Staff & Faculty

Menahel

HaRav Ami Zeiger

A native of Philadelphia, Harav Ami Zeiger began his Yeshiva career learning in Yeshivas Bais Moshe under HaRav Yaakov Shnaidman. He then went on to Eretz Yisroel to learn by Reb Dovid Soleiveitchik, and afterwards learned in BMG. In 2009 Harav Zeiger came to South Bend to be a Rebbi in the Yeshiva. In the 2016 restructuring, with his years of experience in chinuch and administration, HaRav Zeiger was appointed as the Menahel.

24/7/365. This is an apt description of HaRav Zeiger. His dynamic, dedicated, and tireless leadership has given the Yeshiva its unique and palpable Torah atmosphere and he has been chiefly responsible for the overall simcha and belonging that the bochrim and staff alike feel towards the Yeshiva.

rebbi

HaRav Yaakov Bechhofer

Harav Yaakov Bechhofer is an esteemed and beloved Rebbi in the Yeshiva. Originally from Washington Heights, he spent 15 years learning in Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, Baltimore, where he was zocheh to develop a personal kesher with the Rosh HaYeshiva Harav Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman zt”l and later with Harav Yaakov Weinberg zt”L and and HaRav Yaakov Kulefsky zt”l. Coming straight to South Bend in the 1980’s to spread Torah, Harav Bechhofer has been teaching the Yeshiva bochrim for decades. He brings a warmth and steadiness to the Yeshiva, and his wide breadth of knowledge makes him an invaluable resource to the students and Rebbeim alike.

Rebbi

HaRav Yisrael Frankel

Originally from Monsey, NY, HaRav Yisrael Frankel, learned in the yeshiva of South Fallsburg before going on to E”Y where he learned in Reb Sholom Shechter’s Yeshiva and studied in Kollel. He came back to the states to join the South Bend Community Kollel, where he learned for 3 years. HaRav Frankel can often be found in the Bais Medrish studying one on one with talmidim and exuding excitement for learning with his warm and magnetic personality. Rabbi Frankel has brought a touch of in-town yeshiva style to the Yeshiva and the talmidim treasure the glimpse into the broader Torah world that Rabbi Frankel brings to his shiur room.

GENERAL STUDIES PRINCIPAL

Mr. Anthony Koontz

Mr. Anthony Koontz is our General Studies Principal, and in conjunction with Rabbi Zeiger, has designed a curriculum expressly suited for a Yeshiva High School. Mr. Koontz evaluates the effectiveness of the curriculum, ensures that it satisfies State of Indiana requirements, and makes recommendations to Rabbi Zeiger. In addition, he has assembled a general studies staff consisting of teachers from local high schools, who bring experience and expertise to the classroom. A principal and central office administrator of over 30 years in the public-school system, Mr. Koontz brings to the Yeshiva a wealth of knowledge and experience.

SCIENCE TEACHER

Mr. Sean Haas

Mr. Sean Haas is a father, husband and life-long resident of South Bend, IN; and has been an employee of the congregation since 2005. Beginning as a sous chef in the kitchen, and later serving as a teacher in the classroom of subjects ranging from P.E. to Social Studies, Mr. Haas has dedicated a significant portion of his adult life to serving the Jewish community of South Bend through his employment. He graduated in 2009 from Indiana University South Bend and previously served in the United States Army from 2000-2004. 

MATH TEACHER

Robert Haas

Robert Haas has been a Mathematics high school teacher for 26 years (4 at Marian High School and 22 at Mishawaka High School). He has a BA in Mathematics and a BS and MA in Education. He is AP certified and HLC certified to teach both Dual Credit and ACP courses through IU. He has taught for 22 years at YSB in the afternoons.

PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY TEACHER

Mike Mcguire

Mike Mcguire has a very impressive background that the students find fascinating. He earned a B.S. in forestry from Michigan State University, as well an M.A. in Education from the University of Phoenix. He was a science teacher at Mishawaka High School. There he taught Biology, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, and an engineering class on Environmental Sustainability through the Project Lead the Way organization. Mike has been a teacher here since 2017 and loves to share his passion for the sciences with the students.

SPANISH & ENGLISH TEACHER

Joshua Miller

Señor Miller has a love for languages. Originally from the small-town Middlebury, Mr. Miller moved out to Mishawaka Indiana to attend Bethel College (now a University) and be part of the Men's Varsity Soccer Team for 4 years. From studying in Spain to doing mission's work in Mexico with his team, he advanced his knowledge of Spanish and was able to practice his language skills. In 2015 Mr. Miller graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education and has been teaching ever since. Being in his sixth year of education in South Bend Community School Corporation, 3rd year at Yeshiva, he has found his passion and purpose in life - education and lifelong learning.