Administration

Outstanding Faculty and Staff

Take a course from a published author, a research mathematician, a former Wall Street businessman or a rabbinic scholar. At the Academy, our outsanding educators have diverse backgrounds and are experts in their respective fields. More than 60 educators make up the Ida Crown Jewish Academy faculty, most of whom have advanced academic degrees.

The relationship between our students and staff extends far beyond the classroom. Teachers and rabbis are role models who become an integral part of students’ lives. Students and teachers interact during school retreats, Shabbatonim, community volunteering and athletic events. Even after graduating high school, alumni return to the Academy to visit their former teachers, rabbis and role models.

Head Administrators:

Rabbi Dr. Leonard A. Matanky, Dean
Rabbi Matanky, an Academy alum, began teaching at ICJA in 1981 and became dean in 1996. As dean, he continues to teach a daily honors Talmud course. Rabbi Matanky received rabbinic ordination and a masters degree in Religious Education from the Hebrew Theological College, a masters degree in Educational Administration from Loyola University, and a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University.

Watch this video, a message from our Dean. Choose: MP4 OR WMV



Mr. Daniel U. Harris, Associate Principal
Mr. Harris is a graduate of the Academy and received a masters degree in education from Temple University. He has been a part of the Academy staff since 1979. Beginning in 1990 he was director of student activities, creating several prominent programs including the chesed program and several annual Shabbatonim. Since 1992 he has been associate principal, managing daily school operations and attending to student needs.





Dr. Jeremy Kahan, Assistant Principal
Dr. Kahan is responsible for the Judaic and general studies curricula. Prior to joining the Academy in 2005, he served as director of the Teaching Fellowship Program at the Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Institute. Dr. Kahan is a graduate of Harvard University, where he also earned a master’s degree in education. He went on to receive a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Maryland and was an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction.