Our Staff

Dedication, Personified

Meet the Cheder’s Rebbeim and Moros

Rabbi Yaakov Burstyn, Menahel

From a very early age Rabbi Yaakov Burstyn was using his talents and love of Torah and yiddishkeit to inspire and teach, especially young children.

In June, 2000, While still a Bachur, his Rebbe, Harav Yaakov Kulefsky Zt’l chose Rabbi Burstyn to travel to Canada to assist Harav Eliezer Breitowitz to found what is today Darchei Torah of Toronto. Rabbi Burstyn studied at Yeshivas Mir in Yerushalayim under Harav Nosson Tzvi Finkel Zt’l and its prestigious Hanhalla.

A gifted orator and world-class Talmid Chacham, Rabbi Burstyn began his formal Chinuch career as the assistant to The Mashgiach of Ner Yisrael in 2006. In 2011, Rabbi Burstyn moved back to Miami to be the 12th grade Rebbe, 1st year Bais Medrash Magid Shiur and subsequently Mashgiach Ruchani of Yeshivas Beis Moshe Chaim under his Rebbe, Harav Yochanan Zweig. Rabbi Burstyn has availed himself to teaching at various educational centers throughout the Miami community. He is very well proclaimed by the local Menahelim. Harav Tzvi Neuhaus, Mara D’asra of Khal Ahavas Torah Miami Torah Center invited Rabbi Burstyn to head The Cheder of Miami and be its Menahel for the opening of the School year of 2023. Rabbi Burstyn has trained closely under some of the most successful Menahelim including Harav Yaakov Bender, Harav Nosson Muller, and Harav Dovid Engel.

Rabbi Burstyn has obtained numerous Smichos, degrees, certificates and awards among them Smicha from his Rebbe Harav Aharon Feldman, a Masters of Religious Education, and certification in Trauma and Crisis Intervention.

Reb Efraim Potash

Reb Efraim Potash, a Boro Park native with strong Heimish upbringing started his career teaching children at Bobov 48 in 2013. At the same time he continued his learning at Ruach Hatorah under his Rebbe Harav Menachem Mark. Simultaneously he pursued his degree in Social Work/Psychology from Touro College which he graduated in 2019.

For over fifteen years, Reb Efraim has worked at various camps in all different positions ranging from tutoring all the way to Assistant Division Head at Camp Sheves Achim.

He has successfully taught at various institutions including Stoliner Cheder of Brooklyn, Sinai Accademy of Brooklyn, Yeshivas Torah Vodaath, Mirrer Yeshiva of Brooklyn, Torah Temima, and Yeshiva Elementary School.

Reb Efraim brings his energy, Ruach and Geshmak to every aspect of the day.

Rivkah Silber, Pre-K Afternoon General Studies Morah

Hi! I’m Rivkah Silber, the Pre-K Afternoon General Studies Morah at the Cheder of Miami.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born in England, but then moved with my family to Yerushalayim. After that, I moved to Florida, and I’ve been living in beautiful Miami Beach for the past 16 years.

With 25 years of teaching experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of teaching both Limudei Kodesh and Secular Studies to kids ranging in age from preschool to 8th grade. I studied at the Efrata Teachers’ College in Jerusalem, where I gained a solid foundation in teaching. For the past 9 years, I’ve directed and taught in my very own preschool, pouring my heart and soul into creating a stimulating and loving atmosphere.

My goal as Pre-K afternoon General Studies Morah is to help my students develop new skills in a structured, yet warm and nurturing environment. I’m driven by my love for children and teaching, and I love that I get to do that every day. 

I’m truly passionate about education, and dedicated to creating an environment where your child will flourish. I’m thrilled to be a part of your child’s educational journey, inspiring a love for learning and setting a strong foundation for their future.

Have a question? Want to discuss something? I’m available for you.

Ms. Shira Oziel, Pre-K Morah

Shira Oziel is an enthusiastic and nurturing educator, born and raised in Miami, Florida. Coming from a big family of nine kids Bli Ayin Hara, she is very comfortable in her management of different ages and stages and dealing with children’s different behavior.

Growing up in a household where her father was the founding Rav of Surfside, Rabbi Yosef Oziel zt’l, Shira developed a deep appreciation for her community and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. From a young age, Shira demonstrated a natural affinity for working with children, and her love for kids only grew. After high school she went on to seminary in Eretz Yisroel and earned her certificate in teaching through the seminary program. Shira is now furthering her education, and she is currently pursuing a degree in Education.

Throughout her career, Shira has already gained valuable experience in the field of education. She began her journey as a Pre-K Kodesh Morah and has taught 5th and 7th grade girls. With her warm and caring personality, her dedication to education, and her strong connection to her community, Shira Oziel continues to shape the lives of her students and make a lasting impact on the future generation.

Ms. Esther Malka Burstyn, Teacher Grade 1

With an unparalleled passion for education and children, Ms. Burstyn brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative teaching methods to our classroom. Her dedication to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment is certain to have an impact on her students.

Ms. Burstyn obtained a Teaching Certification in Pedagogy and Methodologies, and has years of real world experience teaching, directing and coordinating day camps and youth groups, assisting in classrooms, camps, childcare programs, mentorship programs, and more. With an innate love for children, Ms. Burstyn’s goal is to cultivate not just knowledge, but a lifelong love of learning.

It’s The Cheder that Miami Beach has been waiting for.

Be a part of our community's school.

Are you a Rebbe or Morah looking to make a difference?

Help build the dream school for our community.