Meet the Faculty

The faculty of the Jewish Study Network is composed is Jewish scholars with a variety of experiences and backgrounds.
See below for more information on individual members of our team.

Rabbi Joey Felsen

Rabbi Joey Felsen, Founder and Executive Director of the JSN, hails from Toronto, Canada. A skilled educator, Rabbi Felsen teaches classes at the JCCs in Palo Alto and Los Gatos, as well as a host of other venues. He is the founding Board President of Meira Academy and a recipient of the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt National Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. [email protected]

Rabbi Avi Lebowitz

Rabbi Avi Lebowitz received his ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore and a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University. An expert in the realm of Halacha (Jewish law), Rabbi Lebowitz published a comprehensive and scholarly work on the Mikvah (ritual bath), which includes an innovative commentary on the related Mishnaic tractate. He is also a certified mohel with a stellar reputation thoughout the Bay Area. [email protected]

Rabbi Yonatan Banai

Born in Israel, Yonatan Banai holds a Law degree with Human Rights honors from Birmingham City University. Following his studies, he dedicated a decade to intensive Torah learning in Jerusalem. Today, Yonatan serves as the Director of Campus Initiative for Jewish Life at Stanford and UC Berkeley, where he builds vibrant student communities, fosters leadership, and empowers the next generation to connect deeply with Jewish tradition and values

Sarah Felsen

Mrs. Sarah Felsen was born in San Francisco and spent her early childhood years in Berkeley before relocating to Queens, NY. She has an M.A. from Columbia University in Learning Disabilities. Sarah teaches 1st grade at the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School and couses in Jewish thought at Meira Academy in Palo Alto. [email protected]

Fia Lebowitz

Mrs. Fia Lebowitz graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Special Education and practices in the Bay Area. In addtion, she is an outstanding teacher of Jewish studies in Meira Academy in Palo Alto and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Yeshiva Preschool in San Jose. Mrs. Lebowitz also serves as the contact person for Bikur Cholim in the region as well, attending to the needs of patients and their families who arrive for medical treatment. The Lebowitzs have six children. [email protected]

Dina Banai

Dina Banai was born in Miami, Florida, and holds a degree in Education and Judaic Studies from Herzog College. With a decade of experience in international consulting, she brings a unique global perspective to her work. Dina now serves as Director of Campus Initiative for Jewish life at Stanford with the JSN, where she is dedicated to advancing Jewish learning, leadership, and community engagement.

Rabbi Yosef and Ariella Begun

Rabbi Dovi and Daniella Bodner

After spending five years in Jerusalem, Ariella & Rabbi Yosef Begun are excited for the next stage of their lives. Yosef hails from Queens, NY, and received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yizchok Berkovits. He enjoys studying and connecting with people from all walks of life, hosting Shabbos meals, and playing tennis.

Ariella, originally from Brooklyn, is a talented and creative Video-editor, and has a master’s degree in social work. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Shmuel and Gadi, and are building a home rooted in Torah and warmth.

Dovi and Daniella Bodner are looking forward to joining the community as they begin this new chapter of their lives. Dovi received semicha from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits in Jerusalem and is passionate about Torah learning, connecting with people, and building real relationships. He also enjoys running and staying active, finding clarity and balance through movement and discipline.

Daniella is a warm, devoted mother with an easygoing, engaging personality. She enjoys connecting with people naturally and bringing lightness, humor, and sincerity into conversations. Together with their son, Shlomo, they are excited to put down roots and become an active, approachable presence within the community.

Rabbi Akiva and Fraidy Tyberg

Akiva and Fraidy Tyberg have spent the last four years living in Jerusalem, where they raised the two cutest children, Dovid Ezriel and Naama, while Akiva studied under Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz. Akiva is an avid reader who enjoys spending time with his family and connecting with people—both old friends and new.

Fraidy, a devoted mother, loves pilates and hanging out. Together, they are excited to join the Palo Alto community and build meaningful relationships!

Rabbi Mordechai and Rivki Perkowski

Mordechai and Rivki Perkowski have spent the past four years living in Yerushalayim, where they have been building their family and growing through learning and community. Mordechai, originally from Monsey, NY, received semicha from Rabbi Yitzchok Berkovits. He values learning with others, forming genuine relationships, and connecting with people in a thoughtful and sincere way. He also prioritizes staying healthy and enjoys running as part of that lifestyle.

Rivki, originally from Los Angeles, is known for her warmth and approachability. She loves working with children and connecting with people, and has a natural ability to make others feel comfortable and valued. She is currently studying toward becoming a personal trainer, combining her love for people with a focus on health and wellbeing. Together with their two sons, Pinny and Dov, Mordechai and Rivki are building a home that is open, welcoming, and grounded in Torah values.