Rabbi Moshe Semmel is an esteemed educator from Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent eight years as a teacher and administrator in a Jewish day school. Rabbi Semmel attended the Azrieli Graduate School of Education, earning his master’s degree in education alongside his ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary of America. As the Judaic Studies Principal, Rabbi Semmel is passionate about ensuring that every child shines and comes to appreciate the beauty of Torah and Mitzvot and how they enrich the lives of every Jew. Rabbi Semmel has an empathic and calm demeanor, making him a trusted confidant and encouraging, supportive leader. He’s constantly innovating with creative trips, programs, contests, and school-wide events and activities.

Rabbi Fromowitz hails from a family of educators- teaching is part of his very essence! After receiving Rabbinic ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary of America, Rabbi Fromowitz taught 10 th grade for many years in Yeshiva Zichron Paltiel in Staten Island, New York. He also taught in their Bais Medrash division, guiding and mentoring the older students in their self study program. Rabbi Fomowitz also served as a campus rabbi and Director of Education for Exhibit J- a Staten Island based Jewish Outreach organization.

https://thejewishidentitycenter.org/

Dr. Abigail Moyal is a dedicated K-12 principal committed to fostering a respectful and caring school climate while maintaining high academic standards. With a Doctorate in Teacher Education and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dr. Moyal brings considerable experience to her role. She has served as Upper School Dean of Students, English Department Chair, and Secondary English Teacher, as well as National Honor Society and Student Council Advisor. Over the course of her career, she has implemented disciplinary policies, designed school programs, written extensive curriculum, led school wide events, and promoted teacher professional development. Her organizational, communication, and creative skills, paired with a School Leadership certificate from Harvard, make her an effective educational leader driven by professionalism and integrity.

Debbie Mendelson is an experienced educator and leader who grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, and spent many years in West Bloomfield, Michigan, before relocating to Las Vegas with her family. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University, a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and Child Development from National Louis University, and is a graduate of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute (JECELI). She also holds an Early Childhood National Director credential. As Director of Early Childhood Education, Debbie is passionate about creating joyful learning environments where children develop a strong sense of belonging, curiosity, and a love of learning. Deeply rooted in Jewish values and lifelong Jewish learning, she is committed to integrating meaningful Jewish experiences with developmentally appropriate educational practices. Known for her warm and collaborative leadership style, Debbie values strong partnerships with families and teachers and believes relationships are at the heart of a thriving school community. She enjoys supporting educators and creating meaningful experiences that strengthen connections among children, families, and staff.

Rabbi Zecharia Rubin is an esteemed educator and community leader with extensive experience in Rabbinic roles and Jewish education. His previous positions include serving as Rabbi at Ahavas Torah Center in Henderson, where he gave advanced courses in Jewish law and other topics and also oversaw synagogue operations and programming. In addition to his role at ZJA. Rabbi Rubin serves as the Rabbi of Touro University of Nevada. His background includes an intensive Rabbinic fellowship at the Center for Kehilla Development and leadership roles in community outreach. He is an accomplished author with publications on Jewish law and Torah insights. Aside from multiple rabbinic ordinations, Rabbi Rubin holds a Bachelors of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College and has completed advanced coursework at Johns Hopkins University's School of Education and Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.

Paula Garrett holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Northern Arizona University. Since 1996, she has been an adjunct faculty member in Environmental Science at the College of Southern Nevada, and since 2014, she has taught middle and high school science, as well as serving as Science Department Chair. In addition to teaching, Ms. Garrett works as a freelance writer, illustrator, and professional development instructor. Her previous roles include Research Scientist and Microbiologist, with extensive experience in research, project management, article publications, and public outreach.

Kasey Raillon is a seasoned high school theater and history teacher with a Master of Arts in History from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dual Bachelor's degrees in History and Theatre Arts from Southern Utah University. Her diverse teaching experience emphasizes integrating students' backgrounds, primary documents, and current events into her lessons. Ms. Raillon also brings a wealth of professional theater experience, having worked as a stage manager and assistant director, directing school musicals, and coaching students for theatrical competitions. Her approach combines technology and the arts to enhance student engagement and learning.

I grew up in Brooklyn, going through the New York City public school system. When the time came to think about college there was no one to turn to. The impact of this did not hit me until years later. After filling out the SUNY forms and deciding upon SUNY Brockport for a degree in journalism, I headed upstate planning to spend the rest of my life writing. Fast forward ten years when the urge to join the helping professions called. Now living on Long Island, I went to LIU Post for a masters degree in School Counseling and stayed for a second degree in Mental Health Counseling. LIU offered me a job as an Academic Counselor, and MOMO_1748387798483.PNG eventually I became the Director of this busy department, overseeing the advising process for over 5000 undergraduate students. I enjoyed helping students plan their studies while tackling everything else life threw their way. This ultimately led to my current role, helping high school students prepare for their entry into post-high school life. I could not imagine a more rewarding career. I love what I do! I found a way to combine my skills in counseling, planning and writing. Navigating the college application process can be tricky. Students and parents should be excited and hopeful, not scared or overwhelmed. Understanding the steps involved, knowing what to expect, and turning dreams into reality is how I can help. With twenty years of experience working in high school and higher education institutions, I can provide the insight needed to help ease this difficult transition. My background in mental health counseling helps me establish rapport with students. Knowing there is someone in their corner makes a world of difference, and I make sure each student feels supported. We will start with a basic overview of the educational landscape and the application process before moving on to a more micro level. Students will gain an understanding of the different types of degrees, majors and careers along with up-to-date testing policies, and together we will create a list of programs and colleges to research further. Using fun and creative brainstorming activities we will work on essays. Continuously reinforcing strong organizational skills and attention to detail will help with application completion and decision-making. My vast referral network comes in handy for those requiring additional assistance. Working together, you will be in a position to make smart educational choices.

Mrs. Benesty has a BA in Education from Wolf Teachers' Seminary in Bnei Brak, Israel. She has been teaching for over 20 years - first in Israel and then as a beloved Kindergarten and 1st Grade teacher at the Yeshiva Day School of Las Vegas. Mrs. Benesty is known for her classroom management - students thrive through the structure she creates which creates an environment in which children can grow and learn. Mrs. Benesty gives over all areas of Jewish culture, law and life with a love and passion which is infectious, and she brings to ZJA a unique approach to teaching Hebrew reading which will help our students become proficient in the language.

Tehila Solomon studied in the naval high school in Israel and served in Israel's navy. After running her own business for several years, she decided to direct her passion to teaching, first as a preschool teacher at Shenker Academy and as a volunteer at The Adelson Educational Campus. Tehila's passion is for recognizing each child's individual strengths, needs and growth curve and ensuring that he or she receive all they need in the classroom.