Torah Prep School Administration
Rabbi Tzvi Freedman - Executive Director
Rabbi Tzvi Freedman, who has served as Executive Director since Torah Prep’s inception in 1987, was born into a family of esteemed educators. As a child, he watched his father — Rabbi Avraham Abba Freedman ztz"l — change the landscape of Jewish education in Detroit; his dream was to accomplish the same in St. Louis. With the inspiration and modeling of his father, as well as the teachings and guidance of his rebbe — HaRav Yitzchok Kleiman ztz"l, Rosh Yeshiva of the St. Louis Rabbinical College — Rabbi Freedman founded Torah Prep School with an inaugural class of six students. His vision, commitment, and unending devotion to his students and teachers are the primary reasons for the remarkable growth and success of Torah Prep over the past several decades.
Rabbi Binyamin Travis - CEO
Rabbi Travis holds both A bachelors and masters degrees in Talmudic law from Yeshivas Ner Yisroel and a Masters of Science in Business Management degree from Johns Hopkins University (1994). He received semicha (rabbinic ordination) from Rav Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg, ztzl, in Jerusalem (1997). After receiving semicha, he launched his chinuch career as a Rebbe at Yeshivas Ner Yaakov in Jerusalem. In 1998, Rabbi Travis and his family moved from Israel to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he joined the Cincinnati Community Kollel, holding various positions and, in the years that followed, served various key functions in the community, learning, giving shiurim and running kiruv programs. In 2003, Rabbi Travis left the Kollel to join the Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (CHDS) as both a Rebbe and as its Director of Development, eventually taking on the title of Executive Vice President of the school. Rabbi Travis was credited for major successes in various aspects of the school’s business operations and fundraising over his 20 years with the school while continuing to be involved there as an educator. Rabbi Travis came to Torah Prep in November of 2022 and has been charged in his capacity as CEO with overseeing all aspects of the school (educational and operational).
Rabbi Yossi Golombeck - Menahel
Rabbi Yossi Golombeck has served as the Menahel of the Boys’ Division of Torah Prep School since 2012. He is an alumnus of Yeshivas Toras Moshe of Yerushalayim and Yeshivas Ner Israel in Baltimore, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Law and received certification from the Machon Educator’s program. At Kollel Halichos Yerushalayim, Rabbi Golombeck earned his smicha from HaRav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, Av Bais Din of Yerushalayim. While studying at Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, Rabbi Golombeck received education training from the Ohr Lagolah and Ner Le’elef programs. After three years at the St. Louis Kollel, Rabbi Golombeck joined the Torah Prep faculty in 2000. He has taught students ranging from 3rd to 8th grade over the past 16 years. In 2014, he completed a 2-year principal-training program through Torah Umesorah.
Mrs. Racheli Staum - Menaheles
Mrs. Racheli Staum has served as the Menaheles of the Girls’ Division of Torah Prep School since 2018, succeeding 14 years of classroom instruction. A popular teacher, she has taught a wide variety of subjects in both limudei kodesh and General Studies for grades Pre-K through 8th grade in both private Jewish Day Schools and public schools. Her intuitive and innovative teaching was recognized in 2012 when she received a “Leader in Education” award from Peabody Energy. She holds a Bachelors in Psychology from Touro College and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University. She received a Teaching Certificate from Seminar Yerushalayim, and is trained in the Wilson program and Lucy Calkins’ Reading and Writing program. Mrs. Staum also serves as our Learning Support Specialist. Using her degree and years of experience in Special Education, she supports the teachers in meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all our students.
Mrs. Macy Hahn - General Studies Coordinator
Mrs. Macy Hahn, was a language arts teacher at Torah Prep Girls’ School for five years. Mrs. Hahn taught 4th grade and middle school language arts. In her new role as General Studies Coordinator, she will also continue to teach middle school language arts. Prior to Mrs. Hahn's arrival to Torah Prep School, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. Additionally, in May of 2023, she received her Master’s in Education with a focus on Curriculum & Instruction from her alma mater. She is very much looking forward to continued growth and progress as she steps into this new position.
Mrs. Chanie Wasser - Early Childhood Director
Mrs. Chanie Wasser has served as the Early Childhood Director of Torah Prep’s exemplary Early Childhood Program since 2009. A graduate of the Beth Jacob Jerusalem seminary and Sara Schenirer School of Special Education, Mrs. Wasser started her professional career in education in 1999, following years of working with youth groups. Over the span of her career, she has taught students of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Known for her innovation and creativity, she has developed curricula in numerous institutions that are still in place today. Mrs. Wasser is the third generation in her family to devote her life to Jewish education.