Board of Directors
Dr. Jose Luis Paz, President
Jose Luis Paz, originally from Colombia, now resides in Southern California with his wife and four boys. In September 2022, he welcomed his first granddaughter. He currently pastors alongside his wife at Sembradores Church in the city of Fillmore, California. Prior to hearing his calling as a Pastor, Jose Luis practiced his profession as a Dentist for many years but gave up his career and business to follow God’s path and direction. He began his ministry under the leadership of Pastor Jim Tolle of Church on The Way, one of the largest multicultural churches in the country. Jose Luis attended Life Pacific University and graduated with a master’s degree in organizational leadership. Jose Luis strives to sow the message of Salvation, serve the community, and disciple with the purpose of achieving a transformation in spiritual, social
and cultural maturity. This discipleship extends to leaders as well in fulfilling the Great Commission. His passions include spending time with his family, as well as helping others to reach their full potential and fulfill God’s purpose in their lives. Pastor Jose Luis Paz’s daily goal is to be an instrument of blessing by showing the love of God, the redeeming work of Jesus,
and the power of the Holy Spirit wherever God leads him.
Rivka Dori, Member
For over forty years I have been involved with language education {L1 (first language), L2 (second/Heritage language), and foreign language} in many educational settings. I am interested in both, the theories of language acquisition, as well as, the practice of language acquisition. Fortunately, my work at the Hebrew Union College and the University of Southern California has enabled me to inquire, experiment, and teach in these areas. I became aware of the power of languages as markers of group affiliation, as integral part of people’s self-identity, and as an agent for diversity and tolerance. I believe that the success or failure of Hebrew Education outside of the State of Israel depends on both, attitudes towards Israel and its culture, as well as, on successful approaches, methods, programs, and techniques. I recommend that Hebrew language educators adopt the Learners’ Centered approach to language education in order to explore their students’ attitudes and specific needs, and to adopt the Proficiency approach. One additional area Hebrew language educators need to explore is the new emerging technologies and their effect on language education.
Ari Kahan, Treasurer
Ari Kahan is an entrepreneurial. He is currently the Head of Acquisitions, Design, Development, Entitlements at California Landmark group (A Real Estate Firm). Additionally, he is the Founder and Owner of the first conceptional Poke Restaurants in California called Mainland Poke Shop with 4 locations.
Avi Wagner, Secretary
Avi Wagner is an attorney with a broad-based business litigation practice encompassing a variety of contract and business tort disputes. Since a young age Avi has studied Hebrew and also became conversant in Italian through university studies and working in a law firm in Rome, Italy. After graduating from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002, Avi has successfully litigated in state and federal trial courts, federal bankruptcy courts, and state and federal appellate courts across the United States, including California, New York, New Jersey, Texas and Indiana.
Jessica Shaham, VP
She has previously served on the board of other charter schools, where she contributed to strategic planning, financial oversight, and policy development. Professionally, Jessica has extensive experience in municipal finance, having served as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel, and borrower’s counsel in a variety of transactions. Her expertise includes taxable and tax-exempt obligations, project finance, and secured borrowings, with a particular focus on schools, hospitals, museums, cultural institutions, redevelopment agencies, and manufacturing facilities.
With her combined legal and financial acumen, Jessica plays a vital role in strengthening our school’s financial sustainability and long-term success.
Board Meetings 2024-2025
Valley: 7477 Kester Ave, Van Nuys CA 91405
City: 3186 7th Ave, Los Angeles CA 90018
08-07-2024 – 8:00AM at school site Or Via Zoom
08-28-2024 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
09-25-2024 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
11-13-2024 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
12-11-2024 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
1-15-2025 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
2-12-2025 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
4-16-2025 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
5-14-2025 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
6-11-2025 – 5:30PM at school site Or Via Zoom
