About TBE SS

Molly Healy- Kindergarten and new 1^st Graders Hebrew Homeroom

Ms. Molly is in her 3rd year as a teacher at Temple Beth-El with our youngest students. Molly also works as a teacher at the JCC and is passionate about theater and performing.

Jessi Oppenheim- returning 1^st Graders and 2^nd Grade Hebrew Homeroom

Morah Jessi values her opportunity to teach Hebrew and Judaics and is happy to be back at TBE for another year. In her spare time, you can usually find Jessi at the baseball fields with her son Eli or supporting our social media.

Allen Hartman- 3^rd Grade Hebrew Homeroom

Mr. Allen is one of our longest tenured teachers, and his relationship with Temple Beth-El has been a family affair. His children have attended and taught at our Sunday School and Allen has had the opportunity to teach nearly all ages of students at TBE. He is excited to teach 3^rd grade Hebrew Homeroom and facilitate 7^th grade classes this year.

Robert Patsko- 4^th and 5^th Grade Hebrew Homeroom

Mr. Robert is in his second year at Temple Beth-El, after moving from Pennsylvania to Florida in Summer 2021. Robert has taught Hebrew and Judaics for many years, in roles varying from teacher to tutor to School Director.  He is passionate about theater and music, and looks forward to incorporating those into his classes. You may see him with his guitar helping to lead Morning T'Filah or touring the interior of the synagogue looking for secret spaces.

Raida Goldman- 6^th Grade Hebrew Homeroom

My passion in life is teaching and I've been fortunate to have wonderful teaching opportunities my whole life.  I have especially loved teaching religious school at Temple Beth-El!  My favorite teaching activity is being a B'nai Mitzvah tutor. I love the kids, each one so unique and fun to be with. Using the Torah and the siddur as teaching materials brings me great pleasure. I view teaching Judaism as a sacred task and it always brought me great joy and satisfaction.

I also love line dancing, which I have done at the Highland Rec Center in Largo for many years.  As a former librarian, I'm sure that you can guess that another of my passions is reading.

Steve Hurwitz- 7^th Grade Hebrew Homeroom

Mr. Steve has been a staple at Temple Beth-El for many years, including teaching at the Sunday School.  Steve took 2020 off, when programming was offered virtually, and is excited to be back in-person hanging out and bonding with our teen students. You may recognize Steve by his University of Florida mask—Go Gators!