Faculty

Rabbi Label Sharfman, Dean

Rabbi Label Sharfman grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn and made Aliyah with his wife in 1976. He subsequently established Bnot Torah Institute in September 1977, beginning with 12 students. Rabbi Sharfman spent his formative years at The Rabbinical Seminary of America (Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim), studied at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, and received his Rabbinic ordination from the late Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt"l, at Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanon Theological Seminary. He graduated as a Phi Alpha Theta Scholar, from Queens College specializing in Chinese history and, did graduate work in Counseling at Teachers College of Columbia University and in Ancient Jewish History at the Bernard Revel graduate school of Yeshiva University.

While Rabbi Sharfman is viewed as one of the visionary founders of the seminary movement in Israel, he is also acclaimed for his musical talents in that he was one of the founding members of The Rabbis' Sons as well as co-director, producer and lead vocalist of arguably one of the most famous Jewish music groups 'veykus. While Rabbi Sharfman is known for his smooth voice and memorable kumzitz's, he is also renowned for his ability to convey intricate principles of Jewish law in an organized and concise manner. To that extent, in conjunction with the Orthodox Union and NCSY he has authored, The Pesach Seder: A Practical Guide, as well as most recently, Hadlakat Neirot Shel Shabbat: A Practical Guide. Rabbi Sharfman has been cited in Time Magazine and has been involved in educating Jewish youth for over 35 years, running outreach programs in Israel, the United States, and South Africa. He lives with his wife and family in the Sanhedria HaMurchevet neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

Mrs. Aviva Haymann, Mechanechet

Mrs. Aviva Haymann was born and raised in San Jose, California. A graduate of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC), she attended seminary at Bnot Torah Institute, where she later also served as a Madricha from 1992-1999. Holding a B.S. in Mathematics from Empire State College, Mrs. Haymann is known for her sharp mind and as a stimulating speaker who conveys deep, meaningful insight using laughter and a great sense of humor. She has the extraordinary ability to captivate audiences using a vast array of sources, weaving them together into one beautiful tapestry highlighting the major themes relevant to a Jewish woman. Her ability to relate to students is seen by all, as she caringly guides her students as one of the Shana Aleph Mechanchot. Currently, she resides with her husband and children in Tel Zion, where students are often invited to celebrate a vibrant Shabbat experience.

Rabbi Michael Green, Overseas Director

Rabbi Michael Green studied in Israel at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, the Mirrer Yeshiva, and Ohr Samayach Tanenbaum College. He is a graduate of Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Baltimore, Maryland and also received semicha/ordination from Rabbi Zalmen Nechemia Goldberg, a Chief Justice of The Supreme Rabbinical Court of Jerusalem. In addition to composing Jewish music, Rabbi Green has been involved in Jewish Outreach throughout North America and has served as a popular lecturer at various institutions across Israel ranging from The OU Israel Center to Aish HaTorah's innovative introductory study programs for women. Rabbi Green is internationally noted for his powerful and enlightening approach to clarifying Jewish issues relevant to our daily lives. To that end, he responds to important life questions for JewishAnswers.org, provides classes for TorahMedia.com, and appears on OlamRadio.com. What's more, The Rabbi Green Podcast can be accessed on demand from RabbiMichaelGreen.com or iTunes. His first book, 5 Ways to Increase Your Spirituality: Ancient Wisdom to Enhance Your Daily Life was recognized by the Forbes Magazine Book Club, while his forthcoming work, 9 Spiritual Months: A Treasury of Jewish Insights for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond, has already received advance praise and approbation. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he resides in Jerusalem with his wife and children. Their home is known for its hospitality throughout the year.

Mrs. Hindy Fuld, Mechanechet

Mrs. Hindy Fuld hails from Queens, New York and graduated from Central Yeshiva High School. She attended Bnot Torah Institute for two years. Mrs. Fuld received her advanced Teacher's License from Rika Breuer Teacher's College, where she also taught a popular course in Navi. At the same time, she taught a stimulating Machshava course at Bruriah High School for Girls in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She graduated with an M.A. in Curriculum Development from Adelphi University, New Jersey, where she further honed her skills as one of the up and coming Jewish educators. She is renown for her ability to incorporate ancient to contemporary sources thereby unlocking and revealing the intimate connection that Jewish women have towards Tefilla. At the end of the year, not only will you see results but your Siddur will be meaningfully marked with notes and life-lessons that will resonate forever. Indeed, Mrs. Fuld is known for her ability to cultivate ever-lasting relationships with her students. To her, every student is an individual, with a unique neshama, and her every gesture symbolizes this idea. After making Aliyah via Nefesh B'Nefesh, Mrs. Fuld settled in the neighborhood of Ramat Eshkol with her husband, Rabbi Simcha Fuld, a certified Mohel, and their children.

Mrs. Ariella Katz, Shana Aleph Chonechet

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Ariella Katz is a Bnot Torah/Sharfman's Alumnus. Additionally, she studied in Neve Yerusalem Woman's College for three years where she graduated and received certification from the Shalhevet, Advanced, and Moreshet Kiruv Program. She also worked for The Heritage House, based in the Old City of Jerusalem, where she served as a Madricha for two years, and was known for providing a warm environment and a Shabbos experience to Jewish travelers from around the world. Prior to joining Bnot Torah/Sharfman's she worked in Aish Hatorah's JEWEL while also teaching in the Tel Aviv Public School system and completing a M.A. in English Language Education in Tel Aviv University. Recently, she taught and directed a private English speaking Jewish Preschool for several years while also lecturing to audiences such as Birthright and JAM. Ariella, lives with her family in Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem where her open home is known for exuding care and warmth to every student.

Rabbi Meir Kahane, Shana Aleph & Bet Instructor

Rabbi Meir Kahane proudly hails from Memphis, Tennessee, where in his youth, he served as NCSY Midwest Regional President. For his sterling character and achievements, he was inducted into the elite Ben Zakai Honor Society, an honor reserved for the most distinguished members of NCSY. Rabbi Kahane came to Israel and attended Yeshivas Toras Moshe for a whopping ten years and served as a Rosh Chabura, a title given to a few select members of the kollel. He received Rabbinic ordination from the esteemed Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Moshe Meiselman. Today, Rabbi Kahane is considered one of the most sought after youthful, English speaking lecturers in Israel. In addition to being a regular for Aish HaTorah's various programs, he has lectured for the likes of The Jewish Awareness Movement, Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim, Michlalah, Darchei Bina, Seminar Yerushalayim, and Afikei Torah. His quest for innovation is apparent in his latest venture, Chedva L'Yisrael, a Kiruv training program affiliated with Aish HaTorah. We are proud that Rabbi Kahane is a member of our staff and has agreed to dedicate so many hours to Bnot Torah. Rabbi Kahane lives with his wife and family in the Maalot Daphna neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

Mrs. Leah Mizrahi, Mechanechet

Mrs. Leah Mizrahi grew up in Long Branch, New Jersey where she benefited from the influence of the warmth of the Syrian community. She attended Me'ohr Bais Yaakov Seminary in Jerusalem, and continued her education at Maalot New York in conjunction with Thomas Edison State College. Mrs. Mizrahi's love of teaching has lead her to lecture on a wide range of Jewish subjects, both textual and philosophical. Prior to moving to Israel, she taught in Camp Sternberg, the Jersey Shore Bais Yaakov, and ZDR Academy of RAMBAM High School. After joining our faculty last year, she now holds the position of Shanah Bet Chumash Teacher and is admired for her wisdom and warmth. What's more, the Mizrahi's home, located minutes away from Bnot Torah, is an eclectic mix of both Sephardic and Ashkenazic cultures where guests enjoy exotic food, stimulating conversation, and the warm interest taken in all those who come their way.

Rabbi Dovid Oratz, Beit Midrash Mentor & Halachic Advisor

Rabbi Dovid Oratz has been a prominent figure at Bnot Torah almost since its founding. Born and raised in New York, he attended RJJ High School. Upon his graduation, Rabbi Oratz came to Israel and studied at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh. After returning to the States he continued his Torah education at Beit Midrash Emek Halacha, studying under one of the Gedolei HaDor, the late Rabbi Tuvia Goldstein, zt"l, from whom he ultimately received his Rabbinic Ordination. Rabbi Oratz credits Rabbi Goldstein with not only teaching him a Derech in Halacha, but for serving as his mentor in Hashkafa and Jewish education as well. Concurrently with his yeshiva studies, Rabbi Oratz earned an M.S. in Speech Pathology from Brooklyn College, New York. In addition to being a stalwart asset to our Beit Midrash by answering questions and providing his timeless insights and practical advice, Rabbi Oratz has authored, edited and translated well over twenty books, including two works for the legendary Institute of Science and Halachah. What's more, he has served as an Editor of the Hebrew ArtScroll Schottenstein Talmud from its inception. Currently, Rabbi Oratz lives with his wife in the Sanhedria HaMurchevet neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where they are known for their keen hospitality towards years of Bnot Torah students.

Mrs. Devorah Saltzman

Born and bred in Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Deborah Saltzman graduated YULA Girls High School and subsequently attended Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women. Given the opportunity to remain in Israel, Mrs. Saltzman served as a warm and devoted Madricha to the students of Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim, while simultaneously completing her B.Sc. in Business Management from Touro College Israel. For the past three years, Mrs. Saltzman enjoyed the role of Mechanechet and teacher at YULA Girls School, where she was known for her engaging lessons and genuine concern for her students. Additionally, this past year, Mrs. Saltzman taught Chumash at Bnos Devorah High School, where she was thrilled to participate in its inaugural year. When she wasn't teaching, Mrs. Saltzman could be found interacting with TLC girls (local unaffiliated university students), baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, or serving as a counselor at Camp Simcha, Michlelet NCSY, or JAM. In addition, Mrs Saltzman is an M.A. candidate in Judaic Studies in a joint program sponsored by Bellevue University and Michlalah. Mrs. Saltzman currently lives with her husband in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood of Yerushalayim, and along with her husband Yosef, a Rabbincal student at Yeshivat Aish HaTorah, welcomes Bnot Torah students to her home.

Rabbi Moshe Rock, Halachic Advisor

Rabbi Moshe Rock hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated with a B.A. from Yeshiva University, before his love for Eretz Yisrael brought him there. He lived in Even Shmuel, a small community in the Shefela, where he participated in outreach activities for the residents of neighboring moshavim, and studied for four intensive years culminating in Rabbinic ordination from Kollel Even Shmuel. Upon relocating to Yerushalayim, he moved into the Sha'arei Chessed neighborhood, where he developed a strong bond with the Gadol HaDor, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt"l, with whom he discussed many of the issues and questions that were raised by our students. Rabbi Rock studied in the advanced Kollel of Yeshivat Netzach Yisrael, and has been teaching Halacha at Bnot Torah Institute for the last 29 years. In his classes, he not only emphasizes the practical Halacha, but also provides a deeper understanding of the principles involved, the importance of proper observance and its relevance to modern life.

Mrs. Riki Gewirtz, Rakezet

Mrs. Riki Gewirtz hails from Lawrence, New York and graduated from Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls. She is a proud alumnus of Bnot Torah/Sharfman's and spent her Shana Bet at Michlala. Upon returning to the States, she studied at Touro College and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology. Additionally, she taught Limudei Kodesh to at HALB Elementary School as well as served as a Madricha for the senior class at Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls. The enthusiasm and warmth she evokes is infectious and is seen in the various activities that she oversees in her capacity as Rakezet. She lives minutes away from the school in the Maalot Daphna community with her husband, Rabbi Zvi Gewirtz and their two children. Mrs. Gewirtz is excited for the opportunity to come back to Sharfman's and give back to a place from which she gained so much.

Mrs. Tzipporah Moskovitz, Shana Aleph Chonechet

Born and raised in Queens, New York. Tzipporah is a graduate of SHEVACH and attended Sharfman's for two years. She then joined the Faculty as a Madricha. Upon her return to the States she completed a B.A. in psychology and a M.A. in General Education and Special Education through Touro College. During this time, she also taught 6th and 7th grade Judaic studies in Bear HaGolah, a Russian Kiruv school in Brooklyn, New York. Aside from her role in the school, she also works privately in special education for the Anglican International School in Jerusalem, which is a school primarily for children of diplomats and the like. Tzipporah and her husband live minutes away from Bnot Torah/Sharfman's in the Ramat Eshkol section of Yerushalayim, where students readily enjoy her humor, wisdom, and warmth.

Mrs. Ariella Gofman, Shana Aleph Lecturer

For several years, Mrs. Ariella Gofman has been considered one of the most popular and passionate educators at Bnot Torah Institute. Her voice often echoes through the halls, as students are engaged by her interactive teaching style. Classroom participation is a must as you journey from the words of the Chumash to their relevance in your daily life. Using in depth analysis of Parshat Kedoshim, Mrs. Gofman and her students reveal the deeper and mystical meanings behind the Mitzvot, showing their true relevance. Mrs. Gofman received her B.A. from Thomas Edison, and is also a graduate of Maalot Yerushalayim/Zaidner Institute. She lives in the Ramat Eshkol section of Yerushalayim, together with her husband and children.

Mr. Shalom Brody, Administrative Director

Born in Far Rockaway, New York, Mr. Brody attended Mesivta Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin for his high school years. Following his graduation, he spent a year learning in yeshiva in Israel, before it became the popular thing to do. Returning to the States, he continued his learning in Sh'or Yoshuv under Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld, zt"l. While still in yeshiva, he attended Brooklyn College in the evenings and later earned his Masters degree in Guidance Counseling from Long Island University. Upon completing his degree in 1972, Mr. Brody made Aliya, together with his wife settling in Sanhedria HaMurchevet, where they have raised their family. Mr. Brody began his youth work while still living in Far Rockaway, directing a youth group in the local Young Israel and creating programing and activities for its youth department. In Israel, prior to his joining Bnot Torah, Mr. Brody led a popular wedding orchestra. In addition, he was involved in Kiruv with both Israelis and American college students. His office and home are always open to our students.

Mrs. Debbi Nissel, Chessed Coordinator

Mrs. Debbi Nissel hails from Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Bnot Torah for two years and subsequently served as both Madricha and secretary. An erstwhile aerobics instructor, who is married to the inspirational author and lecturer, Rabbi Menachem Nissel, she spent a year in England, and then returned to Israel. Since their return, with the exception of a two year hiatus doing Kiruv work in Memphis with her husband, Mrs. Nissel has been working at Bnot Torah in the role of Chessed Coordinator as well as in numerous other capacities. Mrs. Nissel's warm, caring personality makes her a natural magnet for students. In spite of her busy schedule, she always finds time to speak with girls both at school and at home.

Mrs. Leah Kunstler, Shana Bet Chonechet

Mrs. Leah Kunstler was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and has been involved in education and Kiruv for many years. Indeed, she has been involved in a mentoring program in Hebrew University, and was a core teacher in Aish HaTorah's JEWEL. Additionally, she has lectured in Peninim Seminary as well as supervising extracurricular activities. Mrs. Kunstler has also taught English in Korchak Public School in the French Hill area of Jerusalem and has served as Neighborhood Coordinator for Yad Eliezer and many other communal projects. In addition to her M.A. in Special Education from Long Island University, she is soon to receive her soon to receive her M.A. in Clinical Sociology and Family Therapy, from the University of North Texas. Leah lives in the Ramat Eshkol section of Jerusalem, right up the block from Bnot Torah/Sharfmans, enabling the girls the opportunity to always be a part of her open home.

Mrs. Yehudis Smith, Shana Aleph Chonechet

Born and raised in Kew Garden Hills, New York, Mrs. Yehudis Smith attended Michlalah Jerusalem College for Women, where she eventually served as a warm and caring Madricha. Well known for her genuine yet engaging personality, Mrs. Smith has lectured at Aish HaTorah's JEWEL, Meor HaTorah and Ba'er Miriam. In addition, she spends her summer entrenched in the field of Jewish outreach by working for JAM/Ashreinu of Los Angeles. She holds a Bachelors degree in Humanities and is pursuing her Masters degree in the educational field. Currently, Mrs. Smith lives in Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem, with her family, where their home is known by our students as a place that you can always feel right at 'home.'