In the Shorashim classroom, we have Orly Forman and Inbal Barken. Orly has a lot of experience with both NFTY, an American youth group, and Noam an Israeli (religiously, not politically) youth movement. She brings this experience, together with a lot of energy, creativity, and a deep background in Judaism, to our Shorashim and Kitah Bet classrooms.
Inbal comes to Kesher having spent time working with at-risk youth in the street context. With an MA in international relations, she realized that community building and informal education are things that she’ll be glad to explore more, and it’s important for her that the kids in her classroom enjoy the learning and have fun in it.
In the Nitzanim classroom, we have Chemda Even-Zohar and Mara Pollets. Chemda is a long time Kesher teacher, who tought the Shorashim, Benayim and now for the second year in Nitzanim. Chemda also continues in her role as director of our Ivrit program. Mara Pollets grew up in Scituate (Boston metro), and was an active participant in her USY youth group. Her work experience includes serving as an aid with an early childhood program, and also as a camp counselor. Mara’s goal is to help her Kesher students connect to Judaism, and to continue to be connected after they leave Kesher. Her belief is that when you’re Jewish, you will have a community wherever you go.
The Anafim teacher is Kela Sappir.
The Te’enim (6th grade) is taught this year by Chasiah Haberman. Chasiah Haberman teaches here at Kesher Cambridge and at Temple Israel of Boston. She has taught about Jewish Practice, Law and Prayer at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education, Nehirim, BIMA, and other Jewish communal settings. She is a founder of Tirtzah: A community of Frum Queer Women and currently lives in Cambridge MA.
The Rimmonim and T’marim are tought by Rafi Esterson.
Tichon (Kesher’s High School program) continues to be taught by Dvora Goodman, Jewish educator extraordinaire, and a part of the Kesher team for more years than we can remember.
Lee Zucker Cohen is our assistant director. Lee has an accomplished background in non-profits, having directed the organization ‘Brit Olam’ www.britolam.org – an Israeli/Jewish International Humanitarian voluntary movement, arranging for Israelis and diasporah Jews to work together on development projects around the world. In additional to her administrative roles, Lee will be working with the Shorashim on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Kesher Toddler program is facilitated by Dina Mardell. Dina has an MA in Early Childhood Education and for the past 25 years, besides raising her two daughters, she has taught preschool through 3rd grade. She was a member of Kesher’s original Board of Directors.
