Mr. Lubner holds a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Cape Town. He learned in Yeshivat Har Etzion for six years, where he also served as the Director of their Overseas students program. Mr. Lubner did his undergraduate training in

Education at the Herzog College of Education in Alon Shevut, Israel. Mr. Lubner is a graduate of Bar Ilan University’s Educational Leadership Advancement Initiative, The William Davidson Graduate School of Education’s Day School Leadership Training Institute and Harvard University’s Art of Leadership program. Mr. Lubner is currently pursuing his Certification in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School.

Mr. Lubner has had over 10 years of experience in High School education and administration first at the Yeshivah of Flatbush High School, where he served as the Assistant Principal, Chair of Science and teacher of both Judaic and General studies and most recently at Shulamith HIgh School for Girls where he was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Lubner is passionate about teaching and learning. He defines himself, first and foremost, as a student of teaching and pedagogy He is dedicated to teaching excellence, promoting reflective practice and supporting teachers in developing their craft. Mr. Lubner is a qualified New Teacher Mentor and also serves as an Instructional Coach to teachers nationwide.

For the past 15 years, Mr. Lubner has been an active tour guide for Heritage trips in Poland, leading youth groups from all over the world. In 2013, Mr. Lubner was selected to join a group of North American educators to produce curriculum materials to accompany the permanent exhibit in the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. Mr. Lubner joined a group of educators at Yad Vashem in Israel to enhance the educational goals of youth trips in Poland.

Mr. Lubner is a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Mrs. Hefter holds a Bachelor’s Degree and the School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS) and School District Administrator (SDA) licenses from the New York State Education Department. She is also a practicing immigration attorney and holds the Juris Doctor (JD) Law License.   

Mrs. Hefter joined the administration of YDE Boys High School in its second year and has been part of the growing YDE family ever since. She plans and directs all phases of the college guidance program, working diligently to ensure that each YDE senior is admitted to several colleges. She possesses deep knowledge of online applications: CUNY, SUNY, Private and Ivy League Colleges. She has complete familiarity with the Common Application filing process and the required supporting documentation. Mrs. Hefter ensures that all deadlines are met and maintains strong communication with parents and students. She possesses excellent writing skills for essay assistance and recommendation letters. 

Mrs. Hefter also assists in all phases of the SAT and ACT registration and testing. She has implemented a mandatory, curriculum-based SAT program for all Juniors from September through June and runs small meetings with parents to inform of college readiness and changes on the college campuses. Mrs. Hefter has assisted our students to apply and receive significant scholarships to many private and public colleges. At YDE, Mrs. Hefter also teaches a popular Introduction to Law class, focusing on criminal and business law, as well as current legal issues.

Prior to coming to YDE, Mrs. Hefter was Director of College Guidance for 16 years at Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, Davis-Renov- Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys (DRS). At DRS, she also taught an English class and a popular Law Class and was Coach to the Debate Team.

Rabbi Naftali Braunstein grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and attended local Yeshivot. He is the son of the famed Mrs.Zahava Braunstein A”H, who was instrumental in teaching and guiding the women and girls of the Syrian community in Brooklyn for many years. He spent many years in Israel, before and after marriage, where he trained as a Rabbi, and taught and mentored in various different Yeshivot. Rabbi Braunstein moved back to America, and served as Rosh Yeshiva/Dean of Students in the Yeshiva in Waterbury, Connecticut. Rabbi Braunstein joined YDE at its inception, and currently heads the YDE Bet Midrash track and is Director of the Judaic Honors program. He teaches classes to all of the grades in Honors Judaic Studies, serves as Mashgiah Ruhani to the Yeshiva, and is the Judaic faculty advisor.

Rabbi Eli Kuessous, son of the late community leader, Rabbi Moshe Kuessous A”H, was raised in Deal, New Jersey, and attended Yeshiva in Riverdale, New York. After finishing his studies in Israel, Rabbi Kuessous was part of Rabbi Bitton’s Syrian Kollel in Lakewood, New Jersey for close to nine years. From there he went on to teach at a Sephardic post high school Torah program in Monsey, New York and in Rabbi Diamond’s Kollel in Deal, NJ. Following in his father’s footsteps, Rabbi Eli Kuessous devotes his life instilling Torah into our community. He is a sought after speaker and educator, who is known for his ability to connect with his audience on every level. Rabbi Kuessous is currently teaching Gemara, Humash and Navi in YDE.

Rabbi Avi Salem was born and raised in Israel, where he attended the finest Yeshivot. He spent many years educating and mentoring our Syrian community boys in Israel. He is also a co-founder of the popular camp, Mahane Yisrael. Rabbi Salem moved to New York to help continue the growth of YDE. He is also involved in a popular Shabbat Minyan for boys in Shaare Zion.

Rabbi Salem is our Dean of Students and is instrumental in maintaining proper decorum in YDE. He maintains a close connection with all of the students, and is instrumental in helping them grow into mature, responsible young adults.

Rabbi Eli Shemesh is known for his warmth and ability to connect with boys of all types. Raised in Israel, Rabbi Shemesh was fortunate to attend prominent Yeshivot, where he formed relationships with many Gedolim, including Rav Chaim Kanievsky. With the understanding of Hinuch and proper teaching methods he acquired, Rabbi Shemesh now teaches eleventh grade Gemara. Utilizing his talents, he has initiated many successful teen programs. One popular program that YDE students have benefited from is the Esh Summer Learning Program. Additionally, Rabbi Eli teaches and helps run the Shaare Zion nightly program. Needless to say, the boys of YDE are gaining tremendously from Rabbi Shemesh’s expertise in Hinuch and remarkable abilities.

After graduating as valedictorian from his hometown high school yeshiva in New Haven, Connecticut, Rabbi Turner spent several years in Israel learning in Yeshiva. Upon returning to

America, he attended university and Yeshiva Torah Vodaat, where he received Semiha from Rabbi Avrohom Pam, z”l. Rabbi Turner is the former director of Project Care and Concern, a community based mentoring program. With many years in the education system, he is widely known as an exceptionally dedicated and approachable educator. The lasting relationships he has forged with our current students, as well as alumni, speak volumes for themselves.

Rabbi Kamin comes to YDE with many years of experience in educational leadership. He received Semicha from Rav Daniel Channan of Beit Shemesh after completing many years of Torah study at Yeshivah Zichron Aryeh/Kollel Ner Yehoshua. Rabbi Kamin received his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching Learning Disabilities from Teachers College Columbia University and his Bachelor’s Degree from Nyack College in Organizational Management. He has done extensive continuing education in behavioral management as it pertains to both school and home based issues. 

Rabbi Kamin has had many years of experience in school education and administration. Most recently, Rabbi Reuven Kamin served as the Program Coordinator of the PTACH Program at Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin Elementary and High School. He has a private practice focusing on behavioral and educational needs. He has extensive experience in working with teachers and parents regarding behavioral and academic/curriculum management issues. He is the Head Counselor of Camp Chaverim- a camp for individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. Rabbi Kamin previously served as the Principal of the Torah Academy, Priority-1’s Alternative High School, for 9 years.  

We are looking forward to Rabbi Kamin being an integral part of our exceptional educational leadership team. Rabbi Kamin will be working very closely with our students and parents, particularly those who are receiving “extra services” through the Board of Education. He hopes to ensure that all of our students reach their fullest potential. 

Rabbi Amon joined the YDE faculty in September of 2019. He teaches a ninth grade Gemara shiur and implements inspiring and meaningful extra-curricular programming for students in all grades. 

Growing up in a home imbued with hinuch and with an importance of positively influencing others, Rabbi Amon also had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of some tremendous Rabbis and Rashe yeshivot including Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt’l and Rabbi Yosef Elefant, shalita. After several years of learning at Bet Midrash Gavoah, he took a position in Yeshivat Mekor Haim, where he taught for 10 years. Rabbi Amon also founded and directs the very popular DSY Learning Program each summer in the Synagogue of Deal. We are excited to have Rabbi Amon as part of our staff and we look forward to our students benefitting from his multi-faceted talents.