Our Leadership Team
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.
We are excited to welcome Rabbi Ariel Tal as Director of Judaic Studies and Mashgiach Ruchani. Rabbi Tal’s passion in life is enabling Judaism to be accessible, engaging, and relevant to each community and organization he serves. Fueled by his MBA background and an understanding that good marketing fosters lifelong loyalty, he finds creative ways to make Judaism more accessible and market its relevance to the Jewish world at large. His life’s mission is advancing the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and elevating the world through the promotion and integration of Jewish values in the world today.
Rabbi Tal’s comprehensive educational background will serve JCHS students well. He received his rabbinic training through Straus-Amiel Institute of Ohr Torah Stone and his Bachelor of Education from Ohalo College in Katzrin, Israel. He went on to earn his MBA, majoring in Marketing & Advertising, from Ono Academic College in Kiryat Ono, Israel.
Rabbi Tal has served in many roles, including his previous role as Senior Rabbi of the Wellington Jewish Community in New Zealand. His responsibilities included overseeing marketing, teaching in both formal and informal settings, and business development, as well as serving as program director, youth director, Assistant Rabbi, and Senior Rabbi. He oversaw the engagement of all Jewish life in Wellington and in remote places around New Zealand from cradle to grave, Kosher certification, managing the educational programs for ages 5 – 18, young adults and adults, and counseling community members. In addition, he represented the Jewish community on all interfaith councils. A Rabbi of a small community must be a Jack-Of-All-Trades, and Rabbi Tal is very comfortable in that role. Before moving to New Zealand, Rabbi Ariel Tal worked with high school students exclusively as NCSY Director in Vancouver, Canada, and as part of the Chorev High School Yeshiva Kolel in Jerusalem for two years.
When he is not teaching, working on a new project, or with his beautiful wife, Rachel, his five lovely daughters, and their dog, Muksah, you can catch Rabbi Tal riding his bike around town, catching up with sports, playing guitar, or learning a piece of Talmud or Torah.
Rabbi Tal feels honored to be part of the leadership team of Jewish Culture High School, paving the way for the future of Jewish education in South Florida and around the world. As the Director of Judaic Studies and Mashgiach Ruchani, he will be providing the tools and inspiration for our students to make Judaism and Jewish engagement the main focus in their lives, whether it be in the Jewish professional world, as lay leaders, or as they build Jewish homes in their future. Rabbi Tal feels deeply that the time to invest in the next generation is in their youth, and we have the opportunity to build that future together.
He can’t wait to begin this exciting journey.
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!
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!
