WHAT YEARS DID YOU ATTEND HAFTR?
I graduated from HAFTR's 8th grade in June of 1983.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?
I really enjoyed learning Gemorah thanks to the Great Rebbeim that I had.
WHAT ACTIVITIES WERE YOU INVOLVED IN AT HAFTR?
I had done Chidon HaTanach and took a very active role in the minyan which included being a Gabbai.
WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL ONCE GRADUATING FROM HAFTR?
I went to MTA for High School, in 1987-88 I learned in Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh in Eretz Yisroel. I went on To Yeshiva University where I earned a BA in History, a Masters in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate Institute and Semicha from RIETS.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION AT HAFTR?
I am the 5th Grade Boys' Rebbe at HAFTR Lower School
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A TEACHER AT HAFTR?
I come in each and every day with a sense of nostalgia. I have also felt welcomed from day one.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU SEE TODAY AT HAFTR THAT YOU WISH YOU HAD WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT? HOW HAS THE SCHOOL CHANGED?
The programming at HAFTR is excellent like a class in social skills and of course MI Time really enhances the programing and opportunities for each student.
I think the school is very sensitive to the needs of the individual students. The term differentiated learning is not just something said but acted on through the many services that the school provides. If you walk through the school, you see the many smart boards and the ongoing efforts to use technology in the classroom.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?
I am a sports fan and very interested in History especially historic movies and miniseries.
YOU ARE ALSO THE RABBI OF A SHUL- TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE.
Being a Rabbi of a shul is a very challenging part of my life. For one, I feel like I am always on call. When I leave school, my day is not over, there is learning and other programing that I participate in as well as pastoral responsibilities.
However, it should be noted that it has enhanced my ability as a Rebbe. I have become very sensitive to family issues and challenges of raising children in this generation. I feel like I would not be successful as a Rebbe if not for my shul experience.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
Together with my wife Elisheva, We are married 17 years and have a 16 son (Meir), 14 year old daughter (Adina) and a 4 year old daughter (Avigail). We live in Brooklyn and I am the Rabbi of Merkaz Yisroel of Marine Park. My wife is a School Psychologist who works for the Department of Education near our home.
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