Faculty & Staff Bios

Susie Chalom, Head of School (schalom@talmudtorahmpls.org)
Susie Chalom was Education Director of Adath Jeshurun Synagogue for 27 years before taking over the position of Executive Director in June 2006. Her degrees in Linguistics and Literature as well as training in English as a Second Language at Tel Aviv University brought her from Israel to Talmud Torah of Minneapolis in 1970. After realizing that a Masters in Speech Pathology was not what God intended for her, she took Education classes and became a full time teacher at Talmud Torah. Since then, she has taught all ages from preschool to adults and classes in Hebrew language, theology, Jewish texts and Spirituality for teens as well as adults. She has had training in Passageways curriculum, Melton Bible Study, Etgar curriculum at JTS, Advanced Talmud classes at Pardes Yeshiva as well as the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem. She has also trained at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and completed the “Art of Leadership “class at Harvard She also completed the four year training at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and is a member of the Chavura at IJS.  She is a lifelong learner and her favorite past time is teaching and learning with her students. She taught the weekly Parasha class at Adath Jeshurun for 10 years and many other classes including the  Florence Melton Adult Mini School, Melton classes for Graduates, Jewish Tapestry series at JCC St Paul and classes on Jewish living at Adath Jeshurun and other synagogues. She has taught Talmud Torah classes on and off for 40 years and these days, the highlight of her week is teaching the graduating seniors Kehilla class- “Passageworks”. She is very proud of her two children- Allon and Orlee –who are both alumni of Talmud Torah Bet Midrash.

Sally Abrams (sabrams@talmudtorahmpls.org)
(BA in nutrition and BA in Hebrew Language, University of Minnesota), is in her 2nd year teaching CIS Hebrew at Talmud Torah.  She taught Hebrew  at the Twin Cities Jewish Middle School for seven years before joining the Heilicher Jewish Day School faculty in 2007. For the last several years Sally has been the chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council's Israel Advocacy Speakers’ Bureau.  She loves visiting Israel and tries to get there once a year. Sally knows first hand how much it is possible to achieve in CIS, as her son completed the four year program with fine results.  Sally and her husband Mike are the parents of three sons and a daughter, all Bet HaMidrash graduates.

Mary Baumgarten (mbaumgarten@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Etta Bernstein (ebernstein@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Etta Bernstein has degrees in Hebrew, Jewish Studies, Music, and Education (K-12). She has also studied Hebrew at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, completing Level Vav, the highest available level. Additional coursework includes remedial and exceptional education with a primary emphasis in math and reading. Prior to coming to Talmud Torah Minneapolis, Etta taught in both public and Jewish day school settings. Etta is currently teaching Vav (8^th grade Hebrew) with Dr. Levi and is the Hebrew Reading Coordinator for Alef (3^rd grade) through Dalet (6^th grade).

Gail Boxrud (gboxrud@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Gail is director of Minnesota for the International Krav Maga Federation based in Netanya, Israel. She is certified as an instructor for civilians, law enforcement and children by the IKMF. She started training in Krav Maga in February 2003 in Racine, Wisconsin. She trained in Israel for 10 days in two separate seminars: Touring and Training in Oct. 2005 and again in January 2007. She completed 180 hours of instructor training in Montreal, Canada, and earned her teaching credentials in the summer of 2007. She returned to Israel in May 2009 to earn her law enforcement teaching certification. She has trained in and organized numerous seminars. Her ranking in the IKMF is Graduate-4. Boxrud has a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and worked in newspapers for 16 years. She continues to train in Krav Maga and kickboxing. She enjoys bicycling, running and sea kayaking.

Denelle Carriger (dcarriger@talmudtorahmpls.org)
Denelle joined Talmud Torah in 2009 after 23 years of continuous teaching opportunities in Jewish and General Education in both South Africa and Texas. Denelle obtained her Bachelor of Primary Education and a Masters in Special Education in South Africa. She specialized in Jewish education with a focus on the Holocaust.   As Director of Judaics at the Austin Jewish Academy and Program Director/B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator at Congregation Agudas Achim in Texas, she was integrally involved in working with learners of all ages (K- adult) to foster Jewish Identity.

Carmella Chazin  (carmellachazin@comcast.net) 
Carmella has been teaching at Talmud Torah since 1984. She has taught students of alef class - bet  - gimel - hey - and  vav classes. A graduate of “Seminar Ha Kibbutzim “ in Tel Aviv as a Kindergarten Teacher. She served as a teacher in the Israeli Army. Building a new School in Sinai (was the first and last teacher to teach Israeli children in Sinai.) She taught at Kibbutz Giv’at Bremer, Herzliyah, where she built an afternoon inner-city program for students and parents. Carmella teaches Hebrew, T’fillah and Jewish Customs. Carmella believes in the individual approach of teaching, reaching all her students,, Israel is an integral part of her teaching - bringing her students to love the Jewish State. Carmella is very proud of her three children, Dorit (after high school served in the Israeli Army) Orrie, and Shai are all graduates of Talmud Torah's Bet Midrash.

Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui, Director of the Foundation and Teacher (aettedgui@talmudtorahmpls.org)
Rabbi Avraham Ettedgui has been associated with the Talmud Torah for over 40 years. He taught for twelve years before becoming the Executive Director of the Talmud Torah, a position he held for twenty four years. Since 1999, he has been the Director of the Talmud Torah Foundation and a member of the faculty. He graduated from Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, Ohio and holds a Masters in Education Administration from the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN.

Saleit Faleschini  (sfaleschini@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Rabbi Yosi Gordon (gordon@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Rabbi Yosi Gordon has been teaching since 1958 and he always keeps up with the times!   He was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, graduated high school in Green Bay and did his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After that he studied and was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He also attended Camp Ramah for 14 summers, as a camper and staff member, and studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem for three years. Rabbi Gordon worked as Associate and Acting Principal of the Los Angeles Hebrew High School. In 1978 he came to St. Paul, where he directed the Talmud Torah for 12 years and helped open the Talmud Torah Day School, where he taught for many years. He taught courses in Jewish studies and literature at the University of Minnesota, St. Olaf College and Hamline University. He also published textbooks and articles in Hebrew language and Jewish studies. In 2000, Yosi won a Covenant Award in Jewish education. He is now teaching at the Talmud Torah of St. Paul’s Midrasha, the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis and other venues in the area. He serves as part time rabbi for Temple Sholom in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and as rabbi at the University of Minnesota Hillel Foundation. Yosi is also a student at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

Tamara Kaiyalethe (tkaiyalethe@talmudtorahmpls.org)
Tamy Kaiyalethe holds a degree in Education & Religious Studies from the University of Minnesota. She was the Librarian in charge of the Hebrew collection in the Middle East Library at the University of Minnesota from 1969 to 1981, and two years as the Director of the Middle East Library.  She wrote and produced a radio program, “This Week in Israel” for a year. As a public speaker on Israel, Judaism and Jewish-Christian relations, she had the opportunity to interact with a wide sector of the American population.  Since 1984, Tamy has been teaching in Jewish institutions in the twin cities: Hebrew, Jewish texts, Israel and history to students from grade two all the way to adults.   Her passion is in finding new ways to teach Hebrew and make connections for her students with Israel and the Jewish people.

Rabbi Harold Kravitz (rabbikravitz@adath.net)

Harold J. Kravitz joined the rabbinic staff of the Adath Jeshurun Congregation (Conservative) in 1987. In 1996 he was appointed Senior Rabbi, Max Newman Family Chair in Rabbinics at the congregation located in Minnetonka, MN. Rabbi Kravitz completed his BA in History at Temple University (Philadelphia, 1981). He did graduate studies at the University of Judaism (Los Angeles, now the American Jewish University), Hebrew University (Jerusalem 84-85), and was ordained and received an MA in Jewish Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (New York City, 1987). He has trained in general and family mediation at the Mediation Center for Dispute Resolution of the Hamline Law School (St. Paul, 1999, 2005, 2006).  Over the years he has served on the faculty of the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis teaching Adath Jeshurun’s Confirmation class and offering electives on topics such as, “Encountering Abraham Joshua Heschel” “Conflict Resolution in Jewish Tradition,” and “Conservative Judaism.”  In 1991 he was honored for outstanding child advocacy by Congregations Concerned for Children.

Missy (Tamar) Cohen Lavintman (mlavintman@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Missy Cohen Lavintman, a Talmud Torah Bet HaMidrash graduate and a teacher at Talmud Torah sinec 1975, has a MA in Education, a BS in Hebrew Education with a minor in Creative Drama. She also holds a Minnesota teacher's license. She teaches Hebrew and Judaica at the Talmud Torah, both in the elementary and high school departments. She has raised her baby, the Mekhina Program, nearly from its inception.  She has taught Hebrew in educational institutions throughout Minnesota, including Carleton College, the Minneapolis Jewish Day School, the University of Minnesota and others. In 2004, Missy was the recipient of the Vivian Mann Educator of the Year Award and the Grinspoon-Steinhardt National Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. She continues to grow professionally:  She has had extensive training in the David Project, participated in the Soul of Education Seminar, studied about Jews in other lands and their connection to Israel by participating in several educational Kivunim Programs and more.  Her love of Eretz Israel is contagious.  She is married to Joel, also a Bet HaMidrash graduate, and is the mother of five children (so far, three of them are Bet HaMidrash graduates).

Dr. Yaakov Levi (ylevi@talmudtorahmpls.org)
Dr. Yaakov Levi is the director of the CIS and other college based classes at TT. He has served as the Director of Jewish Community Education Services. Dr. Levi taught Biblical Studies and Hebrew Language at the University of Haifa, and the University of Heidelberg in Germany. For 13 years he served as Director of the Academy of the Hebrew Language in Haifa, coining Modern Hebrew terminology. He received his Ph.D. in Semitic and Biblical Studies from the University of Heidelberg in 1983. Dr. Levi is the author of many books and articles in the fields of Hebrew language, Bible, Jewish customs and Jewish education. It will be his 10th year at Talmud Torah. He has been on the faculty for over 17 years.

Bonita Noyman (bynoyman@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Rabbi Avi Olitzky (aolitzky@bethelsynagogue.org)

Rabbi Avi S. Olitzky graduated from the Joint Program at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2003 where he was awarded a BA in Sociology and a BA in Talmud and Rabbinics. Rabbi Olitzky went on to receive an MA in Midrash in October 2007 and his ordination as a rabbi in May 2008. He is particularly interested in making Jewish learning accessible to all backgrounds, levels and interests. Whether it be minutiae of Halakhah, fantastic strands of Midrash, or examining the intricacies of Kashrut and daily Jewish observance, Rabbi Olitzky is at home with a book in his hand and a willing Chavruta to match. While in Rabbinical School, Rabbi Olitzky served as a US Navy CCPO and reached the rank of Lieutenant. Stemming from a deep involvement in USY as a youth, Rabbi Olitzky has continued to commit himself to youth work over the years, believing that youth groups are vital to developing a Jewish identity in young people. Rabbi Olitzky is also an avid hockey fan, and looks forward to finally seeing the Golden Gophers play in person (on a Saturday night!). Rabbi Olitzky is married to Sarah who is a PhD Candidate in School Psychology, and shares his passion for food and vegetarianism. The Olitzky’s are blessed with twins.

Catherine Orkin Oskow, Librarian (CanaanQat@aol.com)
Cathi became the librarian at Talmud Torah in 2007 and has been successful in creating excitement around Jewish literacy.  She has a B.A. in English and American Literature, Brandeis Univ.; M.A. in Professional Writing, USC; Secondary English Teaching Certificate, Univ. of St. Thomas; and coursework at St. Cloud State Univ. in Information Medi. Previously, she taught English and reading for 10 years at Inver Grove Heights Middle School, where she also founded and advised an award winning literary and arts magazine. Cathi writes fiction, screenplays, newspaper articles, children’s stories, and poetry. She is a member of the National and Minnesota Societies of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Minnesota Screenwriters’ Workshop, and has won state and national awards for her own writing Cathi also breeds and shows world-class Canaan Dogs, the only breed originating from Israel. Cathi loves the combination of books, children, and Jewish community that are part of being the Talmud Torah and MJDS librarian. Cathi and her husband are the proud parents of two MJDS graduates.

Dante Pastrano is certified as an instructor for civilians, law enforcement and children under the International Krav Maga Federation based in Israel. He earned his teaching credentials in Montreal in August 2008. He traveled to Israel to earn his law enforcement instructor certification in May 2009. His training includes numerous Krav Maga seminars. His background includes more than 12 years of kickboxing and Kung-Fu training and teaching. Pastrano grew up in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. He is bilingual, so he can teach in Spanish and English. His rank is G-3.

Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff (rabbisadoff@adath.net)

Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff joined Adath Jeshurun in September of 2009. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in Film. After a few years working in New York City in that field, he chose to return to his roots and go further on the path of his Jewish journey and education.  In 2001, he attended the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and studied there under Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Joel Roth, continued his studies at the Conservative Yeshiva in Israel, and concluded his studies at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary of the Masorti/Conservative movement in Jerusalem, Israel. Rabbi Sadoff’s prayer is that God will help him to teach Torah Lishmah- Torah for its own sake, to the Jewish community and to share the experience of the transformative power of God and Torah.

Niza Schear (nschear@talmudtorahmpls.org) 

Niza is a Talmud Torah Bet Midrash graduate has returned to the Talmud Torah as a member of the faculty.  She was born in Haifa, Israel, and came to the US with her parents who immigrated from Russia and Poland.  Niza understands Russian and is an emergent reader of Russian. She believes languages bring people together and can be learned in a social and stimulating manner.  Niza has a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Hamline University and holds a Minnesota teacher’s license.  For over twenty-five years, she has worked extensively in the Jewish community. She began her career as a Talmud Torah Alef and Dalet teacher and also taught kindergarten and first grade at the Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School for thirteen years.  Niza brings her passion for Israel, Hebrew, Jewish culture, Bible and spirituality into her classrooms. Niza is married to Morris Schear and is blessed with three children. 

Barbara Taragan (btaragan@talmudtorahmpls.org) 

(BA in Child Psychology and Elementary Education, University. of Minnesota.; BA in English Literature from the Ben Gurion University.; MA in Jewish Studies from Gratz College), is beginning her 19th year at the Minneapolis Jewish Day School, including a sabbatical in 2005-06 in which she participated in the Senior Educators Program at the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University. Barbara lived in Israel for twenty-five years, where she taught English at the Eshel Hanasi High School. Since returning to the United States, Barbara has been teaching at the Day School and the Minneapolis Talmud Torah. She is the proud parent of three children.

Nechamit Yaari (nyaari@talmudtorahmpls.org)

Nechamit is a graduate of the Levinsky Teachers Seminar, Tel Aviv, Israel; Coursework Hebrew University Jerusalem, Bible and Hebrew Literature and earned a BS Degree  in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.. Nechamit  has been teaching at the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis since 1974. She teaches Hebrew language and custom and ceremonies for Alef (3^rd grade), Hey (7 grade), and Vav (8  grade). In addition to working at Talmud Torah, she has taught at the Heilicher Jewish Day School since 1997.  She has completed the course work for the Tal Am Hebrew/Judaics Program. Nechamit has been a recipient of the Vivian Mann Jewish Educator of the Year Award and the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. Nechamit, an Israeli native, served in the Israeli army for 2 years and then continued to teach 7th-8th grade in the Ha Ha’aravah School, before moving to the United States. She has an enthusiastic approach to incorporating dance and music into the classroom, while teaching Customs & Ceremonies, Hebrew and Judaics. She is the proud mother of three daughters whom all graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin. Nechamit has a grandson and two sets of twin grand-daughters.

Yefet Zadaka (yzadaka@talmudtorahmpls.org)
Yefet Zadaka has been teaching at the Talmud Torah and the Minneapolis Jewish Day School for the since 1990. He has taught pre-school to adult education classes for over twenty-five years in both Israel and Minneapolis. He truly enjoys teaching children, youth and adults. An accomplished musician, he plays the accordion and the cello, bringing music, Israeli dance, Jewish History and culture into the lives of the students at Talmud Torah.