Rabbi Dr. David Flatto

Rabbi Dr. David Flatto is a professor of Jewish law and philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He received his B.A. and rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University, his J.D. from Columbia Law School, and his Ph.D. with distinction from Harvard University.

He has taught at Yeshiva University, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, NYU School of Law, and Penn State University, and is an affiliate scholar at Yale Law School. In addition to his academic career, he served for nearly a decade as a rabbi and scholar at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and Park East Synagogue, enriching the intellectual and spiritual life of prominent Modern Orthodox communities.

Known for presenting classical Jewish sources with intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and contemporary relevance, Rabbi Dr. Flatto lectures widely across the United States and in Israel. His research spans Jewish law and philosophy, constitutional theory, and comparative jurisprudence, and has appeared in leading journals including the Harvard Theological Review, Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities, and the Journal of Law and Religion. He is the author of The Crown and the Courts: Separation of Powers in the Early Jewish Imagination (Harvard University Press, 2020) and co-editor of Law as Religion, Religion as Law (Cambridge University Press, 2022).

December 10, 2025

Rabbi Poupko

Rabbi Reuben Poupko is a passionate advocate for the Jewish community. Rabbi Poupko is a sought-after speaker, and frequently quoted in print and electronic media on issues related to the State of Israel and antisemitism. Throughout his 35 plus years in Montreal, he has held numerous key positions in the community leadership, including Co-Chair of the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, President of the Rabbinical Council of Canada and Chairman of the Executive of Canadian Jewish Congress – Quebec Region, member of Federation CJA’s Executive Committee and served as Co-President of CIJA-Quebec. He has been the spiritual leader of Beth Israel Beth Aaron Congregation since 1986.

Rabbi Poupko has led dozens of Jewish groups, students and adults, on tours of Poland and Eastern Europe. He is well known as an indispensable resource for Jewish students on university campuses and has spoken on campuses across north America.

In the 1970s and 80s, Rabbi Poupko was an outspoken advocate for Russian Jewry, helping to establish an underground Jewish kindergarten in Moscow while it was still under Communist rule. In 1998, he played an integral role in the prosecution and conviction of a Nazi war criminal in Austria.

Rabbi Poupko has received honours from Bar Ilan University, The Association for the Soldiers of Israel – Canada (ASI Canada), the Canadian Zionist Federation Jerusalem Prize and from Federation CJA. In 2017, he and his wife Mindy led Federation CJA’s Montreal Mega Mission: Centennial Edition.

August 1, 2024

Jonathan Harounoff

Jonathan Harounoff currently serves as Israel’s international spokesperson at the United Nations. He is a British writer of Persian origin and is the award-winning author of Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt.

An Iran and Israel expert, Jonathan’s articles and commentaries have appeared in The New York Post, Haaretz, Newsweek, LA Times, the Jewish Chronicle, the BBC and other publications. He’s also a regular TV guest expert appearing on Fox News, Dr Phil, Sky News and more.

He previously served in strategic communications roles at a Fortune 500 firm, as well as at a Washington DC-based NGO focused on foreign affairs.

Jonathan holds a BA in Arabic, Persian and Middle Eastern history from Cambridge University, a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and is also an alumnus of Harvard University, where he studied international relations and diplomacy.

February 2, 2026

Stephen Savitsky

Stephen Savitsky was both the former President and Chairman of the Orthodox Union.  He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency, a board member of Mesorah Heritage Foundation, and founder and President of the Kew Gardens Hills Eruv which led the movement for Eruvim across America. He was the Chairman of Mesivta Ohr Torah, and President of Congregation Anshei Chesed in Hewlett. He currently is President of the Bnai Zion Foundation, Chairman of Partners in Torah, on the executive committee of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations and President of the Vaad Hakashrus of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway.  He has traveled the world speaking and representing the Jewish community on many occasions.  Mr. Savitsky has been in the Health Care industry for many years and has been CEO and founder of several public traded companies. His new book Kan Tzipor inspiring stories on seizing magic moments of opportunity to do chesed published by Feldheim Press was a best seller this year and received wonderful reviews from the press. He lives in Woodmere NY with his wife Genie and has been blessed with a large family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Stephen Savitsky November 17, 2021

Ashie Schreier

Rabbi Ashie Schreier is the Assistant Rabbi of the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst, one of the largest orthodox synagogues in America. In addition, he serves as the Director of the Private Pay division and a manager at Caring Professionals, a licensed home health care agency servicing the New York area. Rabbi Schreier is a graduate of Yeshiva University and RIETS and holds a Masters in Accounting and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. Rabbi Schreier is married to Elana and they are the proud parents to Aharon, Akiva, Eitan, Ayelet and Dalia.

December 29, 2025

Monica Klein

Monica Klein has spent her career in all kinds of educational settings — schools, museums, and camps. She is currently the Director of Westchester Summer Day, a day camp in Westchester, NY, serving children 3-15 year olds. In addition to her camp work, Monica oversees all of the after school programming at Westchester Day School and is a part time 2nd Grade Religious School educator at Beth El Synagogue in New Rochelle.

In the past, Monica has worked as an early childhood teacher at HAFTR, a STEM and Education Technology specialist at Ramaz and the Dwight School, and a museum educator at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. She has held several leadership roles at 92Y’s Camp Yomi.

Monica lives in New Rochelle, NY, with her husband Ari and their two kids, Sammy and Elliot. She’s really looking forward to joining the Cambridge, MD program as the Day Camp Director, working with children ages 6 months to 15 years and supporting the staff who work with them.

December 4, 2025

Tal Vaknin

Tal Vaknin is an internationally acclaimed singer and composer of Jewish pop and soul music. Tal is known for his amazing vocal abilities and his success among all different streams of Jewish audiences both in Israel and abroad. Born in Jerusalem, and son of a musical cantorial parent, Tal was discovered at an early age as a musical prodigy child. Tal continued to wow audiences in concerts up until he joined the IDF. During his service in the IDF he performed in the Israeli Army band at bases all around the country.

Following the Army, Tal began performing his own unique Jewish hits. He quickly became a sought-after singer and began to perform in concerts and festivals for Chabad Israel and in communities all over the USA and Europe. Tal performed with famous opera singer Andreas Bocelli.

At the beginning of the Iron Swords War, Tal enlisted to establish a special unit in his area of ​​residence and at the same time handled the donations of tactical equipment to two thousand soldiers in the various sectors every night since the beginning of the war. At the same time as his military service, Tal travels between Israel Defense Forces bases and performs for the soldiers. Tal is loved by his many fans.

February 21, 2024

Alonzo Bodden

Alonzo has been making audiences around the country laugh for more than 20 years. His first big comedy break came when he was on the “New Faces of Comedy” showcase at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. However, it was as the season three winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing where Alonzo was first introduced to America. Since then, he has starred in two comedy specials for Showtime: Historically Incorrect and Who’s Paying Attention. His television appearances include ABC’s Dr. Ken and Fresh Off the Boat, Dr. Phil, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and Californication. He’s also a recurring guest on The Joe Rogan Experience.

December 20, 2025

Ryan Quinn

Ryan Quinn is a singer and musician from Central NY most known for his four-chair-turning performance on Season 10 of NBC’s “The Voice.” While on “The Voice,” he was able to work with Adam Levine, Tori Kelly, Miley Cyrus, and Christina Aguilera, and advanced to the “Live Playoffs.” Since then, Ryan has had the pleasure of performing, touring, recording, and collaborating with some amazing acts, including: Postmodern Jukebox, Aubrey Logan, Loren Gold of “The Who,” Canadian pop artist Jocelyn Alice, and jazz legend Scott Kinsey. In November 2024, Ryan released a new musical project with bass virtuoso Hadrien Feraud called “June 32nd.” Having been influenced by multiple genres and as a multi-instrumentalist, Ryan has managed to combine elements of rock, pop, folk, soul, and jazz into a unique style of his own.

October 29, 2025

Simon Hyman

Simon Hyman is a high-energy entertainer and the creative force behind Simon Sez Entertainment. Specializing in the classic game Simon Sez and exciting Minute-to-Win-It–style challenges, Simon has been bringing laughter, comedy, and unforgettable audience participation to events for over 25 years.

Throughout the year, Simon entertains at camps, schools, bar and bat mitzvahs, holiday celebrations, and corporate events, captivating audiences of all ages with his quick wit, contagious enthusiasm, and unique ability to turn spectators into participants. To add to the excitement, Simon loves rewarding his winners with fun prizes, making every game even more engaging and memorable.

For Simon, Simon Sez isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. His passion for competition, positivity, and high-energy fun creates an atmosphere where everyone feels included, energized, and smiling from start to finish.

December 24, 2025