The DiscoverEd Podcast

Rabbi Yehuda Fenton is based in Brooklyn, New York, and serves as the Academic Director at Darchai Menachem. He has extensive experience in chinuch, and specializes in curriculum design, data-driven instruction, and integrating progressive educational methods with traditional yeshiva learning. He also serves as a Chassidus educator and Mashpia at Yeshiva Achei Tmimim, and has authored a translation and commentary on Chassidic texts.

In this episode, Rabbi Fenton emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding each student and their relationship to Torah, and allowing the trust created to become the foundation for their connection to the material.

Mrs. Mushky Kulek is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Shaarei Chinuch Day School, a Jewish Montessori school in Chicago that she helped establish in 2013. A dedicated and certified Montessori educator, she was recognized as a "36 Under 36" honoree by the Jewish United Fund in 2022. Beyond her administrative leadership, Mrs. Kulek remains active in the classroom, focusing on a hands-on approach that integrates Judaic and secular studies to meet the individual needs of each child.

In this episode, Mrs. Kulek describes the unique methods and capabilities of a religious Montessori school, and the importance of a child-first and child-led approach to Chinuch.

This podcast was recorded in August 2025. Any chronological references reflect that period of time.

More information about Shaare Chinuch Day School can be found on the following websites and platforms:

Online

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Based in London, Rabbi Efraim Lerner is an innovative educator, consultant, and community rabbi who focuses on the intersection of human-centered leadership and educational technology. He is dedicated to unlocking organizational potential by combining essential human qualities with the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Rabbi Lerner is a published author who co-wrote the book Change Starts Here, which advocates for community-led progress and collaborative growth within school networks (link below).

In this episode, Rabbi Lerner discusses his experience in the education industry and what opportunities each stakeholder has in opening the culture to new ideas.

You can find his book, Change Starts Here, at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

This episode is brought to you by California Gourmet.

Rabbi Levi Druin serves as the principal of Pardes Day School in Miami, a school that emphasizes both rigorous Judaic and general studies, fostering an environment where every child is seen, supported, and inspired to thrive. He brings a unique blend of expertise, combining his passion for education with a background in industrial psychology.

In this episode, Rabbi Druin shares his solution to balancing ambitious academic goals with individualized care, focus, and development of each student.

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Sponsor: californiagourmet.net

Rabbi  Zelig  Silber is a veteran middle‑school teacher at Cheder Chabad in Monsey and a beloved mentor renowned for his systematic, Chassidishe approach to Chinuch  . He joined Menachem Education Foundation’s Teacher Training Program in its inaugural year, later directing and shaping its men’s track as Teacher Induction Program Director  . Holding a Master's Degree in Education and trained by the New Teacher Project, Rabbi Silber has led innovative initiatives like the Teacher Coaching Program and crash‑course workshops for both male and female educators .

We discuss the importance of confidence in education, and how educators can reveal the innate connection students have with their Torah learning.

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Rabbi Eliezer Shusterman serves as the Principal of the Mesivta Boys High School at Yeshiva Schools in Pittsburgh. He also holds the position of Associate Rabbi at Shaare Torah Congregation, and has worked for more than 30 years in various educational roles in the U.S., Australia, and South Africa.

Rabbi Shusterman’s leadership style at Yeshiva Schools emphasizes operational efficiency, academic excellence, and community engagement. We discuss how he has balanced his authoritative role with a nurturing approach, fostering discipline while maintaining strong relationships with students, parents, and staff to ensure a supportive educational environment.

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Rabbi Michoel Druin is the Head of School for IVDU Schools, the educational division of Yachad, which serves students with mild-to-moderate learning, social, and developmental delays. With over thirty years of experience in educational leadership, Rabbi Druin has led schools with over 1,000 students and startup schools in various locations including South Africa, Miami, Atlanta, and New York, bringing his expertise in special education to his role at IVDU.

We dive into what makes Yachad unique, and how "unboxing" education can enhance each student's school experience, no matter their capabilities.

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Welcome to the DiscoverEd Podcast!