Karen Hafter, Director of Youth and Family Education
Karen (she/her) is a third-generation member of Society Hill Synagogue and a proud graduate of our Ann Spak Thal Hebrew School. She has dedicated her professional life to education. After graduating summa cum laude and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa at Skidmore College in 2019, Karen moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to teach middle school English through Teach for America.
During her time in Tulsa, Karen became deeply engaged in the local Jewish community, teaching Hebrew School twice weekly at the joint program of Congregation B’nai Emunah and Temple Israel. She extended her time there beyond the initial Teach for America commitment, ultimately serving as the English Language Arts Department Chair at Nathan Hale Middle School, all while continuing to teach in the Hebrew School setting.
Karen later returned to her hometown of Philadelphia, where she taught at The Workshop School, a project-based high school that emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. This approach to education — immersive, inquiry-driven, and student-centered — deeply informs her leadership of our Hebrew School. Karen brings to her role a deep love for our community, a rich background in both secular and Jewish education, and a special blend of energy, creativity, and passion for teaching.
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Teachers By Grade:
Gan (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Jamie Schwartz
Jamie (she/her) grew up in Center City and is a proud graduate of Society Hill Synagogue’s Playschool, Hebrew School, and Hebrew High! Prior to teaching the Gan Class, she worked as a teacher’s aide in our Hebrew School for five years and has helped to run the annual Purim Carnival for the past 17 years. Jamie has also worked as a counselor at our Playschool Summer Camp and at the JCC Camps at Medford. Jamie earned her B.S.E. in Digital Media Design, a program that was a combination of computer science and art, in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania, with a minor in Fine Arts. She is a Technical Artist at a virtual reality company in Philadelphia, where she creates 3D models and animations for virtual reality and augmented reality apps. In her free time, Jamie loves playing guitar and piano, drawing, and spending time with friends.
Kitah Alef (First Grade) and Kitah Bet (Second Grade)
Jason Roe
Jason (he/him) has been teaching Hebrew to 1st and 2nd graders at Society Hill Synagogue since 2021. Beyond his work here, he currently serves as one of the Directors of the Judy Sare Nursery School and the Hebrew School at Congregation Tifereth Israel in Bensalem. With over 15 years of experience in education, Jason has led programs as the Camp Director at Adath Jeshurun Early Learning Center, where he was also a teacher, and as Program Director at Ramah Day Camp. His expertise spans classroom management, program development, and Hebrew and Judaic studies, having also taught at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel.
Rose Schonfeld
Rose (she/her) grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, where she attended Hebrew School at the Workmen’s Circle. She moved to Philadelphia in 2020 and briefly taught at our synagogue’s Playschool before moving on to behavioral health work. She believes strongly in the mitzvah of tikkun olam and is currently working toward a Master’s in Social Work at Temple University. Rose also works as an A.B.A. therapist for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the week. As a Hebrew School teacher, she hopes to instill a lifelong love of learning and faith in Jewish children. When not working or studying, you can find Rose practicing yoga, baking her own challah, and playing with her tuxedo cat, Joey.
Naomi Guth
Bio Coming Soon…
Kitah Gimel (Third Grade)
Melissa Redlich
(Shabbat)
Melissa (she/her) grew up in a Conservative Jewish household in Potomac, Maryland. She is currently a junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Communications and minoring in Consumer Psychology and Art History. Melissa has fond memories of Hebrew School back in the Maryland suburbs and loves being a part of the close-knit Society Hill Synagogue Hebrew School family. In her free time, Melissa loves to go on long walks through Philadelphia (especially Society Hill!), do yoga, hang out with her friends, and take pictures!
Abby Adelman
(Shabbat)
Abby (she/her) grew up in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, where she attended Jewish Day School at Albert Einstein Academy and Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, Delaware. She is currently a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Data Science.
Abby has always loved being part of her local Jewish community and is excited to spend her first year at Society Hill Synagogue. When she’s not in class or studying, she loves reading, watching TV, and writing for her school’s sketch comedy group!
Megan Nachod
(Tuesday)
Megan (she/her) is the Director of Early Childhood Education at our congregation and has worked with children and their families for over 25 years in a variety of settings, including special education settings, inclusive classrooms, Head Start, and full-day childcare. She has been a teacher, Case Manager, Special Instructor, and Program Director and is delighted to have returned to her roots as a Jewish educator. Jewish education remains closest to Megan’s heart because it unites her joy of working with children and her love of Judaism. She values the dynamic opportunities that a Jewish education program has to connect children with meaningful rituals that link them to older generations. Megan received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Shimer College, outside of Chicago, and studied at Xavier University in Cincinnati for her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Montessori Education for 3 to 6 year-olds. Megan resides in South Philly with her daughter and son.
Yael Goldstein
(Tuesday)
Yael (she/her) was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and recently graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Psychology. She previously worked with neurodiverse children as a Classroom and Behavioral Support Aide at The Friendship Circle in Cleveland and brings a calm, creative, and compassionate presence to the classroom. She is passionate about creating nurturing, engaging environments that support every child’s unique growth. Yael is especially interested in emotional development and helping children build confidence and connection through play. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time in nature.
Jacob Hayman (Shabbat Judaics and Tuesday Ivrit)
Jacob (he/him) is a Philadelphia native and lifelong Society Hill Synagogue member who attended Hebrew School and Hebrew High School at our congregation. He worked for five years as a teacher’s aide in our Hebrew School and has been sounding the shofar for our Rosh Hashanah services since 2012. Jacob graduated from Temple University in 2022 with a B.S. in Health Professions from the College of Public Health. He is an aspiring medical student with a background in clinical trials, research, and volunteerism at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and at Pennsylvania Hospital. In his free time, Jacob enjoys learning music and art and takes care of his Russian tortoise, Lechuga.
Kitah Dalet (Fourth Grade)
Gavin Souza
(Shabbat and Tuesday)
Bio Coming Soon…
Malka Chu
(Tuesday)
Bio Coming Soon…
Kitah Hey (Fifth Grade)
Asher Chelder
Asher (he/him) is an alumnus of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy and a current undergraduate honors student majoring in Health Studies (Pre-med track) at Temple University. In the future, Asher hopes to specialize in Pediatric Oncology. Presently, Asher is also the Social Media Manager for MuggleNet.com, a co-host on the “Alohomora!” Podcast, and the leader of his former Jewish Girl Scout troop, Troop 7151. The 2025-26 school year is Asher’s first year with Society Hill Synagogue, and he is so excited to be here.
Sylvie Sherman (Shabbat Judaics and Ivrit)
Sylvie (she/her) is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Finance and Healthcare Management at the Wharton School of Business. She has been deeply involved in the Jewish community throughout her life, working at the Hebrew School at her synagogue, Rodeph Sholom, for six years and serving as BBYO Manhattan’s Regional N’siah (President), where she led more than 500 teens across New York City. Sylvie is excited to meet new students and become part of the vibrant Society Hill Synagogue community!
Megan Nachod (Tuesday Ivrit)
Megan (she/her) is the Director of Early Childhood Education at our congregation and has worked with children and their families for over 25 years in a variety of settings, including special education settings, inclusive classrooms, Head Start, and full day childcare. She has been a teacher, Case Manager, Special Instructor, and Program Director and is delighted to have returned to her roots as a Jewish educator. Jewish education remains closest to Megan’s heart because it unites her joy of working with children and her love of Judaism. She values the dynamic opportunities that a Jewish education program has to connect children with meaningful rituals that link them to older generations. Megan received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Shimer College, outside of Chicago, and studied at Xavier University in Cincinnati for her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Montessori Education for 3 to 6 year-olds. Megan resides in South Philly with her daughter and son.
Rosalie Swana (Tuesday Ivrit)
Rosalie (she/her) grew up in Kensington in a family of artists and educators and has been immersed in creativity from an early age. After graduating from the Science Leadership Academy, she taught in music programs across Philadelphia before devoting herself to Jewish education. Her work in Chabad schools led her to study Hasidic music and to teach piano and voice in Orthodox communities in Philadelphia, New York, and Geula in Jerusalem while attending seminary. Outside the classroom, she designs clothing, records music, and pursues creative projects. Her favorite teaching moments are when a child lets her into their world and their curiosity starts to shine.
Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade)
TJ Zahn
(Shabbat)
TJ (he/him) grew up in Allentown, PA where he was an active member of Temple Beth El, a Conservative synagogue. He completed his degree at Lafayette College, majoring in both Philosophy and English. After six years living just outside of Boston, he moved back to his home state of PA where he plans to continue working in the field of education. In his free time, TJ enjoys reading, attending live music, ultimate frisbee, and playing various board games.
Jillian Riseman
(Shabbat and Tuesday)
Jillian (she/her) is excited to join Society Hill Synagogue as a full teacher this year after moving to Philadelphia at the beginning of 2026. Also an artist, she loves incorporating art projects into lessons about Jewish history and observance.
Hazzan Jessi Roemer
(Tuesday B’nei Mitzvah)
Prior to joining our congregation as Cantor, Hazzan Jessi (she/her) had led engaging and interactive children’s and family services at Society Hill Synagogue for many years. Her soulful voice and musical talents have enhanced the spirituality of our services. She has extensive experience in Jewish music education and has performed, taught workshops, and led prayer services throughout the United States and in Israel; her original compositions have been featured in many of these settings.
Hazzan Jessi grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, surrounded by her mother’s Yiddish, Hebrew, and American folk music; cantorial melodies; and the bluegrass-klezmer music of the Fabrangen Fiddlers. Hazzan Jessi’s musical style reflects her roots, studies, and travels, which include having spent the 1990s living in Jerusalem. She served as a cantorial soloist at Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir in Rittenhouse Square and as a prayer leader at Congregation Kol Tzedek in West Philadelphia. Hazzan Jessi received her ordination from the ALEPH Cantorial Program in January 2017.
Lillie Abella
(Shabbat Judaics and Ivrit)
Lillie (she/her) teaches sixth grade Judaics and Ivrit on Shabbat. She is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania and grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs. Lillie is excited to begin another great year of Jewish learning at Society Hill Synagogue.
Kitah Zayin (Seventh Grade) and 418s
Helen Landau
(Kitah Zayin)
Helen (she/her) grew up in Narberth, PA, where she was an active member of Congregation Beth Am Israel and volunteered as a madricha (counselor) in their Hebrew school throughout middle and high school. She earned her B.A. in History from Scripps College and brings a rich background in informal Jewish education from her years as a leader and educator with Habonim Dror. In her free time, Helen enjoys crafting, reading, taking long walks around the city, and spending time with friends.
TJ Zahn
(418s)
TJ (he/him) grew up in Allentown, PA where he was an active member of Temple Beth El, a Conservative synagogue. He completed his degree at Lafayette College, majoring in both Philosophy and English. After six years living just outside of Boston, he moved back to his home state of PA where he plans to continue working in the field of education. In his free time, TJ enjoys reading, attending live music, ultimate frisbee, and playing various board games.
Floaters
Syd Bladen
Sydney (she/her) is a recent graduate of Temple University’s Theater and Secondary Education program and attended our Ann Spak Thal Hebrew School through 6th grade, when her family moved to Indiana. Passionate about all things Judaism and a self-proclaimed book nerd, Syd loves spending free time baking, reading, rock climbing, and writing.
Lir Vine
Lir (she/her) is in her first year teaching at Society Hill Synagogue and is excited to join our community. Originally from Israel, Lir is currently studying Computer Science. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and playing fetch with her foster cat, Cindylulu — and she’s always happy to share photos of Cindylulu with anyone who wants to see!
Debbie Jaffe
(B’nei Mitzvah Tutor)
Debbie (she/her) has been the B’nei Mitzvah tutor at Society Hill Synagogue since 2017, but she has been teaching kids how to read Torah since she was 15 years old. She has mentored hundreds of students for their B’nei Mitzvah services in Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles since 2000. Debbie received her B.A. from Binghamton University and her M.F.A. in Acting from The New School. She worked for several years in film and TV. Her son, Rami, spent 4 delightful years at Society Hill Synagogue Playschool!
Mike Roe
(Kitah Zayin)
Mike (he/him) joined our Hebrew School staff in 2012, initially teaching Kitah Vav (6th grade) and quickly becoming our revered Kitah Zayin (7th grade) teacher, a role in which he served for the next six years. In July 2019, Mike was promoted to the part-time position of Hebrew School Director, and he promptly grew the school to the point that we needed to hire a full-time Director of Youth and Family Education. He is returning this year as our Kitah Zayin teacher.
Mike received his Master’s in Education from La Salle University and his Bachelor’s from Temple University in History. He is a certified teacher for grades 7-12 in History and English. Outside of the synagogue, he teaches English and History at Parkway West High School in Philadelphia. Mike is a graduate of the BZBI-Society Hill Synagogue high school and teacher training program (2002), when there was a joint Hebrew High program between the two congregations, and that was where Mike met his wife, Joy, in 9th grade. Mike and Joy have two young children, Ella and Jackson, who attend our synagogue’s Hebrew School, and they reside in Society Hill.
Hebrew Language Lab
Dionna Dash
(Shabbat)
Dionna (she/her) completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied communications, linguistics, and French. She has taught Hebrew School at a number of synagogues around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and she currently works as a Marketing Manager at Storyraise Technology. She grew up as a member of Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park and attended Hebrew School through her Bat Mitzvah, before continuing her Jewish studies through 12th grade at the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College, where she earned a Teaching Certificate. In her free time, Dionna likes to go hiking, bake desserts, and work on querying her first realistic fiction novel.
Deb Freedberg
(Tuesday)
Bio Coming Soon…
All Teachers (in alphabetical order):
Abby Adelman
September 8, 2026
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Abby (she/her) grew up in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, where she attended Jewish Day School at Albert Einstein Academy and Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, Delaware.
Asher Chelder
September 4, 2025
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Asher (he/him) is an alumnus of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy and a current undergraduate honors student majoring in Health Studies (Pre-med track) at Temple University.
Dionna Dash
November 4, 2024
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Dionna (she/her) completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied communications, linguistics, and French. She has taught Hebrew School at a number of synagogues around
Helen Landau
September 1, 2026
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Helen (she/her) grew up in Narberth, PA, where she was an active member of Congregation Beth Am Israel and volunteered as a madricha (counselor) in their
Jamie Schwartz
November 4, 2024
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Jamie (she/her) grew up in Center City and is a proud graduate of Society Hill Synagogue’s Playschool, Hebrew School, and Hebrew High! Prior to teaching the
Jason Roe
November 4, 2024
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Jason (he/him) has been teaching Hebrew to 1st and 2nd graders at Society Hill Synagogue since 2021. Beyond his work here, he currently serves as one
Jillian Riseman
September 1, 2026
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Jillian (she/her) is excited to join Society Hill Synagogue as a full teacher this year after moving to Philadelphia at the beginning of 2026. Also
Karen Hafter
December 5, 2025
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Karen (she/her) is a third-generation member of Society Hill Synagogue and a proud graduate of our Ann Spak Thal Hebrew School. She has dedicated her professional
Lir Vine
September 11, 2025
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Lir (she/her) is in her first year teaching at Society Hill Synagogue and is excited to join our community. Originally from Israel, Lir is currently studying
Megan Nachod
November 4, 2024
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Megan (she/her) is the Director of Early Childhood Education at our congregation and has worked with children and their families for over 25 years in a
Melissa Redlich
September 11, 2025
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Melissa (she/her) grew up in a Conservative Jewish household in Potomac, Maryland. She is currently a junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Communications
Rose Schonfeld
November 4, 2024
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Rose (she/her) grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, where she attended Hebrew School at the Workmen’s Circle. She moved to Philadelphia in 2020 and briefly taught
Syd Bladen
September 11, 2025
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Sydney (she/her) is a recent graduate of Temple University’s Theater and Secondary Education program and attended our Ann Spak Thal Hebrew School through 6th grade, when
TJ Zahn
December 5, 2025
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TJ (he/him) grew up in Allentown, PA where he was an active member of Temple Beth El, a Conservative synagogue. He completed his degree at Lafayette