Parent Handbook 
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2023-24 Calendar 
6515 W. Sunrise Blvd, Plantation, FL 33313
954.526.5253
office@mtacademy.org 
Monday-Thursday | 8:15AM – 4:00PMGet to Know Our Team
Dedicated Teachers & Staff
We are fortunate to have administrators, educators, and advisors who are leaders and visionaries in fostering an educational, caring, and warm environment. Key members of our program include:
Our Administration
Rabbi Avrohom Yachnes
Menahel Ruchni
Get to know me
Rabbi Yachnes received semicha from Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Queens, New York. He resides in North Miami Beach, Florida, where he has taught talmidim of all ages for over thirty years. His main focus in chinuch is the study of Mussar and character development. He is the author of Orchos Tzaddikim: A Treasure for Life, published by Feldheim.
Mrs. Samantha Hirsch
Head of School
Get to know me
Mrs. Hirsch was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida. After attending local day schools, Mrs. Hirsch went on to graduate from Stern College with a degree in Education. After teaching in New York and then in Los Angeles, Mrs. Hirsch returned to Florida where she continued teaching middle-school girls. After the birth of her children, Mrs. Hirsch utilized her extensive teaching experience to homeschool her children and focus on the use of multi-age groupings & student-centered learning. Her vast experience both in and out of the classroom environment allowed the vision of Mizrahi Torah Academy to blossom. Mrs. Hirsch envisioned a school environment that brought the best of both worlds – the traditional school system and the homeschool model – to the forefront of the educational system. Through combining her vision with talented, like-minded educators, MTA was born. Mrs. Hirsch now spends her days working with an amazing team of staff and teachers. She lives in Hollywood with her husband and children.
Rabbi Dovid Azerad
Principal
Get to know me
Rabbi Dovid Azerad brings his unique style and energy to MTA from New York, where he was an Assistant Principal at Yeshiva Shaarei Zion in Queens.
Rabbi Azerad received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yechiel Malik. He earned his teaching certificate from the Mercaz Teachers Training by Rabbi Yoel Kramer. He is certified as a School Mashgiach by Torah Umesorah through the Nefesh Chaya program. Rabbi Azerad is a graduate of the COJDS PTI cohort of 2019, as well as Harvard Business School’s School Management and Leadership Program – “Leading School Strategy and Innovation”, “Leading People”, and “Leading Learning”. He is also a professional Hazzan and his services are in demand throughout the United States. Rabbi Azerad lives in East Boca Raton with his wife and three children.
Ms. Jessica Robbins
Director of Programming
Get to know me
Jessica Robbins, affectionately known as Ms. Jessie, originates from the captivating Broward County. Her deep-rooted fondness for Mizrahi Torah Academy steered her towards a pivotal role within our institution. As MTA’s Director of Programming, she collaborates closely with our staff members, parents and children. In addition to her myriad of responsibilities, Ms. Jessie is also at the helm of leading and coordinating STEM initiatives, infusing our school with innovative educational experiences. Her adept organizational prowess is a cornerstone of our vibrant school environment, enriching the lives of both our students and the entire MTA community.
Mrs. Esther Felberbaum
Director of the Registrar
Get to know me
Mrs. Esther Felberbaum, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, spent 15 years in corporate management before transitioning her skills to school administration. Her decision to transition from the corporate world reflects her dedication to applying her expertise in fostering positive change within an educational environment. After several years of gaining practical experience, Mrs. Felberbaum pursued a bachelor’s degree in business management to further enhance her knowledge. She now resides in the beautiful city of Miami with her husband and three children.
Ms. Chana Korkos
Office Manager
Get to know me
Ms. Korkos was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. She has just returned from Eretz Yisroel after 2 years, working in a seminary as a counselor and office secretary. Having joined the administrative team at Mizrahi Torah Academy, Ms. Korkos is now the nexus at the front desk, ensuring the smooth functioning of the main office, where her organizational and people skills are instrumental in creating a welcoming and efficient atmosphere. Ms. Korkos’s role extends beyond the administrative realm, as well, as she collaborates on programming for the girls’ division. With innovative ideas and enthusiasm, Ms. Korkos is dedicated to running programs and creating an environment that fosters both growth and enjoyment!
Ms. Korkos is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Her passion for helping others is evident in both her academic pursuits and her professional endeavors.
Board of Directors
Mr. Barry Lynn
President
Get to know me
Mr. Lynn was raised in South Orange, N.J., where he attended college at Seton Hall University, majoring in Accounting. After college, he moved to south Florida where he began his career working at Arthur Andersen & Company, one of the “Big 8” CPA firms. From there, he moved on to the advertising industry where he was a financial columnist in a trade magazine and eventually founded his own advertising agency which specialized in marketing and advertising new home communities. In 1994, when he learned about the Internet, Mr. Lynn created a marketing website for his clients that grew to become a nationwide marketing service for the entire homebuilding industry. In 2005, American Home Guides was acquired, and Mr. Lynn eventually moved on to found Credit Card Process 4 Less, a broker of credit card processing services.
Mrs. Jennifer Chemtov
Board Member
Get to know me
Mrs. Chemtov serves as Chief Financial Officer for HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, a leading provider of healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. She has 25 years of financial management and leadership experience in the staffing and consulting industries. Before joining HealthTrust, Mrs. Chemtov served as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis for Randstad Technology and Randstad Professionals, leading providers in professional services recruiting and staffing. She spent 15 years at Randstad in senior management roles in finance, pricing and accounting. Mrs. Chemtov began her career at Arthur Andersen LLP, with expanding leadership roles over 6 years in Audit and Business Advisory Services.
Mr. Yossi Mizrahi
Board Member
Get to know me
Coming Soon
Mrs. Michelle Mizrahi
Board Member
Get to know me
Coming Soon
Mrs. Susan Grossman Robin
Board Member
Get to know me
Originally from Bluefield, West Virginia, Mrs. Robin has been a resident of Hollywood, Florida for the past 29 years. Mrs. Robin holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in Vocational Industrial Education. For the past 18 years, Mrs. Robin has been the librarian and computer teacher at Toras Emes Academy in North Miami Beach, Florida. Previously, she was a member of the Board of Trustees for Brauser Maimonides Academy in Hollywood, Florida. Mrs. Robin previously worked in the corporate sector in the areas of training and development and was the owner and operator of SRM Consultants in Richmond, Virginia, servicing the food and beverage industry.
Our Educators
Limudei Kodesh
Rabbi Netanel Chait
Rebbe
Get to know me
Rabbi Chait comes to MTA with many years of teaching experience. Over the years, he has developed a warm rapport with hundreds of students and instilled them with the skills and passion for learning Torah. Rabbi Chait oversees the Limudei Kodesh curriculum at MTA, working with Rebbeim and Morahs to develop and implement our rich Limudei Kodesh program. Rabbi Netanel Chait also teaches Limudei Kodesh in our middle school boys division.
Rabbi Chait received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbinical Seminary of America, Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Queens. He earned his Master’s in Education from the Azrieli School of Education at Yeshiva University and a teaching certificate from the Mercaz Teachers Training by Rabbi Yoel Kramer. Rabbi Chait lives in Boca Raton with his wife and five children.
Rabbi Yisroel Hecht
Rebbe
Get to know me
Rabbi Hecht was born and raised in New York and learned in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Queens, NY for many years. He holds a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Touro College in New York. He worked in Jewish outreach for many years, helping Jewish families from all backgrounds and upbringings discover the beauty of Torah and leading a Jewish lifestyle. Rabbi Hecht brings fourteen years of experience working with children, teenagers and adults in a variety of roles. His positive, upbeat and energetic personality helps in fostering healthy child development and creates a fun learning environment with enriched Chinuch practices. He is also a singer, musician and DJ performing at events of all types across South Florida. He lives in East Boca Raton with his wife and 4 children.
Rabbi Avi Engelhart
Rebbe
Get to know me
Rabbi Engelhart was born and raised in Chicago. After High school he learned at Netiv Aryeh and the Mir under R’ Osher Arieli. Rabbi Engelhart received Smicha from Rabbi Zalman Nechemya Goldberg ZT’L and learned in kollel for 5 years. He then began working in Chinuch and focused on cultivating bnei Torah while focusing on the student as a whole. Rabbi Engelhart has a Masters in Education Administration and is currently a doctoral candidate in clinical Psychology. He has worked as a therapist and incorporates the psychology of learning as well as his mesora of chinuch in his approach to education. Rabbi Engelhart currently lives with his family in Boca Raton.
Rabbi Yaakov Teles
Rebbe
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Rabbi Avrohom Richmond
Rebbe
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Rabbi Avrohom Richmond teaches middle School in the mornings and elementary in the afternoon. He grew up in the greater New York area while attending Yeshiva in Queens, New York. He has nearly two decades of experience in outreach and education, and is excited to be back in the classroom in South Florida, after coming here for Yeshiva, post-high school. He is married with four children and has been living in Boca Raton since 2015.
Rabbi Dovid Waxman
Rebbe
Get to know me
Rabbi Waxman is an alumnus of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia and is a current member of the North Miami Beach Kollel. After teaching at MTA in the mornings, he spends his afternoons and evenings immersed in Torah studies at the Kollel. Known for his patience and warmth, Rabbi Waxman imparts his knowledge and exuberance for Torah to his students in his inimitable manner. He currently lives in North Miami Beach with his wife and 2 adorable children.
Ms. Liatt Perez
Morah
Get to know me
Coming Soon
Mrs. Levana Amanou
Morah
Get to know me
“Morah Levana” Amanou was born in Casablanca, Morocco and moved to France at a young age. Mrs. Amanou studied at Aix les Bains France Tomer Deborah’s high school and then continued her education in Manchester, England. She has a BA in English from the University of Nantes and a teacher diploma from Manchester BBS Seminary. After teaching in many schools throughout the world, Mrs. Amanou relocated to Boca Raton, Florida where she currently resides with her husband and her five children. She is passionate about teaching Torah ideals and Ivrit to young Jewish children and strives to make every lesson fun and exciting. Her goal is to help every child feel the warmth and beauty of our Jewish heritage, while developing their minds and middos with derech eretz.
Mrs. Rochel Pink
Morah
Get to know me
Mrs. Rochel Pink graduated Bet Chana High School and three years of teaching seminary in Tzefat, Israel. She then spent a year in Vilna, Lithuania, strengthening the Jewish community through teaching and outreach work, after which she taught preschool for a year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mrs. Pink taught 4th grade in Crown Heights Yeshiva before moving to Florida. She taught 6th grade at Hebrew Academy Community School, and then co-directed Chabad of Plantation Hebrew School for 15 years. Along with her husband, Mrs. Pink co-directs the Chabad of East Plantation.
Mrs. Tzipora Segal
Morah
Get to know me
Mrs. Tzipora Segal was raised in beautiful Silver Spring, Maryland. Brought up in a warm and inviting family, she attended Peninim Seminary in Yerushalayim, after graduating high school. She has taught children in various schools located in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida. Intuitively, Mrs. Segal draws upon her rich background and many years of experience to teach effectively and inspire her students to become passionate about learning.
General Studies
Mr. Joshua Florczak
Teacher
Get to know me
Mr. Joshua Florczak, fondly known as “Mr. F”, grew up in sunny South Florida. Enamored with expanding his Jewish education he enrolled in the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, New Jersey.
Mr. Florczak then spent many years in management roles, most proudly as the restaurant manager of the famed dairy restaurant Milk & Honey in New York City. Serving over 400 customers daily and managing well over 20 employees allowed him to demonstrate excellent people skills and conflict resolution. Changing career paths, for one in education in South Florida, allowed Mr. F to demonstrate those same skills on a much more personal and important level. He brings his excitement for humor, cooking skills, and scholastics background to MTA as a beloved teacher.
Ms. Tamsyn Wilkinson
Teacher
Get to know me
Ms. Tamsyn Wilkinson is a Brooklyn native who is now a one-year seasoned resident of Florida. She brings with her over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education from New York. While there, Ms. Tamsyn spent much of her time, earning her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from York CUNY College, working with preschool and elementary school aged children in various communities and raising her son. Tamsyn’s warm, inviting nature welcomes every member of her curious community. She challenges children with a classroom that encourages self-sufficiency. Her calm, conscious approaches toward problem solving, grants children the agency to discover independent solutions with intentional scaffolding. Helping to foster children’s love for learning is what drives Tamsyn’s passion for being an educator. She makes it a must to integrate music that encourage movement into her classroom and the curriculum to keep it fun!
Mr. Dovid Engel
Teacher
Get to know me
Mr. Engel spent a decade immersed in the teachings of Torah at Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. With degrees in zoology and education, his academic pursuits complement his spiritual ones. Hailing from Australia, he developed an early affinity for its diverse wildlife, sparking a lifelong fascination with its unique fauna. Drawing from his rich background, he expertly orchestrates engaging zoology programs tailored for Jewish children. For more than a decade, he has skillfully intertwined Torah and Science, bringing his passion to Jewish school classrooms.
Mrs. Ashley Lodwick
Teacher
Get to know me
Mrs. Ashley Lodwick is a graduate from Nova Southeastern University. Mrs Lodwick graduated with a BS in Psychology, an associate in biology and a minor is Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a registered behavior therapist and has been teaching for nearly 5 years. Mrs. Lodwick was born and raised in the beautiful island of Jamaica and now resides in Broward County, Florida with her husband and son.
Mr. Ryan Lodwick
Teacher
Get to know me
Mr. Ryan Lodwick is a graduate from Southeastern University in Florida where he studied and has earned a BS degree in Child Psychology/Mental Health Counseling & Human Services/Social Work. He also graduated from High school in 10th grade, surpassing many of his peers and obtaining a BS/BA in Computer Engineering & Business Management. Mr. Lodwick has been teaching for 6 years and counseling for 9 years. He now resides in Plantation, FL with his beautiful wife and son.
Mr. Yacov Pepper
Teacher
Get to know me
Mr. Pepper, a Florida native, was born in the city of Miami Beach and relocated to Brevard County at the age of 12. His educational pursuits led him to Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Seeking further knowledge and growth, he pursued a Masters of Arts degree in Education from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. During his college years, Mr. Pepper spent time in Israel where he volunteered on a kibbutz.
With a passion for education, Mr. Pepper has dedicated over four decades to the teaching profession. His journey has encompassed both public and private Jewish day schools, where he has left an indelible mark on countless students. Throughout his extensive career, he has tirelessly nurtured young minds, fostering a love for learning and growth.
Mr. Pepper and his wife Shoshana are the proud parents of seven children, currently residing in Deerfield Beach.
Mrs. Marie Louis
Teacher
Get to know me
Mrs. Louis graduated from Miami Dade College with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Shortly after graduating she landed a job with The National News Paper Association as a photojournalist, which she did for many years. After having her first child, she decided to end her career as a photojournalist and start a career in education, a decision she has yet to regret. She has worked with children of varies ages and helped them grow and develop in ways they didn’t think was possible. She is an out the box thinker and is excited to bring her creativity and experience to MTA.
Mrs. Marsha Fischer
Teacher
Get to know me
Mrs. Fischer has lived in South Florida for more than 30 years and is so thrilled to see how the Jewish community in Broward county has grown. She holds a B.A. in Biology from SUNY at Buffalo and a M.Ed with an emphasis in Education Technology from Walden University. Before becoming an educator, she worked in food research in Buffalo, New York and in public relations for several non-profit institutions. Teaching is her true love and passion. Before coming to MTA, she taught at North Broward Preparatory School, Posnack Day School and Lubavitch Hebrew Academy. She created the STEM program for grades K-5 at Posnack Day School. Her hobbies include reading, needlework, and cooking. She is married to her husband, Daniel, and has a son, Jonathan, who lives in Tallahassee.
Ms. Dania Marcial
Teacher
Get to know me
Ms. Dania Marcial obtained her B.S. in Elementary Education from Florida International University in Miami and taught elementary grades in both Miami and Atlanta. She comes to us with an extensive background in Early Childhood Education and years of experience with special needs children and families. She served as a Parent Educator for at risk families in the Broward area and received her training and certification from The Parents as Teachers National Center in St. Louis, MO. Ms. Marcial is also a certified Music Together Instructor. While working for Brainchild Institute as the office manager, Ms. Marcial completed certification in MNRI®️Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration and NeuroTactile Integration. Reaching out to families and providing support in any way possible has been her life’s passion. She currently resides in the Hollywood area and with over 30 years professional experience, we are happy to have her as part of our team.
Enrichment & Support
Rabbi Netanel Chait
Limudei Kodesh Curriculum Coordinator
Get to know me
Rabbi Chait comes to MTA with many years of teaching experience. Over the years, he has developed a warm rapport with hundreds of students and instilled them with the skills and passion for learning Torah. Rabbi Chait oversees the Limudei Kodesh curriculum at MTA, working with Rebbeim and Morahs to develop and implement our rich Limudei Kodesh program. Rabbi Netanel Chait also teaches Limudei Kodesh in our middle school boys division. Rabbi Chait received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbinical Seminary of America, Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Queens. He earned his Master’s in Education from the Azrieli School of Education at Yeshiva University and a teaching certificate from the Mercaz Teachers Training by Rabbi Yoel Kramer. Rabbi Chait lives in Boca Raton with his wife and five children.
Mr. Baruch Heller
General Studies Curriculum Coordinator
Get to know me
Mr. Heller comes to MTA with a rich and varied work experience, include teaching grades 3 to 8, History, and to patients in a children’s hospital. He has also been an Assistant Principal, and a Principal in Yeshivas and public schools in California, New York, and New Jersey. As a teacher, he was a mentor teacher in Language Arts, and as an elementary school principal, his school received public recognition for outstanding academic performance.
He believes that Education should provide a positive and nurturing learning environment where each child’s individual personality and learning style is respected, encouraged, and developed.
Mr. Heller received his B.A. History from the University of California, Berkeley. He also received teaching credentials for preschool through eighth grade and an M.S. degree in School Administration and Supervision from California State University, Hayward.
His personal hobbies include visiting his grandchildren, traveling, wood carving, and exercise.
Dr. Racquel Lipscomb
Curriculum Coordinator
Get to know me
Coming Soon
Rabbi Dovid Sacks
Mechanech
Get to know me
Coming Soon
Mrs. Beth Sacks
ESE Support Coordinator
Get to know me
Coming Soon
Mrs. Rifka Jaroslawicz
Student Leadership Coordinator
Get to know me
With a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts, a certification in Life Coaching and Counseling, and a rich 25-year history of actively engaging with students, “Mrs. J” brings a wealth of expertise to her role as the new Student Leadership Coordinator at MTA. Her multifaceted background in creative arts and supportive counseling enables her to foster an environment of growth and empowerment within our student community. Mrs. J’s dedication to nurturing student potential makes her a valuable asset to MTA’s mission to enrich every student with life and leadership skills.
Mr. Dovid Engel
Resident Zoologist
Get to know me
Mr. Engel spent a decade immersed in the teachings of Torah at Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. With degrees in zoology and education, his academic pursuits complement his spiritual ones. Hailing from Australia, he developed an early affinity for its diverse wildlife, sparking a lifelong fascination with its unique fauna. Drawing from his rich background, he expertly orchestrates engaging zoology programs tailored for Jewish children. For more than a decade, he has skillfully intertwined Torah and Science, bringing his passion to Jewish school classrooms.
Ms. Jessica Robbins
STEM Coordinator
Get to know me
Jessica Robbins, affectionately known as Ms. Jessie, originates from the captivating Broward County. Her deep-rooted fondness for Mizrahi Torah Academy steered her towards a pivotal role within our institution. As MTA’s Director of Programming, she collaborates closely with our staff members, parents and children. In addition to her myriad of responsibilities, Ms. Jessie is also at the helm of leading and coordinating STEM initiatives, infusing our school with innovative educational experiences. Her adept organizational prowess is a cornerstone of our vibrant school environment, enriching the lives of both our students and the entire MTA community.
Mr. Edwin Medina
Sports Director
Get to know me
Mr. Medina, commonly known at MTA as “Coach Ed” was born in New Jersey and moved to South Florida when he was 10 years old. After incurring injuries in a terrible accident, Coach Ed was inspired to become a nurse. His love of sports and working with children brought him to MTA where he runs the Physical Education Program to the delight of all the children, while simultaneously studying for his nursing degree through Broward College. Coach Ed lives in Inverrary with a myriad of reptiles, arachnids, and a bunny named Tuffy.
Mr. Jorge Reyes
Maintenance and Security
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Coming Soon
Ms. Yehudit Soosi
Support Staff
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Coming Soon
Mrs. Adina Rockwerk
Holistic Support
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Mrs. Adina Rockwerk is a dedicated and passionate educator who comes to MTA with over a decade of experience in the field of education. With her kind, positive demeanor, and her commitment to holistic growth, she inspires our students and staff members alike.
Mizrahi Torah Academy Standards of Ethical Conduct