A School You Can Call Your Own

Mr. Ofier Sigal

General Studies Principal

Ofier Sigal is a seasoned administrator with 32 years of experience in the education field. Ofier has come up through the ranks by beginning his tenure as an assistant teacher in a dual–language school. Earning his educational degrees allowed Ofier to become a master educator. He has a unique blend of leadership and instructional skills –the ability to translate his vision and the school’s mission into measurable actions. Ofier was recently the General Studies Principal at North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, New York, for grades 1 – 8. Since June 2016, Ofier has led an increase in enrollment and delivered student growth using data-driven decisions to identify the needs of all students. As the Director of Operations at Mott Hall Charter School, he managed the operations team and internal and external school communications. Ofier was also tasked with implementing an ambitious and sustainable school–comprehensive technology plan, including professional development for the teachers. New Visions Charter School for the Humanities is one of 7 schools on the JFK campus, the second largest New York City Department of Education campus. Ofier took a very active leadership role being the liaison between all schools and managing the shared space calendar. At Solomon Schechter School of Queens, he drove the school into the 21st century by acquiring Smartboards for every classroom and providing over 40 hands-on hours of training and mentoring all teachers, so they become experts. Ofier was also instrumental in retaining every middle school instructor and thus reducing turnover and coaching new teachers. Ofier also became an authority in high school placement in New York City. His success rate was excellent, matching 93% of his students to their first-choice top-performing high school over ten years. Ofier is highly regarded and embraces our individualized learning approach. But most of all, he's a student advocate, embraces and appreciates our Sephardic culture, and loves to work with our kids.

Rabbi Yossef Bitton

Judaic Studies Principal

Our Judaic Studies Principal is Rabbi Yosef Bitton, who has a deep passion for Jewish Education and extensive experience in the field. He holds Rabbinical ordination from the chief rabbinate of Israel, as well as a Dayanut ordination from Rabbi Obadia Yosef z”l. Rabbi Bitton graduated in Jewish Studies from Bar Ilan University and studied for his MA at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He previously served as a Judaic Principal and Rabbi of Jewish schools in Argentina and Uruguay and is currently the Rabbi of School for Shalom Early Childhood and the UMJCA Talmud Torah Program. Rabbi Bitton's vision for teaching is to promote "Intelligent Judaism," which equips students with a modern Orthodox and Zionist Judaic lens to navigate the modern world. He is also designing the Ivrit curriculum in the Sephardic tradition, using the Torah as a basis to teach Hebrew with classic Sephardic taamim.

Mrs. Shirin Rahmani

Elementary Transitional Liason

Mrs. Shirin Rahmani is the Elementary Transitional Liason, assisting Mr. Sigal in curriculum development and implementation, daily routines, and procedures. Additionally, she will continue with her dual roles at Shalom Early Childhood Center as Associate Director & Pre-K Teacher. With 11 years of educational experience, she holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), a Post Master’s Degree in Students with Special Needs, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education & Psychology. Shirin has worked tirelessly to bridge Shalom & MESA and we know she will continue to be a tremendous asset to both entities!

Rabbi Adam Sabzevari

Judaic Studies Assistant Principal

Rabbi Adam Sabzevari is our Judaic Studies Assistant Principal. Rabbi Sabzevari is an esteemed student of Rabbi Eliyahoo Ben Haim and has been serving as Rabbi for the community for 11 years, with an extensive background in teaching and Jewish education. He currently serves on MESA’s Board of Jewish Education and is now working on his Master's in Education while supporting the Judaic curriculum.

Daniela Gemal

Director of Guidance

Daniela Karmely Gemal, LMSW, is an exceptionally qualified school social worker and a compassionate clinical therapist, specializing in providing counseling services to children, individuals, and families. She possesses a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from CUNY's Queens College, which has laid a solid academic foundation for her unwavering commitment to fostering the well-being and growth of her students. Throughout her career, Daniela has amassed a wealth of experience, having served as a dedicated Guidance Counselor at Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB) and fulfilled the role of a Social Work Intern at Yeshiva Har Torah. Her professional journey began as a devoted Teacher at Bnos Malka Academy, where she fine-tuned her abilities in nurturing student development and progress. Daniela’s Sephardic heritage has given her a rich understanding of multicultural values and perspectives, enabling her to effectively connect and engage with individuals from all cultural traditions. Drawing upon her diverse background and extensive expertise, Daniela is wholly committed to making a positive impact on the lives our students and families at Magen Ephraim Sephardic Academy. Her paramount goal is to ensure the comprehensive well-being and success of each student, firmly establishing herself as a key advocate for their growth and happiness.