Boys Elementary Department
Hashkafa Advisor Rabbi of Beth Shalom Congregation
rabbihecht@bethshalomscranton.com
Rabbi Alex Hecht has served as the rabbi of Beth Shalom Congregation since July 2021. He received semichah (rabbinic ordination) from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, as well as an M.S. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Education and Administration. At Beth Shalom Academy, Rabbi Hecht serves as the school’s Hashkafic Advisor, and teaches as a rebbi in its boys’ upper division.
Head Rebbie Upper Elementary Boys
tzuker.tzvi@gmail.com
Rabbi Tzvi Cuckier comes to BSA with a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of areas of Limudei Kodesh. In addition, Rabbi Tzuker is a world-renowned Chazzan/instructor who can be heard humming all sorts of nigunim in our hallways. Rabbi Tzuker teaches Chumash, Mishnayos, & Kriah.
Head Rebbi
ilanweinberg76@gmail.com
Rabbi Ilan Weinberg
Rebbe
2236066@gmail.com
Rabbi Yisreol Kehati is a certified and experienced educator who taught in Israel for several years before moving to the U.S. He is known for his warm approach and natural connection with children, creating a positive and engaging learning environment.
Rebbi
kalmanakurtzer@gmail.com
Rabbi Kalman Kurtzer
Rebbe
szkreiman@gmail.com
Rabbi Zalman Kreiman is from Sunny Palm Springs, California, which has no real Jewish community. He left home to pursue his education from 6th grade in Los Angeles. Later, after completing his yeshiva years, he went overseas to Caracas, Venezuela to help the Jewish community there. He ran children’s education activities, day camps, and special prayer programs. He then completed his rabbinical studies in Brookyln, NY.
Rebbe
pinny@baismenachem.com
Rabbi Pinny Levitin
Hebrew Reading Specialist
sysmith613@gmail.com
Morah Sara Smith has over a decade of teaching experience in both limudei kodesh and chol, her goals are to bring a passion for Torah and mitzvos to every student, and to ensure that each student can read and write Hebrew with fluency. Each child is unique and special and Mrs. Smith is dedicated to reaching every child in the way that will help them reach their fullest potential.
English Teacher Physical Education Coach
mattbohn2@gmail.com
Mr. Matt Bohn
ELA Teacher
saksonjohn@gmail.com
Mr. John Sakson
Computer Programming Teacher
stevemansour@yahoo.com
Dr. Steve Mansour received a BA in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, an MS in Operations Research and Applied Statistics from Union College, and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University. He worked for 12 years as a computer programmer at IBM East Fishkill, NY and later consulted for Security APL in Jersey City, NJ and the Carlisle Group in Scranton, PA. He has taught math and statistics at the University of Scranton, Marywood University and Penn State Scranton; he currently teaches statistics at Misericordia University.
Head Math Teacher
neillackerman@scranton.edu
Dr. Neill Ackerman was raised in South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School and then went on to graduate school at Lehigh University where he earned a PhD in mathematics. Upon graduation, he set out on a career in teaching and has taught students of all ages. He is presently employed at the University of Scranton, the Bais Yaakov and of course the Beth Shalom Academy.
Science Teacher
jayala1129m@gmail.com
Mr. Jason Ayala