Faculty
Our Advisors
Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Rapaport
Director of Career Guidance
Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Rapaport is a Torah scholar, educator, and expert in positive psychology who integrates Jewish wisdom with modern tools for personal growth and fulfillment. He received Semicha from Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) in 2002, served as Rosh Habura at Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and lectured in introductory Torah programs. He holds a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he later served as an assistant instructor, and a Master’s in Clinical Sociology from the University of North Texas. He is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Finder Coach.
Rabbi Rapaport previously directed career guidance programs at Shor Yoshuv and BMG, helping hundreds of yeshiva students achieve financial independence while staying committed to Torah life. He has also served as a performance consultant to a fast-growing financial technology company. Additionally, he is the author of The Jewish Art of Self-Discovery (Urim Publications, 2013).
Mrs. Nechama Klugman
Senior Academic Advisor
After beginning her career and excelling in business development at various organizations, Nechama felt her higher calling was in the teaching sector. She completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education and has worked as an educator for special needs individuals at all levels. After years of guiding students and fulfilling her passion in the classroom, she now works as an Academic Advisor with TRIO Academy guiding students towards completing their education and taking the next steps in their career. Nechama holds multiple licenses in training & education methods and works hands on with students and administrators.
Rabbi Dani Kunstler
Rabbi Dani Kunstler has been in Torah education for over a decade, starting in Yeshiva Ner Yaakov, then moving on to Yeshivas Sha’arei Torah and Aderes HaTorah, before founding Yeshiva Ahavas Chaim and serving as Mashgiach Ruchani during its first 4 years of inception. In addition to his role at TRIO Academy, Rabbi Kunstler serves as a Ra”m at Yeshivat Torat Shraga. He has also authored books on Chumash & Pirkei Avos and produced the V’Havienu music series.
Instructors Include:
Jewish Law (301) – Medical Ethics
Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz is a Senior Lecturer in Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. Until April 2010, he was the Rabbi of the Woodside Synagogue in Silver Spring,Maryland and Professor of Law at the University of Maryland Law School, specializing in contracts, bankruptcy commercial law, and bioethics. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Ner Israel Rabbinical College; his BA from Johns Hopkins University and JD from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude. He has written and lectured extensively both in the United States and Israel on the interface of halacha and contemporary society with a special interest and expertise in medical, family, business, and legal ethics. His articles cover topics such as stem cell research, cloning, organ donation, land for peace, and Jewish perspectives on war and gun control. He has also written many basic source books on Jewish values for NCSY, an organization that does Jewish outreach to teenagers.
Jewish Philosophy (101) – Derech Hashem
Rabbi Menacham Nissel is a renowned speaker and author who has inspired thousands throughout the world. He is a widely published author including the highly acclaimed Rigshei Lev: Women and Tefillah (Targum / Feldheim 2001) and is a regular contributor to Mishpacha magazine. He has the rare ability to translate lofty concepts into practical daily living, spiced with irrepressible British humor. He is a senior lecturer for Ner LeElef (Jewish Leadership Training) and teaches in yeshivot and seminaries in Jerusalem. He is the Senior Educator for NCSY and flies regularly to North America as scholar-in-residence for National and Regional shabbatons. He gives a weekly high level Talmud class to NCSY staff as part of the NCSY Staff Enrichment program. He has an MBA from the London Business School.
Bible Studies (312) – Mysticism in the Bible
After completing his BA in Special Education and Judaic Studies, as well as completing the Kollel Elyon and Smicha Program at Lander College, Rabbi Mordechai Burg made aliyah in 2008 to join the teaching staff of his alma mater, Yeshivat Shaarei Mevaseret Yerushalayim. A popular speaker throughout Israel and America, his dynamic and inspiring shiurim span all areas of Torah ranging from Tefilah and Hashkafah to Contemporay Jewish life. More than anything, Rabbi Burg is also known for his true care and concern for all his students, challenging them to bring out their very best. Rabbi Burg lives with his family in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Jewish Thought (211) – Maimonides, Thirteen Principles of Faith
Rebbetzin of the White Shul, principal of Machon Basya Rachel Seminary, lecturer and bi-monthly contributor to Mishpacha Magazine
Jewish Law (302) – Leadership and Character Development
R’ Dina Schoonmaker has a Bachelors degree from Michlalah in Judaic Studies and English and an M.A. in Jewish History. She is rich in experience as a veteran staff member and as one of the original Rakazot, Machal student-mentors. A sought-after speaker throughout Israel and in the United States, Mrs. Schoonmaker teaches the entire Machal and serves as Senior Consultant.
Jewish Law (401) – Shabbos
Rav Gav Friedman is currently teaching at Aish HaTorah Jerusalem, where his lectures highlight the entire gamut of Aish programs, including the Discovery Seminar, Jerusalem Fellowships, Executive Learning Center, and more. An up-and–coming star of the Jewish speaking circuit, Rabbi Friedman has lectured in dozens of cities around the globe, including Johannesburg, London, Montreal, and across the East Coast of the United States. Rabbi Friedman’s charisma captivates audiences of all ages and inspires men and women across the Jewish spectrum. His unique ability to present Torah concepts in an intriguing yet entertaining fashion leaves his audiences thirsting for more. Rabbi Friedman currently resides in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem, with his wife and children.
Jewish Law (301) – Medical Ethics
Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz is a Senior Lecturer in Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. Until April 2010, he was the Rabbi of the Woodside Synagogue in Silver Spring,Maryland and Professor of Law at the University of Maryland Law School, specializing in contracts, bankruptcy commercial law, and bioethics. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Ner Israel Rabbinical College; his BA from Johns Hopkins University and JD from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude. He has written and lectured extensively both in the United States and Israel on the interface of halacha and contemporary society with a special interest and expertise in medical, family, business, and legal ethics. His articles cover topics such as stem cell research, cloning, organ donation, land for peace, and Jewish perspectives on war and gun control. He has also written many basic source books on Jewish values for NCSY, an organization that does Jewish outreach to teenagers.
Jewish Philosophy (101) – Derech Hashem
Rabbi Menacham Nissel is a renowned speaker and author who has inspired thousands throughout the world. He is a widely published author including the highly acclaimed Rigshei Lev: Women and Tefillah (Targum / Feldheim 2001) and is a regular contributor to Mishpacha magazine. He has the rare ability to translate lofty concepts into practical daily living, spiced with irrepressible British humor. He is a senior lecturer for Ner LeElef (Jewish Leadership Training) and teaches in yeshivot and seminaries in Jerusalem. He is the Senior Educator for NCSY and flies regularly to North America as scholar-in-residence for National and Regional shabbatons. He gives a weekly high level Talmud class to NCSY staff as part of the NCSY Staff Enrichment program. He has an MBA from the London Business School.
Bible Studies (312) – Mysticism in the Bible
After completing his BA in Special Education and Judaic Studies, as well as completing the Kollel Elyon and Smicha Program at Lander College, Rabbi Mordechai Burg made aliyah in 2008 to join the teaching staff of his alma mater, Yeshivat Shaarei Mevaseret Yerushalayim. A popular speaker throughout Israel and America, his dynamic and inspiring shiurim span all areas of Torah ranging from Tefilah and Hashkafah to Contemporay Jewish life. More than anything, Rabbi Burg is also known for his true care and concern for all his students, challenging them to bring out their very best. Rabbi Burg lives with his family in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Jewish Thought (211) – Maimonides, Thirteen Principles of Faith
Rebbetzin of the White Shul, principal of Machon Basya Rachel Seminary, lecturer and bi-monthly contributor to Mishpacha Magazine
Jewish Law (302) – Leadership and Character Development
R’ Dina Schoonmaker has a Bachelors degree from Michlalah in Judaic Studies and English and an M.A. in Jewish History. She is rich in experience as a veteran staff member and as one of the original Rakazot, Machal student-mentors. A sought-after speaker throughout Israel and in the United States, Mrs. Schoonmaker teaches the entire Machal and serves as Senior Consultant.
Jewish Law (401) – Shabbos
Rav Gav Friedman is currently teaching at Aish HaTorah Jerusalem, where his lectures highlight the entire gamut of Aish programs, including the Discovery Seminar, Jerusalem Fellowships, Executive Learning Center, and more. An up-and–coming star of the Jewish speaking circuit, Rabbi Friedman has lectured in dozens of cities around the globe, including Johannesburg, London, Montreal, and across the East Coast of the United States. Rabbi Friedman’s charisma captivates audiences of all ages and inspires men and women across the Jewish spectrum. His unique ability to present Torah concepts in an intriguing yet entertaining fashion leaves his audiences thirsting for more. Rabbi Friedman currently resides in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem, with his wife and children.