Administration
Our leadership team at BEN PORAT YOSEF is guided by the mission and hashkafa (השקפה) of the school to provide an outstanding education in a warm and nurturing environment. It is our goal to instill in our children a love of Torah (תורה), Mitzvot (מצוות) and Eretz Yisrael (ארץ ישראל) and to strengthen their minds and souls so that they may grow to become active members and contributors to Klal Yisrael (כלל ישראל) and broader society.
Rabbi Saul Zucker, Head of School, is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience and a history of advocating for progressive education in both Judaic and general studies. He most recently implemented this pedagogical approach – including active-learner methodology and inquiry-based learning – at Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he served as principal from 2011-2017. While at Magen David, Rabbi Zucker built, mentored, and led an award-winning educational leadership team that was recognized by leading educational institutions.
Rabbi Dov Emerson, Associate Head of School, Rabbi Emerson worked at MTA where he was Principal of General Studies, focusing on teacher supervision and faculty mentoring and coaching. He has also served as Head of School at YULA, and as Assistant Principal and Director of Student Programs at HALB-DRS with special focuses on educational technology and community engagement, and he has taught Limudei Kodesh classes as well. A gifted and dynamic educational leader, Rabbi Emerson has earned two Masters Degrees in Education (Adelphi University and Yeshiva University), has participated in two sessions of leadership training at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, and he has earned Semichah from Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt in Israel. He is the proud recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, and was named as one of the New York Jewish Week’s 2012 Thirty-six Under Thirty-six – Jewish innovators and influencers in the greater New York area.
Dr. Chagit Hadar, Principal of Judaic Studies, was born and raised in Israel, and brings with her to Ben Porat Yosef a value system steeped in Zionism, Torah and chesed. Chagit received a B.Ed. in Elementary School Science from Talpiyot College, an M.S. in Professional Communication from Clark University, and a Ph.D. in Education (with a concentration in Relationship and Interactions) from Atlantic International University.
Naomi Maron, Principal, Elementary School General Studies, has been a professional in Jewish day schools for close to 20 years. Naomi graduated summa cum laude from Yeshiva University, where she was a Gruss Scholar and a Belkin Scholar, and earned her Master’s degree in reading education from Hunter College. She has done post-master’s work at the Bank Street Graduate School of Education and the Windward School.
Jessica Kohn, Early Childhood Director and Founding Educator, is a professional with two and a half decades of experience in early childhood programs at Jewish day schools. “Morah Jessica,” as she is affectionately known at BPY, is an active member of every teaching team and develops a personal relationship with every student and family in our early childhood program. She infuses her warmth, energy, limitless creativity, and commitment to the children of Ben Porat Yosef into each classroom. As a founding educator of BPY, Morah Jessica was instrumental in implementing her vision of a child-centered, individualized and differentiated education.
Sarah Bartges, Principal, Middle School General Studies, is a passionate science teacher who is thrilled to join BPY's administrative team. Sarah received her B.A. in Environmental Policy from Barnard College and her M.A. in Biology for Secondary School Education from the City College of New York (CCNY). During the past decade teaching secondary school math and science at Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science & Engineering, the Rudolf Steiner School, and the Idea School in New Jersey, Sarah has developed and implemented a curriculum that leads from a place of inquiry, engagement, and questioning. Focusing on the Next Generation Science Standards, Sarah developed and implemented the new science program at BPY. Sarah also served as the Education Director for the Rockland Farm Alliance, a nonprofit working to support and expand sustainable agriculture in Rockland County, where she helped inner city public school students experience organic farming in Upstate New York.
Adina Rudin, Director of Student Services, has a Masters degree in Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and received New York State Certification in Elementary Education. Adina has worked in education for over 13 years and has varied teaching experiences in whole class, small group, and individualized settings in general education, special education, and transitional classrooms. Before coming to BPY, Adina worked at Yavneh Academy for over a decade, where she taught Second Grade for several years, worked in the learning center as a learning and reading specialist, and served as the Learning Center Curriculum Coordinator. Adina is professionally trained in Orton-Gillingham through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, as well as in the Orton-Gillingham-based intervention program known as PAF. Adina is passionate about partnering with parents, teachers, Bergen County Special Services, and other professionals in order to help each child reach his or her potential and succeed in school. Adina can be contacted at [email protected]
Stacy Goldstein is Director of Operations. Stacy joined the BPY family during its inaugural year in 2001 and has been integral to the growth and success of the school. On a daily basis, Stacy is the one behind the scenes orchestrating all of the intricate logistics of BPY, making sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Some of her responsibilities include managing the building, facilities, security, budgets, human resources, lunch, schedules, programs, transportation, communications, and rentals - just to name a few.
Stacy has a BA from Rutgers University in Geography and Meteorology with an emphasis in Hazards Planning. Prior to joining the BPY family, Stacy worked in marketing for both a communications company and a record label. Her background includes planning and executing large scale events, concerts, and programs.
Renee Klyman, Director of Admissions, is a veteran Jewish day school advocate who has spent the last several years spearheading the grassroots engagement division of the Orthodox Union’s Teach NJ, the political advocacy group dedicated to supporting the state’s Jewish day schools and other nonpublic school students. In that role, she helped engage students and parents in advocating for equitable government funding for New Jersey nonpublic schools. Before that, she was the office administrator at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School in Teaneck. Renee has long felt from her years of working in Jewish education that the BPY educational experience and the community it creates is so unique and special among the choices our families have for their children and that it is such a special place for the religious Tziyoni community, which is what motivates her in working with parents and students to bring them to BPY. Renee can be contacted at [email protected].
Shoshi Ryp, Director of Finance, oversees Ben Porat Yosef’s long-term financial health and growth. Shoshi started at BPY in 2013, and was invited to become the Director of Finance in 2018. Her areas of responsibility include budgeting, reporting, auditing, analysis, policy formation, and long-term strategies. Prior to coming to BPY, Shoshi worked in finance and not-for-profit organizations. She holds a degree in accounting from the Sy Syms School of Business. Shoshi has a deep understanding of accounting and finance principles, and regularly manages complex financial transactions. She is also the tuition assistance liaison between the assistance committee and parents, where she is passionate about helping families find a comfortable path through the process so that a BPY yeshiva education is attainable for all. Shoshi currently lives in Memphis, Tennessee with her husband and four children and loves to spend her free time reading and doing puzzles. Shoshi can be contacted at [email protected] 
Evan Finkelstein, Director of Technology, leads BPY’s technology program. He oversees all technology infrastructure, manages technology department staff, and develops future plans that align with the school’s overall goals. Evan closely collaborates with the educational administration as well as the business and operations departments to ensure that technological implementations promote deeper learning and optimally support administrative functions while remaining within fiscal guidelines. Evan previously worked at Yeshiva University High School for Boys, where he administered all aspects of its technology. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Psychology from Rutgers University. Evan also worked for two university technology departments and was recognized as a top employee from over ten thousand workers. 
Elana Katz, Director of Programming, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating engaging and impactful experiences. With over a decade of experience in education and event management, Elana has honed her skills in program development, strategic planning, and logistics. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Hunter College. Elana is known for her ability to infuse creativity into every project, ensuring that programs are not only well-organized but also inspiring and memorable. At the Young Israel of Teaneck, she is involved with several committees including welcoming new families into the neighborhood. She is focused on creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where students and staff can thrive.