Our Leadership
Meet our talented leaders who guide our Yeshiva with skill, sensitivity and vision setting the tone for success.
Rabbi Binyomin Luban
Rosh HaYeshiva
Rabbi Yisroel Niman
Rosh HaYeshiva
Rabbi Mordechai Palgon
Rosh HaYeshiva
For a full listing of our extraordinary staff, see our Staff Bio page.
Rabbi Binyomin Luban
Rosh HaYeshiva
Rabbi Binyomin Luban, joined Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes as one of its Roshei HaYeshiva in 2000. He received semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and previously served as a Rosh HaYeshiva in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim Yerushalayim for fourteen years before relocating to South Florida. He is the author of numerous well-respected sefarim, including his popular six-volume Chiddushei Halev on Tanach, seven-volume Biurim V’Iyunim on Shas and others.
As the Maggid Shiur in our most advanced Bais Medrash Shiur, Rabbi Luban has earned a reputation for being a talmid chacham with razor sharp clarity. His relocation to Miami was the catalyst for enormous growth in our Bais Medrash Zichron Ezra as talmidim are drawn to him from across the globe. He is respected for his vast Torah knowledge and the hadracha (guidance) he provides each of his talmidim, many of whom maintain their relationship long after they leave the walls of the Yeshiva Bais Medrash.
Rabbi Yisroel Y. Niman
Rosh HaYeshiva
Rabbi Yisroel Y. Niman, one of our longest serving members of the hanhalah, moved to Miami Beach in 1987, to join Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes, after receiving semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. Originally a member of the Yeshiva’s kollel for two years, Rabbi Niman quickly assumed the role of Rosh HaYeshiva with our founding Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Bentzion Chait and Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt and has been at our helm ever since.
Attuned to the needs of the community and each individual, Rabbi Niman wears a variety of crucial hats as Rosh HaYeshiva in both the financial and educational areas of the Yeshiva creating policies and ensuring financial sustainability. In addition, he enjoys being a Maggid Shiur in our Bais Medrash Zichron Ezra where he continuously challenges his talmidim to always strive for greatness.
Rabbi Mordechai Palgon
Rosh HaYeshiva
Rabbi Mordechai Palgon has been an integral member of the Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes family since 1994, shortly after receiving semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. Initially serving as High School Assistant Principal and Rebbe, Rabbi Palgon continued to assume additional responsibilities as he became Principal and ultimately one of the three Roshei HaYeshiva. Prior to joining YTCTE, he attended Queens College and Touro College and was a mesivta Rebbe in New York. Rabbi Palgon was a popular Head Counselor in Camp Mogen Avrohom for over three decades.
As a hard-working and dedicated head of school, Rabbi Palgon’s goal is to support our staff and students as they all aim for excellence. Whether teaching a high school class, mentoring new educators or guiding our divisions in the challenging field of education, he takes pleasure in watching talmidim flourish and the Yeshiva grow under his tutelage. Recognized as an expert in chinuch matters, Rabbi Palgon has served as a consultant for Yeshivos in Boca Raton, Queens, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and other cities across the country.
Rabbi Harayl Askotzky
CAO
Rabbi Harayl Askotzky, the Chief Administrative Officer, has been with the Yeshiva since 2006. A Certified Public Accountant, with many years of accounting experience, Rabbi Askotzky holds a degree from Touro College and semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim where he learned for many years. Rabbi Askotzky runs a well-established private accounting business and has extensive experience as a grant writer as well.
Rabbi Askotzky’s position in YTCTE has grown tremendously over the years as he assumed more responsibilities and expanded his role. He manages the day to day operations of the non-educational staff including the Admission Office, Financial Office, Development Office and the IT Department. In addition, he oversees vendor contracts, government funding and grants as well as the Yeshiva’s health insurance plans. Rabbi Askotzky's organizational skills and work ethic help create and refine the necessary systems that help the Yeshiva run smoothly and efficiently at all times.
Rabbi Kalman Baumann
Principal, KES
Rabbi Kalman Baumann has been the principal of the Klurman Elementary School and Esformes Early Childhood Center almost from day one, moving to Miami Beach from California in 1986. He received his semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University and holds a principal’s license from Jewish Education Service of North America (JESNA). Before coming to YTCTE, Rabbi Baumann was principal of Valley Torah High School in Los Angeles, and he is currently the Rabbinic Director of the Chevra Kadisha and on the Rabbinic Board of Miami Hatzalah.
As the overarching Principal for the boys and girls divisions of KES as well as EECC, Rabbi Baumann is responsible for overseeing the largest divisions in YTCTE. An educator with decades of experience, Rabbi Baumann creates an environment that motivates both teachers and students alike. His capable and efficient running of the Yeshiva has enabled KES and EECC to grow from a small school into a world-class educational institution. Rabbi Baumann also shares his experience and knowledge as a mentor to principals across the country.
Rabbi Yehuda Bergida
Mashgiach, DACHS
Rabbi Yehuda Bergida has been a key member of the Dr. Abe Chames High School administration since his move to South Florida in 2008. Originally serving first as Assistant Principal and popular Rebbe, then as Principal, and now as the DACHS Mashgiach, Rabbi Bergida helped the high school grow and expand into a respected Yeshiva that attracts talmidim both locally and nationally. Rabbi Bergida received semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and previously taught in Mesivta Chofetz Chaim of Queens.
Rabbi Bergida devotes his life to helping his talmidim develop in their avodas Hashem during their formative and often challenging high school years. As Mashgiach and a Rebbe, he guides each talmid and encourages them to push themselves to be their best without getting discouraged. Often the relationships he develops last long after his students graduate as they continue to seek out his guidance and encouragement throughout their various life stages.
Dr. Gur Berman
Director of General Studies, YTCTE
Dr. Gur Berman assumed the position as Director of General Studies of Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes in 2020. Dr. Berman earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell and Columbia respectively and then a Doctorate of Education in Instructional and Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Berman also has semicha from the Rabbi Yitzchak Elchonon Theological Seminary (Yeshiva University). He previously served as an Assistant Principal and Principal of Ben Gamla charter schools for seven years and taught and administered in a number of local Yeshiva Day Schools.
Dr. Berman is an experienced principal, teacher and curricular expert. His goal is to continuously upgrade YTCTE’s robust and cutting edge General Studies program. Dr. Berman’s initial focus is to support and supervise KES’s General Studies Faculty overseeing the day-to-day educational experience of the students as well as overseeing the General Studies department in DACHS. Dr. Berman's reach will extend to EECC and RMS as well, focusing more on these divisions in the years ahead.
Rabbi Yosef Deitsch
Dorm Mashgiach, DACHS
Rabbi Yosef Deitsch has been the Dormitory Mashgiach of Dr. Abe Chames High School since 2012. Rabbi Deitsch is an alumnus of our Bais Medrash Zichron Ezra and studied in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim before rejoining YTCTE as a member of its staff. Rabbi Deitsch was also a popular Division Head for many years in Camp Mogen Avrohom.
Rabbi Deitsch spends his days and nights taking care of the needs of the dormitory students. His job is to create a safe and comfortable home environment for the talmidim. He takes great care in providing them with proper entertainment and in making sure that all their physical needs are met so they can succeed both in the classroom and outside of school. His attentiveness and constant care ensures happy talmidim who thrive in their home away from home.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
CFO
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein returned to his roots when he moved to South Florida with his family in 2010, to become the Chief Financial Officer of Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes. A Certified Public Accountant with an accounting degree from Touro College, he interned with some of the best in the field of education finance including Aaron Kotler, CEO of Bais Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, Richard Hagler, executive Director of H.A.L.B. and Dr. Allan Jacob. Prior to joining YTCTE, after learning in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim (Rabbinical Seminary of America) for twelve years, Rabbi Bernstein assumed a position in its administration gaining real life training in the field.
Ever the ambitious visionary, Rabbi Bernstein is passionate about growing the Yeshiva and strengthening its financial stability. Never satisfied with the status quo, he has consistently raised the level of professionalism working with each division to create and maintain a balanced budget while helping them provide the students with the best possible education. Rabbi Bernstein has the unique perspective of someone who deeply understands the Yeshiva’s hashkafos and mission while at the same time has the ability to listen to and respect the views of the parent body. Rabbi Bernstein oversees all the Yeshiva’s finances and fundraising efforts and has helped create new programs and turn YTCTE into a world-class Yeshiva.
Rabbi Yaakov Dreyfuss
Assistant Principal, DACHS
Rabbi Yaakov Dreyfuss became a Rebbe in the Dr. Abe Chames High School in 2005. He received his semicha from the Rabbinical Seminary of America where he learned for fourteen years and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Touro College. Rabbi Dreyfuss is currently the Assistant Principal of DACHS and a respected Rebbe in the honors track. Rabbi Dreyfuss has also served as the Rosh Kollel of the Summer Mechanchim Kollel for five years and the Director of Camp Masmid Miami for seven years.
Well known for his organizational skills and work ethic, Rabbi Dreyfuss is the natural choice for Assistant Principal of DACHS. He is responsible for creating and overseeing its programming and complex class scheduling, ensuring its smooth daily running. Rabbi Dreyfuss also devotes much of his time outside of class making sure the needs of each talmid are being met.
Rabbi Tzvi Fladen
Mashgiach, KES
Rabbi Tzvi Fladen became the first Mashgiach of the Klurman Elementary School in 2020. Rabbi Fladen learned by Rav Tzvi Kaplan in Eretz Yisroel for four years before moving to Lakewood where he eventually became one of the founding members of Rav Gershon Ribner’s Kollel. He then moved to North Miami Beach to join Kollel Zichron Michel, giving numerous shiurim over his five years there. Before joining YTCTE, Rabbi Fladen was a Shoel U’meshiv for a year in Yeshiva Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton.
Rabbi Fladen brings a passion and commitment that enables him to elevate the entire ruach of the Yeshiva. He constantly stresses the significance of our Yeshiva being a Mikdash Me’at and the inherent responsibilities and tremendous benefits of learning in Yeshiva. Whether it is organizing a schoolwide event, visiting classrooms for special occasions, or meeting with Rebbeim and Moros, Rabbi Fladen focuses his efforts on highlighting the true simcha that comes with a life of Torah and mitzvos.
Rabbi Noam Grossman
Principal, KES Boys Division
Rabbi Noam Grossman a graduate of Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes, returned to his roots when he joined Klurman Elementary School in 2008, first as a Rebbe and Assistant Principal, ultimately becoming the Boys Division Principal. Rabbi Grossman studied in the Rabbinical Seminary of America for eleven years where he received semicha. He attended the Marcaz Teacher Training Program as well as the Principal’s Training Initiative. Before moving back to South Florida, Rabbi Grossman taught high school Hebrew language and was a Branch Leader for many years for JEP (Jewish Education Program) in New York.
Rabbi Grossman excels at training Rabbeim and faculty and creating a culture that fosters success. His warm and engaging personality makes him well-liked and respected by both adults and children who all feel comfortable seeking his advice and guidance. Under his leadership, the KES Boys Division continues to grow both in quantity and in quality.
Rabbi Gavriel Grossman
Principal, KES Boys Division
Rabbi Gavriel Grossman moved with his family to Hollywood in 2011, to become a Rebbe in the Klurman Elementary School ultimately transitioning into the Assistant Principal, and then Principal of the Boys Division. Rabbi Grossman learned in the Talmudic Institute of Upstate New York earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Talmudic Law. He learned in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Queens where he received his semicha. He is a CAJE licensed teacher and certified by CAJE to mentor teachers. Rabbi Grossman was also the popular Youth Rabbi at the Young Israel of Hollywood.
Rabbi Grossman’s ever-present smile reflects the enthusiasm he exudes on a daily basis. His mission is to make young children enjoy their school experience, and he is constantly implementing new and creative programs to accomplish this goal. Whether it is greeting a child in the hallway, dressing up as the beloved “Middos Moish” or even disciplining a student, he brings a smile to the face of each boy at KES.
Rabbi Yaakov Kier
Rosh Kollel, Kollel Mechanchim Zichron Yitzchok Isaac
Rabbi Yaakov Kier moved to Miami in 2014 to join Bais Medrash Zichron Ezra and work alongside his Rabbeim who were so influential to his own growth years before. Rabbi Kier learned in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim for fourteen years, where he received his semicha, before becoming the R”M of the Bais Medrash of Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel in Brooklyn for five years. In addition, Rabbi Kier taught a popular advanced shiur in Mesivta Chofetz Chaim of Queens.
In his dual role as R”M of the Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel of the Yeshiva’s Kollel Mechanchim Zichron Yitzchok Isaac, Rabbi Kier helps create an atmosphere of Torah growth and hasmada in the Yeshiva. Rabbi Kier helped expand the Mechanchim Kollel and continues to enable our dedicated Rebbeim to learn b’iyun with much hislahavas. In addition, he oversees the 12th grade honors shiur, encouraging a seamless transition for the talmidim from a high school student to a Bais Medrash bachur. Recognized for his depth of learning as well as his ability to relate to learners at every level, he guides his talmidim on their own path to becoming a true Ben Torah. Rabbi Kier is also well-known for his popular Sunday morning community halacha shiur, Rise and Learn, in memory of Rabbi Sharfman zt”l.
Rabbi Ephraim Palgon
Principal, RMS
Rabbi Ephraim Palgon, is the founding principal of the Rohr Middle School as well as the Head of School of the YTCTE South Campus. His extensive experience in chinuch began well before he moved to Miami in 1996, and includes being a Rebbe in the Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York, a sixth grade Rebbe at YTCTE, the principal of Torah Academy of Boca Raton as well as Head Counselor of Camp Mogen Avraham. Rabbi Palgon Learned in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and earned his semicha from HaRav Ephraim Greenblatt zt”l. He attended Adelphi University Graduate School for Special Education and is licensed by CAJE. In addition, he is a trained consultant for the Association of Independent Schools of Florida and a coach for the Franklin Covey Leader in Me schools.
Rabbi Palgon is known for focusing on each student and their individual strengths and needs. He uses his creativity and expert insight to “ignite the greatness” in each talmid, encouraging them to acquire the skills to succeed while simultaneously building confidence along the way. Rabbi Palgon ably supervises the Rabbeim and faculty assisting them in classroom management strategies and supporting them in their quest to prepare their students for a successful future.
Rabbi Zev Roth
COO
Rabbi Zev Roth the Yeshiva’s very capable Chief Operating Officer, began working for YTCTE in 2015. Previously he worked as a Sales Director and Office Manager where he managed a team of sales representatives, negotiated contracts and provided cost-saving analyses growing a small merchant services company to one with over 700 accounts. Rabbi Roth received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin and semicha from Rabbi Dovid Koenig. In addition he received Leadership Certification from the Ner L’elef Leadership Program and has taught in various educational settings.
Rabbi Roth expertly and efficiently provides safe, clean and well maintained campuses for everyone at YTCTE. This includes maintaining all the buildings on both of the Yeshiva’s expansive campuses and overseeing any new building projects. He manages the security, janitorial and maintenance staff as well as the Yeshiva’s transportation contracts. In addition, he coordinates the Yeshiva’s hot lunch menu and the annual school calendar. Calm under pressure, Rabbi Roth makes sure that whatever needs to be done to maintain the two campuses and ensure a proper learning environment is done timely and completely.
Rabbi Nosson Yishaya Schwartz
Director of Institutional Advancement
Rabbi Schwartz moved to Hollywood with his family in the summer of 2018 when he assumed the position of YTCTE Director of Institutional Advancement. Rabbi Schwartz holds an MBA from Aspen University and completed the Torah Umesorah Leadership and Fundraising Academy. After spending three years in our Bais Medrash Zichron Ezra, he learned in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and joined their administration as a Fundraiser and Director of Special Projects. It was in this role that Rabbi Schwartz successfully coordinated numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, participating in the strategic planning as well as its business management for a number of years.
An organized and efficient team player, Rabbi Schwartz manages the Yeshiva’s Development Office. He oversees the fundraising campaigns, programs and outreach activities and develops and maintains close relationships with parents and alumni. Living in Hollywood, Rabbi Schwartz has become the point-person to the Yeshiva strengthening the community's connection with the Yeshiva and the positive impact it continues to have on Hollywood’s growth.
Rabbi Yair Silverstein
Principal of General Studies, DACHS
Rabbi Yair Silverstein joined the DACHS administrative team in 2020, as its new General Studies Principal, moving to Miami from Detroit. Rabbi Silverstein earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Bellevue University and received semicha from Bais Medrash L’Torah (Hebrew Theological College). In addition to studying in the Kollel of the Skokie Yeshiva, he served as a Rebbe in their kodesh department. Subsequently, he became a Rebbe and Activities Director at Farber Hebrew Day School of Detroit. Rabbi Silverstein has successfully worked on curriculum planning and trained as a teacher’s mentor through the Jewish New Teacher Project.
Rabbi Silverstein’s friendly and engaging personality has made him a popular Rebbe whose students stay in touch long after they leave his classroom. Similarly, he has earned the respect of teachers and colleagues who value his insight and support. As General Studies Principal in DACHS, Rabbi Silverstein is tasked with overseeing the secular studies curriculum and staff and working to continue to build and enhance the excellent program for which DACHS is well-known.
Rabbi Zev Weiner
Assistant Principal, RMS
Rabbi Zev Weiner moved with his family from Dallas, Texas in 2013, to become a Rebbe in the Rohr Middle School and has since become the RMS Assistant Principal. He is well-trained as a coach for Cooperative Learning. Rabbi Weiner received semicha from Ner Yisroel Rabbinical College before joining the Cincinnati Community Kollel. Subsequently, he taught at the Torah Day School of Dallas for nine years. Rabbi Weiner was also a popular Division Head in Camp Mogen Avrohom.
Rabbi Weiner is known for his sense of responsibility and dedication to the Yeshiva and is often the first to arrive and last one to leave RMS. As Assistant Principal, he is in charge of structuring each day and supporting both students and staff by creating an organized environment that encourages success. Rabbi Weiner utilizes his many talents, creativity and enthusiasm to motivate his students and foster an atmosphere of growth and positivity.
Rabbi Aryeh Winter
Mashgiach, BMZE
Rabbi Aryeh Winter was a popular and much respected Rebbe in our DACHS division for 15 years where he taught the highest high school shiur. Prior to moving to Miami, Rabbi Winter learned in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim for a number of years. In addition, he has been in camp supervisory roles for many years first in Camp Mogen Avrohom and now in Camp Shoresh. In 2020, Rabbi Winter assumed his current role of Mashgiach of our Bais Medrash Zichron Ezra.
As Mashgiach, Rabbi Winter oversees the running of the entire Bais Medrash program, recruiting bochurim and then guiding them in their limud Torah and personal growth. His expectations of excellence motivates the talmidim and Rebbeim to excel producing Bnei Torah of the highest caliber. Rabbi Winter is known for taking care of the whole talmid, focusing not only on their needs within the Bais Medrash, but also on whatever they may need, or want, outside of the Bais Medrash as well.
Mrs. Staci Berry
General Studies Principal, RMS
Mrs. Staci Berry has been with the Yeshiva since 2014. Mrs. Berry holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Brain Based Teaching and Learning from Nova South Eastern University. She is also a State of Florida certified teacher with decades of experience in the field of education. Throughout her expansive career, Mrs. Berry has been a General Studies Principal in Lubavitch Educational Center, the Director of Admission for two Jewish Day Schools and a highly successful English Language Arts teacher for twenty-five years.
Mrs. Berry’s determination and passion for learning motivates her to constantly research the best ways to engage and inspire students and faculty. She is a natural at building and maintaining relationships and connecting with each individual at their level. Mrs. Berry oversees the General Studies curriculum, professional development and special programming designed to constantly raise the level of learning and provide the middle school boys with the skills they need for high school and beyond.
Mrs. Miriam Deitsch
Principal, KES Girls Division
Mrs. Miriam Deitsch brought over twelve years of classroom teaching, including special education, with her when she assumed the role of Principal for the Girls Division of the Klurman Elementary School in 2016. Before joining YTCTE as as secular studies teacher in 2012, Mrs. Deitsch was a well-liked teacher in New York where she taught both Limudei Kodesh and secular studies in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Beth Jacob Beth Miriam Day School and the Queens Gymnasium. She was also an administrative assistant for a number of years in T.A.G. of Far Rockaway. Mrs. Deitsch has 60 hours of training in Responsive Classroom and has been trained in Kagan Cooperative Learning.
Mrs. Deitsch is passionate about building a class community and having each child do their personal best. She cares deeply about each girl and makes sure to personally know each student and their family so that she can help them develop their unique strengths. Mrs. Deitsch has initiated new programs in the Girls Division to promote good midos, encourage positive relationships, and make learning come alive all while laying the foundation for the girls to grow into beautiful Bnos Yisroel.
Mrs. Talia Levine
Director, ECE
Mrs. Talia Levine is the Director of Esformes Early Childhood Center at Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes. After teaching in various special education settings, she began working for YTCTE in 2012 as a resource room, and then classroom, elementary school teacher before becoming the Assistant Director of Early childhood. Mrs. Levine graduated with honors from New York University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in education, and has a Master’s Degree from the Teachers College of Columbia University. She is certified by the State of Florida to teach both general education and special education and is a licensed childcare and education director.
Under Mrs. Levine’s leadership, the Early Childhood has earned the reputation of being a cutting edge, yet warm, preschool. As its Director, Mrs. Levine is tasked with developing and overseeing its curriculum and programming, supporting teachers, parents and students, as well as its admission decisions. She is constantly exploring the latest methodology to provide her young students with the foundational skills to become lifelong learners. As the first administrator many parents meet, Mrs. Levine’s warm smile coupled with her professionalism and experience, put new families at ease, confident in their decision to send their young child to YTCTE.
