Joining the team at Hebrew at the Center in early 2020, Rabbi Andrew Ergas brings to his work over twenty-five years of involvement in Jewish education and leadership. He has served as the Executive Director of the Shames JCC on the Hudson and in similar role at the Jewish Community Project Downtown (JCP) in Tribeca. Andrew was Head of School at Beit Rabban Day School on Manhattan’s Upper West Side for seven years. He has served as Executive Director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), as a Director of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Youth Division, as a resident and day camp director for both Young Judaea and for the JCC movement, and as an organizational management consultant

Andrew was ordained in Jerusalem by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and holds master’s degrees in nonprofit management and in Hebrew literature. A graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education certificate program, Andrew earned his doctorate in Jewish education at the Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at JTS, with a research focus on Hebrew, identity, and pedagogy.

A frequent lecturer and writer on Israel and Diaspora relations, Jewish history, informal and language education, and effective change management within organizational life, Rabbi Ergas is recognized as a leading speaker and educator in the Jewish community and beyond. He is active in his home congregation and spent three years as the volunteer Board Chair for the Council on Hebrew Language and Culture in North America. Andrew enjoys playing guitar, great movies, and spending time outdoors. Andrew lives in Hartsdale, N.Y. with his wife Jennifer and has three young adult sons, Erez, Natan and Ari.

Dr. Esty Gross is dedicated to advancing effective teaching practices to optimize individual student proficiency in Hebrew. She believes that mastering Hebrew enhances students’ understanding of Israeli culture and the Jewish People, strengthens their Jewish identity, boosts their overall academic performance, deepens their understanding of their native language, and fosters appreciation and tolerance for other cultures. Through studying Hebrew, students can become active change agents, comfortable with diversity, confident in advocating for the Jewish People, and equipped to address societal inequalities.

Dr. Esty Gross is an accomplished educator with over twenty-five years of experience in Hebrew and second language instruction and curriculum development. She is the Chief of Staff and Director of Education at Hebrew at the Center עברית במרכז (HATC) and serves as a Visiting Lecturer at DeLeT Lehorat Ivrit program at Hebrew Union College. Prior to her tenure at HATC, Dr. Gross served as the Education Director for Hebrew Studies, Global Division, at the Center for Educational Technology המרכז לטכנולוגיה חינוכית (CET), a leader in Hebrew curriculum and professional development for the Jewish educational field worldwide. Her career includes roles as an Adjunct Professor in the MAT-TESOL program at the University of Southern California, Associate Coordinator of DeLeT L’Ivrit, and various leadership positions in Jewish day schools in Los Angeles. Dr. Gross is also recognized for her contributions to the field, having co-chaired the National Association for Hebrew Teachers (NAHeT) and participated as a member of the Council for Hebrew Language and Culture in North America. Dr. Gross has presented in countless schools and conferences, has written numerous articles on equitable second language education, and authored and co-authored Hebrew textbooks. 

Esty earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. She also holds an M.A. in Management and Leadership in Education from Tel Aviv University, a Coordinator and Master Teacher Certificate from Hebrew College, and a B.A. in English Linguistics along with a Teacher’s Diploma for Teaching English as a Second Language from Bar Ilan University.

As Chief Philanthropy Officer, Jonathan is responsible for driving the major gifts program and providing strategic direction and oversight for the Development Team, which includes communications, institutional support, and events. In concert with Rabbi Andrew Ergas, HATC’s CEO, Jonathan manages a robust portfolio of high-level donors and works closely with the Board to further strengthen the philanthropic program.

Prior to working at HATC, Jonathan served for 5 years as the Chief Development Officer for JVS Boston, where he led a 2-year, $18M capacity building campaign for the agency. Jonathan also served as the Regional Director of Development of American Jewish Committee. In this position he successfully managed high level donors on a national and international scope and worked extensively with partnering Jewish organizations and the Jewish philanthropic community. Additionally, Jonathan served as a Donor Relations Officer at the National MS Society where he had success building organizational and team capacity. In this role he managed a portfolio of major donors and corporate partners and honed his managerial skills by offering mentorship and training to teams at regional offices and supervising his own team of 7.

Jonathan holds a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from Union College and was a Fellow at Brandeis University’s Institute for Informal Jewish Education.

Nili Pinhasi is an experienced Hebrew educator and consultant who began her career teaching English in Israel before moving to the U.S. to teach Hebrew. She has taught in Jewish day schools, private schools, and afternoon programs, and served as a Hebrew department chair. Most recently, she supported Hebrew educators nationwide with The Center for Educational Technology and later with Hebrew at the Center where she now serves as Director of Day School Services. Niliholds an LLB from Tel Aviv University, a BA in English and teaching certification from Oranim, and an MA in Foreign Language Teaching from Michigan State University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In her free time, Nili enjoys art, sports, travel, and lifelong learning.

Dr. Sarah Rubinson Levy has been involved in education since 2001 – working, teaching, consulting, and writing in the areas of supplemental, day school, adult, and experiential education. She holds an undergraduate degree in business and sociology and holds a Master of Jewish Education degree from Hebrew College, a doctorate in education from Northeastern University, and certificates in Advanced Jewish Studies, Day School Education, and Jewish Educational Leadership.

Her areas of focus include progressive/student-centered education, integration of artificial intelligence into education, and teacher professional development and support. She considers herself a scholar-practitioner, drawing from research and data to create effective and joyful learning environments.

Most recently, she was a founding head of school for Einstein Academy, a progressive private school in Denver, CO. She currently empowers excellence in education through her work with Sarah Rubinson Consulting and Contracting with an approach that integrates empathy and curiosity, working with each organization in a way that is both realistic and aspirational.

She is a proud Colorado native and currently lives in Denver, CO with her four kids, dog, beta fish, and leopard gecko.

Sheri is a dedicated Hebrew educator with a rich and diverse background in second language acquisition. She has made a significant impact on the lives of students both in Israel and the United States. Sheri’s teaching journey began at Muzot High School in Jafa, Israel, where she specialized in instructing English as a second language for youth at risk.

Her commitment to language education extended to Atlanta, GA, where she teaches Hebrew as a second language. Sheri’s expertise and passion for Hebrew language and culture instruction led her to serve as the Hebrew coordinator at The Weber School in Atlanta. Her role involved shaping the Hebrew language curriculum, contributing to the professional growth of her Hebrew team, and expanding the educational development of students.

Sheri holds a Bachelor of Education in special education and English as a second language from Levinsky College in Tel Aviv. Her academic achievements include participation in the excellence program of the Ministry of Education. Furthering her education, she earned a Master of Arts in teaching Hebrew as a second language from Middlebury College. Notably, Sheri was selected as one of ten Mandel Fellows, recognized for her potential to lead positive change in the field of Hebrew language and Culture Education. Sheri is passionate about teaching Hebrew Language and Culture through a critical lens, empowering Jewish children and youth to leverage their privileges toward repairing the world.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sheri embraces a fulfilling family life. She is a devoted wife and mother to two young children, two dogs, and two cats, and finds balance in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Sheri stands as a testament to the power of education, dedication, and a holistic approach to life.

Dr. Tali Berkovitch earner her Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from NYU with a focus on Successful Models of Hebrew Language Acquisition in North American Day Schools. She has taught both English and Hebrew as a foreign language in the United States, Israel, and China. She is currently the Instructional Coach at the Early Childhood Center at Magen David Yeshivah. She teaches students of all ages, with a focus on those who have language based learning disabilities.

ד”ר טלי ברקוביץ סיימה דוקטורט בחינוך והוראה בNYU. היא חקרה מודלים מוצלחים של הקניית השפה העברית בבתי ספר יהודים בארה”ב. היא לימדה גם אנגלית וגם עברית כשפה שניה בארה”ב, ישראל וסין. כיום היא מנחה לתכניות הלימודים במרכז לגיל הרך בישיבת מגן דוד. טלי .מלמדת לומדים בכל הגילאים עם התמקדות בתלמידים עם קשיי למידה המבוססים על שפה.

Dr. Burstyn has been teaching Hebrew as a second language since 2003. She is the Hebrew Instructional Leader grades 6th-12th in a Milken community school in Los-Angeles California, and a teaching professor at Hebrew Union College (HUC) in Los Angeles, CA. In addition, she serves as an Educational Consultant at HUC, and as a Senior Educational Consultant at Hebrew at the Center. Dr. Burstyn is the author of Bishvil Ha-Ivrit teacher’s guide 3, as well as the author of the Besod Haivrit (Foundation of Hebrew) teacher’s guide, published by the Center of Educational Technology (CET), Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Saifan Man is an experienced educator with a B.Ed. in Education from Beit Berl College and is in the final stages of completing an M.A. in Learning Technologies from the Open University of Israel.

She holds a certificate in Teaching Hebrew as a Second Language from the Mofet Institute and is a certified Project-Based Learning (PBL) teacher through PBL Works. Saifan has extensive experience in writing curricula and interdisciplinary learning units, with a particular focus on teaching Hebrew as a second language through games, hands-on experiences, and the use of authentic materials.

Additionally, Saifan has led workshops for teachers on creative teaching, technology integration in the classroom, and developing interdisciplinary units.

Kayla Reisman is the product of the Conservative Movement, having learned Hebrew through Krieger Schechter Day School and the Shoshana S. Cardin School in Baltimore, as well as the Nativ Program, Camp Ramah and USY. She’s taught Hebrew School and tutored students in Hebrew in Harrisburg, PA; Ithaca, NY; Needham, MA; New Rochelle, NY; and Chicago, IL (where she currently lives.)

Kayla serves as the Senior Consultant on Part Time Education for Hebrew at the Center, focusing on creating content for Hebrew learning that can be used in supplemental programs. In addition, she serves as the Outreach Officer for PJ Library at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and the Hebrew Specialist at Anshe Emet Synagogue.

Dr. Jeremy Benstein is an educator, author, and Hebrew lover. He holds a BA in linguistics from Harvard, a master’s degree in Judaic studies from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Hebrew University. He grew up in the Midwest and moved to Israel over 35 years ago. Along the way, he helped found the Heschel Center for Sustainability in Tel Aviv.
He is currently the managing editor of 929-English (Tanakh: Age-Old Text, New Perspectives – www.929.org.il) and lives in Zichron Yaakov with his wife, Prof. Annabel Herzog, five children, two cats, and many books. He is the author of two books. The first, The Way Into Judaism and the Environment (Jewish Lights, 2006), is an outgrowth of his work on Jewish studies and environmental issues. His most recent one, Hebrew Roots, Jewish Routes: A Tribal Language In a Global World (Behrman House, 2019) is a labor of love for and about the Hebrew language and its role in Jewish history, identity, and peoplehood. He has written and lectured widely on the topic of Hebrew and Jewish peoplehood and identity in North America and Israel.

Eliana Gordon was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has more than 25 years of experience as a Hebrew and Jewish Studies. During all these years, Eliana has gained a plethora of varied experience, having taught for 14 years in the Diaspora (Argentina, Mexico and USA) and for 12 years in Israel.

Eliana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible Studies from Oranim Academic College of Education, Israel, a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a Teaching Certificate in Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies from Mijlelet Shazar, the Hebrew Teachers College in Buenos Aires. In addition, she specializes in teaching Bible (Universidad Hebraica de México), Hebrew as a second language (The MOFET Institute, Israel), pedagogical coordination (Open University of Israel), project-based learning (The Center for Educational Technology, Israel) and teacher guidance (Gordon Academic College, Israel). In 2008, Eliana won the Alejandro Saltiel Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded to outstanding teachers in the Jewish schools’ network in Mexico.

After 12 years of working in Jewish schools and teaching afterschool Hebrew classes, she participated in the ‘Senior Educators’ program at the Melton Center at Hebrew University. Following a fascinating year, she immigrated to Israel and began working at the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa, first as an educator in the elementary school, then as a pedagogical coordinator, facilitator of new teacher training and as a member of the school’s pedagogical team. While on the team, she led the shift to project-based learning and participated in the development of the new pedagogical programs, which promote self-regulation in learning processes. Concurrently, she was a Bible instructor for the Ministry of Education and took part in writing the new program for all schools in Israel.

During her time in Israel, Eliana performed many roles for the communities in the Diaspora. She was a pedagogical instructor in the ‘Chalav U’dvash’ program, taught courses in Bible and Hebrew to teachers in Latin America at Hebrew University, participated in building the Jewish Museum in Chile and gave lectures and courses at the Hebraica University in Mexico.

Eliana relocated to the Bay Area in 2021 due to her husband’s employment. Since her arrival, she has assumed the role of Pedagogical Manager at ‘Beged Kefet Hebrew School’ located at the JCC Palo Alto. In addition to her responsibilities at the school, she also delivers lectures on the subject of DI at Hebraica University and provides guidance to local institutions on enhancing the effectiveness of Hebrew instruction methods.

Meirav Levy has been an educator for the past 28 years, sharing her expertise in both Israel and the United States. She graduated from Kay College in Israel with a focus on education, acquiring the foundational skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the field. Additionally, she was honored to receive her teaching certification from the Israeli Ministry of Education, further validating her commitment and qualifications as an educator.

For the first 13 years of her career, Meirav taught grades 2 through 6 in Israel while also serving as the school’s Language Coordinator. Upon relocating to the United States in 2008, she was determined to continue sharing her passion for Israel, Jewish-Israeli culture, and the Hebrew language with the local Jewish community. She pursued this by joining the Jewish Day School of Seattle as a teacher for grades 3 through 8. Over the past five years, she has expanded her role by stepping up as the Hebrew Coordinator, making a significant impact in the department.

What Meirav finds most rewarding in her role as Hebrew Coordinator and coach is the opportunity to collaborate closely with teachers, guiding them toward success in teaching Hebrew as a second language.

Outside of work, Meirav resides in Redmond, Washington, where she enjoys cooking and baking delicious treats, creating art, playing with her dog Moose, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.