Faculty Directory

Our Rabbi:

Rabbi Louis Polisson

Rabbi Polisson is an alumnus of Brandeis University and graduated and received his ordination, as well as a Master’s Degree in Jewish Thought, from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He believes that the future of Judaism lies in our embrace of both the old and the new, both tradition and change, and the rediscovery of Judaism as a life-giving, life-affirming, and evolving tradition that is relevant to every  generation. 

Director of Education: 

Orna Sonnenschein

Orna has over 15 years of administrative and education experience working with several synagogues and Jewish organizations in the Boston area. She places great emphasis on the well-being of our children and their parents; designing meaningful yet fun experiences in the classroom; and encouraging social and emotional growth while nurturing the development of self and identity. 

Administrative Staff: 

Beth Whitman

Beth is an important person in our office, assisting with school and synagogue activities, helping with room set up for special events and the production and delivery of communications to our membership.

Classroom Teachers:

Shevet Bayit (K/1):  Nancy Rotatori

I am excited to join the JLCMW team! I have been teaching young children for many years. I taught grades K, 1 and 2 for over 22 years at Temple Beth Am in Framingham. This past year I taught grades 2 and 3 at B’nai Shalom in Westborough and grade 5 at Congregation B’nai Torah in Sudbury. I also teach preschool in Hopkinton. I live in Grafton with my husband who is a Wellness Teacher in Newton. I have 3 grown boys, one who lives in Vermont and is a physical education teacher, my middle son lives in CT and is a special education teacher and just had my first grandchild! My youngest is a junior at Quinnipiac University studying biology. I am really looking forward to meeting your children and helping them become comfortable and feel a sense of Judaism. I intend to create a climate of cohesiveness even within the zoom platform. I can’t wait to sing, laugh, learn and get to know your children!

Shevet Shalom (2/3): Jennifer Marshal
 

I am so excited to be part of the JLCMW again, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday! I believe that our time spent together should always be fun, interactive, and meaningful. As an elementary educator and a certified reading specialist, I have been trained in Responsive Classroom, Open Circle, and Orton Gilligham. My classroom is a place where students feel welcome, encouraged, and supported. This year, I am will continue using Torah Godly Play to allow students to experience Torah stories in an engaging and relatable way. Outside of Hebrew school I teach third grade at Josiah Haynes School in Sudbury, MA.

Shevet Or (4/5):  Jennifer Stevens
 

Welcome to Elul and to a Taste of JLCMW! I will be teaching your 4th and 5th grade students this year. I would like to introduce myself and give you an idea of what to look forward to this year. My name is Jen (Ashira) Stevens. I am a third year rabbinical student at Hebrew College. Prior to becoming a rabbinical student, I earned a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College and my undergraduate degree in marketing and international studies from Indiana University. I taught at Prozdor for nearly a decade and at several Boston-area synagogues. My passion for Jewish education and for helping people find their way into Judaism are what led me to pursuing the rabbinate. On a more personal note, I am mom to 3 kids, ages 14, 12, and nearly 8. I love all kinds of music and books, enjoy baking, and am a Certified Zentangle Teacher. I am very excited to get to know you and your children over the course of the year. It is my hope and intention to create an experience that will be a much-needed anchor and support for the kids during this unprecedented year. The Jewish holiday cycle and Torah will give us a framework to explore how we make decisions, what is important to us, and where we find help and encouragement in challenging times. Jen (Ashira)

Special Education Aide: Caron Koss Warren

My name is Caron Koss Warren and I have two grown children, my son, Josh is 31 and my daughter, Alicia is 27 and both are living in Boston doing what they love. I work at the Curtis Middle School in Sudbury as an ABA tutor in Special Education and I help children navigate the general ed classroom and give them extra help and encouragement when needed. I have lived in Massachusetts since 1993 and came by way of Illinois, Connecticut, and California. I am originally from what was once a very rural area in Southern California and did not receive Hebrew instruction as the closest temple was an hour away. I am excited to announce that this summer, Orna has taught me how to read Hebrew and I am now learning to translate words. I am very excited! I hope you will join us this Sunday for a meet and greet and I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children

Click Here for the Middle School Faculty Bios