Our Leadership

The Zekelman Standards were created through the remarkable generosity of its patrons Mr. Alan and Lori Zekelman, passionate advocates for Jewish education. While Mr. Zekelman has emerged as a preeminent entrepreneur and philanthropist involved with numerous charitable activities, he has graciously undertaken a paramount role in securing a bright Jewish future by endowing the Zekelman Standards project and bringing standards and educational excellence to every Jewish student. His efforts to foster greater Jewish pride, education and continuity are already making their mark in classrooms across America.

The Zekelman Standards for Judaic Studies are dedicated in loving memory of Mr. Zekelman’s parents, יחזקל בן אברהם אהרון and רות בת אברהם.

Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum, Principal of Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, veteran educator and innovator in progressive Jewish education, directs the development of the Zekelman Standards for Judaic Studies, and coaches schools in the application of Data Driven Instruction. The Standards Development Team, an international team of educators and curriculum specialists who collaborate on formulating and refining the Zekelman Standards as well as their accompanying resources, currently includes:

• Dr. Sara Rosenfeld, Director of Curriculum, Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges in Melbourne, Australia and author of a number of Judaic curricula and workbooks used in Chabad schools internationally.
• Rabbi Mendy Greenbaum, Principal of Cheder Menachem Boys School in Los Angeles, and consultant for MEF’s leadership training initiatives.
• Rabbi Meir Perelstein, former Director of Curriculum, Yeshiva Darchei Menachem, and consults for the implementation of Data Driven Instruction in Chabad Schools.
• Mrs. Chanah Rose, formerly Director of Curriculum, Shluchim Online School; currently Educational Director at MEF.

Rabbi Dr. Hershel Fried, renowned expert in Jewish education, and Mr. Norman Atkins, co-founder and president of Relay School of Education and the Founder and Board Chair of Uncommon Schools, played an important advisory role in formulating the Zekelman Standards and implementing DDI.

Rabbi Meir Fachler, of Gemara Berura, was instrumental in the creation of the Talmud Standards. Gemara Berura, an organization pioneering innovations in teaching Gemara in classrooms, partnered with Menachem in the development of Talmud Standards and lent their background in the field and expertise to truly create a quality product. Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky, Rabbi Zalman Salmander and Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes all played important roles in this project.