Leadership & Administration

Rabbi Miller has over three decades of experience in Jewish communal work, always with the aim of empowering Jews from all walks of life to embrace the timeless truths of Torah and engender a love of learning and living. As a regional Director of NCSY, he revitalized the region through clarifying its purpose, resulting in an increase in appeal, participation, community embrace and partnership.

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Rabbi Miller holds a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and post-graduate degree in adolescent mental health from the Tavistock Clinic in the UK. He received semicha from Tiferet Yerushalayim in Israel and kabbalah in shechitah in South Africa.

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He has also served as Rabbi for Congregation Ohr Somayach in South Africa, established the Mid-Atlantic Chai Lifeline office, and has served in administrative roles in Jewish day and high schools in the UK, and on the West Coast. Rabbi Miller engages with families, children, and partners with genuine positive regard and interest. His joys include learning, photography, public speaking, performing music, and freshly brewed coffee.

Mrs. Boyko, an EHA alumnus, joined Epstein Hebrew Academy as Director of Student Support Services in 2017. In a very short time at The Academy, she strengthened the Brain Cave by advancing necessary strategic processes to ensure student success. Additionally, she was instrumental in enhacning the English Language Arts program from K-8th grades, with an emphasis on middle school curriculum.

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Mrs. Boyko has been a critical team player during curriculum changes in both math and science, and is a constant source of support and encouragement for teachers and students alike. Mrs. Boyko has a passion for facilitating individualized instruction to help each child meet high academic standards and experience personal growth.

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Mrs. Boyko holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science and English, as well as a certification in elementary education. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, as well as a master’s degree in K-12 reading.

Rabbi Jonathan Fruchter joined the EHA staff in 2018 after moving here with his wife (a native St. Louisan) and family. Rabbi Fruchter served as the programming director, was a member of the Judaic studies faculty for both the middle school and high school, and has served on the general studies faculty for a number of years.

In 2022 he was appointed as Assistant Principal - Judaic Studies so that he can use his passion for education to help bring Epstein’s Judaic studies up to the next level. He believes strongly in catering to the individual needs of each student, as well as the synthesis of formal and informal education as a way of helping students develop their skills and maximize their potential.

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Rabbi Fruchter received his rabbinic ordination from RIETS (YU), as well as his master’s degree from the Azrieli Graduate School in Jewish Education and Administration (YU). He also holds a BS in accounting from the Sy Syms School of Business (YU). In addition to his role at EHA, Rabbi Fruchter serves as the Education and Engagement Coordinator at the Young Israel of St. Louis where he is passionately involved in both adult and youth education.

Rabbi Simcha Cohen joined the EHA staff in 2018 as a Brain Cave learning specialist and member of the elementary school Judaic studies faculty. In 2021 he assumed the position of Director of Student Support Services, as well. Rabbi Cohen is passionate about teaching and helps his students succeed by instilling core skills, middot tovot, and positive learning associations that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

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Rabbi Cohen is a graduate of the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway and holds a BA in Psychology from Touro College, as well as a master’s degree in education and special education from Touro College Graduate School of Education. Rabbi Cohen and his wife, Devorah, are the proud parents of three boys.

Jessie Lefton has taught at Epstein Hebrew Academy for 20 years. Originally from New York City, Jessie moved to St. Louis with her husband, whose family was among the founding members of EHA, to pursue her love of teaching Torah. Jessie and her husband, Daniel, are the proud parents of four boys, all of whom are Epstein graduates. Jessie takes great joy and nachat in teaching toddlers the Aleph-Bet, their first parsha, and hearing them sing fun songs about the holidays.

In 2022, after many years as program coordinator for the preschool, Jessie joined the administrative staff as preschool director for the growing and thriving Marsha & Shlomo Fredman Early Childhood Center. Jessie received her BA and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University.

Ariel’s career began in the Israeli Prime Minister's office, where he served for 17 years, before which he proudly served as an officer in the Israeli Defense Forces. In 2016, Ariel moved to the United States and worked in education and management roles in relevant fields related to children's and adult education.  

Ariel holds dual bachelor's degrees in Education Management and Human Services from Haifa University, as well as a master's degree in Organizational Behavior from Tel Aviv University.  

Beyond his professional achievements, Ariel finds immense joy in his personal life. He is happily married and the proud parent of three children. He regularly participates in pickleball tournaments, and can speak four languages fluently.  

Caroline Goldenberg has been a dedicated parent volunteer in the Epstein community for the past seven years. She has a background in writing and literature but her true passions are community building and fundraising. She has served as development chair on the Epstein Board of Trustees, as well as on the Executive Board as Secretary and Vice President. She has co-chaired many fundraising events on behalf of the school. She and her husband, Etai, have four children.