Our Teachers
Dani Heller - Kibbutz Katan (Pre-K)
Dani is excited to begin her sixth year of teaching. Over the years, she's had the privilege of working with students from kindergarten to eighth grade, as well as in Hebrew School. She's particularly excited to be working with our preschoolers at COS-SJCC this year. This is a special age where children are so eager to learn and explore. She's looking forward to introducing them to the wonders of Jewish traditions and culture through fun and engaging activities!
Jordan Gribbin - Kindergarten - 1st Grade​
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Jordan Gray Gribbin taught Kindergarten for 8 years before becoming a literacy coach for elementary school teachers in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district. She has a Master’s Degree from Teachers College and (more impressively!) she is also an alumna of our program!
Nina Cymbol - Kindergarten - 1st Grade​
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Nina is excited to begin her first year teaching religious school, bringing with her nearly 20 years of experience working with preschool-aged children. Currently she is part of our ELC at COS-SJCC, where she has had the opportunity to teach many of the children in her new class. A dedicated wife and mother of two, Ian and Lilah, Nina is originally from New York but relocated to Berkeley Heights, proudly embracing her new role as a "Jersey Girl." She looks forward to sharing her passion for Judaic studies with her students, both old and new.
Meredith Gray - 2nd Grade
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Meredith started teaching Hebrew School in college at the local Temple in Auburn, Alabama. She loves teaching Hebrew and all about Jewish traditions and holidays. Meredith is currently a STEM teacher at Franklin Elementary in Newark. Before teaching STEM she taught second grade for 5 years (her favorite grade!) Meredith is also an alumna of our program!
Debra Afir - 3rd Grade
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Deborah Afir is a primary school librarian at Kent Place School with a Master’s Degree in Library Science and 21 years of experience. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she also brings her expertise as a librarian to special programs in the K-5 classrooms as well as acquiring materials for the school community.​
Gary Cohen - 4th Grade
Gary Cohen is a dedicated educator who previously taught 4th grade religious school in Scarsdale, NY and Westport, CT. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching. He worked for many years in NYC public schools, including middle and elementary school in the Bronx. Gary is passionate about sharing his love of Judaism and creating a meaningful and engaging learning experience for students. He aims to inspire the next generation of Jewish children to develop a deep connection to their faith and a lifelong commitment to their Jewish community.
Rabbi Avi Friedman - 5th Grade
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Rabbi Avi Friedman tries to bring the ancient wisdom of the Jewish tradition to the modern world for students of all ages. From ancient rabbinic texts to current events, he tries to show our learners how Judaism has something to say about what’s going on in their lives today.
Michal Ben-Guy - Hebrew Reading Instructor
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Michal Ben-Guy is a native of Israel and a graduate of the University of Haifa. She is currently the Hebrew Language Department chair at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School. She brings years of experience in Hebrew language instruction to our faculty.
Ohad Ben-Guy - Hebrew Reading Instructor
As a Hebrew teacher with three years of experience, Ohad has developed a strong foundation in teaching the language to students. His fluency in Hebrew enables him to communicate effectively and provides an immersive learning environment, helping his students gain confidence and proficiency. His dedication to the language and ability to connect with students makes him an excellent educator in this field.​​
Alisen Herman - 6th Grade
Alisen Herman has many years of Hebrew School teaching experience. A graduate of RISDI, she is a graphic artist and ceramicist working with Jewish themes, whose ritual objects for Shabbat and Hanukkah can be seen in the COS-SJCC Women's Group gift shop. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she is also our Art Specialist, planning special art activities for the entire school this year.
Cantor Janet Roth - 6th Grade
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Cantor Janet Roth brings her enthusiasm for Judaism’s musical tradition into our school. From ancient prayers to modern Israeli music and everything in between, she brings Jewish music to life for our learners.
Suzanne Levy - 7th Grade
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Suzanne Levy has many years of Hebrew school teaching experience at multiple synagogues with all different grades. Her focus in the JLC is teaching Judaics to the older students in our program with a special interest in teaching Holocaust Studies. She also has many years of experience leading Junior Congregation services and helps lead our students in prayer and meditation.
Zoom Hebrew Reading Instructors
Faith Feuerman
Jaimee Ehrenfried
Alisen Herman
Nami Ratki