Tzvi Sytner  

Rabbi Tzvi brings the fun and excitement to the JRE. Tzvi grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and earned his B.A. in Liberal Studies from Thomas Edison State College and M.S. in Education from the University of Bridgeport. While in graduate school, Tzvi taught in the Conneticut public school system and in Hillel Academy of Fairfield. After marrying, Tzvi moved to Israel where he earned Rabbinic Ordination at The Jerusalem Kollel. In addition to learning, Tzvi led numerous Shabbat programs for hundreds of college students on Birthright while in Israel, and spent summers in South Africa and Australia leading Jewish education programs. Tzvi enjoys break dancing, snowboarding, and playing guitar – in addition to learning and teaching of course. Rabbi Sytner can be contacted at tzvisytner@thejre.org

 

Miriam Sytner

Miriam was born and raised in Long Island, NY, and graduated Queens College with a B.A. in Psychology and Psi Chi Honors of The National Honor Society in Psychology, as well as Summa Cum Laude from Downstate University with a B.S. in Nursing. After working in the Intensive Care Heart Unit at the Long Island Jewish Hospital, Miriam attended the University of South Alabama for her Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. In addition, Miriam has lectured and run programs for college students on Birthright, mentored on Heritage Retreats, and has had an active involvement with the Jewish Education Program (JEP) of Long Island.  Contact Miriam at miriamsytner@thejre.org

 

Moshe Becker

Rabbi Moshe Becker is originally from Rochester, NY, but spent most of his life in Israel, where he received his training in Talmud and Jewish Law at the Hebron Yeshiva and The Jerusalem Kollel. Moshe has done advanced research in Jewish Philosophy and History with the Hashkafa Circle, and published in Reshimu, the Hashkafa Circle’s Journal. He has managed research projects for Jewish Content Laboratories and was instrumental in publishing several of its materials. Most recently, he was a senior lecturer at Torah Encounters in Jerusalem. Moshe received Rabbinic Ordination from The Jerusalem Kollel as well as from Rabbi Z.N. Goldberg of the High Rabbinic Court in Jerusalem. Contact Rabbi Becker at mbecker@thejre.org or check out some of his classes at mosheb.posterous.com.

 

Ester Malka Becker

Ester Malka has literally travelled the world with her family. Born in Buffalo, NY, she moved with her family to Australia, then back to NY, and eventually to Israel. Ester Malka earned a Teacher’s Certificate from Bnos Yehuda Academy in Jerusalem and has been involved in educational projects with Partners in Torah and Jewish Content Laboratories. In addition to her work at the JRE and being a full-time mom of four, Ester Malka enjoys baking and entertaining, so feel free to drop in. She can be contacted at esterm@thejre.org

 

Yossi Oratz

Rabbi Yossi Oratz was born and bred in Brooklyn, NY, but managed to get away to learn in Israel and to attend Empire State College for a B.A. in Business Administration. After studying in some of the most prominent yeshivot in the world, Yossi married and settled in Israel where he focused his studies on Jewish Law and received Rabbinic Ordination from The Jerusalem Kollel. Yossi is also well on his way to earning the prestigious Rabbinic Ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel. Yossi is a wine enthusiast and an avid basketball and tennis player. Rabbi Oratz can be reached at yoratz@thejre.org

 

Elisheva is originally from Lawrence, NY. After earning her B.A. in Business Administration and M.S. in Special Education she returned to her high school alma mater, TAG, as a Special Education teacher. Shortly after marrying, she moved with Yossi to Israel. While living in Israel she was a director of the Big Brother program for underprivileged youth under the auspices of Yad Eliezer.  Contact Mrs. Oratz at eoratz@thejre.org

 

Avi Hoffman

Rabbi Avi is responsible for keeping things chilled at the JRE, among other things. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he spent several years studying in Israel, where he ultimately received Rabbinic Ordination at the Jerusalem Kollel and from Rabbi Z.N. Goldberg. Avi attended Touro College in Brooklyn and graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Marketing and Business Management. While in college, Avi taught sixth grade math and science at a private school in Brooklyn. In addition to chilling, Avi enjoys running, a good BBQ, or a cup of coffee – along with good conversation of course. Contact Rabbi Avi at avihoffman@thejre.org

 

Shana Hoffman

Shana grew up in Flushing, NY and graduated Touro College with a B.A. in Psychology. While in college, she served as Assistant Program Coordinator at Chai Lifeline, a non-profit organization that helps family with seriously ill children, and volunteered her summers at Camp Simcha. In Israel, Shana further pursued her education as well as religious studies, and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Mental Health counseling. Shana can be contacted at shanahoffman@thejre.org