Rabbi Mitgang earned his master’s degree from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration (AGS) and achieved his ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary of America. He has wide-ranging experience in both formal and informal primary education. Rabbi Mitgang served as Director of Youth Activities for Congregation Ahavas Yisrael in New York and on the administrative team at Camp Magen Avraham. Before moving into school administration, he spent time in the classroom teaching Judaic subjects and the sciences. Rabbi Mitgang held the position of Principal at Yeshiva of Great Neck, guiding his students towards academic and personal success.

Rabbi Mitgang brings his experience, passion, and excitement for Jewish education to every student and family. His sense of professionalism and creativity provide a strong foundation for Zucker Hebrew Academy.

Rabbi Oren Levy is a dedicated Jewish educator and community leader with a passion for inspiring the next generation of Jewish children in Torah and middot tovot, and connecting them to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Levy holds semicha from Rabbi Chaim Jachter, Av Bet Din of Elizabeth, NJ, and a master’s in Jewish Education from Touro University, Lander College. He most recently served as the Elementary Judaic Principal at the Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, where he played a central role in strengthening the school’s Judaic curriculum, fostering a love for learning and a sense of community among students and parents alike. Additionally, he founded the Pittsburgh Sefardic Minyan, where he served as Chazzan.

With a background in both formal education and community leadership, Rabbi Levy is thrilled to begin his new role as the Judaic Principal at Zucker Hebrew Academy, where he looks forward to working together with the outstanding staff at Zucker to continue to help our students grow in all areas of their lives.

Mrs. Berry earned her degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor of Arts In English Literature) and Nova Southeastern University (Master of Science in Brain Based Teaching and Learning). She is also a State of Florida certified teacher. Mrs. Berry has extensive experience in K - 8 education, having been a General Studies Principal at Lubavitch Educational Center, the Director of Admission for two Jewish Day Schools, a highly successful English Language Arts teacher for several years, and prior to Zucker Hebrew Academy, as the General Studies principal of YTCTE Rohr Middle School for almost a decade.

Mrs. Berry’s determination and passion for learning motivate her to constantly research and implement the best ways to engage and inspire students and faculty. Mrs. Berry views every student as if they were her own, investing in their growth spiritually, socially, and academically. She is a natural at building and maintaining relationships with students, parents, and faculty members.

Rabbi Yossi Harari-Raful is the assistant rabbi and chazan for Netive Ezra, a prestigious Sephardic congregation in Miami, FL. In addition to his synagogue responsibilities, Rabbi Harari-Raful is a prominent bar-mitzvah teacher and Torah educator. Originally from Israel, he spent time in Mexico studying under the mentorship of Rabbi Saul Melech. He is fluent in Hebrew, Spanish, and English.

Rabbi Harari-Raful is excited to meet with every family and be a part of their journey at Zucker Hebrew Academy.

Mrs. Avni, a special educator and speech pathologist, recently relocated to South Florida with her husband and three young children to join the Zucker Hebrew Academy and launch the Success Studio, a dynamic learning center designed to foster a love of learning and achievement in every student. Prior to joining Zucker Hebrew Academy, Mrs. Avni spent eight years with the New York City Department of Education as a speech and language interventionist. She also has prior experience as a classroom teacher in various Yeshivot in New York. Mrs. Avni's passion lies in educating children and fostering their success by understanding how young minds process information. Her focus is on identifying each student’s unique strengths and challenges, creating personalized learning plans to help every child reach their fullest potential.

Raised in a family of educators, with both of her parents dedicating their lives to teaching, Esti developed a deep appreciation for education and the meaningful relationships that help students thrive.

As Admissions and Marketing Director, Esti is often one of the first friendly faces families meet. Known for her warm smile, positive energy, and genuine enthusiasm, she loves welcoming new families and helping them discover all that makes Zucker Hebrew Academy so special. Deeply connected to the school community, Esti is passionate about sharing the school's mission and values while building lasting relationships with students, parents, and staff. Her warmth, creativity, and dedication make her an integral part of the Zucker Academy family.

Aaron Joseph Margolis is a talented musician, and founder & CEO of ArtsEdBuddy. A passionate educator (FL state-certified in Music and English) with a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration, Margolis has years of experience building successful programs within diverse institutions.

Mrs. Samantha Markell has always possessed an affinity toward science and math and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Biology from Florida International University. Her previous teaching experience in both science and math has given her the skills to nurture curiosity, creativity and encourage scientific thinking in her students. Mrs. Markell’s interdisciplinary approach toward her position as the STEAM/ Makerspace instructor gives students a well-rounded and hands-on view of science and math that supports the various learning styles and interests of her students.

Mrs. Esther Peleg was raised by parents who are passionate educators, and the love for teaching grew from a young age. She attended Yeshiva University, majoring in Education. Esther has been teaching for the past 5 years, and has experience teaching Judaic subjects as well as general education subjects to grades 1-5. Her passion for teaching grows with each day in the classroom. She loves creating a warm and friendly class environment that each learner can feel safe and excited to learn! Esther strives to make her lessons lively and engaging with many opportunities for hands-on learning. Mrs. Peleg makes it her mission to deliver her lessons in a tailored way so that each student can succeed.

Mrs. Shuly Zakai, is our dedicated teacher for Kindergarten Judaic Studies. As a mother of five, Morah Shuly brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the classroom. Her extensive background in working with children of all ages has honed her skills in creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment. Fluent in Hebrew, English, and Spanish, Morah Shuly seamlessly bridges language gaps and fosters an inclusive atmosphere in the classroom. Her strong background adds a valuable dimension to the educational experience, allowing her to integrate meaningful Jewish values into the curriculum.

Mrs. Shira May holds a master's degree from Mercy College in both regular and special education for grades K-6 and brings 14 years of classroom experience, specializing in early childhood education from nursery through kindergarten. Her expertise spans both English and Hebrew instruction. As a mother of five, Shira brings a unique perspective to her teaching, fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. With a focus on hands-on learning and individualized attention, she is passionate about helping students develop a love of learning, build social skills, and reach their full potential.

Mrs. Oshrat Benezra holds a bachelor's degree in physical education and brings over 20 years of teaching experience from Israel. In addition to her extensive classroom work, she has managed a large after-school program and worked in a boarding school for high-risk children. Now, in her new role at ZHA, Oshrat is excited to teach Hebrew language through interactive methods like games, role play, and immersive Hebrew conversation. She believes that learning flourishes when students feel a strong, positive connection with their teacher, creating an environment where children are excited to come to school and engage in their education. Oshrat is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships that inspire a love for learning.

Mrs. Karla Sztabinski brings over 20 years of experience in education and childcare to her role as assistant teacher. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori Training, along with the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). As a bilingual educator fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Sztabinski is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Her passion for nurturing young learners aligns beautifully with ZHA’s commitment to educational excellence.

Ortal was born in Israel and moved to New York as a teenager. She brings many years of experience working with children of all ages. With a warm, caring nature and a super playful spirit, she creates a joyful and engaging classroom atmosphere where children feel excited to learn and explore. Her dedication, energy, and genuine love for working with children are at the heart of all she does.

Ms. Chaya Bauer holds a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Barry University. She brings over seven years of experience working with special needs students in both Judaic and secular studies, spanning grades 1 through 5. Ms. Bauer is dedicated to fostering a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment. Her teaching approach emphasizes positive student interaction, hands-on learning, and individualized instruction, enabling each child to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Mrs. Tali Minyan holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from CUNY Hunter College and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Delaware. As a passionate educator and a mother of three, Mrs. Minyan blends professional expertise with a nurturing, intuitive understanding of young children’s needs. In her classroom, she fosters a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Her teaching style emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and playful exploration—creating meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence.

My name is Debbie Himelstein, and I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From a young age, I discovered my love for working with children, a passion that has guided my entire professional journey. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and soon after, I began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to young learners across Argentina, Mexico, and eventually here in Florida, USA. Growing up, I was surrounded by multiple languages—Portuguese, English, and some Hebrew—which helped shape my deep appreciation for communication and multicultural learning. Over the past 30+ years, I’ve worked in schools and tutoring settings, helping children grow not only academically, but also emotionally and socially. There is truly nothing more rewarding to me than witnessing a child’s confidence blossom as they learn and grow. Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mother of four wonderful children—three boys and one girl—and wife to an incredibly supportive husband. We’re a close-knit family of six, and I treasure every moment we spend together. Whether it’s a relaxing day at the beach or a family vacation adventure, I find joy in creating memories with the people I love most.

Mrs. Marsha Fischer is a passionate and creative educator who brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and heart to everything she does in the classroom. Originally from the Bronx, she has lived in Plantation for over 25 years and considers it home. Before discovering her love for teaching, Marsha explored careers in food research, public relations, and fundraising—experiences that gave her a well-rounded perspective she brings into her teaching every day. Marsha holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and earned her Master of Education in Integrating Technology in the Classroom from Walden University. She began her teaching career at North Broward Preparatory School and later joined Posnack’s Plantation campus, where she taught 5th grade and quickly became a leader in curriculum development. One of Marsha’s proudest accomplishments is designing and growing the Lower School’s science program into a dynamic, hands-on STEM curriculum that incorporates engineering and coding. Her drive to keep learning exciting and relevant earned her national recognition in 2013, when she was named a Mickelson Fellow—an honor given to only 100 teachers each year.

Mrs. Ashley Cohen recently relocated to South Florida from New York with her husband and 5 children. She holds a Master’s degree in both School and Mental Health Counseling, and has been trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Compassionate Communication. Mrs. Cohen brings both clinical expertise and a deep passion for supporting students’ emotional well-being, personal growth, and academic success to her role as a school counselor. Prior to joining Zucker Hebrew Academy, Mrs. Cohen had several years of experience in both school and private settings, helping her clients of all ages navigate challenges with confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Originally from New York, Bracha moved to Florida five years ago after earning her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Brooklyn College. Since then, she has built a beautiful family with her husband and two children while gaining valuable experience in both private and charter schools.

Throughout her career, she has provided individualized and small-group instruction designed to strengthen communication skills and support academic success. She is passionate about helping every child build confidence, develop essential skills, and reach their fullest potential.

Yehudit holds a master’s degree in General and Special Education and has experience teaching students with a wide range of learning styles and needs. She enjoys finding creative ways to make learning engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every child. Yehudit believes education should challenge students while building their confidence to grow and succeed. She is passionate about helping students thrive academically, become independent thinkers, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, originally from New York and proud to call Florida home for the past several years, is an alumnus of Yeshiva of Telz Riverdale. He has had the privilege of teaching students in grades 3–6 and considers it a true blessing to help children develop a lifelong love for Torah and mitzvot.

Teaching runs deep in Rabbi Goldberg's family. His late father, a"h, was a master educator for over 30 years, and his passion for bringing learning to life is truly in his DNA. Inspired by his father's example, Rabbi Goldberg strives to create a classroom where every child feels valued, encouraged, and excited to learn.

Through engaging storytelling, meaningful discussions, and lessons that connect Torah to everyday life, Rabbi Goldberg helps students discover the beauty of Torah, strengthen their middot, and recognize the unique potential Hashem has given them. His greatest hope is that every child leaves his classroom with a genuine love for Torah and mitzvot, a strong foundation of character, and the confidence to become the very best version of themselves.

Tal Benezra is excited to join the Zucker family as the new Physical Education coach. Born in Israel and raised in the United States, Tal brings a creative and diverse professional background to the role. Before returning to education, Tal worked in marketing as a graphic designer and copywriter.

Tal has worked with students from kindergarten through middle school and is passionate about helping children build confidence, stay active, and have fun through movement. Outside of school, Tal enjoys art, sports, and spending time with family. As the parent of an incoming second-grade student at Zucker, Tal feels a special connection to the school community and looks forward to a fun, active, and successful year with Zucker’s students and families.

Ms. Stephanie Rockitter has been passionate about education for more than 25 years, teaching and leading schools in the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Colombia. Living in Israel for eight years deepened her connection to Jewish culture, traditions, values and Israel. This continues to inspire both her teaching and her relationships with students and families. Throughout her career, she has also enjoyed teaching Hebrew language, helping children build meaningful connections to their Jewish heritage.

Ms. Rockitter holds two master's degrees—one in Elementary Education and one in Educational Administration. She believes that every child learns differently and is passionate about understanding how children learn best. She strives to create a warm, supportive classroom where children feel valued and confident , developing a lifelong love of learning.

She is excited to be part of the Zucker Academy community and looks forward to partnering with families to help every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Chaya Berktin holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught preschool and elementary school students for the past 15 years. She loves working with children and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. This year, Chaya looks forward to cultivating an appreciation for nature and Hashem’s creations in the new GrowTorah Garden. She is also excited to assist in the Grade 2 Judaic Studies classes.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Julia Silberman holds a master’s degree in Foreign Language Education with a focus on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Throughout her extensive career in education, she has enjoyed teaching English to students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By focusing on their individual needs and building upon their strengths, Julia helps students develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students can build confidence and acquire the tools they need to succeed academically. Julia finds it deeply rewarding to be part of each student’s language-learning journey.

Fern is originally from Chicago but has called Florida home for the past 46 years. With a rich, people‑centered background in HR, she has spent her career supporting teams, guiding employees, and creating workplaces where others can thrive. Her experience, paired with her warm and steady presence, makes her a wonderfully organized and deeply professional person who brings both heart and structure to everything she does.

Avital holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and brings valuable experience in education to her role at Zucker Jewish Academy. She is excited to contribute her knowledge, strong organizational skills, and warm, friendly personality to the school community. Avital looks forward to building meaningful connections with students and their families and creating a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels at home.

After many years of studying at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Benson, his wife, and their four children made South Florida their home.

Rabbi Benson brings to Zucker a genuine love for every Jew, a passion for building meaningful relationships, and a desire to become an integral part of—and further strengthen—the Zucker family.

I hold a BA in Psychology from Brooklyn College and an MS in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Touro College. I am deeply committed to early childhood Jewish education and have had the privilege of teaching preschool and elementary-aged children in New York, Israel, and Florida. I am passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported. My goal is to help children develop a strong foundation in Torah values, mitzvot, and Jewish identity while encouraging their academic, social, and emotional growth.

Ms. Raizel Gordon, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working as the school counselor here at Zucker. At school, she goes by Miss Raizel. She has experience working with children and adolescents in both school and clinical settings and earned her Master of Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where she also completed a certificate in trauma-informed practice.

Miss Raizel is passionate about helping children understand and express their emotions, build confidence, and strengthen their social-emotional skills. She brings a warm, strengths-based approach to her work and enjoys using creativity and play to connect with children.

As school counselor, Miss Raizel hopes to foster a safe and supportive environment where students and staff feel seen, heard, and supported.