Our Staff
Rabbi Shloma Majeski, Dean
Rabbi Majeski is one of the foremost exponents of Chassidic thought today. He is the author of two highly acclaimed books The Chassidic Approach to Joy and A Tzaddik and His Students, as well as lecture series entitled “The Basic Principles of Chabad Chassidic Philosophy” and “The Chassidic Heritage Series.” Rabbi Majeski’s classes magically incorporate stories of chassidim that bring Chassidic philosophy to life. The curriculum that Rabbi Majeski has developed for Machon L’Yahadus emphasizes text-based learning, consistently citing sources, encouraging students to become familiar with Chassidic text and terminology. In addition to his classes, Rabbi Majeski learns individually with each student, exploring the topic of her choice. Always offering a listening ear, Rabbi Majeski is like a father for all the Machon L’Yahadus students and alumni. Rabbi Majeski has been teaching college students and women of all ages who are on a Jewish journey for over three decades.
Chassidus ll (Maamer) • Pirkei Avos (Ethics) • Moshiach and Geulah • Chassidic Way of Life
Mrs. Shira Abramson
Originally from California, Mrs. Abramson relocated to Brooklyn after her marriage. While raising her young family, she serves as the registrar for Machon L’Yahadus. As well, Mrs. Abramson teaches a class on the weekly Torah portion. Focusing on the text of the Chumash and Rashi’s commentary, students acquire an overall familiarity with the five books of the Chumash. In Mrs. Abramson class, students use their creative talents to present multimedia projects reflecting the material studied.
Parsha
Mrs. Yehudis Cohen, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Cohen brings to Machon L’Yahadus her experience as a campus Shlucha at New York University, where she and her husband ran Chabad at NYU for 18 years. She is the editor of the weekly L’Chaim publication. The mother of a large family, Mrs. Cohen teaches Jewish Home, incorporating her love for Jewish womanhood and its practical application in a woman’s daily life.
Jewish Home
Rabbi Yitzchok Dubov
Rabbi Dubov focuses on teaching aspects of Chassidic philosophy that are relevant and applicable to the everyday life of the student. His classes are therefore genuinely life changing. Rabbi Dubov served as the director for the acclaimed Sinai Scholars Society, during which time the program was established in over 85 university campuses across North America and Europe. In addition to Machon L’Yahadus, he leads weekly classes for both men and women in Crown Heights.
13 Principles of Faith • Jewish History • Talmud
Rabbi Yisroel Glick
Rabbi Glick is a writer, researcher, and student of Torah and of life. After receiving a degree in biomedical science and rabbinic ordination, he traveled across the US serving the needs of Jews living in regional communities with limited spiritual infrastructure. He is passionate about the power of information and committed to providing it in a way that empowers people. Rabbi Glick teachers the advanced level of the weekly Torah portion with the same enthusiasm and creativity that he lives and experiences life.
Parsha (Torah Portion)
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Greenberg
Rabbi Greenberg is a noted lecturer and mashpia (mentor). He taught in yeshivas for Jewish men who were newcomers to Torah study for over four decades. He has the rare ability to distill the deepest concepts and most intricate details into a form that can be easily grasped by students of all levels.
Sichos (Talks of the Rebbe) • Talmud
Rabbi Yitzchak Hanoka
Rabbi Hanoka is the Tri-State Rabbinic coordinator at OK Kosher Certification. He served as mashgiach (Rabbinic supervisor) at a number of manufacturing facilities certified by the OK. Currently Rabbi Hanoka is a mentor for mashgichim and a speaker on a variety of subjects in Jewish law. His expertise in the field or kosher manufacturing, combined with his humor and personal anecdotes make his classes truly stimulating.
Halacha (Laws of Shabbos)
Mrs. Mirele Lazaroff
Mrs. Lazaroff was born and raised in Crown Heights and has been teaching the highest level of Chumash for almost two decades. Mrs. Lazaroff has a special way of giving students the confidence to challenge themselves, bringing energy and excitement to the classroom.
Chumash • Novi (Prophets)
Mrs. Chana Nemni
Mrs. Nemni brings with her to Machon L’Yahadus a vast depth of knowledge in many areas of Jewish study. Born in Ohio and raised in Toronto, Mrs. Nemni settled in the United States after her wedding. The whole Nemni family has become so involved in Machon L’Yahadus that the children consider the students their “big” sisters. Mrs. Nemni’s convictions consistently translate in her classes and inspire students to grow. She is available to study one-on-one with the students and is also a mentor.
Sichos • Moshiach and Geulah • Halacha
Rabbi Yaakov Osdoba
Rabbi Osdoba is a teacher and mentor in Hadar HaTorah Men’s Yeshiva. Additionally, Rabbi Osdoba works in the Crown Heights Beis Din (Rabbinical Court) answering a myriad of Halachic questions. He applies his vast knowledge and experience in Jewish law to his daily classes. Students have the opportunity to ask their personal halachic questions, familiarizing themselves with the role of a Rav in Jewish life. Rabbi Osdoba’s classes make learning Jewish law a fascinating and intellectually challenging experience.
Halacha
Rabbi Yossi Paltiel
Rabbi Yossi Paltiel, founder of InsideChassidus.org, is a renowned teacher and mentor with a gift for communicating his passion for Torah and Judaism. His classes weave together classic commentaries, Jewish Law, history and philosophy, personal stories, and Kabbalah into a whole that is both intellectually challenging and heartwarming. He has been teaching at Machon L’Yahadus for many years and also currently teaches at Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Chovevei Torah and the Beis Midrash L’Nashim. He gives lectures at many events in Brooklyn and travels to speak in Jewish communities throughout the world.
Tefilah (Prayer) • Sichos
Rabbi Dovid Sholom Pape
Rabbi Pape is the senior editor at the international Tzivos Hashem Jewish Children’s Organization and the editor-in-chief of the Moshiach Times. He is a noted children’s author and teacher of Chassidic philosophy. His passion for Chassidus and sensitivity to others are palpable in his classes. He and his wife, Shulamis – also a teacher at Machon L’Yahadus, are the parents of a large family, many of whom are emissaries of the Rebbe around the world.
Tanya
Mrs. Rivky Perlstein
Born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Mrs. Perlstein . She hails from a long line of educators, and she and her siblings are all involved in Jewish education. Mrs. Perlstein’s patience, and firm yet gentle approach to teaching basic skills, have endeared her to her students for over a decade.
Chumash
Mrs. Zeesy Piamenta
Mrs. Piamenta was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Before coming to Machon L’Yahadus, she served as a Jewish girls’ high school principal, a Sunday school principal and curriculum developer. Mrs. Piamenta’s strong emphasis on building skills and goal oriented living are evident in her teaching. She is an active listener and highly effective communicator. She is available to study one-on-one with the students and is also a mentor.
Jewish Life Cycle • Mechina Prep Program • Medical Insurance Liason
Mrs. Shterna Spritzer
Born and raised in France, Mrs. Shterna Spritzer is an integral part of the Crown Heights community. She is a member of the presidium of N’Shei Chabad. Her fluency in a number of languages and understanding of various cultures make students feel at home. She is available to study one-on-one with the students and is also a mentor.
Sichos
