It is thanks to the generosity of the Weinbaum Family that we have been able to provide our Scholar-In Residence program, featuring some of the most prominent Torah and Educational scholars.
September 8 - 9, 2023
Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech
Raizi Chechik
Ms. Raizi Chechik is the former Head of School at Manhattan Day School. She studied Tanach and Counseling at Michlala Jerusalem Teacher's College, holds an MA in Jewish History, and is currently a doctoral candidate at the Bernard Revel Graduate School where she focuses on the printing of the Vilna Talmud. Ms. Chechik is a recipient of numerous professional and academic awards, among them the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. A graduate of the Intensive Training Program for Day School Leaders at Yeshiva University, Ms. Chechik served as a mentor to new school leaders through their Principal's Partnership program and continues to support new Principals and Heads of School. A sought-after scholar, she has lectured in dozens of communities throughout the US, Europe and Israel.
November 24 - 25, 2023
Parshat Vayetzei
Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone
Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone served as the Senior Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure as Senior Advisor he played a critical role in advancing bilateral U.S.-Israel relations with a focus on economic development & technology cooperation. He was instrumental in facilitating the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem as well as its successful merger with the Jerusalem Consulate. Lightstone was later appointed as the Special Envoy for Economic Normalization. In that role he was an integral member of the Peace to Prosperity team, leading the inaugural Abraham Accord Business Summit, directing the Abraham Fund, and serving as point person in the Middle East for the actualization of the Abraham Accords. Rabbi Lightstone is the author of “Let My People Know”, the inside story of the Abraham Accords. He is a proud father of four and husband to a very patient wife, Estee.
March 29 - 30, 2024
Parshat Tzav
Rabbi David Stav
Rabbi David Stav is the co-founder and the chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, a rabbinical organization which aims to provide religious services to and create dialogue with the broader Israeli population. He also serves as the rabbi of the city of Shoham. Previously he served as the rabbi of the religious film school, Maale, and was one of the founding heads of Yeshivat Hesder Petach Tikva. He is the author of Bein Ha-Zemanim, a book about culture and recreation in Jewish thought and law. One of Israel’s most visible rabbinic figures, he regularly appears on Israeli television and radio, and lectures to a wide range of audiences.
May 3 - 4, 2024
Parshat Achrei Mot
Dr. Debbie Stone
Dr. Debbie Stone holds a BA in Humanities with an emphasis in Jewish Studies, and a teaching degree from the General Teaching Council for England. Debbie received her Doctorate in Education from Yeshiva University's Azrieli Graduate School. A sought after speaker and educator, Dr. Stone has more than 15 years of experience in both formal and informal Jewish education. She is the co-author of the Koren-NCSY siddur as well as the Koren Aviv siddur. Debbie serves as the Associate Head of School for Judaics at JLA, Miami.
June 7 - 8, 2024
Parshat Bamidbar
Rabbi Menachem Penner
Rabbi Menachem Penner currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Council of America, Dean Emeritus at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) at Yeshiva University. A RIETS graduate himself, Rabbi Penner has a long history in leadership roles, including twenty years as the spiritual leader of the Young Israel of Holliswood in Queens, now holding the title of Rabbi Emeritus. He is an active educator, specializing in Tanach, Tefillah, and Machshavah, and is preparing to publish a book entitled "Three Steps Forward" through RIETS/Koren Press. Apart from his academic and religious contributions, Rabbi Penner is a key community figure, especially in family support, serving as Chairman of the Board for Kesher Families. He is married to Rebbetzin Adeena Penner, President of Kesher Families, and they are proud parents and grandparents with family in the United States and Israel.