Known for her creativity, vision and professionalism, Dr. Zerykier brings two decades of experience in the field of Jewish education to YSZ HS. She was the founding principal of Shulamith High School for Girls, the founder of Think Consulting Co and a teacher at Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School. Dr. Zerykier is passionate about creating a warm student culture that truly educates students from head to heart. Always thinking outside the box, she is dedicated to creating an environment inspired by Torah, infused with kedushah, energized by intellectual curiosity, and imbued with a growth mindset.
Dr. Zerykier’s commitment to 21st -century innovative learning and broad thinking about curriculum planning and design, inspires students and teachers alike to improve and redefine the educational experience and most importantly, themselves.
Like her students, Dr. Zerykier is always learning. She holds a teaching certificate from Bnos Chava Seminary in Jerusalem, a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University, a master’s degree from Brooklyn College, a certificate from the Principal’s Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School for Education and received her doctorate from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Education in Educational Leadership. Dr. Zerykier has refined her leadership skills through participation in the Educators Fellowship Program with Hebrew University, the ELAL Leadership Fellowship with Bar Ilan University and the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI) with the Davidson School.
Rabbi and Dr. Zerykier live with their four sons, Moshe, Binyamin, Coby, and Yosef in North Woodmere and daven at Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz’s shul, Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere (BKNW).
Ms. Temima Aeder is from Queens, New York, and is passionate about teaching Tanach and inspiring young women to develop a deeper connection to Hashem and love for Yiddishkeit. A graduate of Shevach High School and Mesores Rochel Seminary, Temima brings her love of Torah, enthusiasm, and excitement of exploration into the classroom. She especially enjoys making Tanach meaningful and relatable, helping her students integrate the powerful lessons we learn throughout Tanach. Temima is excited to join the YSZ family and looks forward to creating a warm, engaging, and inspiring learning environment that can foster growth and connection.
Ms. Grace Beattie is excited to be returning as our history teacher at YSZ. Ms. Beattie has a master’s degree in Public History from Royal Holloway, University of London and extensive experience in the museum world. She believes history should never just be names and dates but a way to connect and empathize with the story of humanity. She is passionate about helping students become critical thinkers who can make sense of the present by understanding the past. Ms. Beattie is excited to continue building a classroom where curiosity, empathy, and thoughtful conversation are at the heart of learning.
Morah Devorah Chasky is a passionate educator who believes that Torah learning comes alive when students are given the tools to question, analyze, make connections, and discover meaning for themselves. Her approach to teaching combines a love of classical Jewish texts with a deep appreciation for Jewish History, allowing students to see Torah not only as a subject they study, but as a living story that connects them to their heritage, their community, and their own lives. She has also helped students work on strengthening their executive functioning skills in order to facilitate their taking greater ownership over their personal educational process. She believes that every student has unique strengths and potential and that, with the right tools, encouragement, and support, every student can become confident, capable learners.
Morah Devorah received a B.A. in Psychology from Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University and a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She later completed the Lindenbaum Educators Fellowship at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem and most recently, a year long Eshkolot Professional Development Fellowship through Matan in Jerusalem, continuing her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Morah Devorah is excited to join YSZ in a variety of roles that reflect her passion for both Torah education and student support. This year, she will serve as a 9th and 10th Grade Mechanechet, teach 9th and 10th Grade Chumash, 9th Grade Navi, 11th Grade Jewish History, and 12th Grade Ketuvim, while also serving as the Coordinator of Student Systems. She looks forward to bringing her experience, creativity, love of learning, and commitment to student growth to YSZ and to helping students develop the skills and confidence to become thoughtful, engaged, and lifelong learners.
Mrs. Friedman, an enthusiastic Mathematician, returns to the faculty of YSZ with almost a decade of experience teaching high school under her belt. Born and raised in Queens, Mrs. Friedman attended Michlalah Seminary and then went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Queens College. She furthered her education by completing a Master’s Degree in Secondary Math Education from Touro College. Mrs. Friedman is well-versed in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. She uses engaging lessons to help students fully engage in the field of Mathematics. Her work at Shevach High School, YU High School for Girls, and her experience working with P3 students has equipped Mrs. Friedman with the ability to help YSZ’s girls unlock their full potential.
Mrs. Friedman says, “Teaching runs in my blood, as my mother is also a math teacher!” As a mother of five children, including high school-aged kids, Mrs. Friedman understands how to connect with YSZ students while allowing them to work in a conducive and stress-free learning environment that fosters personal growth and success. The powers for intellectual understanding that exist within the realm of Mathematics are exciting and Mrs. Friedman intends to harness her passion for the field to enhance the thinkers who comprise YSZ. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Friedman enjoys reading books and improving her culinary skills through baking.
Mrs. Daniella Haymov will be a Judaic teacher, teaching Chumash, Navi, Halacha, Tefilla, Jewish History, and Hebrew Language. Mrs. Haymov has a bachelors in Education from Stern College for Women, where she was an honors student. She has experience teaching Judaics in middle school and previously taught Sifrei Yeshaya and Yirmiyahu at YSZ. She also tutored students in Judaics at YSZ. She completed her senior thesis on research based practices of education and their incorporation into Judaic Studies. She is looking forward to implementing many of the teaching strategies and formats into the classroom. Mrs. Haymov has had experience teaching in Hebrew schools like MGC Garden Jewish Experience, as well as student teaching in Ramaz and MDS. She holds a teaching certificate from Bais Yaakov Machon Raaya where she was valedictorian. She also developed a curriculum for NCSY to be used across the United States for Bat Mitzvah aged girls about women in Tanach. Mrs. Haymov is excited to be a full time staff member at YSZ and to build meaningful relationships with each of the students.
Ms. Heiman is delighted to be joining YSZ HS as an English teacher. She recently earned her MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from the University of Maryland, where she taught first-year composition as well as courses in fiction and poetry. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a documentary editor and earned her BFA in Filmmaking from Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts.
Ms. Heiman especially loves teaching writing. She believes that everyone has a story to tell—whether real or imagined—and considers it a privilege to help students learn to tell those stories well. She is passionate about creating a classroom where students feel encouraged to take creative risks, think critically, and develop confidence in their writing.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Heiman enjoys reading, classic cinema, and musical theater. She is excited to meet her students, learn from them, and share her love of stories and storytelling with the YSZ community.
Ms. Devorah Hyman is excited to begin her journey at YSZ as the new Student Activities Coordinator. With experience working in high schools and a genuine love for connecting with students, she is passionate about creating a school environment where students feel involved, celebrated, and connected.
Ms. Hyman holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, certificates in Event Planning and Décor, and a diploma in Makeup Artistry. Her creative background and experience in party planning and events allow her to bring a unique energy and fresh ideas to student programming. She looks forward to turning her skills and creativity into fun, engaging activities and memorable experiences for the YSZ students, and is excited for a year filled with connection, creativity, and fun!
Mrs. Kanowitz grew up in California and developed a strong passion for mathematics from a young age. She attended UCLA, where she studied Applied Mathematics and actuarial mathematics, and later moved to New York and transferred to Queens College, where she completed her degree and passed two actuarial exams. Her strong interest in mathematics has remained an important part of her life throughout her education and career.
Mrs. Kanowitz eventually decided to pursue teaching, where she could share her love of mathematics while also being present for her family. She has been teaching mathematics at Yeshiva Ketana of Queens for many years and currently serves as the Head of the Math Department, while also tutoring students. She truly enjoys helping students understand mathematics, build confidence, and reach their potential, and she is excited to bring her experience and passion for teaching to YSZ.
Mrs. Shoshana Kent will be returning to YSZ as our 12th grade Navi teacher. She brings with her a wealth of experience teaching at all levels. Growing up in Michigan, she went on to study at Chemdas Bais Yaakov Seminary and then obtained her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. She discovered on the way that she had an ability to connect with young people, and hence became a teacher of Limudei Kodesh, science, and math in a number of settings, including special needs. Mrs. Kent brings to her lessons a determination to help her students succeed, and she forms lasting connections with them through their classroom learning. She looks beyond externals, and taps into the neshamah of every student, helping to bring out the potential of each one. Always eager to learn, Mrs. Kent is a trained lifeguard and enjoys ice skating and hiking. And if you ask nicely, she might just tell you about the time she built a twelve-foot airplane.
Mrs. Mergi teaches Foundations to 10th and 11th grade, bringing her warmth, passion, and deep commitment to helping young women strengthen their connection to Torah and Yiddishkeit. She believes in empowering each individual to embrace her strengths and use her unique gifts to make a difference in the world.
Married for 15 years and the proud mother of six, Mrs. Mergi began her married life in Woodmere, where her husband learned at Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns. The family then spent six years in Eretz Yisroel as part of Rav Lawrence Keleman’s Center for Kehilla Development and Rabbanut Training Program. During her years in Eretz Yisroel, she participated in the Ner Lelef training program, gaining valuable insights into chinuch and education.
Since returning to the U.S. three years ago, Mrs. Mergi and her family have resettled in Woodmere, where her husband serves as the Rav of the Sephardic Kehilla of Woodmere.
Mrs. Mergi feels privileged to be part of the YSZ HS family and is excited to share her love of Torah and her vision of living with pride and joy as a Jew.
Mrs. Kitzia Pahlaef, assistant principal of the YSZ girls’ elementary school, is returning as our ninth and eleventh grade Parsha teacher. Born and raised in Queens, she set her heart on teaching when she was just a first grader, and embarked on a journey to follow her dreams by learning in Maalot Seminary, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and earning her master’s and certification in general and special education. Joining YSZ HS has been one of her best decisions, as she connects and grows with her talmidot over the years. Mrs. Pahlaef helps her students uncover, analyze, and connect to the deep messages of Torah, and together they explore how their lessons are relevant to our own times. Students in Mrs. Pahlaef’s classroom learn to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually, as their teacher encourages them to see their own uniqueness, work on self-improvement, and develop skills that will serve them well beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Mr. Rada is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience. He has taught many subjects to students from grades 6-12 in prominent Yeshivot such as Yeshivah of Flatbush, Yeshiva Darchei Torah and Mesivta Ateres Yaakov in the 5 Towns. He was also the founding general studies principal of Yeshiva Kol Torah in the 5 Towns and Yeshivat Lev Torah in Brooklyn. Holding a master’s degree in special education and education, as well as a master’s in educational leadership, he understands the needs of diverse learners and adapts his teaching to benefit all students. Mr. Rada brings enthusiasm and joy for science into the classroom which he says brings the words “Ma rabu ma’asecha Hashem” to life for him.
Ms. Tanenbaum, Assistant to the Menahelet, is thrilled to again be teaching Chumash to our 12th grade students! She has a deep passion for sharing Torah with young women and brings her love for learning, discovery, and spiritual growth into every lesson.
Ms. Tanenbaum enjoys connecting with her students, encouraging them to approach Torah and Yahadut with vibrance and sincerity. An alumna of Bais Yaakov D’Rav Meir High School and BJJ Seminary, where she earned her teaching certification, Ms. Tanenbaum also holds a degree in UX/UI and web design from Touro University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Turk is a highly skilled teacher who enjoys developing young minds to question, analyze and think deeply about important Hashkafic ideas. Her passion for teaching emerged from her own love of learning, and the experience of how learning Torah and Mussar strengthened her Emunah and connection with Hashem. Her ultimate goal is to help her students develop their own unique appreciation for Torah through a learning process that emphasizes critical thinking and active participation. Mrs. Turk believes that Torah learning is a journey, and with the proper skills development, students can engage joyfully in a true exploration for Emet.
Mrs.Turk is also passionate about music, composition, and the performing arts. She has directed multiple high school plays and she strongly believes that music is an expression of the soul. She feels privileged to give workshops on the Hashkafa of music in schools throughout the country, and she runs a professional high school choir called “Regesh” with girls from BY schools throughout the tri-state area.
Mrs. Turk’s formal education continued past high school as she engaged in text-rigorous seminary, Machon Raaya, and traversed independent learning for pleasure. Mrs. Turk received a B.A. from Touro College in Psychology and then completed 35 graduate credits in School Psychology at Brooklyn College where she received extensive training in assessment and diagnostics. Mrs. Turk also holds a master’s degree in Jewish Education & Jewish Special Education from Touro College. She will be the 11th Grade Mechanechet, as well as teaching 11th Grade Chumash; 11th Grade AP Psychology; 10th Grade Machshava; Choir Club; and will lead YSZ’s Learning Center. We proudly welcome her aboard!
Mrs. Zweig is thrilled to join YSZ this year, welcoming students to her 11th-grade AP Psychology and 12th-grade Applied Psychology Elective (Real-life application) classes. As a graduate with a Master’s in Social Work who has spent the past five years practicing as a clinical social worker, she brings a unique wealth of real-world knowledge to the classroom. Mrs. Zweig transitioned into teaching out of a profound desire to equip teenagers with psychological tools that will serve them long after graduation. She plans to create a relationship-driven classroom environment where building strong connections with students comes first. By focusing on recognizing and highlighting each student’s individual strengths, she looks forward to helping them build confidence in their own voice. This upcoming school year will be one where Mrs. Zweig shares her clinical wisdom, challenges her students with thought-provoking content, and invites them into active, critical thinking discussions.
