Ilan Lavan
Ilan, is the current Coordinator of the EDJE (Experiential Department of Jewish Education) and has been an integral part of Moriah’s Experiential Department for over 5 years. He has a B.Comm (Finance) from Sydney University and has completed a Masters of Jewish Education at Hebrew University in 2016. He is very excited to go to Israel in what will be his 7th IST trip.
Belinda Lax
Belinda Lax immigrated to Sydney from Johannesburg 17 years ago and joined Moriah College in 2010. She spent three years in Israel as a child and from then onward, has always loved being a part of anything and everything that has to do with Israel. Belinda started her career at Moriah in the Primary School and more recently as PA to Dean of Jewish Life & Learning where she has been inspired and fortunate to be a part of the initiatives and opportunities that the school puts forth, including staffing a trip to the Northern Territories this year with the Moriah Year 9 students. Belinda has also had two daughters attend Moriah for the duration of their schooling and is excited to join the IST program this year to share in this once in a lifetime opportunity with all the students and staff.
Lee-Ann Morris
Lee-Ann grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa and emigrated to Australia 8 years ago, with her husband and 3 children who also attend Moriah. She graduated university with an Honours in Industrial Psychology, and has worked at the College for the last 7 years, managing all things Jewish in the EDJE. She gets great joy out of seeing students benefit from programs such as Counterpoint, chaggim celebrations at school and particularly IST. This will be the second time Lee-Ann is traveling with the students on IST, and looks forward to seeing the fruits of her labour, and also exploring ways of enhancing the tour for future years.
Keren Lax
Keren graduated from Moriah in 2016 and spent her gap year in Israel with Bnei Akiva on Limmud. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, and in-between studying, leads Tefilla at Moriah, work as a Youth Director at Dover Heights Shule and volunteers as a Madricha in Bnei Akiva. Keren feels blessed to have been given so many opportunities both at school and during her gap year to grow and connect to her Judaism and Israel and hopes to be able to continue on her journey in this regard. IST was a turning point in her own life and she feels so privileged and excited at the opportunity to be a part of this life-changing journey for others.
Ryan Berman
Ryan spent primary school studying at Mount Sinai College before moving to Moriah in year 7. He went on the IST trip when he was in year 10 and has been actively involved with the Jewish community ever since. When graduating Moriah Ryan went on the Bnei Akiva limmud program before moving to MTA where he studied in Yeshivat Har Etziyon. Ryan is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Law and has gained experience in Jewish education through teaching prayers at Moriah, his involvement in a number of counterpoint seminars as well as playing an active part in running the Dover Heights Shule Youth Minyan. This will be Ryan’s second IST as a madrich.
Dinah Di Veroli
Dinah Di Veroli is 20 years old and a graduate of Masada College 2016. Currently she is living in St Ives, after returning from participating in the gap year program MTA 2017. For the duration of her year she attended Midreshet HaRova. Whilst there, she decided to extend her learning to then do an additional program, Shana Bet in 2018. She is now studying at UNSW and is working within the Jewish informal education community to share, learn with and give over what she gained in Israel. A very proud Israel supporter who is beyond excited to spend and experience these empowering 6 weeks together with our year 10 students.
Lori Bernstein
Lori Bernstein is a 2016 Moriah College graduate. She spent a year in Israel on the Bnei Akiva gap year program called ‘Limmud’. Since returning to Sydney Lori has been actively involved in Bnei Akiva Maroubra and Moriah morning prayers. She is currently studying Occupational Therapy at ACU. Lori considers herself very lucky to experience this incredible journey along side the year 10’s and to share some of the meaning and joy that she found on her own year 10 IST experience.
Chana Hirschowitz
Chana Hirschowitz graduated from Kesser Torah College in 2014. After high school she spent one year in a Midrasha in Tzfat Israel where she developed a deep love for Torah and the land of Israel. In 2016, Chana began working in informal Jewish education at Beth Rivkah College in Melbourne. In Melbourne she developed a passion and love for teaching, learning, running camps, organising programs and connecting with high school students. She is currently studying Commerce/PR at UNSW, however she continues her passion of giving back to her community through hosting Torah classes, leading prayers at Moriah and organising events for teenagers in Sydney. Chana can’t wait to be a madricha on IST this year and embark on a journey to discover the history of our people and strengthen our Jewish pride and identity.
Lindy Kawalsky
Lindy is a born and bred South African who, following her first trip to Israel in 2000, knew she would one day call it her home. While completing her Undergraduate Degree in English Literature, Jewish Civilisation and History and Theatre and Performance, she filled an active role in the South African Jewish community. As head of the South African Union of Jewish Students, representative of Jewish students on both the South African Zionist Council and South African Board of Deputies, she was privileged enough to attend a plethora of local and International Conferences, including the World Union of Jewish Students in Israel and the Y2K “March for the Living” in Poland. In 2005 and she completed her Post-Graduate Degree in Education, followed by a Masters Degree in Educational Law and Curriculum Development. She has spent the last 13 years between London, South Africa and Israel, holding teaching, student well-being and Head of Department roles at a range of schools, working with teenagers from all backgrounds and walks of life. Her passion for Education and her love for Israel found her making Aliyah at the end of 2014, where she spent 3 years working for NGO’S and embedded and working for the Israeli Education system (Misrad Hachinuch). Just over a year ago, together with her partner, she made the move to Sydney, Australia and is thrilled to teaching English and Studies of Religion at Moriah College. She is overjoyed at having the opportunity to, once again, join a group of teenagers on their journey and discovery of Israel and hopes that her experience and expertise travelling with students, as well as her love for Israel and its rich History will help make the IST experience an unforgettable one.
Catherine Kaissis
Catherine has been a Design and Technology and Food Technology teacher at Moriah College for over ten years. Everyone that meets her, knows she has a flair for design, a flamboyancy and a caring and warm nature. She has worked as an event stylist and has run and managed several student-led initiatives at Moriah, being proactive in the co-curricular life of the College in events such as; Year 12 Graduations, Staff Lunches, Pink Breakfasts, Year 12 Formals and the Shabbat Project Challah Bake. She has enjoyed participating in several Counterpoint camps which have fostered a keen interest in Jewish learning and spirituality. She has also attended the Great Barrier Reef Trip to Far North Queensland several times, where she immersed herself in all outdoor experiences with energy and eagerness. She has experience in mentoring and coaching junior and senior students, and new staff members of the College. Completing a postgraduate degree in Psychology two years ago, Catherine is most passionate about student wellbeing and mental health. She has been Head of House for Junior Akiva for the past two years, and she is looking forward to the rich personal and social learning experience and relationship building that will come by traveling overseas with her students. Being her third trip on IST, Catherine is especially looking forward to returning to Israel, sharing this adventure and deepening her connection with the Year 10 cohort of 2019.
Dee Fittinghoff
Dee is the High School Psychologist at Moriah and works mainly with Years 10-12. Dee has spent the past 25 years working with children, teens, parents and families in Johannesburg, Vancouver and Sydney. She has valuable insight and a considerable understanding of our community, our students and our parents. Dee has been working closely with the Year 10’s throughout the year and is so excited to have the opportunity to take them on this trip of a lifetime. She has 3 children, 2 of whom have been on IST and regard it as the highlight of their school years. Dee has a Masters degree in Family Therapy as well as a Masters of Clinical Psychology and strongly believes in developing positive, empathetic and respectful relationships with our students and staff. Dee is so happy to be joining the 2019 IST program with this incredible cohort of students, madrichim and staff members and promises to be “mum” to all of them!
Ally Erdmann
My name is Alissa but people call me Ally and I have been teaching for nine years. I have taught various streams of English with my focus now being on EALD courses. I am currently at university enhancing my knowledge of this very new area that needs so much more attention than it has at the moment!
I guess that links in with my love of reading and learning about new things that can help me better understand myself and the world around me. My love of literature and relationships mean I am warm and friendly. This is what I love about my community school...it reinforces my value of relationships and education. I look forward to exploring the physical roots of my culture and uncovering a new meaningful experience that I can hold close to my heart for a lifetime.
Rabbi Benji Levy
Rabbi Benji Levy
Rabbi Benji Levy graduated from Moriah College and now serves as the Dean of Jewish Life & Learning at the College. He has addressed audiences around the world and has lead many initiatives in Sydney including the Shabbat Project and the Joint Mikolot Public Speaking competition.Rabbi Benji holds a BA (Media & Communications) and Honours Degree in Jewish Civilisation Thought & Culture from the University of Sydney, an Education degree from Herzog College, Yoreh Yoreh Semicha (rabbinic ordination) from Rabbi Zalman Nechemya Goldberg and Rabbi Shlomo Riskin following his study in Yeshivat Har Etzion, completed the Principals Program at the Lookstein Centre in Bar Ilan University and is currently writing his PhD in Jewish philosophy. His proudest achievement to date is his and Renana's children, Shayna, Yehuda and Lital.
Carolyn Steinman
Carolyn Steinman
Carolyn is currently the Head of Jewish Life ELC -12 at Masada College. She has taught at various Jewish Day Schools in South Africa, Melbourne and Sydney.
She holds postgraduate degrees in Philosophy and Religion as well as Education and teaches a range of subjects from Psychology and Studies of Religion to Jewish Studies and Gemara. She is a passionate Zionist and loves that Israel is the one place where every Jew can find a home regardless of their religious observance.
She and her husband Roy have 3 children. Their oldest daughter Lishai is a madricha for Bnei Akiva and studies design at Whitehouse, their son Amichai has completed 2 years in the Gush Yeshiva, has made aliyah and will enlist in the IDF early 2018. Adira has just graduated and is about to embark on a year programme at Midreshet HaRova in the Old City. Her dream is to sit around her Shabbat table with her children and grandchildren in Israel! Being a mum is her greatest joy and teaching young adults comes a close second. She feels privileged to be taking students on IST and be a part of this amazing journey in their lives.
Yigal Nisell
Yigal Nisell
Yigal Nisell is JNF Australia’s NSW Education Shaliach, he represents KKL-JNF Israel . After completing his army service, Yigal spent a year in Sweden as a Bnei Akiva Shaliach. He then went on to study law at Tel Aviv University and obtained his Masters in Law at Berkley in California. Over the years, Yigal was actively involved with The Jewish Agency and was the co-ordinator for Bnei Akiva’s Shnat program in Europe. As JNF Shaliach, Yigal uses education and outreach programs to demonstrate the tangible contributions made by JNF to improving life in Israel and around the world. Most importantly Yigal continues to strengthen the link between the Australian Jewish community with the community in Israel. He is passionate about developing educational content and values which will contribute to the next generation of Jewish leaders who will continue to strengthen our connection to Israel.
Lynn Bornstein
Lynn Bornstein
Lynn is an ex South African, and emigrated to Australia 20 years ago. In Johannesburg, she was Head of Mathematics at Highlands Boys, and also taught for many years at King David Linksfield. She has been teaching Maths at Moriah for the last 17 years, and has been activities coordinator for Camp Sababa for 10 years. She looked after Moriah Charity for 10 years and is committed and passionate about Jewish education.
She has 3 married children , 4 gorgeous grandkids and another 2 on the way. Her 2 frum children have made Aliyah , and 3 of her grandkids live in Israel. She says that her heart and soul are now living in Israel but her body and work are in Sydney.
She is thrilled at the opportunity to take our Y10’s to Poland and onto Israel and be a part of the life-changing journey with them. This will be Lynn's 3rd IST trip and she thinks that we are all in for a treat!
Ruti Kunin
Ruti Kunin
Ruti was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel. She has 9 brothers and sisters and lots of nephews and nieces. She received her B.A. in special education, and also graduated as a dance teacher from Wingate Institute. Ruti met her husband, Noah, through a funny misunderstanding and a guitar. In 2011 Ruti and the family moved to Leipzig, Germany to run the Lauder Foundation’s regional outreach centre. 3 years later Ruti moved to Berlin where she became the program coordinator for J-Community – a national Jewish outreach program for Jewish teens. This past February Ruti moved to St Ives to work for Masada College as a Jewish Studies teacher. Ruti and her husband have three adorable kids and no pets :) Ruti loves dancing, chocolate (in any shape or form) and meeting new people. She is very excited to go to her home land and share it with all of the IST students this year.
Marissa Wilk
Marissa Wilk
Marissa graduated from Moriah College in 2014 and went on an Israel program with Bnei Akiva. She began her gap year on ‘Limmud’ and then switched to MTA where she attended Midreshet Yeud. She says that this was a life changing experience where she was able to learn more about Judaism, develop her Jewish identity and understand the importance of maintaining a strong affiliation to Israel. She is now studying a Bachelor of Event Management at UTS and says that it is exactly what she wants to be doing. On top of having been in charge of year 10 Counterpoint this year, Marissa is a madricha at Bnei Akiva where she leads the year 10s. She is very excited to have the privilege of being able to further her connection with this year group and hopes to bring them the meaning and joy that she found when she was on IST herself.
Simone Goldman
Simone Goldman
After graduating in 2013, Simone attended a year-long program in Israel on Bnei Akiva's MTA program where she attended Midreshet Harova. Her love of Israel grew as she experienced learning and living in the old city, went on tiyulim, volunteered and participated in programs on Kibbutz and Sar-El, and it is these experiences that largely contributed to her strong Jewish identity and passion for the state of Israel. During her time in Israel, she learnt valuable lessons from a variety of Jewish topics that extended from thought and psychology, to the study of Jewish texts, which shape her outlook on what it means to be Jewish in the modern world. She is currently a madricha at Bnei Akiva Sydney and is also studying at UNSW where she is completing a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) and Economics. Simone is excited to lead the kids on their IST journey, where they will be able to learn, be challenged, and have an experience of a lifetime.
Gidon Tuch
Gidon Tuch
Gidon graduated from Moriah College in 2014 and is currently studying Commerce at UNSW. He went on Bnei Akiva's gap year program Limmud and has been a madrich in Bnei Sydney for 2 years. He works at Moriah part time in the Experiential Department of Jewish Education (EDJE) and loves what he does! He is very passionate about sharing with others the happiness and fulfillment that Judaism has brought into his own life. One of his biggest achievements to date has been developing a relationship with HaShem and trying to change what he believes to be people's warped perceptions of Judaism and Israel. He plans to make Aliyah and join the IDF after finishing his bachelors degree. The reason he is so excited to do IST for the second time (besides the obvious reasons) is because he loves working with teenagers and trying to bring out the best in each of them as his madrichim did for him.
Nofar Boskila
Nofar Boskila
Nofar, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of New South Wales, graduated from Kesser Torah College as vice captain in 2014. After graduating, she was extremely fortunate to be able to go on on Bnei Akiva’s Israel program ‘Limmud’ which helped her both grow and strengthen her connection, to Judaism and the land of Israel. Nofar is an active member of the Jewish community, working as a youth director of Kadimah Shule and volunteering in Bnei Akiva. She considers herself extremely lucky to be able to take these kids whom she already has a strong connection with on IST where they will be able to grow and experience an incredible journey!
Daniel Katz
Daniel Katz
Daniel, commonly known as ‘Katzy’ is an ex Masada College Student who is currently studying a dual degree of a Bachelor of Commerce and Economics. After School Daniel went on a gap year to Israel for 10 months with Bnei Akiva on ‘Limmud’. Since being back, Daniel has joined the Informal Jewish education team at Masada. Daniel is outgoing and enthusiastic, always looking for a way to have fun. Whilst he can be quite crazy and loud at times, Daniel is also one of the most kind-hearted, warm people you will be lucky enough to meet. He is excited to share his passion of Judaism with the year 10 students over this amazing life changing journey.
Doron Snoyman
Doron Snoyman
Doron graduated from Masada College in 2013 and then spent a year on a Bnei Akiva program in Israel. He is now involved in Bnei as a madrich and is studying engineering. He says he is looking forward to spending time with the kids on IST!
Jordan Cohen
Jordan Cohen
Jordan is a Moriah alumni who had the opportunity to participate in IST when he was in year 10. After graduating, he went on the Bnei Akiva program, 'Limmud'. Since returning he has been actively involved in various community organisations like Hatzolah, Bnei Akiva and the Dover Heights youth minyan and is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op). Jordan can't wait to be a madrich on IST this year and embark on this passage through the collective history of our people to the discovery of the kid's Jewish identity.
Vicki Farkas
Vicki Farkas
Vicki Farkas is a true Aussie - actually 5th generation on her mother's side but with a strong European connection through her paternal grandparents who trekked from Russia and Poland across Europe in the late 1800s to establish their life in England before emigrating to Australia in the early 1920s. She has lots of stories to tell about her grandparents and the contribution they made, both in London and Australia, in establishing Jewish communities wherever they went. She is married to Frank, born in Budapest, and emigrated to Australia in 1965 as a 12 year old under the supervision of the Red Cross - he too has many stories to tell about the loss of family and the impact the holocaust had on life in Budapest as he was growing up. Frank will be joining the group in Warsaw. Vicki has worked in Education for almost 40 years, joining Moriah in 2000 as the Head of Curriculum. This will be her second year as Head Teacher on IST, as well has having attended many Counterpoint Camps. Additionally, in 2006 she travelled with a large contingent of students (166) from Australia and New Zealand on the March of the Living. Her role then was similar to what it will be on IST - that is, being the central person to ensure that students are well cared for, and that should an issue arise during our travels, it is dealt with fairly, consistently and communicated to parents if necessary.