with his children, father, and brothers.
He resides with his wife and children in Ramat Bet Shemesh.

Tamar Moskowitz

Shana Aleph Rakezet

About Tamar Moskowitz

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Tamar was always drawn to greater depth, meaning, and connection. After a year of learning in Shaalvim, she made Aliyah on her own and began building her life in Eretz Yisrael.

She earned her B.Ed. from Michlala College in Jerusalem and specialized in Yoetzet Chinuch. After five years working in a variety of Israeli schools, Tamar returned to the seminary world, eager to share her passion for growth through the wisdom of Torah and life experiences.

Tamar loves working with young adults who are searching for their own authentic path in Judaism. Having seen how each decision has shaped her own life, she hopes to guide her students through these formative years and help them build lives of growth, purpose, and a lasting connection with Hashem.

She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three children and looks forward to welcoming her students into her warm and loving home!

Ora Schrier

Educational Director

About Ora Schrier

Ora has been teaching Tanach and Jewish thought for the past decade. She served as Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School's Director of Religious Programming and 12th Grade Mashpia in addition to teaching in their Limudei Kodesh department. Ora has been involved in adult education through her work as a fellow at Brandeis University for the Orthodox Union’s Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus and as a resident scholar at Congregation Darchei Noam in New Jersey for the past four years. She is also a certified Kallah Teacher through the OU/RCA/Nishmat joint training program for female community educators. During the summers she serves as Assistant Director of Michlelet, NCSY’s Israel learning program for High School girls.

She is an honors graduate of Stern College for Women where she received her degree in Jewish Education and Political Science and holds an M.S. from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education. Ora offers a unique blend of high-level learning with a down-to-earth approach, focusing on integrating the learning practically into living a more inspired Torah life. She and her family are looking forward to fulfilling their dream of making Aliyah this Summer.

Ariella Goldwicht

Shana Bet Rakezet

About Ariella Goldwicht

Shaindy Wolbe

Ahavas Chessed Coordinator

About Shaindy Wolbe

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Shaindy has been a part of Aish from a young age. After completing her degree in education, she began teaching at local elementary schools. She currently teaches at Aish, Bais Yaakov High School for Girls and also coaches in teacher training programs at seminaries.

Shaindy lives with her husband and children in the community of French Hill Jerusalem, and is passionate about finding and building one's character and worldview through Tanach and Jewish texts, and developing appreciation for the jewish heritage and its personal connection to our lives today.

Rabbi Yonasan Caller

About Rabbi Caller

Hailing from London, Rabbi Caller is a Rebbe for the men's and women's EFG Program (amongst many other responsibilites). He teaches Gemara, Navi and Halacha, and gives powerful, inspiring classes on appreciating the blessings of life through understanding the blessings we make. Rabbi Caller is also the Founding Director of the Aish Summer Leadership Kollel. After attending both Hasmo and City of London School and receiving the highest score nationwide in both his Statistics and Microeconomics exams, Rabbi Caller learned in Yeshivat HaKotel, Nesivos Aharon and Mir. Having completed the University of Manchester's flagship degree in International Business, Finance and Economics, Rabbi Caller pursued his dream and passion to share the beauty and depth of the Torah with the Jewish People. He spent 3 years teaching in King David High School and inspiring many across the Whitefield and Prestwich communities in various capacities, has given shiurim or performed part-time Rabbinical duties in over 20 schools, campuses and communities across the UK, and has taught in programs in both Yeshivat HaKotel and Ohr Sameach. In addition to having served as Maggid Shiur at Yeshivat Chachmei Angliyah for 5 summers and helped run outreach programs in the Israeli Sephardi Moshav of Petachia, Rabbi Caller is a freelance writer and editor, having published articles in various publications such as Hamodia, penned the 'Daily Wisdom' column for ShortVort.com, and edited an array of best-selling english sefarim on the market. A former cricketer, Rabbi Caller enjoys composing music and is known for his contagious enthusiasm, positive energy and thought-out approach to learning and life.

Rabbi Nachman Elsant

About Rabbi Elsant

Rabbi Elsant is a Rebbe and Educational Director at Gesher. He is beloved by his students for his dedication and care. He has an amazing way of teaching Gemara to beginners and bringing students to love Torah and Judaism. In addition, he gives a class on Agadata, showing the deep spiritual lessons that can be learned from the Gemara. He also teaches shiurim on Halacha, Character Development and The Six Constant Mitzvos. Rabbi Elsant is also the visionary behind our program's chessed and kiruv activities. After graduating from MTA, he spent several years learning in Shaalvim, Yeshiva University, and Derech HaTalmud. After completing a BA in Computer Science from YU, he received Rabbinic Ordination from the YU/RIETS – Wexner Smicha Honors Program. Rabbi Elsant has also been a Rebbe at the NCSY Summer Kollel and lectured at MMY, Shaalvim for Women and Michlala. Having come on Aliyah, he lives with his wife and children in Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem, where they enjoy the company of their yeshiva and seminary students at their lively Shabbos meals.

Rabbi Gav Friedman

About Rabbi Friedman

Originally from the Five Towns and a graduate of DRS High School, “Rav Gav” has spent the last decade studying and teaching in various Yeshivot throughout Jerusalem. He is one of the morning Rabbeim in the Gesher Program, teaching Jewish Philosophy, Proofs of Judaism, Mussar and Hashkafa. In addition to Gesher, his lectures highlight the entire gamut of Aish programs, including the Discovery Seminar, Jerusalem Fellowships, Executive Learning Center, and more. A star of the Jewish speaking circuit, Rabbi Friedman has lectured in dozens of cities around the globe, including Johannesburg, London, Montreal, Panama and throughout the East Coast of the United States. Rabbi Friedman's charisma and humor captivates audiences of all ages and inspires men and women across the Jewish spectrum. His unique ability to present Torah concepts in an intriguing yet entertaining fashion leaves his audiences thirsting for more. Rabbi Friedman currently resides with his wife and children in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem.

Eli Horwitz

About Eli Horwitz

Born and raised in London, England, Eli first taught in Hasmonean High school before relocating to Eretz Yisroel upon her marriage. Her love of learning Torah and its practical implementation, is what drove her to refuse to leave the classroom albeit on the other side of the desk. She teaches in a variety of Seminaries on a range of topics that always fire up her passion and excitement for Judaism and uses her youthfulness to engage and connect with her students, learning as much from them as she hopes they do from her.

Adina Kor

About Adina Kor

Andrea Schulman

About Andrea Schulman

Andrea is an enthusiastic and seasoned educator with a passion for reaching every student.
Andrea taught highschool students for over a decade at Shalhevet Highschool for Girls in North Woodmere, NY and most recently, at BBY in Far Rockaway. Andrea has directed the Chinuch staff at Camp Dina for the past 9 summers, inspiring hundreds of campers and staff members through timeless themes, originally composed songs and creative educational approaches.
She ran chaburas on parsha, navigating relationships in our technological age, and was a community speaker in the Five Towns.She is able to connect to a Chabura of five around a table as easily as an audience of hundreds.
Andrea has also used her skills to prepare young women before marriage. She teaches not only the new laws that women will be practicing upon marriage, but she focuses on the skills needed to build and maintain a happy, healthy, and loving marriage. Andrea is originally from Long Island, New York, and has just relocated with her family to Ramat Beit Shemesh.

Rina Zinkin

About Rina Zinkin