6:3O pm Cocktails, Program, Dinner & Casino
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus
20350 Northeast 26 Avenue, North Miami Beach
MOSHE BECERRA was born and raised in a warm, supportive, and loving family in South Florida. His parents struggled to find a school that could fully support his learning challenges while also providing a stimulating and immersive academic experience. They placed Moshe in several local Jewish Day Schools in South Florida as well as public schools. They deeply valued their Jewish roots and only wanted to ensure Moshe received a proper Jewish education.
Rabbis Moshe Schwartz and Raphael Tennenhaus from Chabad of South Broward brought incredible news: a new Jewish school was opening in August of 1995. They soon met Dr. Howard Chusid, the school’s founder, and lida Bunder. Moshe began the school year as one of Kesher’s first 5 students.
Moshe graduated in 2009. Throughout Moshe’s educational journey, Rabbi Levy and the remarkable Kesher teachers and mentors played a pivotal role in his development. The passion and commitment of these educators helped shape Moshe’s educational and personal growth.
Thanks to the support and tailored education provided by Kesher, Moshe not only achieved a standard high school diploma but also successfully pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree, and established a thriving business career. Moshe is currently a real estate agent and broker. He works with a company that offers complete property solutions and is licensed to work with condo and homeowners associations.
One of the profound lessons Moshe embraced through his life experiences is that, regardless of the challenges one faces—be it a learning disability, lack of confidence, or any other unfortunate circumstances—perseverance can lead to success in any endeavor. This mindset was deeply instilled in him by his loving parents, siblings, extended family, and the broader community. Notably, Kesher became an integral part of his support system, embodying a familial bond that continues to influence his life.
MELISSA LEVY, Kesher’s lower school coordinator, is a native of Miami, and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School. She attended her dream school, The University of Florida, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in speech language pathology. At the time, Melissa participated in a variety of research projects and university clubs, which solidified her interest in working with the special needs community. Melissa returned to South Florida to work at an ABA company and pursue her graduate degree from Ball State University in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism. Through the process, Melissa quickly learned that she wanted to service a more diverse population.
In 2016, Melissa’s journey at Kesher began as the upper school behaviorist, working closely with teachers to implement behavior modification strategies in the classrooms. A couple of years later, Melissa joined the lower school team in the same position with open arms. Kesher has since provided Melissa with invaluable knowledge, experience, and relationships. Her purpose and aspirations are influenced by the students and families who come to Kloda Whitebook Kesher Academy with the perseverance to reach their greatest potential.
Melissa lives in Hollywood with her husband Gav and their beautiful children, Kobi and Emilie.
ORI HAMAMI, is a senior at Scheck Hillel and the Head of Ruach. He loves bringing good energy and positivity wherever he goes. Ori is super passionate about giving back, especially through Friendship Circle and helps regularly in the Kesher program. Whether it’s planning events, supporting others, or just being there with a smile, he’s all about creating good vibes and making people feel included.
ESTIE TAMIR, is an 11th grader at Scheck Hillel. She enjoys dancing and playing basketball, and likes being involved in different parts of school life. Estie spends time with Kesher students on a regular basis. Outside of class, she participates in Friendship Circle, where she helps build connections and supports others. Estie also volunteers as a madricha for first grade girls, helping with activities and being there for them each week. These experiences have helped her grow and stay connected to her community.
Kesher provides the best quality Judaic and secular education within a Jewish day school environment for students with a wide array of learning differences and special needs. Meeting individual educational goals and nurturing self-esteem based on genuine accomplishment and success, Kesher seeks out the most highly trained faculty in order to assure that our students receive the best possible education. many of our students receive essential scholarships thanks to the support of generous individuals, foundations and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. At Kesher, we remain steadfast in our commitment to seek out philanthropic support in order to provide a quality special education for the students in our community. Unique in the southeastern United States, and the largest program of its kind in America, Kesher is located at the Scheck Hillel Community School in North Miami Beach.
