Our Staff
Rabbi
Adi Isaacs
Founder & Director
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rabbi Isaacs is a passionate Jew who is always asking questions on how Judaism can impact the world. He has helped develop programming in Zionism and Jewish continuity since his undergraduate years at Yeshiva University, where he studied Biology and Developmental Psychology.
He helped co-found a grassroots project called Friday Night Lights; the program created a platform to unite the Reform, Orthodox, and Conservative communities throughout Long Island, NY for Shabbat meals and seminars.
Rabbi Isaacs enjoys teaching a variety of Jewish and Israel topics around the world for Hillel, Chabad, Birthright, and various other university initiatives.
He also served as the International Director at the Jerusalem College of Technology (Machon Lev) for four years, where he created and oversaw the recruitment and all aspects of a new business administration program for overseas students.
He made Aliyah in 2008 with his wife and children. In 2011, he received his rabbinic ordination from the Jerusalem Kollel and Rabbinate. Rabbi Isaacs now works full-time as rabbi and director of Thrive.
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Mo and Zo are the energetic, high-spirited, and easy-going couple every student should get to know while studying abroad.
Mo hails from Elizabeth, New Jersey and is passionate about Israel. After completing his degree in Accountancy, he followed his dream and moved to the Holy Land. He is an animated speaker, loves to shoot the breeze, and enjoys an intense hike that pushes his limits to the max.
Zo, originally from London, studied Social Sciences at UCL.
Zo similarly followed her dream of living in Israel, and there she met Mo. She loves teaching English in an Israeli elementary school and is renowned for her culinary skills.
Mo & Zo have become known for their open door policy.
As a matter of fact, anyone reading this bio is invited to their home for a visit, a meal, or even to stay the night (914) 775-5118.
People from all over the world, from every walk of life, join them for a Shabbat meal or just to chill; everyone knows their home is where it’s at. Since they live in close proximity to Hebrew U, many students spend their free time at their house, leaving refreshed, inspired and well-fed.
Truth be told, it is really their four adorable children, Yaeli, Zali, Tzvi, and baby Shlomo Menachem, who are the real draw to their home. The kids love presents and even more presents! So please give them the present of your presence in their home.
Moshe & Zoe Knecht (AKA Mo & Zo)
Assistant Directors
Kelly Stern
Engagement Director
Fun, outgoing, and friendly are three great ways to describe Kelly. She enjoys meeting people who choose to come to Israel for their semester abroad and introducing them to the adventure and excitement of Israeli life. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys baking, working out, and volunteering in the community.
Originally from Monsey, NY, Kelly and her husband Daniel moved to Jerusalem in 2013. Kelly has a degree in Psychology and Education, which makes her an amazing person for Thrive as well as for the work that she does with children who are falling behind in school.
Kelly’s home is always open, especially for Thrive students. Her warm welcome and smile will only be beaten by her sweet baby boy Dave and by her delectable cookies; come on by before they all get eaten (by Dave, of course)!
Chava Teitelbaum
Administrative Director
Chava Teitelbaum is from Toronto, Canada. After completing her degree in Political Science, Chava spent a year studying at Shearim College of Jewish Studies for Women in Jerusalem.
Upon return home, she worked in Administration for a non-profit Jewish organization and during that time, she met her husband Adam. The two decided to start off their married life in Israel.
Chava is excited to be part of the Thrive team and help each Thrive student maximize their time spent in Israel on semester abroad.
Avi & Liya Lewis
Israel Advocates
Originally from Australia, Avi made Aliyah 7 years ago to serve in the IDF. Today, he studies computer science and philosophy at Hebrew U. Avi shows our students what it is like to have fun like a real Israeli. He'll take students around to the best falafel stands, to meet people in the shuk, to go on random night hikes, and to explore cities outside of Jerusalem.
Liya is from Toronto and participated on the first THRIVE of all time. Today, Liya is studying Nursing in Jerusalem and works as a swim and yoga instructor.
Liya and Avi married in summer of 2016 and live in Jerusalem. They love adding new students to their THRIVE family and look forward every semester to making new friends and hosting for Shabbat.
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