Marie Rosenthal
Founder & Executive Director
Marie is a dedicated Jewish educator and administrator with over 30 years of experience, bringing warmth and excitement to Jewish learning. She has worked with students of all ages, backgrounds, and learning styles in both formal and informal settings across the tristate area, Winnipeg, and Melbourne.
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Marie teaches private students through carefully customized Jewish education curricula and serves as an educational consultant for Limudei Kodesh and Hebrew.She has developed curricula for Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam, Zucker Hebrew Academy and the Meorot Jewish Special Education program.
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For over 18 years, Marie has played an integral role in the Manhattan Jewish Experience, guiding young professional women in their Jewish growth. She also teaches Kallahs and supports women on their conversion journey, offering mentorship and education.
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Marie lives in West Hempstead, NY, with her husband, Rabbi Pinny (National Director of Development, OU-JLIC). They are the proud parents of six children and five grandchildren.
Avital Weissman
Co-Director
Avital is the Rebbetzin and Yoetzet Halacha of the Young Israel of Plainview. She holds a BA in Jewish Studies and History from YU Stern College for Women, an MS in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a certificate in Computers in Education from NYIT. She is also a certified Yoetzet Halacha from Nishmat and has trained as a Fertility Counselor.
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With 24 years of experience in both formal and informal Jewish education, Avital has taught women of all ages and backgrounds. She is an adjunct professor of Jewish Studies at YU Stern College for Women, including in their Mechina program, where she provides foundational Jewish education.
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As a Yoetzet Halacha, Avital specializes in guiding women through Taharat HaMishpacha at all stages of life and levels of religious commitment, offering support and halachic expertise.
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Avital lives in Plainview, NY, with her husband, Rabbi Elie, and their five children.
Leadership
Meet Our Team
Programming
Andrea Borah
Director of Mentoring Programs
Andrea, an LCSW with over 20 years of experience in Jewish organizations, specializes in counseling, grief counseling, and developing inclusion curriculums for special needs students. She has led mentoring programs and runs a private practice. Andrea and her husband, Rabbi Richard, live in Hewlett, NY, and are proud parents of three daughters.
Dara Unterberg
Operations & Program Coordinator
Dara Unterberg is a dedicated Jewish educator and educational consultant with over 30 years of experience. She has taught children and adults in both formal and informal educational settings in New York, Cleveland, Israel, and Jewish communities throughout Europe.
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Since making aliyah in 2012, Dara has been teaching, developing educational programming, and mentoring young women at Midreshet HaRova in Jerusalem's Old City. She is committed to creating meaningful Jewish experiences and believes that learning is most powerful when it is rooted in authentic relationships and a strong sense of community.
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Dara lives in Efrat with her husband, Michael, with whom she shares a lifelong commitment to Jewish education. Together, they are the proud parents of five wonderful children and cherish every opportunity to spend time with their growing family of grandchildren.
Technology
Sara Sapienza
Director of Technology & Digital Strategy
Sara is the Assistant Director of Student Experience Design in the Office of Provost at Fordham University, where she takes a holistic view of the student journey, thinking across the many digital touchpoints that shape how students experience campus life, from first contact through graduation.
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Sara is a strong ally to the Jewish community, committed to supporting and uplifting Jewish life wherever she can. She is always seeking out knowledge and truth, drawn to deepening her understanding of Jewish life and community.
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As a member of Achoteinu, she applies her skills in technology, design, and user experience to support its mission of empowering women and fostering vibrant Jewish communities.
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Sara lives in West Hempstead and is partnered with David Rosenfeld, who has three sons.
Outreach
Avital Elisheva (Trisha) Klein
Director of Outreach & Social Media
Trisha was born and raised in West Hempstead, NY, where she has lived her entire life. Professionally, she is an Insurance Broker and Commercial Client Service Executive for Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management. She first converted to Judaism in 2011 and re-converted through the Beis Din of Queens in 2023.
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Together with her husband, they are active members of Chabad of West Hempstead, where Yonatan serves on the CSS Volunteer Security team. She shares her love for Shabbos and Eretz Yisrael through social media. Her posts often highlight her home-cooked Shabbat meals and reflections on Jewish life.
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She is excited to be part of the Achoteinu team, building a strong support community and sharing her journey while continuing to deepen her connection to Hashem.
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Trisha lives with her husband, Yonatan (FDNY EMS Deputy Chief), and their twins, Avigayil and Yaakov. Trisha and Yonatan are proud parents, cherishing the joy and fulfillment of raising them in a warm, Jewish home.