Welcome to the Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy

ADMINISTRATION

RABBI MORDECHAI WEISS - Principal

This is the fourth year that Rabbi Weiss is serving as the Principal of the Bess and Paul Hebrew Academy. Prior to assuming this position, Rabbi Weiss was the Principal of three educational divisions of the Trocki Hebrew Academy in South Jersey, a school comprising Early Education, Elementary/Middle School, and High School. He is also an honorary black belt in karate. Additionally, he received recognition by the National Association of Elementary School Principals of America as one of the outstanding elementary school principals.
Rabbi Weiss received his BA and Rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University. He also holds an MA in Psychology from the New School for Social Research and a Sofer Stam degree from Jerusalem. Rabbi Weiss has a monthly column entitled “Observations” which appears in the Jewish Press, the largest national Jewish Anglo-Saxon newspaper in the country.
Rabbi Weiss was also an adjunct Professor at the Richard Stockton College and has served as an evaluator for Middle States Accreditation numerous times.

SHARON BUDKOFSKY - Assistant Principal

Sharon Budkofsky has been working at the Hebrew Academy for
the past 22 years as a Kindergarten teacher, preschool teacher, early childhood director, curriculum mapping coordinator, and an assistant principal. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special
Education from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s
degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of
Hartford. UConn basketball, reading, and relaxing at the beach
are some of her favorite activities. Sharon and her husband Alan
reside in Bloomfield. Both of their children, Alyssa and Marc are
alumni of the Hebrew Academy.

PRESCHOOL

DR REGINA MILLER - EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTANT

Dr. Regina Miller recently retired from the University of Hartford. She served as a professor of early childhood education for 34 years. In her many years at UH she taught both undergraduate and graduate courses, developed and directed the University of Hartford Early Childhood Center, was instrumental in the development of the University of Hartford Magnet School and served as the Chair of the Department of Education and Human Services. During these years she published several articles and a book, and was also very involved in Jewish Education presenting many workshops and consultations to religious
school principals. She has also served as a facilitator for La'atid. Dr. Miller is delighted to be working with the early childhood program of the Hebrew Academy.

MIRIAM OSTROZYNSKI - Preschool 4

Miriam Ostrozynski has been working with children of all ages, all over the country formany years. Her experience ranges from running youth programs, directing camps, leading teen groups, teaching ESL and teaching and directing preschool. Miriam truly believes that each and every child has the ability to flourish and excel and helps them achieve the goals set for them through creativity, enthusiasm, warmth and love!

SHAINDEL HECHT - GANENU

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (which I miss!) I went to seminary in Tzfat Israel where I studied Hebrew & Special Education. While living in NY, I taught at a Pre-School in Queens and Brooklyn Heights. I’m married to Shlomo, who is the Rabbi Director of Chabad at UConn. We now have three lively boys, ages 5,4,and 2. I really love being a part
of the special staff at the Academy. My students in Ganenu are delicious!

DORIT KANIK - PRESCHOOL 3

Dorit Kanik is a second generation Kurdish Sabra from Jerusalem, Israel. She was raised in a traditional Mizrachi family and served as an officer in the IDF as a social worker. She has worked and won awards as a community organizer for teenagers and was a youth director both in Israel and in America. She is married with four children. This is her second year living in West Hartford and she is excited to work at the Sigel Hebrew Academy.

Mrs MISHKIN - Pre K ADVISOR

Volunteer and favorite substitute. Need we say more!

PARAPROFESSIONALS

MIRA DULBERG

My name is Mira Dulberg and I recently arrived from Israel with my husband, Jason and my two wonderful daughters, Danielle, eleven, and Talia, ten. They are beginning their first year of school in America, here at the Hebrew Academy. In Israel, my career focused on helping the elderly at a senior center. There I organized different groups, working on “Parashat ha Shavua,” music, stories and other subjects. At the
Academy, I will be the assistant teacher for the kindergarten in the morning and the preschool in the afternoon. I wish everyone much success in the new school year.

IRIT ROCKLAND

Irit Rockland was born Irit Dayan, in Be’er Sheva, Israel, where her large family still lives. She first worked at the Hebrew Academy while pregnant with her first child, who graduated 8th grade last year. She has four other children, the youngest of whom just started in Ganenu. Irit also teaches Hebrew at the High School.

ROZ SINGER - Preschool

Morah Rozzie has been working at HAGH for over 30 years as a teacher’s assistant. She lives in Bloomfield and has been working here long enough to have had her children’s children. That’s a wonderful thing!

GRADES K-4

MRS O'NAN - KINDERGARTEN & First Grade

Trudy O’Nan graduated from Lesley College in 1983 with a BS in Human Services. She worked for years in foster care on Long Island. After moving to CT, Trudy worked for several years at the American Red Cross in Disaster and Volunteer Services. In 2000, Trudy decided to follow her dream of being a teacher and got her certification from Sacred Heart University. She has earned her Masters in Education. Trudy is married to the “Famous” Red Sox writer Stewart O’ Nan, has a daughter and son who both attend Boston University, and two fat dogs. This is Trudy’s fifth year at the Academy and second year teaching Kindergarten. She is looking forward to another fantastic year. Go Red Sox!

SHIFRA MAZZAARI - kindergarten & first grade

Shifra Maazari was born in Israel, and graduated from Bayit Vagan College for girls in Jerusalem, with a degree in English and Bible Studies. While in Israel, she taught English as a second language to elementary and middle school children.
Shifra and her husband Eitan, who teaches at HHNE, have five children who attend our school. Shifra would love her students to be able to speak fluent Hebrew and develop a love of Israel.

BONNIE OKRANT - Kingergarten & 1st grade paraprofessional

Bonnie Okrant graduated from Adelphi U. in Garden City, N.Y. earning a
Biology degree, majoring in Medical Technology. After college she worked in a medical laboratory and later as a supervisor in a Cardiology Lab. She decided to change careers after the birth of her daughter, Rebecca. She has held various positions in the HAGH PTO and worked as a substitute teacher. When Rebecca graduated from the Academy and went on to HHNE, Bonnie started working on a full time basis as a paraprofessional here on a full time basis as a paraprofessional here at the school. She truly loves working with the younger children. She
finds it so amazing to see how each child develops throughout the school year in their own unique way. This fall, Morah Bonnie will be working with 3 year olds and she hopes to make their school experiences most rewarding!

EILEEN WEINBERG - 2nd Grade

Eileen Weinberg graduated with a BA degree from Hunter College, The City University of NY. She has continued to take graduate courses over the years and attends various workshops in both Education and Judaic Studies. Eileen lived in Israel for several years where she taught English as a foreign language at Ben Gurion University of the Negev. After returning to the United States, she taught English as a second language in our Nation’s Capitol. The Weinbergs settled in W.H. CT 30 years ago and Eileen immediately became part of the Hebrew Academy family-first as a parent and active volunteer (Eileen was the first recipient
of the Morris Schuch Award for exemplary service to the school.) and then as a teacher. Over the years she has taught 3yr old nursery, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. All three of her children, Rabbi Noam Weinberg, associate principal of the Moriah School - Engelwood New Jersey, P’nina, director of marketing for an Internet co. and Dena, resource teacher at the Ramaz Lower school, are all alumni of the
HAGH.

SHoshanA BLUM - 2ND GRADE SECULAR/LIBRARIAN

Shoshana received her Bachelor’s Degree from Wesleyan University and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Cincinnati. This will be her fourth year teaching at The Hebrew Academy. Shoshana enthusiastically teaches Second Grade General Studies, Library and Math.

MRS DORAN - THIRD GRADE SECULAR

I grew up in Greenfield, MA, a small town in the western part of the state. I received a BA from Connecticut College, where I majored in art history. To prepare for teaching, I entered a master’s degree program in education at Southern CT University. I have taught fourth grade, fifth grade, and pre-school as well as third grade I have lived in West Hartford for many years with my husband. We have four grown children and four grand -children. As I begin my 13th year at The Hebrew Academy, I marvel at my good fortune to be part of this wonderful community.

CHANIE LOEW - THIRD GRADE & MIDDLE SCHOOL JUDAICS

Chanie Loew is returning for her fourth year as a teacher in the Judaic Middle School Department at HAGH and second year as the Third grade Judaic Studies teacher. She spent three years studying Judaic Studies at The Jerusalem College for Women and then received a B.A. from Touro College in N.Y. She taught third grade Judaics for two years while living in Kansas City and gave numerous classes for adults and teenagers while living in Columbus, Ohio. Chani has four wonderful and energetic boys who are all students at our wonderful school, HAGH.

CYNTHIA BURKE - FOURTH GRADE SECULAR

This is my fourth year here at the Hebrew Academy. I grew up in
Southington, CT, and presently live in West Hartford with my two
daughters, Shannon, 15 and Kaleigh, 12. In 2005, I graduated from the
University of Hartford with my Master’s Degree in Education. Before
becoming a teacher, I received my Bachelors Degree in Legal Studies.
I worked for Congresswoman, Nancy Johnson as a constituent representative, and then as a paralegal for several different law firms as well as the Carvel Corporation. I enjoy spending time with my daughters shopping, exercising, and going to the beach.

RABBI JAFFEE - FOURTH GRADE & MIDDLE SCHOOL JUDAICS

Rabbi Aaron Jaffee has taught in the U.S. and abroad. He earned
Smicha while living in Israel and holds a BA in Education and a Masters in Theology. Rabbi has taught for almost a decade, all levels in High School as well as middle school. He has taught many subjects including: Gemarah, Navi, Dinim, Jewish History, and Jewish Philosophy. Rabbi Jaffee developed a series of Gemarah Curriculum Booklets for various ages, relating Gemarah knowledge to real-life situations. These booklets give students a stronger sense of relevance and enable them to understand that Gemarah is an integral part of their lives. These Gemarah Curriculum Booklets are still being used in Australia today. “Pastoral care” has been a significant part of Rabbi Jaffee’s teaching. He spends time with the students, follows up on their specific needs whether it be educational, social or emotional and also lends an ear to any child who may wish to voice an opinion.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MRS CHRISTOPHERSON - 5/7th language arts & SocIAL STUDIES

I grew up in Miami Beach and attended the Hebrew Academy. I am married with three children. My husband manages worldwide computer modeling of potential hurricanes and earthquakes for a reinsurance company. Our oldest child, Jeff, is a lawyer and a captain in the
Army. Sara is in a master’s program studying agriculture and nutrition. Jared is majoring in computer and science engineering and minoring in business. I have a Masters in Education from Hunter College and a Master’s in Curriculum Supervision from Texas. I have taught for
29 years. In San Antonio, TX, I helped create a gifted and talented program for the school district and then taught the program for eight years. When we moved to Birmingham, AL, I taught for four years at the Hebrew Academy. I love teaching, especially when the children are in transition from concrete thinking to abstraction, from awareness of family to the global community, and from the present to the past and future. This year I will be teaching language arts and social studies to fifth and seventh grade

JACK HALLORAN - MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH

I graduated from Central Conn. State College in New Britain CT in 1965 with a BS degree.( Math major and a minor in Biological Sciences). I received a MS degree in education in 1975. In 1965 I started teaching in South Windsor, CT . I taught a total of thirty two years in South Windsor, twenty years in the Timothy Edwards Middle School and seven years in South Windsor High School.
After “retiring” in 1997, I worked as a real estate agent out of a So. Windsor office. I had obtained my license in 1979 and I still am an active agent. I am also a drummer in a local (Manchester) band and enjoy very much this “hobby”. In 2001 I found myself back in the classroom as a Jr. High math teacher in a Vernon private school. I held that position until 2005. Last year I kept busy by being a substitute teacher in the Manchester school system.
I currently live in Manchester with my wife Joanne. We are “empty-nesters”. Our four children have moved on and we are proud of all of them. I have been a member of the Laurel Music Camp here in Ct working with high school choral members and musicians since 1958. I have just finished my 49th consecutive year as a staff member. I also keep busy playing golf, collecting stamps, and gardening.

MRS LEAVY- 6/8th language arts and social studies

Coming Soon

DR. BUCH - MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE

This September marks the beginning of my tenth year as the Middle School Science Teacher here at the Hebrew Academy. This year promises to be particularly exciting with the addition of the new and updated science curricula and the installation of a Smart Board in my room!
I am originally from New York City and am a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. I have a Doctorate in Special Education from Boston University, a Master’s in Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Biopsychology, also from Penn.
Prior to coming to the Hebrew Academy, I taught at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, the American School for the Deaf, and the CREC Hearing-Impaired Program and was the Science teacher at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf on Long Island. I was also the Director of the Temple Beth Sholom Preschool in Manchester, CT.
I am married to Dr. Peter Buch, a gastroenterologist who practices in Manchester. We have 2 children. Our son, Dan, lives in New York City (in an apartment just 3 blocks from where I grew up and from where my mother still lives!) He works for Digitas, a management consulting firm. Our daughter, Nicole, is in graduate school at Columbia University Teachers College working for her Masters in School Psychology.

MIDDLE SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES

RABBI ELI OSTROZYNSKI

Rabbi Eli Ostrozynski, former Principal of Yeshiva Chanoch Lenaar’s Judaic Studies Department, comes to the Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy with an impressive resume that belies his years.
A graduate of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, New Jersey, from where he received his rabbinical ordination from the former chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu.
Rabbi Ostrozynski also attended the Tzemach Tzedek Kollel in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Over the years, Rabbi Ostrozynski utilized his extensive pedagogical skills and experience with youngsters in a wide range of educational settings. Starting out as a learning teacher and counselor in Camp Gan Israel as a teenager, he soon progressed to outreach and other community services in Vilnius, Lithuania, Ivanova, Russia, and Sydney, Australia, where he filled various educational positions and served as youth director in the prestigious Mizrachi Synangogue. Rabbi Ostrozynski has also taught in the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva and Mesivta Darchai Menachem in Brooklyn, New York.

RABBI KULEK

This is the third year Rabbi Yosef B. Kulek is teaching Judaic studies in the Middle School at HAGH. He received his rabbinic ordination in Arad, Israel.
Fresh out of rabbinical college he taught Judaic studies at Chicago's
Seymour J. Abrams Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School. In the beginning of 2000, Rabbi Kulek relocated from Chicago to West Hartford, with his wife Dalia, to serve as the Director of Programs and Youth Activities at Chabad House of Greater Hartford. One of Rabbi Kulek’s first responsibilities for Chabad House was to continue a long running Torah class by Chabad at University of Hartford. Due to a growing demand, Rabbi Kulek founded the Jewish student group Chabad Chevra at the University of Hartford in 2003. As a result of its amazing success and growth, Rabbi Kulek and his wife Dalia now devote most of their time as directors of Chabad Chevra providing Torah study and Jewish culture. Rabbi Kulek spends his summers as the director of Camp Gan Israel. Rabbi Kulek also teaches at Yachad, the Greater Hartford Jewish community high school.
He resides with his wife Dalia and their five children near the University of Hartford, four of whom attend the Hebrew Academy.

RABBI AVI OBLERLANDER

Rabbi Avi Oberlander is originally from Brooklyn, New York. He is currently a Rebbi in the Yeshiva Gedolah of Waterbury, where he teaches post-high school boys in the afternoon. Rabbi Oberlander’s home is always open to his students, both on shabbos and during the week. Rabbi Oberlander learned in Yeshivas Toras Moshe in Israel for three years after high-school. After returning to New York, he was a successful Rabbi and mentor in the Yeshiva Gedolah of Great Neck. He currently spends his summers in Camp Rayim, an overnight camp in the Catskills, where he is the Assistant Head counselor.
Rabbi Oberlander lives in Waterbury, Connecticut, together with his wife, Ahuva, and two sons.

ANAT MARKUS

Anat was born and raised in Israel, doing military service in the Navy and getting a BA in an interdisciplinary behavorial sciences program at Ben Gurion University. She continued with graduate studies in Special Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and earned a diploma in art Therapy from Ontario Institute of Art. She has been teaching Hebrew and Art for the past 20 years. She has taught at HAGH since 1998. During this past summer, Anat brought back from Israel some new exciting books for the school. In addition she attended a number of Hebrew teaching seminars in NY. She is eager to share the new materials and exiciting ideas with her students. She lives in West Hartford with her husband Etan, and children, Dror, Hadar and Talya, all HAGH graduates. Dror recently made Aliya and is about to serve in tzahal-the IDF.

CHANIE LOEW

See 3rd Grade

RABBI MAZAARI - middle school judaic

Rabbi Eitan Maazari has joined our school Hebrew Academy family this year. He was born in Israel, and spent 10 years in Hesder Yeshivas. Rabbi Eitan has B.A in Judaic Studies and M.A equivalency, certified by Israeli Board of Education. He also has a principal certification from Bayit Vagan College. Rabbi Eitan received his Rabbinical Ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Rabbi Eitan was a principal in Israel, and
came to the state two years ago. He loves teaching and working with children. This year he is working at HHNE and in our school, and is looking forward for a wonderful year at the Hebrew Academy.

SPECIALITY TEACHERS

ADAM WILKINSON - Phys. Ed & Computers/TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR

"Mr W" has been teaching at the Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy since 2000. Originally only the Phys. Ed teacher, Mr. Wilkinson also became the school’s technology coordinator in 2003, taking on responsibilities such as computer classes, website design, as well as computer and network maintenance. In addition to his technology duties, he also plans and runs the annual Lag Ba’Omer field day event in which the whole school competes in various athletic and sporting events.
Mr. Wilkinson holds a B.S in Phys. Ed. with a minor in Computer Science from CCSU where he attended on full athletic soccer scholarship. Upon graduation, Adam went on to play soccer for four years for the Western Mass. Pioneers, a professional soccer club in Ludlow, MA. Mr. Wilkinson also coaches 2 girls soccer teams ages U-14, and U-15 for The Connecticut Football Club.
Adam currently resides in Wethersfield with his wife Jaime and two daughters Cameryn, 4 and Brynn, 10 months old

SHAUNA BLUM - Librarian

See above

MRS. SCHRIEBER - Music

Yehudis Schreiber has been teaching music at the Hebrew Academy since 2001. She has a Master’s degree in music performance from the Julliard School and is a former member of the Jerusalem SymphonyOrchestra. She enjoys playing Viola in the Beth EL Orchestra, and directing the Hebrew Academy band and choir in various school and community performances.

KATHLEEN CATAFORD - SCHOOL NURSE

I’m glad to be back for my 2nd year at the Hebrew Academy. I understand it’s been 5+ years since there has been the same nurse year to year. I’m glad for the continuity as well. This past year I have added to my education and became nationally certified as a Legal Nurse
Consultant, which is another opportunity to utilize my 30 years of R.N. experience.

SPECIAL SERVICES

RACHEL COHEN - DIRECTOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

Rachel Cohen recently joined the staff of the Hebrew Academy. She received her Masters degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Gifted Education from the University of North Texas. Rachel completed her undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, MO in Elementary Education and Jewish and Near Eastern Studies. Before moving to West Hartford, CT, she resided in Baltimore, MD where she directed a special education resource room and instituted teacher training and development for the special education teachers of the Weinberg Academy. She lives in West Hartford with her husband, David, and son, Yonatan.

SHOSHANA SHEINKOPF

This is Mrs. Sheinkopf’s 3rd year on the Special Education team here at HAGH. Her career began in Chicago, where she earned a BA in Judaic Studies and Special Education, as well as Illinois state certification in 4 areas of special ed., including: Learning Disabilities, Social/Emotional disorders, Educable Mentally Handicapped and Trainable Mentally Handicapped. She taught for 3 years in Northbrook IL, where she served as teacher and case manager for one of the school’s satellite programs. She has also taught in NY and Miami FL, where she serviced special needs students in grades 2-12 in both self-contained and resource room settings. Mrs. Sheinkopf resides in West Hartford
with her husband, who is teaching at HHNE. They have two young sons.

KAREN ROSEN - SPEECH & LANGUAGE

I have a Master’s in Communication Disorders from Northeastern University. I have been working consistently in the field of Speech and Language for the past 25 years. Currently, I am employed by the Farmington Public Schools as well as the Hebrew Academy. I
presently live in Simsbury with my husband and three sons.

RACHEL MARKUS - Social Worker/Guidance Couselor

I will be beginning my 8th year at the Hebrew Academy as Social Worker for the school. I have worked as a school Social Worker for the past years, and previously at the Jewish Family Services as a clinical Social Worker. I am looking forward to working with all the children in their classrooms, exploring character education, and bully proofing our school.

If you have any comments or concerns I will be working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.