~Administration~

Principal

Ritzkowitz@bethshalomacademy.com

Dr. Leiter-Itzkowitz holds a Bachelors in music, Master and Doctorate in Education and a deep love for learning and teaching. From the age of 6, Dr. Leiter-Itzkowitz always wanted to be involved in education and is living her dream as Principal of Beth Shalom Academy. Dr. Leiter-Itzkowitz started teaching at Bnos Malka in Queens in 1999 and from there went on to spend 14 wonderful years teaching at Manhattan High School for girls. Dr. Leiter-Itzkowitz deeply believes in the vital importance of educating each and every student in a warm environment which adheres to their unique strengths and challenges.

Associate Principal

aleiter@bethshalomacademy.com

Ari Leiter comes to BSA with over 25 years of experience in Education. After working as a speech specialist for 10 years, he then went on to earn a Masters of Arts degree with a Teacher of the Handicapped certification. Helping children navigate their challenges and ultimately thrive is why Ari went into the field of education. Along with helping children/ leaders of tomorrow, Ari also enjoys working with parents to understand that their children will ultimately succeed and not to overly stress at the daily grind that is child rearing. (”It will work out in the end” is Ari’s mantra!)

Dean of Students

srowshanshad@bethshalomacademy.com

Morah Sara is currently teaching math and gym to our Elementry and Highschool students. She received her dual degree in Education & Special Education. She aims to provide her students with problem-solving skills, and fostering logical thinking. Her goal is to equip her students with a valuable set of skills essential for personal and professional success.

Programming Coordinator

mraven@bethshalomacademy.com

Miriam Raven has a degree in early childhood education. She is passionate about teaching through play and bringing the classroom to life. She uses her creativity towards her position as BSA’s Informal Education Coordinator by actively pursuing opportunities for BSA students to involve themselves in volunteering with the broader Jewish community and planning out of the box activities for the students. Miriam was born and raised throughout Pennsylvania.

~Judaic Studies~

Rebbi

rabbieedelman@gmail.com

Rabbi Eliyohu Edelman was born and grew up in Paris, France where he learned in his childhood and adulthood life. He spent time in Germany, Australia, and France where he worked with communities and the local schools. He then came to New York to learn rabbinical studies and got married to his wife, Mushky. After spending a year in Kolel, he began teaching Kindergarten in Crown Heights and has been doing that for over a decade. Teaching has been his passion from a young age, as he grew up watching his father work as a full-time teacher. He is very excited to move to Scranton and join the BSA community!

Rebbi

szkreiman@gmail.com

Rabbi Kreiman is from Sunny Palm Springs, California, which has no real Jewish community. He left home to pursue his education from 6th grade in Los Angeles. Later, after completing his yeshiva years, he went overseas to Caracas, Venezuela to help the Jewish community there. He ran children’s education activities, day camps, and special prayer programs. He then completed his rabbinical studies in Brookyln, NY. Rabbi Kreiman has also worked for three years in a release time program in Riverdale, NY where he taught public school children. He now lives in Scranton and is excited to continue educating children at BSA. Beth Shalom Academy is thrilled to have his teaching and his positive role modeling at our school!

Rebbi

pinny@baismenachem.com

Hashkafa Advisor & Rabbi of Beth Shalom Congregation

rabbihecht@bethshalomscranton.com

Rabbi Alex Hecht is Beth Shalom Academy’s Hashkafa Advisor and overall halachic authority. Rabbi Hecht is passionate about Jewish education and has been involved in informal Jewish education with youth of various ages. Rabbi Hecht currently teaches Chumash and Gemara.

Director of Special Judaic Events

Mndlrcs@gmail.com

Rabbi Mendel Raices is the director of Chabad of the Mountains. He has spent many years working with children of all backgrounds as a teacher, camp counselor, and mentor. Rabbi Raices organizes and presents special Jewish events in relation to Yom Tovin. These include the “shofar factory” for Rosh Hashanah and the “olive press” seminar for Chanukah. BSA is thrilled to have his dynamic story-telling and his positive influence on our students.

Head Judaic Teacher for Upper Elementary Boys

tzuker.tzvi@gmail.com

Rabbi Tzuker comes to BSA with a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of areas of Limudei Kodesh. In addition, Rabbi Tzuker is a world-renowned Chazzan/instructor who can be heard humming all sorts of nigunim in our hallways. Rabbi Tzuker teaches Chumash, Mishnayos,& Kriah

Director of Judaic Studies

blevi@bethshalomacademy.com

Originally from NY, Bracha is the go-to when it comes to an arts and crafts project. She has been interested in art since she was a child and has made it her goal to incorporate more visual learning. Sitting in class as a child was always a bit hard for her, so she understands the importance of keeping students interested and focused. Through visual, physical and hands- on activities, she brings Parsha and the stories behind each Jewish holiday to life. Bracha has been teaching at BSA since 2021 and hopes to continue providing future students with the vital information of our Jewish Heritage.

Judaic Teacher: 3rd-High school

mushkybeut@gmail.com

Mushkie Gelman grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From a very young age, she was inspired by her parents- her mom was an educational psychologist and her father was a Rabbi. They helped Mushkie discover her passion to teach Judaism to children in a fun and engaging way. After getting her diploma for “Mora lagola” from “Beis Chana Tzfas” seminary in Israel, she went to Vienna, Austria, to pursue her B.A in education. She worked in Austria as a teacher in the “Lauder Chabad school” high school and ran activities for kids from different backgrounds. Back in Brazil, she taught elementary and high school for 3 years. She has also worked at different schools in Crown Heights with a variety of age groups. Our students love Morah Gelman’s warm smile and her ability to get them excited about learning! Main teacher of High school, and Chumash teacher for 3rd – High school.

Teacher

Email

Hebrew Reading Specialist: PreK – Kindergarten

cgoldstein@bethshalomacademy.com

Chany Goldstein has been teaching in preschool for over 7 years and has worked with kids for more than 10 years. Her experience has included the teaching of Hebrew reading and Judaica Studies. She has a special love and understanding for children and believes in positive reinforcements while having the kids express themselves with their own words. Her focus is to create and cultivate a safe and fun environment for her students to learn in the best way possible.

Hebrew Reading Specialist: 1st-2nd

sysmith613@gmail.com

With over a decade of teaching experience in both limudei kodesh and chol, Morah Smith’s goals are to bring a passion for Torah and mitzvos to every student, and to ensure that each student can read and write Hebrew with fluency. Each child is unique and special and Mrs. Smith is dedicated to reaching every child in the way that will help them reach their fullest potential.

Navi Teacher: Middle school – High school

itkinscran@msn.com

~General Studies~

Head Math Teacher: Middle school – High school

neill.ackerman@scranton.edu

Dr. Ackerman was raised in South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School and then went on to graduate school at Lehigh University where he earned a Ph.D in mathematics. Upon graduation, he set out on a career in teaching and has taught students of all ages. He is presently employed at the University of Scranton, the Bais Yaakov and of course the Beth Shalom Academy. He is married to his wife, Michele. They have a daughter, Tziona, in Jerusalem and a son, Yochanan, in Dallas Texas; they also have several grandchildren. Dr. Ackerman’s goal in teaching math is to convince his students that the subject does not have to be difficult, as long as the student is willing to put in the time and do the exercises. He strives to motivate his students not only to reach their potential, but also to strive to go as far beyond it as possible.

Teaches Bridge and Computer Programming

stevemansour@yahoo.com

Dr. Stephen Mansour received a BA in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, an MS in Operations Research and Applied Statistics from Union College, and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University. He worked for 12 years as a computer programmer at IBM East Fishkill, NY and later consulted for Security APL in Jersey City, NJ and the Carlisle Group in Scranton, PA. He has taught math and statistics at the University of Scranton, Marywood University and Penn State Scranton; he currently teaches statistics at Misericordia University.

English & Math Teacher

malrivher1@gmail.com

Malky Gaerman holds a bachelors in computer science and went on to hone her skills at practical application of subject matter during her attendance at a seminary which focused on teaching methods and practices. Mrs. Gaerman’s pedagogical philosophy is centered in, and motivated by, Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences because every child is so unique and they all really do have their own unique intelligence! Mrs. Gaerman teaches at the elementary level as well as the middle school level in both the boys and girls divisions and works to empower all her students to focus on their unique capabilities through a broadened approach without the limitation of a single learning modality. Malky Gaerman hails from Brooklyn and is just as inquisitive as the children she teaches.

Teacher

courtney.murphy912@gmail.com

With a passion for fostering a love of literature and language, Courtney is a dedicated educator committed to inspiring students to explore the realms of English language arts. She studied English and Education at Long Island University and with 12 years of teaching experience she brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to the classroom. In the classroom, Courtney employs innovative teaching methodologies to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. By integrating technology, interactive activities, and collaborative projects, she aims to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where every student feels empowered to express themselves and explore the intricacies of the English language. Committed to student success and holistic development, she believes in fostering a supportive and nurturing learning community where students feel valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

~Preschool~

Director of Early Education

mushkyborenstein@gmail.com

PreK Assistant

Chanagittelharkavy@gmail.com

PreK Assistant

tamara1294@hotmail.com

Morah Tamara (Tam) Green was raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Tam worked with children ages six to fourteen at the JCC Camp Daleville, and toddlers at the JCC of Scranton from. Tam loves learning about each individual child and watching him/her flourish through play, cognitive activities, and of course, a structured schedule.

PreK Assistant

michc159@gmail.com

Michelle Castillo is the teacher assistant for the lovely toddler class! Michelle went to Marywood university with a focus on early childhood education. Morah Michelle loves doing arts and crafts with her classes. Morah Michelle also teaches the English ABC’s and identification of numbers. Morah Michelle loves spending her days with her very energetic toddlers!