Guests

Adele Nemirov is currently studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. Adele earned a Bachelors degree in Jewish Education from Stern College and a Masters degree in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. She has worked in many formal and informal educational settings. Adele lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with her husband, where they work as Av and Eim Bayit for Lone Soldiers in Lev HaTorah’s Hesder program.

is studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She has been involved in informal education for many years through Bnei Akiva and various fellowships and programs at Yeshiva University and is currently teaching Gemara at MTVA. Adina earned her B.A. from Stern College in Computer Science and Judaic Studies, while there she began a women’s bekiut program.

is a graduate of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She has been teaching Tanakh and machshava over the last two decades, initially on college campuses and in Hebrew Schools in the New Jersey area. Since making aliyah in 2005, she has given weekly shiurim in Hebrew and English to women in her community. Adina has taught in the ALIT program and Rosh Chodesh seminars run by the OU Women's Initiative as well as in the mother-daughter "learn and art" program of OU Israel. She is known for her unique ability to facilitate in-depth textual learning along with engaging and relevant discussions. Adina lives with her husband and children in Yad Binyamin.

is a student in Matan Bellow's Eshkolot Educators Institute. In addition, she is studying for her B.Sc in Psychobiology at the Hebrew University. She made aliyah at age 9 from Boston to Beit Shemesh. She is now serving with her husband, Adi, as the Av and Em Bayit of Yeshivat Torah V'Avoda with their son David.

is currently studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute as well as pursuing a degree in Education at Herzog Teachers College. She studied two and half years in the Beit Midrash at Migdal Oz and worked as a tour guide in the City of David for two years during national service. She lives in Alon Shvut with her husband.

currently teachers Torah courses at various seminaries in Jerusalem. Prior to making Aliyah in 2015 to Kiryat Moshe, Aviva received her BA in Elementary Education and Judaic Studies from Queens College. She recently received her MA in Jewish Education from Hebrew University and learned in both the Eshkolot and  Lapidot programs at Matan. Aviva has a passion for Eretz Yisroel and Torat Yisroel and wishes to share her love with others. 

is a student in the Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot Educators Institute. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and spent a year learning in Migdal Oz after high school. Before she joined our program, Ayelet earned her Bachelors in History and Education from Barnard College and spent two years teaching Judaic Studies at SAR Academy. When she is not at Matan, Ayelet lives in Tel Aviv and teaches English at a local Elementary school.

Bayla Samter is a student in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute, fulfilling her dream of becoming a Tanakh educator. She is originally from Oceanside, New York and made aliyah in 2016 from North Woodmere to Modiin where she now lives with her husband and their five children. Bayla practiced as a certified Nurse Practitioner and taught as a professor at the Adelphi University School of Nursing. 

is a student in the Matan Bellows Educators Institute. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York and currently lives in Jerusalem. Chani has worked as a creative director and educator in California and while studying in Eshkolot she is also teaching in a seminary.

is a qualified teacher currently living in London, UK. She is an educator for the United Synagogue and has served as the Scholar in Residence at Hampstead and Finchley Synagogues. Chava completed an MA in Jewish Education (LSJS and Birkbeck), an MA in Property Valuation and Law (City University Business School) and a BSc (London School of Economics) in Accounting and Finance. She is an alumnus of Michlalah, a graduate of the LSJS Bradfield Women's Educators' Programme and the Montefiore Scholars Diploma Programme. Chava has recently completed the Bellows Eshkolot Professional Development Fellowship with Matan.

is a student in Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot Educators Institute as well as the Matan Mizrachi Lapidot program, and she is also working at MMY. Chaya is a graduate of IDC Herzliya with a BA in Psychology. She lives in Yerushalayim with her husband.

Chaya Menasse is a graduate of the third cohort of the Matan Bellows Educators Institute and she is currently teaching at the Luria Academy in Brooklyn, NY. Chaya has a BA in Education from Stern College and an MA in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University.

is a current student at the Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot Educators Institute. She is originally from Chicago, went to MTVA for midrasha and just graduated Stern College for Women with a BA in Jewish Education. She is currently in Israel for the year as a madricha at MTVA and is in the process of completing her masters in Jewish Education through the Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and Administration.

is studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute, and is studying medicine at Hebrew University. She previously studied at Midreshet Harova. For the past four years Devora has been involved in Achi doing outreach with Israeli secular students.

holds a P h.D. in Rabbinic Literature from The Hebrew University, and lectures on Midrash and Aggadah in Migdal Oz and Herzog College. She served as a member of the Ministry of Education committee for t he study of Tanakh and literature. Dr. Jacobs is currently in the second cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship program, writing a book about the portrayals of God in Rabbinic literature after the destruction of the Temple, and their theological significance.

is a sought after Jewish educator who received her doctorate in Jewish Educational Leadership. Prior to moving to Israel in 2018, Dr. Agatstein served in many Jewish educational roles around America, including her position as Assistant Principal of Girls Judaic Studies in Yavneh Hebrew Academy of Los Angeles. Currently, Dr. Agatstein is participating in Matan’s Eshkolot Fellowship for advanced study in Tanach and Jewish education.

is a senior lecturer in the Department of Talmud at Bar Ilan University. Previously she was a lecturer at Reichman University, and a visiting lecturer at Harvard and University of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Matan, and has taught in various Batei Midrash. Her first book was published by Cambridge University Press, and is entitled Law and Self-Knowledge in the Talmud. is currently in the third cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship program, writing a book that provides an introduction to each tractate of the Babylonian Talmud.

researches midrash on biblical narratives and characters through postbiblical and Rabbinic literature to understand the shifts they undergo throughout the generations. She is the author of Portraits through the Generations. Dr. Elitzur is currently in the second cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship program, writing a book that will take the reader along the paths of Aggadah on the book of Genesis.

has a BA in Law from Bar Ilan University, an LL.M. from Hebrew University and a PhD in the field of Jewish Law from the University of London. is currently in the third cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship program, writing a book on the Agunah in Jewish Law: Innovations and Limitations.

is in the second cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship. She will be writing on Rashi’s holistic approach to books of the Ketuvim. Lisa has a Ph.D in Bible from Bar Ilan University and has published a Critical Edition of Rashi’s Commentary to Proverbs as well as articles on Rashi’s methodology. She teaches in Efrata College and other prominent women’s Torah institutions.

is a graduate of Matan and she was a fellow in the first cohort of Kitvuni writing a book on Chronicles. Miriam holds a doctorate in Contemporary Judaism from Bar Ilan University. She works in the educational field, teaching in high schools and academic settings and through the Ministry of Education has mentored teachers throughout the country.

was in the first cohort of the Matan Kitvuni Fellowship, Sharon is a Harvard-educated oncologist and a graduate of Matan’s Morot L’Halakha program and other Matan Beit Midrash programs. Her book is on Jewish Perspectives on Staying Healthy. It traces the development and evolution of the halakhic perspective from its earliest sources to contemporary decisors.

is a graduate of Matan and she was a fellow in the first cohort of Kitvuni writing on Shir HaShirim in the Zohar. Shifra has a Ph.D. in Jewish Thought and is a teaching fellow at Shalem College. She is highly regarded in the field of Kabbala study and is doing extremely innovative work.

has been teaching Jewish thought for many years in various settings and institutions. She is in constant search of ways to touch the soul and deepen internalization; to that end Dr. Lehman has studied unique and innovative therapeutic methods that enrich her classes and help people. Her doctoral dissertation at Hebrew University pointed to the unique traditions of the Baal Shem Tov which are transmitted through his family rather than his students. is currently in the third cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship program, writing a book on Hassidut and the Baa’l Shem Tov.

holds a B.A. from Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University in Judaic Studies and creative writing; she has a teaching degree in Tanakh from Herzog College and is a graduate of Matan's Tanakh Scholars' Program.  Her Masters and doctoral studies have been completed at Bar-Ilan University's Bible department.  She is also a madrichat kallot trained by Matan and Merkaz Eden.

Taught at Matan for over a decade. She is currently a senior lecturer at the Harry Radzyner School of Law at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya. Ayelet is a graduate of Matan's Advanced Talmud Institute as well as the Beit Morasha Program in Jewish Law.

Elisheva Cohen is originally from Stamford, CT. She came to Israel after graduating from Stern College for Women with a degree in Jewish Education and a minor in Biology. She is currently learning a fellow at Matan’s Bellows Eshkolot program, teaching night seder at Midreshet Torah v’Avodah and pursuing a master’s at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education.

Elisheva White is studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute and the Lapidot Mizrachi program. After learning for 2 years in MMY, she made Aliyah and studied in Michlala Jerusalem where she graduated with a Bachelors in Education in both Tanach and English and a teacher’s certificate. She has been involved in formal and informal education both in American and Israeli programs. Elisheva currently lives in Ramat Shilo, RBS with her husband and 2 kids.

is a student in the Matan Bellow's Eshkolot Educators Institute and is also working in MMY as a Rakezet. She is a graduate of Stern College for Women where she completed an honors bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology. Ellie plans to pursue a career in Social Work. She and her husband live in Jerusalem.

is a student in Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute as well as the Matan Mizrahi Lapidot program. She works at Maccabi World Union. Elvira completed a bachelor's degree in Sustainable Development Engineering. She made Aliya from Mexico and is currently living in Jerusalem.

Emma Katz is a graduate of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She is currently the Director of NILI-The Women’s Initiative of the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago. Emma earned her BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College and Masters degree in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. She has taught in many formal and informal Jewish educational settings, including Shulamith High School for Girls in the Five Towns and the Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago.

is studying in the second cohort of Hilkhata, Matan’s Advanced Halakhic Institute and she is the coordinator of Shayla. She is a graduate of the Yoatzot Halacha program at Nishmat, and Migdal Oz's advanced Talmud program. She holds a B.A. in Judaic Studies from Stern College and B.Ed. from Herzog Teacher’s College. Fran teaches adults and post-high school students in person, online, and in midrashot. She lives in Mitzpeh Yericho with her husband and three children.

graduated from Stern College for Women as a Legacy Heritage Scholar, with a B.A. in Jewish Studies and a concentration in Jewish Education. She has also earned her M.S. in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Over the past few years, Gabi has been blessed to work with children and teenagers in various educational settings, both formally and informally. This year, while studying at the Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot Educators institute, Gabi is teaching at Midreshet Amit, where she loves learning with and from her students. Gabi and her husband currently live in Yerushalayim.

Hannah has an MA from the Graduate Program for Advanced Taludic Studies in Yeshiva University, and is currently learning in the second cohort of Hilkhata, Matan’s Advanced Halakhic Institute.

is originally from Toronto. She earned her BA, BEd and Advanced Certificate in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from York University in Toronto, followed by her JD from Southwestern University in Los Angeles. Ilana practiced Family Law for 10 years after which she resumed her focus on studying and teaching Tanakh....

has a BA in psychology, worked with youth groups in Australia and was the first shlicha for the Canberra Jewish Community. Kelila is part of the 3rd cohort of the Bellows Eshkolot Educators program and will be the student life coordinator at Midreshet Amudim next year.

is a student at the Matan Bellow's Eshkolot Educators Institute as well as the Matan Mizrachi Lapidot program. Leah is originally from Melbourne, Australia where she has been a teacher in Beth Rivkah Ladies College and the local seminary, Ohel Chana Werdiger Learning Institute. Whilst in Israel, Leah has been working in Amudim as an informal educator.

enjoys learning and teaching Tanakh and Torah Sheba'al Peh. She is a long time educator with experience learning with all ages and in many different formats. Leah has studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum, Stern College, Drisha and especially Matan for women. She currently teaches at Nishmat Tochnit Alisa and a Facebook Live series for Matan on Parsha & Prayer.

Wiener is a student at Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot Educators Institute, as well as the Matan Mizrachi Lapidot program. Lila is a graduate of IDC Herzliya, now Reichman University, with a BA in Psychology. She plans on pursuing a masters in Social Work and becoming a therapist

has been teaching Tanakh at Katz Yeshiva High School, in Boca Raton, Florida since 2008. When not in the classroom, Lysee can be found meeting with senior girls as Director of Girls Israel guidance. She is also a faculty advisor for the Al Shlosha Devarim Chesed track, creating opportunities for chesed minded students. Lysee studied for a year and a half at MMY in Israel and then received her BA from Stern College. She recently completed the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Professional Development Fellowship. She lives in Boca Raton, Florida with her husband and three children and is actively involved with the Boca Raton Synagogue as a past Sisterhood president.

is a graduate of the women’s Beit Midrash in Migdal Oz and of the Ayanot Matmidot Program at Matan HaSharon. She has a B. Ed. in Tanakh and Oral Torah from Herzog College. She is a teacher and ‘Spiritual Leader’ at Amit Renanim. She has a teaching certificate in dance from the Wingate Institute and teaches dance in Studio Gavna

is originally from Teaneck, NJ. She has an undergraduate and master's degrees in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University. She taught 4th grade Judaic Studies at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, NJ and is now studying at Matan as part of the Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute for Tanakh and Jewish Studies. 

is a graduate of the  Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute for Tanakh and Jewish Studies.  She worked in informal education at Meor with visiting college students and ran the logistics for Machach Ba’aretz. Michal did shlichut in Australia as a Bat Sherut and on Counterpoint.  She graduated with a degree...

made Aliyah from Chicago, IL after studying for a year at Migdal Oz. She completed a year of national service and from there continued on to complete a B.A. in Psychology and Tanakh from Bar Ilan University. During her time at Bar Ilan she learned in their Midrasha and worked for Bnei Akiva in a number of different capacities. She is currently studying in Eshkolot Fellowship program for Tanakh and teaching Tanakh at MTVA night seder.

learned Literature, Linguistics and Jewish Philosophy at Hebrew University. She is a graduate of the Ayanot Matmidot program at Matan HaSharon. She has been teaching Torah courses in Hadar Ganim and Kfar Ganim in Petach Tikva for twenty years. She was the pedagogical coordinator and a teacher in the Amishav and Kfar programs of Bnei Akiva Olami. She teaches in the Naale Beit Midrash in Ulpanat Amana.

Guest Responders Graduates of the Morot L’Halakha Program, Matan HaSharon

is a student in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She is a graduate of Hadassah College and has a BSW as well as a practicing license. Nava is originally from NY and made Aliyah with her family 14 years ago. They live in Yerushalayim.

grew up in Skokie, IL. After graduating Ida Crown Jewish Academy she studied in Shaalvim for Women and then made aliyah. Navah did Sherut Leumi in Orot Etziyon Bnot in Efrat and then completed her BA in pyschology at Bar Ilan University. Navah is currently the assistant director of programming and development at Matan and is living in Modiin with her husband and two sons.

is currently studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute as well as teaching at MTVA and Sha’alvim for Women. She is a graduate of Stern College for Women where she majored in Judaic studies with a Biology minor. She also received a masters in Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School. She lives in Yerushalayim with her Husband.

is a Yoetzet Halakha and she has a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature. Rabbanit Rosen studied at Matan and other women’s Torah institutions. She was one of the founders of Yakar where she teaches Talmud and Midrash. She is in the second cohort of the Kitvuni Fellowship program, writing a book on the development and representation of lighting the Shabbat candles in Halakha, Aggada and Tefilla.

is a senior educator at The Lookstein Center. She is also currently a doctoral student at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration and on the staff of Midreshet Lev, a new seminary opening in 2024. Previously, she has taught at MMY, Stern College for Women, Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls and SAR Academy. Penina also spent a year learning at Matan’s Bellows Eshkolot Institute for Tanakh and Jewish Studieand is an OU/RCA/NishmatCertified Kallah teacher. Penina lives with her husband and children in Alon Shvut, Israel.

Rabbi Alex Israel is a popular teacher and scholar of Tanakh at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Midreshet Lindenbaum and Matan, and is director of Community Education, Summer Programs, and Online Learning at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. Born and raised in the UK, Rabbi Israel made Aliyah in 1991 receiving Smicha from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate following several years of study at Yeshivat Har Etzion. Rabbi Israel holds degrees from London School of Economics, the London Institute of Education, and Bar Ilan University. His books "I Kings - Torn in Two" and “II Kings – In a Whirlwind” have been received with great acclaim. Rabbi Israel has lectured widely at campuses and communities on five continents. His writings may be found at www.alexisrael.org.

Racheli Herszaft taught in London before coming to Israel to join the Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot 5th Cohort. She studied in Midreshet Tehillah, has a bachelors in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Westminster, and a masters in teaching from University College- London.

is a student in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She is originally from New York, and now lives in Jerusalem. Lana has taught photography and has worked many years in hi-tech. She is studying to be a teacher of Tanakh and also Dance Improvisation while learning other tools to enhance her knowledge portfolio.

is originally from Brooklyn NY and now lives in Yerushalayim where she is a student in the Matan Bellows Educators Institute. She is a teacher and writer, who worked at Menachem Education Foundation, Cheder Chabad NJ, and at Charity Studio.

Ronit Arbisfeld is a current student in Matan Bellow's Eshkolot Educators Institute and is also working in Sha’alvim for Women. She is a graduate of Queens College CUNY where she completed a bachelor's degree in psychology and plans to pursue a career in nursing. She currently lives in Yerushalayim with her husband.

was born in Australia. She is a graduate of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute, the Matan Mizrachi Lapidot program and the Mizrachi Olami Shalhevet Leadership program. Ronit trained as a nurse and worked as education officer for Chevra Hatzolah, in the medical educational field specializing in addiction, mental health and the promotion of health within the Jewish community. Since moving to Israel she has worked at various midrashot as an educator and in hadracha roles. Ronit Has a keen interest in the interplay between Halakha and family health, and hopes to work in this field in the future.

holds a BA from Barnard College and an MS in Education from Yeshiva University. Sarah taught Judaic Studies in Houston for several years prior to her aliyah, and continues to give classes and develop curricula in various settings in Israel. She is giving a course in Practical Halakha at Matan HaSharon.

serves as the Summer Program Director at Matan Jerusalem. She is also the Assistant Director of Midreshet Torah V’Avodah (MTVA), a Jerusalem-based seminary for post-high school women. Sarina, originally from the Chicago area, made Aliyah in 2014 after completing her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University, and her master’s degree in Biology Education from Columbia Teachers College. She continued her studies with the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute for Tanakh and Jewish Studies. She lives with her husband and three children in Israel’s beautiful Judean desert.

is a fellow in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute and Matan Mizrachi Lapidot. She grew up in New Jersey, made Aliyah, and currently resides in Jerusalem. She has worked as a Madricha at Midreshet Emunah V'Omanut and now teaches there as a Shana Bet Teacher. Seela also serves as the Minahelet of Beit Midrash Ori for Lone B’not Sherut and Young Olot.

Shanee Hadad (nee Mali) is a graduate of the third cohort of the Matan Eshkolot Educators Institute and Matan’s Petichta, and Tzerufim Batei Midrash . This year she will be studying to become a Yoetzet Halakha. Shanee is a night seder teacher at MTVA and she helps out at the RRG Beit Midrash at Hebrew University.

Guest Responders Graduates of the Morot L’Halakha Program, Matan HaSharon

is a graduate (2019) of the Matan Bellows Educators Institute. She is currently studying in Hilkhata - Matan’s Advanced Halakhic Institute. Sharona is the founder and director of Torat Reva Yerushalayim and teaches at Machon LeMadrichei Chutz La’Aretz.

is studying in the 5th Cohort of the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute and in the Lapidot program. She was a teacher and Occupational Therapist in London, England before coming to Israel, with Mizrachi UK. She studied in Michlala Seminary and qualified as an Occupational Therapist at Brunel University, London. She currently lives in Alon Shvut with her husband and children.

from Chicago is currently studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute, Lapidot and the Tzerufim program. She graduated from Stern College, where she studied both studio art and political science. Additionally she hopes to attain a Master’s in Jewish education and a Master’s in social work, as she is especially passionate about informal education and helping people. Coincidently, her favorite Jewish holiday is Tu B’Shevat!

is studying in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She has been involved in both formal and informal education for many years. After graduating from Stern College, Sydney received her Masters from Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Sydney taught Tanakh at Moriah Middle School for two years and served there as Director of Student Activities.

is a student in the Matan Bellow’s Eshkolot Educators Institute. She is originally from New York, and made Aliyah after spending a year in MMY. Tali did a year of sherut leumi at Nefesh B’Nefesh and has a BA in Administrative Education and Communications from Bar Ilan University. She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and their son.

took part in the two-year Hadas Torah learning program at Midreshet Lindenbaum together with her service in the army. She learned Talmud and Halakha at Matan HaSharon, while getting a bachelor’s degree in teaching Mathematics and Oral Torah. She is the pedagogical coordinator of Oral Torah and a “Spiritual Leader” at Amit Renanim in Raanana.

is a student in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She was born and raised in Beit Shemesh, and currently lives in Jerusalem. Tamar has a BA from Bar Ilan and an MA from Hebrew University. She has worked with school and student groups from around the world and after completing her studies in Eshkolot this summer, she hopes to go on Shlichut with her husband and two children.

is a student in the Matan Bellows Eshkolot Educators Institute. She is originally from Cancun, Mexico, and made Aliyah four years ago. Valeria Shani studied in Machon Ora and has a BA in Psychology from IDC Herzeliya. She currently lives in Yerushalayim with her husband and hopes to continue her journey as a student and educator.

Yedida Lubin has been studying in various programs at Matan since she made aliya in 2000 including three years in Matan’s Advanced Talmudic Institute. Currently, Yedida teaches the Daf Yomi shiur on a weekly basis. Yedida has an M.A. from the Hebrew University.

has a law degree in University College London, qualified as an ICAEW Chartered accountant and ran the women's bet midrash in London. She is a Halakhic advisor in Lechu Neranana Synagogue in Raanana and is giving a course in Practical Halakha at Matan HaSharon.

has a law degree in University College London, qualified as an ICAEW Chartered accountant and ran the women's bet midrash in London. She is a Halakhic advisor in Lechu Neranana Synagogue in Raanana and is giving a course in Practical Halakha at Matan HaSharon.

Zahava is from West Hempstead, NY. She received her BA in history from Queens College and her Masters Degree in Jewish Education and Administration from Azrieli. She has worked the past four years at North Shore Hebrew Academy middle school, teaching Navi, tefillah and organizing student programming.