WHO IS ON THE YESHIVA BNEI SIMCHA V’ACHVAH STAFF?

We have assembled a professional staff of rabbis, teachers and healers that have extensive experience working with students with moderate special needs and learning disabilities.

Dean and Director of Therapeutic Services:  Rabbi Meir Weiner, M.Ed., Ed. Sp., is our Dean of the Yeshiva and he teaches life skills and communication to help our students make the adjustment to living independently, adjust to life in Israel and become more aware of the reactions and feelings of those around them. Rabbi Weiner has served as a counselor, rabbi and educator with drug-addicts, youth, elderly, prisoners and other at-risk groups.  Rabbi Weiner is a senior staff lecturer at Refuah Institute which trains and certifies religious counselors.

 Director of Education and Programing: As well as being a dynamic teacher of Torah subjects, Rabbi Reuven Ashenberg takes care of all the educational and programming aspects of the Yeshiva.  He is also computer expert and in charge of implementing extracurricular activities in the Yeshiva. Reuven holds daily rap sessions with the students to discuss various aspects of the program and giving the students opportunities to express themselves in a group setting.  He holds a B.A. in Special Ed., Certified Teacher of the Handicapped and an M.A. in Special Ed. in Developmental Disability.   Mr. Ashenberg is presently affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Teacher: Rabbi Avi Dzik  has many years experience in the educational field. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics and a M.A. in Jewish Education. Avi holds several certificates in holistic healing as a holistic health counselor as well as a massage therapist.  He is currently working with the students given them weekly massages to help them relax and focus better. Avi also was a basketball head coach and captain in the past and enjoys sports. 

Madrich:  Benjimin Zalman has worked  in community outreach and volunteered helping  a program for developmental disabled  children.  He has studied in various yeshivout  and is a dedicated , responsible, and loving staff member of our yeshiva.  He has participated in many in service training seminars and workshops in the area of special needs.