Blog

Mrs. Esther Wachstock is a dedicated teacher who has been in Jewish education for 19 years. Her particular passion is for teaching the books of Tanach that don’t get enough attention, specifically Ketuvim and Neviim Achronim, as well as showing how all of Tanach comes together. She is a founding member of the Ganei HaEleh community […]

As the principal of Projects in Philanthropy, Marian Stern works with a wide variety of organizations in the regional New York area, providing management and fundraising services, with particular emphasis on fundraising planning, board development and training, strategic planning, meeting facilitation, and professional coaching.  She also works with foundations and funders to define and implement […]

Bracha Poliakoff, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and writer. As founder and director of Bright Ideas Continuing Education, she provides high-quality professional development programs for mental health professionals across the United States and Canada. Bracha’s commitment to Jewish education is evident in her extensive teaching experience, founding of community initiatives, and co-authorship of Reclaiming […]

Tamar Frydman is the Director of the OU Impact Accelerator where she supports entrepreneurial ventures and innovatively addresses communal challenges through grants, education, mentorship and fostering collaboration. Before joining the OU, she served as Senior Director of Programs at the Jewish Funders Network, and prior to that held management positions at UJA Federation of New […]

Dr. Rachel Ginsberg is a principal researcher at the Center for Communal Research. She works with Jewish lay leaders, community members, and stakeholders to support their data-informed decision making through qualitative research. Rachel believes in the power of stories to illuminate the human experience. In her research, she creates the space for each unique and […]

Dr. Erica Brown is the Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University and the founding director of its Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership. Her latest book is Morning Has Broken: Faith After October 7th (Toby/Koren). She is also the author of The Torah of Leadership and Kohelet and the […]

Aliza Joel has been teaching Tanach for over two decades. Aliza currently serves as the Upper School Tanach Department Chair and as the Junior High Mashgicha Ruchanit, as well as teaching Tanach in the Junior High of the Fuchs Mizrachi School in Cleveland, Ohio. Aliza earned a teaching certificate from Michlala College for Women, her […]

Rabbi Yaakov Glasser is the Managing Director of Communal Engagement at the Orthodox Union, where he plays a pivotal role in strengthening Jewish communities. Previously, he served as the International Director of Education for NCSY and as the Regional Director of New Jersey NCSY, inspiring Jewish youth through innovative programming and education. He is also […]

Ariana Reich is the Assistant Principal of The JEC Lower School in Elizabeth, NJ, bringing over a decade of experience as a leader in Jewish Education. Previously, she served as Director of Jewish Life and Learning and Programming Director at the JEC. Morah Reich combines her administrative expertise with her background in camp leadership to […]

Naomi Rotblat is a self-employed attorney in private practice. Naomi serves as co-chair of the OU Women’s Initiative Commission and is an OU Board member. She is the president of the Teaneck Mikvah, a member of the Board of Governors of RYNJ and is a member of various committees at Torah Academy of Bergen County.  […]