Our Staff

  • Uri Perlman founded Bais Menachem Youth Development Program (Wilkes) in 1999, driven by a deep belief in the inherent greatness of every student. Over the years, he’s become widely known for his unique ability to bring the principles of Chassidus to life in a way that resonates with young people.

    Through his thoughtful approach to education, Uri has earned the trust of parents, educators, and students alike, offering guidance on navigating the challenges of adolescence with a focus on Jewish identity and Chassidic values.

    With over 26 years of experience, Uri’s vision now extends to young women seeking to find their individual path forward. His mission remains unchanged: to create a space where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to shine.

    Leading a dedicated team of educators, Uri continues to inspire and guide the next generation, helping them uncover their true potential.

  • Rachel Lea Perlman brings 25+ years in chinuch to her new role at Ohr Chana. Alongside her husband, Uri, she was instrumental in the growth of Bais Menachem, warmly hosting bochurim for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and beyond. She has extensive experience in both running a school and teaching across grade levels. Her passion has always been her focus on the individual student, working to guide each one toward a path of success—both in learning and in life.

  • Chaya Cohen grew up on shlichus in Sydney, Australia, in a home infused with a deep love for Yiddishkeit, the Rebbe, and Chassidus. Her upbringing was steeped in Chinuch—her father served as the founder and director, and her mother as principal, of the local Chabad day school. Surrounded by this passion and dedication, Chaya developed a strong personal commitment to education from an early age.

    Since graduating high school, Chaya has been actively involved in Chinuch. She studied at Ohel Chana Seminary and Beis Chana in Tzfas, where she earned an advanced teaching diploma. She then spent a year on shlichus at the Chabad girls’ high school in Michigan, where she taught classes and led programs that inspired students with a deep love and enthusiasm for their Yiddishkeit.

    After returning to Sydney, Chaya continued her work in education—teaching and coordinating activities for both high school and elementary-aged girls. Through warmth and positivity, she forged strong connections with her students, encouraging personal growth and nurturing a strong sense of identity.

    Chaya later joined Machon L’Yahadus in Crown Heights, where she continued to ignite students’ excitement for Hashem and the Rebbe through meaningful learning and personal connection.

    Currently, Chaya lives with her family on the Wilkes-Barre Yeshiva campus in Canadensis, PA. She has been teaching in the day school for several years, while also gaining insight and inspiration from the Yeshiva environment. Hosting and observing the boys’ program has sparked a vision to launch a similar initiative for girls—one that channels her deep experience, passion for Chinuch, and dedication to creating an uplifting, growth-oriented environment.

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  • Shaindel grew up on Shlichus in Ocean, New Jersey, in a home deeply committed to giving and built on strong Torah values. From a young age, she was immersed in a life of purpose, dedicated to inspiring and supporting others. After completing seminary in Bais Chana Tzfat, Shaindel spent a year on Shlichus in Melbourne, Australia, where she worked closely with youth, igniting a passion for Yiddishkeit and meaningful Jewish living. Following her time in Australia, she returned to join her family’s Shlichus at Chabad of Rutgers University, connecting with college students at a pivotal stage in their lives.

    Now as Program Director, Shaindel brings her energy, warmth, and care to our school community. She is passionate about creating programming that inspires growth, strengthens identity, and fosters a vibrant, supportive environment for every individual. Shaindel, along with her husband Hillel, will be living on campus, further enhancing her personal connection with the students and staff alike.

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  • Mrs. Yiftach was raised in a home that valued thoughtful inquiry, deep trust in Hashem, and a sincere love for Torah. After spending a year learning in Machon Shoshanat Yerushalayim, she went on to teach in Atlanta, Toronto, and Crown Heights. With a passion for guiding teens through their unique journeys, she strives to create an environment of unconditional love, acceptance, and personal growth. Mrs. Yiftach, together with her husband, Rabbi Yosef Yiftach, will be residing on campus, close to the girls, and looks forward to nurturing a vibrant, supportive learning community.

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a black long-sleeve top, standing against a light-colored wall.

  • Leah Perlman grew up in a suburb of Chicago and studied at local schools before attending Seminary Chaya Mushka (Rosenfeld) in Tzfas. Passionate about education and Chabad values, she spent two years working at Rohr Bais Chaya Academy, where she dedicated herself to connecting with and empowering high school girls. Leah is deeply committed to strengthening the next generation of Neshei Chabad, encouraging each student to recognize her strength and purpose. She also brings her creativity into the kitchen—her love for cooking has become a meaningful way she connects with others and shares joy. Leah now lives in Canadensis, PA with her husband and their baby son, Yosef.

  • Rabbi Yiftach grew up on shlichus in the Los Angeles area, developing a strong commitment to helping others both physically and spiritually. He studied under renowned roshei yeshiva and mashpi’im at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad, Oholei Torah in Crown Heights, and Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo in New Haven. He received his smicha from the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ, and continued advanced learning at 770 Eastern Parkway and in kollel.

    An experienced teacher and mentor, Rabbi Yiftach is dedicated to guiding and inspiring students both in their studies and personal growth. Together with his wife, Mrs. Nitzeves Yiftach, he will be living on campus, fully engaged in the community and fostering a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for all.

  • Hillel Polichenco grew up on Shlichus in San Diego, California, where he developed a deep commitment to community and personal development. Prior to his current role, Hillel spent three impactful years as a shliach at Bais Menachem Youth Development Program. There, he focused on building meaningful relationships with the boys in the yeshivah, helping them develop a strong sense of self-identity and a deeper connection to Yiddishkeit.

    Hillel brings that same dedication and care to his work here, ensuring the campus grounds and maintenance are meticulously cared for. Along with his wife, Shaindel, Hillel will be living on campus, fully immersed in the community and creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.