Meet Our Simcha Learning Center Educators
MICHELLE SHTEINGART
Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Teacher
Hi, my name is Michelle Shteingart. I have been at Riverdale Temple for many years and teaching my class on Sunday mornings is the highlight of my week. I absolutely love spending time with my students and teaching them all about the Jewish holidays and values we cherish. Each week we have a blast going over different subjects, singing songs and doing art projects. I live in Riverdale with my husband and three children who attend SAR Academy/High School. During the week I am a nursery assistant teacher at Kinneret Day School and over the summer I am the Director of Camp Shemesh at Stein Yeshiva. I grew up not far from here in Scarsdale, New York and attended Bar-Ilan University in Israel for one year, where I met my husband at 18. From there I attended Binghamton University before settling down and moving to Riverdale.
HILLARY EDELSON
Third and Fourth Grade Teacher
Hillary Edelson was born in California, grew up in New Jersey, and is now proud to call Riverdale home. She loves to travel, partake in a variety of art classes, and is an animal lover through and through! Hillary is a personable and passionate educator who teaches through an engaging hands-on learning approach to reach children of all ages. Teaching the importance and beauty that lie within the values, traditions, and holiday customs within Judaism has become a great passion of hers, as she has been a part of many different Jewish communities. Hillary received a dual MST in Childhood General and Special Education from Pace University, and has been teaching at S.A.R. Academy in Riverdale for 9 years and is thrilled to have joined the Riverdale Temple’s Simcha Learning Center this year, and teaches third and fourth grade Torah stories, Jewish values, holidays and life cycle events. Hillary looks forward to future years with the community!
MICHAEL BILLET
Fifth Grade Teacher
Michael is extremely passionate about teaching Torah and inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders. He loves connecting with Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations. Michael’s commitment to the wider Jewish Riverdale community extends beyond the Simcha Learning Center. After receiving Rabbinical ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, Michael joined the Judaic Studies faculty of Kinneret Day School. Michael is known for using his sense of humor and upbeat personality to connect with his students and model a love of Jewish education. Michael is pleased to be teaching at the Simcha Learning Center for a second year. He is teaching 5th grade Jewish Life Cycle Events, The Torah portion of the week and the values we can learn and be inspired by and Jewish holidays. Michael is an amazing story teller and engages his self-identify with lively discussion, educational games and the arts.
