Rabbi Eitan Monesa

Rabbi Eitan Monesa, is our new 1st grade boys rebbe. He was born and raised in Santa Monica and has learned in multiple yeshivas around the world for many years, the most of which, in Shor Yoshuv. He learned in Shor Yoshuv, a yeshiva in Far Rockaway, NY, for almost six years, earning his talmudic degree and smicha from the Rosh HaYeshiva, Harav Naftali Jaeger. He also has his Psychology degree, which he earned from UCLA. He grew up playing sports such as football and basketball, so besides his passion for learning torah, children, and teaching, he also loves athletics. 

To contact Rabbi Monesa, email [email protected]. 

Rabbi Mordechai Azran 

Rabbi Mordechai Azran is 28 years old, married to his dear wife Rivka, and the proud father of three. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball. He was born and raised in Jerusalem, where he studied at a yeshiva in Moshav Kisalon. After getting married, he began working with teenagers, particularly those facing challenges. He taught for three years at Yeshivat Holyland, a school for at-risk youth. He then completed a two-year professional training program at Yeshivat Ohr Somayach as part of the “Or Lagolah” initiative. Following his studies, his family moved to Las Vegas for a year of shlichut (educational outreach). There, he worked at a Mesivta and led evening activities for Israeli teens. On weekends, he helped organize programs and events for the broader community. As an educator, his vision is to help every student recognize their strengths and inner potential. He believes that each child is capable of success, and it is our responsibility as educators to guide them—each in their own unique way—toward achieving it. He is truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to join Emek, and he looks forward to working alongside such a dedicated and inspiring team.

To contact Rabbi Mordechai Azran, email [email protected]. 

Hope Birnbaum

Hope Birnbaum earned her bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, where she also completed the Education Program. She then moved to Los Angeles and began her teaching career at Maimonides Academy while attending the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education. At USC, Hope completed her master’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Reading and Writing as well as a Reading Certification. She has many years of experience both teaching in the classroom and tutoring. Hope and her husband are the proud parents of three wonderful children. Morah Hope loves being part of the extraordinary Emek family and looks forward to another wonderful year teaching the First Grade Girls!

To contact Morah Hope Birnbaum, email [email protected]. 

Emunah Shamekh

Emunah Shamekh is our 1st grade Torah Studies teacher this year. Morah Emunah grew up here in Los Angeles and has attended Bais Yaakov for highschool and Meohr Teachers Seminary for a year in Israel. She has her degree in Psychology and has had the privilege to teach for the past 4 years. Morah Emunah has a passion for spreading Hashem's Torah and mitzvot through a loving, engaging, and inclusive classroom atmosphere. She is excited and looking forward to learn, grow and connect with all her students this year Beezrat Hashem! 

to contact Emunah Shamekh, email [email protected]. 

Nava Elyassi

Morah Nava Elyassi earned her bachelor’s degree with a strong focus on child development and psychology. She has extensive experience working with children in both small and large settings and is deeply passionate about teaching.
Her approach to education centers on meeting each child where they are, nurturing their individual strengths, and guiding them toward their fullest potential. She strives to create a warm, supportive, and growth-oriented classroom environment where every student feels valued.
Morah Nava is thrilled to be part of the Emek community and looks forward to fostering a year filled with learning, growth, and joy.

To contact Nava Elyassi, email [email protected]. 

Hannah Gross

Hannah Gross is thrilled to be the General Studies Teacher for First Grade Boys at Emek. Originally from Simi Valley, CA, she moved to North Hollywood in July 2024. She holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a B.A. in English, and a certification as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. Hannah has extensive experience teaching 1st-4th grade in the classroom as well as online ESL instruction across multiple grade levels. From a young age, she felt called to be a teacher and is grateful to fulfill her lifelong dream of educating Jewish children. In her classroom, Morah Hannah fosters a warm and nurturing environment, rooted in the belief that “Our Class Is A Family.” She is dedicated to helping her students grow emotionally, academically, and socially while encouraging them to love one another and reminding them they are loved and cherished by their teachers, parents, and beautifully created by HaShem.

To contact Hannah Gross, email [email protected].

Rivka Azran

Rivka is 26 years old and the proud mother of three wonderful children. She was born and raised in Bnei Brak, and one of her hobbies is dancing. She holds a degree in Education and Computer Science. After getting married, she began working in the tech field. Five years later, her family had the opportunity to go on shlichut, which brought them to Las Vegas. There, she had the privilege of teaching first grade. Baruch Hashem, we have now been guided here, and she is truly excited to begin her role as a first-grade teacher at Emek. She looks forward to meeting and working with the incredible Emek staff!

To contact Ravka Azran, email [email protected].