Our Team

Dan Tatar guides The iCenter’s strategic direction and champions its mission to inspire meaningful, lasting connections with Israel. A recognized leader in experiential Israel education, he brings more than 25 years of experience creating transformative learning and engagement across communities in North America and beyond. Previously, Dan served as The iCenter’s Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, developing and stewarding initiatives that strengthened relationships with Israel and Israelis through innovative, impactful programs.

He is an inaugural council member of Voice of the People, a global initiative of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, working to deepen ties across Jewish communities worldwide. Dan also serves on the board of the Alliance for Jewish Theatre, supporting the intersection of Jewish storytelling and the arts. His academic work includes developing curriculum such as “Navigating AI” and “Academic Integrity” for AI Academy and CourseHero, and co-authoring articles on education, identity, and pedagogy. Drawing on his background as a television and stage actor, Dan brings a creative, dynamic approach to leadership and learning. He holds graduate degrees in Israel Education (The George Washington University) and Jewish Professional Studies (Spertus Institute), along with certifications in Innovative Strategies and Teaching with AI. (Pronouns: he/him)

Dena Berkman’s deep connection to Israel began through the URJ Eisendrath International Exchange (EIE) program in high school, and grew through many summers at URJ OSRUI as a camper, counselor, and unit head. At The iCenter, Dena serves as Director of Operations and People Strategy, where she strengthens systems and infrastructure, guides organizational culture, and leads people operations functions. She brings over a decade of experience in higher education and education technology, where she excelled at building and growing teams and processes. Dena holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Kansas and received a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Rachel See’s experiences working at summer camp, synagogues, and leading teen Israel trips sparked her path into Jewish education and ultimately to The iCenter, where she joined the inaugural cohort of the iFellows Master’s Concentration in Israel Education in 2011. Rachel holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from UC Berkeley, as well as joint Master’s degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Nonprofit Management from HUC-LA. She is also a graduate of The iCenter’s Master’s degree in Israel Education at the George Washington University.

Rachel serves as Senior Program Director at The iCenter, overseeing The iCenter’s professional development initiatives, and serving as Program Director of the iFellows Master’s Concentration, empowering educators to bring Israel to their learners in meaningful and multifaceted ways.

Rabbi Yehudit Werchow was born in Argentina and raised in Israel. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an M.A. in Religious Education from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York, where she was later ordained at HUC-JIR in Jerusalem.

Yehudit has held senior leadership roles across global Jewish organizations. She served as Director of Israel Engagement for the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) in North America, as the Jewish Agency’s Senior Shlicha to the Reform Movement in both North America and the UK, and as Director of Education for MASA. Throughout her career, she has championed innovative approaches to Israel education, strengthening connections across communities and generations.

Erika Vogel is The iCenter’s Program Director for the Graduate Degree in Israel Education in partnership with the George Washington University. She holds a B.A. in International and Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of Chicago. With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, she brings expertise in policy, the arts, and education. She specializes in building communities and designing academic experiences that inspire connection and growth, guided by her belief that education is a powerful tool for creating a better future.

Or Shemer is a passionate educator committed to creating honest and interactive approaches to fostering connections with, and a deeper understanding of, Israeli society, culture, and geopolitics, and to identifying the role these relationships play in shaping Jewish identity. She is a Wexner-Davidson Fellow and a certified Israeli tour guide. She holds an M.A. in Israel Education from the George Washington University and a B.A. in Israel Studies from the University of Haifa.

Denny Frank was born and raised on Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi in the Upper Galilee and also spent part of her childhood immersed in the Jewish community of New Jersey. Her journey through Jewish life and Israel has taken many forms: from Camp Tawonga in Northern California, to Diller Teen Fellows, Shnat Sherut (“year of service”) in Ayalim on the Gaza border, and work with BINA in Tel Aviv.

During her IDF service, Denny served in the Education Corps, guiding soldiers from challenging backgrounds. She later became the Diller Teen Fellows coordinator in Rishon Lezion for the Greater MetroWest (New Jersey) partnership, and also worked as Community Manager at Haachim, a social impact company in Tel Aviv.

Yotam Wolk is the Senior Shaliach (Emissary) of the Jewish Agency to RootOne and The iCenter. In his current role, Yotam focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and facilitating educational sessions with communities across North America. His work aims to deepen connections between Israel and the Jewish world through experiential, values-driven engagement.

Yotam has worked extensively with Jewish summer camps, both as a staff member and as a trainer for Israeli participants preparing to join camp communities through the Jewish Agency. He also served as the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Yale University, where he helped strengthen Israel education and Jewish life on campus. Yotam holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Communications from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master’s degree in Israel Education from the George Washington University.

Max Pivo is thrilled to serve as the Manager of Partnerships at The iCenter, where he helps connect people, programs, and possibilities across the landscape of Israel education. His work focuses on building meaningful relationships with partners and collaborators, designing initiatives that bring educational vision to life, and ensuring that The iCenter’s resources and expertise reach the individuals and institutions that can benefit from them most.

Max brings to this role a rich background in educational content and facilitation. He previously served as The iCenter’s Education Content Coordinator, where he developed new resources and designed creative approaches to using them in real-world, in-person settings—always with the goal of helping learners and educators find their unique entry points into Israel education.

After graduating from Dartmouth College, where he studied the Middle East, religion, and linguistics, Max earned his M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University. Before joining The iCenter, he spent his summers at Ramah Wisconsin as a counselor and Rosh Eidah (unit head), where his love for immersive, relational education took root.

Rebecca Cohen brings over a decade of experience in talent management, hospitality, and event planning. Known for her ability to create meaningful and memorable experiences, she has a talent for transforming events into engaging, personal celebrations through thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Her connection to Israel began in childhood through her family’s active involvement at their local temple, fostering a lifelong appreciation for Israeli culture and community.

Laura Baruch Sherman’s passion for Jewish communal work stems from her upbringing in Milwaukee, where she was raised by two nonprofit Jewish professionals. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, Laura gained experience in various roles, including Transportation Coordinator for Ramah Day Camp, Director of Membership and Programming at Anshe Emet Synagogue, and Entertainment Project Management at Leo Burnett/Starcom Worldwide.

Dr. Benjamin M. Jacobs directs the graduate programs in Israel Education and is co-director of The Collaboratory: A Center for Jewish Education at the George Washington University. He has spent most of his professional career preparing social studies teachers and Jewish educators for school and non-school settings, and consulting with various Jewish education agencies (including The iCenter, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Taglit-Birthright Israel, and M²) on curriculum, teaching, and research. Ben co-chairs the advisory board of the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE) and the education committee for RootOne. Along with his longtime collaborator Dr. Barry Chazan, Ben created the widely adapted curriculum model, The 18×18 Framework: 18 Jewish Things a Young Jew Should Know, Care About, and Be Able to do by Age 18.

Ami currently serves as the Director of Camp Ramah Nyack. Ami was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in May 2012 with a concentration in Jewish non-profit management. In 2013, he also received a master’s degree in Jewish education from the Davidson School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary with a Concentration in Israel Education from The iCenter.

Previously, Ami taught fourth grade at the Solomon Schechter School of Greater Hartford. Ami holds degrees in Elementary Education and Judaic Studies. Ami was a winner of the 2012 Jewish Futures Competition. In addition, he is an alumnus of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and an iCenter Israel Education Fellow. He is married to Loni Hersh and has four children.

Amy Friedkin is the first woman to lead America’s pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee), from 2002 to 2004. Still active in AIPAC, Friedkin meets regularly with our country’s leaders in Congress to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong and secure. Friedkin is also President of ISRAEL21c, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization and the publisher of an English-language online news magazine focusing on 21st century Israel. A native of San Francisco, Friedkin raised her two sons and became a leader in just about every aspect of Jewish life in the Bay Area, including President of her Federation. She and her husband, Morton, have deep ties to the Jewish State. They were married in Jerusalem, built two homes there and visit often.

Bruce has been an active member of the Jewish Community his entire life.  He has served on the Board of Directors of many Jewish organizations including Beth Israel Center in Madison, Wisconsin, Hillel Foundation at the University of Wisconsin, Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University, and Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach Counties as well as the Jewish Federation in Madison, Wisconsin.

In Florida, Bruce has been active at the Jewish Federation of Broward County, where he currently serves on both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He has previously served as a Board Member and Past President of Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE).  Jewish education has been Bruce’s long-time passion.  He has both taught and written curriculum for the Reform Movement, served as Chair of the Judaica High School in Madison, Wisconsin, and has taught at Judaica High School of Broward CAJE.  He is currently on the faculty of the Institute for Jewish Knowledge and Learning (IJKL) for lifelong learners in Broward County. He has served as a Donor and Board Advisor to the Center of Jewish Studies at the University of Florida and Arizona State University.

When not serving the Jewish Community, Bruce has built and sold several healthcare and healthcare technology companies. He recently retired from active business but currently sits on the Board of Directors of multiple healthcare organizations and consults on succession and strategic planning for closely held firms.

Bruce is currently pursuing his lifelong dream of obtaining a Doctoral Degree at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Of all of his achievements and activities, Bruce is most proud of his six children and hopes that they carry on his passion and commitment to Judaism.

Bruce is the Managing Member and founder of Axcel Partners, a private equity investment partnership. Amongst its’ currently p01tfolio of investments is majority ownership in two Israeli technology companies.

Bruce has focused his philanthropic efforts principally on activities tied to Jewish life on campus and Israel. Bruce served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Hillel International and remains actively involved in the organization. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency and of MASA. Bruce was a founding board member of Tamid, a campus-based organization that connects business-minded college students to Israel. He is a member of the Board of Governors of The Technion. He was previously Chair of the Board of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and was a long-time member of the Board of JFNA.

Mr. Sholk received a Masters in Business Administration from Carnegie-Mellon University. He and his wife, Beth Kaplan, have two sons.

As Associate Vice President at Campaign JUF, Caryn Peretz manages the Donor Officer Program, a network of professional fundraisers throughout the institution. In 2002, in response to the anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, Caryn founded ZAP (Zionist Advocacy Program), Chicago’s first non-denominational Israel advocacy program for public high school students. Caryn spent four years reaching thousands of teenagers, leading the way in dynamic teen Israel learning and activities.

Previously, Caryn served as Director of Young Leadership Division (YLD). She pioneered a new outreach strategy, creating YLD’s Big Event – the highest attended fundraising event in YLD history. YLD’s Big Event has since become the largest gathering of young adult Jews in the US. Caryn has actively served on the executive committee of AIPAC’s Young Leadership Council.

David Matlow is a corporate and securities law partner at Goodmans LLP in Toronto. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto and a member of the board of directors of the Ontario Jewish Archives and the National Marketing Committee of Israel Bonds (Canada). Previously, David served as co-chair of Toronto’s 2015 Campaign for the United Jewish Appeal.

David is the owner of the world’s largest private collection of Theodor Herzl memorabilia. Together with Israeli film maker, Eli Tal-El, he produced a 52-minute documentary called My Herzl, which explores the continued relevance of the life and work of Theodor Herzl. My Herzl has been screened at film festivals and other venues. David exhibits his collection and speaks about Herzl to inspire people to work to complete Herzl’s dream.

Jeff Kopin is a practicing internal medicine physician in Chicago and a faculty member of the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University. He serves as senior vice-president and chief medical officer of the North Region of Northwestern Medicine.

Jeff’s leadership in the community includes service as board president of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago and president of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. Jeff recently concluded a four-year tenure as president of the National Ramah Commission, the international organization of the Ramah Camping Movement. He also was a long-time board member and committee chair of the Jewish Federation/Jewish United Fund of Chicago.

Jeff and his wife, Beth, split their time between homes in Chicago and Jerusalem.

Kfir Damari is an Israeli entrepreneur, engineer, researcher, lecturer, and communications and information security expert. Kfir began his study of software back in elementary school, and at age 11 he had already written his first computer virus. Kfir served as an officer in an elite technology unit in the IDF Intelligence Corps in the field of cyber. He earned a BS and MS in Communication Systems Engineering from Ben Gurion University. Damari is also the founder of the Tabookey and Metapacket information security companies, which supply information security services and protect organizational groups from spyware and targeted attacks through the cloud. Before establishing SpaceIL, Kfir managed several research and development groups at various companies and was a lecturer at Ben Gurion and Tel Aviv Universities and at the Academic Management College.

Richard Bernstein has long been active in the Jewish Federation community and has worked on behalf of many Jewish causes. He is an alumnus of the UJA Young Leadership Cabinet (a predecessor to JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet). Richard serves on the boards of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Jewish Federations of North America, World ORT, and more than 15 other Jewish non-profit boards.

Bernstein formally was senior counsel with the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig, PA, in Miami where he specialized in corporate transactional law, mergers and acquisition, international law, and private and public financing matters. Bernstein has been listed in the prestigious The Best Lawyers in America for each year from 2005 through 2020.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and MBA studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a law degree (cum laude) from the University of Miami School of Law. Richard earned his certificate as a CPA in the State of Florida in 1978 (currently inactive).

He currently is in private practice focusing on the consolidations, mergers, reconstitutions, and dissolutions of non-profit organizations as a result of more than 15 transactions of this kind that Bernstein was involved with as both a lay leader and as an independent lawyer.

Sidney is a stalwart figure within the Jewish community, wielding extensive leadership experience across various pivotal Jewish organizations. His journey in communal service began with a two-year tenure as the University of Miami Hillel Chair, where he fostered vibrant engagement among students. This experience catalyzed a four-year stewardship as Chair of the International Board of Hillel, where Sidney’s vision and dedication propelled the organization’s global impact.

Sidney’s leadership journey is punctuated by a steadfast dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a deep connection to Israel. This commitment is exemplified by his active participation in five Birthright Israel trips, where he relished the role of a mentor and guide.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sidney has held critical positions, including Chair of the Board Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Center for Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) in Miami, and The iCenter. His leadership acumen is further underscored by his past roles as President of Bet Shira Congregation and as a member of the Executive Board of Boston University Hillel.

Sidney is deeply ingrained in the Jewish community’s fabric, having led and participated in eleven Marches of the Living. His unwavering commitment to preserving Jewish heritage and fostering a vibrant communal life continues to inspire generations. As the current Chair of the Board of the Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Sidney remains at the forefront of shaping a resilient and thriving Jewish future.