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Get to know JCHS » Our Leadership Team

Our Leadership Team

           Rabbi Aharon Assaraf has been in the field of formal and informal Jewish Education for the last 16 years. After attending Lander College for Men (Queens, NY) he moved to Los Angeles with his family and jumped into a passionate career in Jewish education. While working in a Day School in LA he would simultaneously work towards his Masters in Education through the American Jewish University.
 
          Most recently he was the North America Director for TalentEducators, a special project by the Ministry of Diaspora where he consulted and helped over 200 Jewish schools in North America in various areas of education. Prior to that role he served 5 years as a High School Principal where he mentored and recruited top talent and dynamic teachers in various subjects. Having been a part of a few different administrations in different schools across the US, Rabbi Assaraf understands the industry well, and has always been an advocate for the student, the most important stake holder in the building. “Jewish Education is an integral part of the development of our youth, and a major focus of my life, I want to do everything that I can to make Jewish education awesome!". Rabbi Assaraf lives in Miami Beach with his wife Becky, and their 4 children. 

Passionate about education, and Jewish education specifically, Jennifer Ohana has been teaching English for over 25 years. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Teaching from Boston University, Jennifer taught in France, Israel, and Boston before settling in Miami Beach in 2001.

As a teacher, Jennifer has strived to help students use their English class to better understand the world and find their voice in it. Working in a Jewish day school has enabled her to seamlessly connect her love of literature and written expression with her commitment to Jewish tradition, life, and values. Enabling students to understand and experience this connection has been a source of great personal and professional satisfaction. 

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Jennifer serves as a new teacher mentor, as well as a coach to veteran colleagues. She has been a member of various leadership teams that have brought innovative professional development and pedagogical advancements to her school. In conjunction with her work in school, Jennifer has been an adjudicator for the Scholastic Writing Awards, helping to select local students to advance to the national creative writing competition. 

She is thrilled to be part of Jewish Culture High School as it embodies her educational philosophy, love of Judaism, and commitment to community. As principal, her mission is to provide the most enriching and rewarding learning experience for every student so that each can find meaning in their studies to be active contributors in improving the world. For too long students have seen school as a necessary means to an end and themselves as passive recipients of content. Jennifer is ready to disrupt (in a good way!) this destructive approach to education so that Jewish Culture High School students enjoy a real love of learning and the learning process as they engage in a journey of inquiry, discovery, and growth on their path to college and the professional world.

Born and raised in Miami Beach, Becky Assaraf attended Yeshiva University (Sy Syms School of Business) where she focused on Marketing with a minor in Computer Science. Prior to college, she spent two years studying in Israel at Michlelet Esther & Neve Yerushalayim. Becky has many years of experience in summer camp leadership and working with teens. Some of her hobbies and passions include photography, culinary arts, and fitness. She is excited about her new role and to be spearheading the Admissions Department. Her attention to detail and kind demeanor allow our incoming families to feel comfortable and calm during the intake process. Becky lives in Miami Beach with her husband and four children. We are excited to have Becky join our school leadership team. Welcome to our #culture

Julie Baltimore, MS Ed. has been a progressive educator for over 20 years, always staying true to her belief in the value of meaningful education. “Intellectual curiosity and the value students place on education are greater when they are a part of the process of their education.”

With an extensive background in both General and Special Education, as well as in

Administration, Julie comes to Florida from NYC, with a plethora of experience. She completed her Undergraduate, Masters, and Post Masters Degrees in Brooklyn College, and continues to participate in professional training to enhance her knowledge and skills.


Julie’s career began in Special Education for young students with disabilities and then went on to act as Director of Home Based and Center Based programs for young students with disabilities. She went on to use her knowledge and passion to teach students ranging from preschool to High School. Her belief that each student is an individual and education should meet those needs as opposed to a one size fits all, motivates her to consistently create environments that encourage creativity, security, and a sense of belonging for all. A lover of learning, Julie feels that academic, social, and emotional needs of students are intertwined, and none can function in isolation. As a collaborator, Julie used her principles as the foundation for her success as Dean of Students in a Yeshivah in NYC where she worked closely with staff and students to ensure their success, despite the typical adolescent struggles in and out of the classroom.

 

Along with a team, Julie implemented a leadership program to help develop and foster skills for all students culminating in end of the year events that showcased their talents. As a student advocate throughout her entire career, Julie often served as the representative for the administrative team at parent meetings, student placement, and team meetings to secure any necessary services for students. As a history educator in high school, her skill of bringing history to life made learning fun, meaningful and most of all, relatable.


As a strong proponent of giving back to the community and the world at large, she consistently seeks to connect community to school, encouraging students to know the meaning of being active and engaged members of society. Julie enjoys traveling, playing Scrabble, paddle boarding, skiing, cooking, and most of all spending time with her family. She is eager to share her knowledge, passion and energy with the future leaders of our world at Jewish Culture High School. Julie was the Dean of Students at Magen David Yeshivah for almost 6 years, and has been at Yeshivah of Flatbush High School for the last 2 years. We are excited she is bringing her talents down to South Florida!

Oriya Elharar was raised in South America in a home where Torah values and community engagement were core tenets. She and her family were dedicated community members who constantly helped others, specifically the youth in their community. 
Through their outreach, Oriya understood that our teens are the future of the Jewish people. Her parents' ultimate example as community contributors fostered her desire to create a positive environment for young adults so that they can shine. 
She graduated with a BS in Psychology from Bellevue University, and launched a successful summer program for teens in Miami. Directing a camp for many years allowed her to gain experience in informal education and learn how to address the needs of Jewish teens while nurturing their development. 
She looks forward to finding creative ways to instill love, meaning, and culture in our future Jewish generation. We are excited to welcome Oriya to our school leadership team!

Jarred Axon is a passionate basketball player turned coach. Born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. Jarred developed a love for the game of basketball at an early age. His journey in the sport would take him on an incredible ride, filled with personal triumphs and inspiring achievements.

Playing college basketball first at Schoolcraft College, where he quickly made a name for himself, his talent and dedication caught the attention of scouts, leading to a transfer to Division 1 Eastern Michigan University.

After his collegiate career, Jarred's dreams of playing professional basketball became a reality when he joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA G League. His time with the Mad Ants allowed him to compete at the highest level, further refining his skills and gaining invaluable experience in the world of professional basketball.

As Jarred's playing career reached its twilight, he discovered a new calling as a coach. Driven by his passion for the game and a desire to share his knowledge, he began his coaching journey.

Jarred's coaching career began in his hometown of Jackson, Michigan, where he served as an assistant coach at his alma mater. His dedication to and natural talent for mentoring young athletes were evident as he helped the team through a successful season. 

In 2012, Jarred decided to make a leap and relocated to the Miami area. He began at the Jewish Community Center in Miami Beach where he coached and directed teams to success for 10 years. He sought new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in the basketball landscape. His ambition led him to Hebrew Academy in 2018, where he assumed the role of head coach. Under Jarred's leadership, the team experienced a remarkable season , achieving a District Final and Regional appearance.

In 2021, Jarred's coaching path took him to Miami Beach Senior High. Taking on the role of head coach once again, Jarred led the team to success. Doubling the team's win totals in both of his first two seasons, he instilled a winning culture and inspired his players to reach new heights. 

Throughout his coaching career, Jarred Axon has consistently demonstrated his ability to motivate and inspire his players, helping them unlock their full potential on and off the court. His strategic approach, combined with his unwavering dedication to the sport, has propelled him to become a respected and sought-after basketball coach in the Miami area.

As Jarred Axon continues his coaching journey, he remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of his players, guiding them to become not only better athletes but also well-rounded individuals. With his relentless pursuit of excellence, unwavering passion for the game, and remarkable ability to inspire others, Jarred looks forward to the future at Jewish Culture High School!