Lisa Bruskin
Executive Director
Lisa, born in England, moved to Israel as a child. She and her family relocated to New York City in the mid-1970s. Lisa graduated
from Hunter College, where she received a B.S. in physical education/corrective exercise, with a minor in education. She worked
on cruise ships for seven years and traveled the world. Thereafter, she began her work within the JCC community nonprofit world,
working for more than 20 years for multiple JCCs in New York (including 10 years at the Riverdale Y) as the director of member
engagement and wellness.
Lisa feels strongly about creating community by building a hub for the Bronx and surrounding communities to come in and enjoy
our services and programming.
Lisa will be managing our day-today temple functioning. She would like to hear from you and hopes you will make many happy
memories within our “walls.”
Contact:
execdirector@riverdaletemple.org
(718) 548-3800
Alexandra Abikzer
Director, Riverdale Temple Nursery School
Alexandra Abikzer has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 10 years. She has taught Three’s and Four’s, Kindergarten and First Grade in both Public and Private Schools.
For the past 6 years, she has been a lead teacher in our 3’s and 4’s program. Alexandra also founded Ali’s Art in the Park, an outdoor art class for children 18 months to 8 years old.
She has a Master’s of Education in Early Childhood from Hunter College, and a Bachelors of Science in Corporate Communications. Alexandra is passionate about Early Childhood Education. She believes that this is the most important part of education, because it is the foundation upon which all other education is built.
The most important thing about a school, for Alexandra, is that it is a loving, caring supportive place for children, families and teachers. She is a Progressive Educator and believes strongly that children’s ideas and passions are important and should be celebrated and encouraged.
She has three children, and an amazing husband, Jonathan. She loves art, children’s books and working at Riverdale Temple Nursery School! She especially loves the warmth of the community, teachers and parents.
Alexandra wants you to know that her doors are always open, and she will always strive to do what is best for our teachers and families.
More about the nursery school here!
Contact:
director@riverdaletemplens.org
(718) 796-0335 or (718) 548-3800 x 2
Judy Weinberg
Education and Engagement Specialist, Simcha Learning Center
Judy’s philosophy of Jewish education and engagement is to strive to provide a warm and inviting environment in which children and parents enjoy coming to synagogue, whether for the Simcha Learning Center, a family program or services. Judy believes that we must offer our families a rich foundation and a wealth of knowledge. Striving to provide opportunities to explore and make friends and feel part of a caring community in a creative, fun, hands-on and interesting format. Engaging the minds and souls of our current and future generation.
Judy, American born, grew up in Israel. After serving in the Israeli Air Force and receiving her BA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Judy returned to the United States to work as Director of Student Activities at Brandeis Hillel where she received her first Master’s degree in Management for Non-Profit Organizations. She earned a second Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew College. Jewish Education has been a lifelong passion.
More about the Simcha Learning Center here!
Contact:
SLC@riverdaletemple.org
(718) 548-3800 x6