Our Leadership

Rabbi Messod Azoulay

Menahel

Born and raised in Toronto, Rabbi Messod Azoulay is a proud graduate of Ohr Haemet. He and his siblings attended Ohr Haemet from Kindergarten through Grade 8. From here he attended Ner Israel Yeshiva for High School and Bet Medrash. He spent 9 years in Jerusalem where he studied in various Yeshivot & Kollelim, including Yeshivat Ohr Baruch, under Rabbi Gavriel Toledano zt"l, Yeshivat R' Mordechai Lamet, and the Mir Yeshiva. He received Semicha from Hacham Amram Assayag and from Rabbi Yitzchak Kaufman - Rosh Kollel and Posek in Ramot, Jerusalem. He is also qualified in Marot Niddah, Hashgacha Training, Torat Hamishpacha & Chatan Teacher Training.

After moving back to Toronto in 2013, Rabbi Azoulay became the Assistant Rabbi of Abir Yaakob, under Hacham Assayag, for 3 years. For the last 10 years and counting he has been the beloved Rabbi of Magen David Congregation. In the classroom, Rabbi Azoulay taught at Yeshivat Or Chaim for 6 years (including teaching a course on our Sephardic Minhagim and Hachamim), and for the last 4 years was the 12th grade Rebbi at Yeshiva Kesser Yosef.

In addition, Rabbi Azoulay is part of the Toronto Bet Din for conversions, the Rabbinical Vaad HaKashrut for the COR, a member of the Vaad HaRabbanim of Toronto and is part of the Sephardic Chevra Kaddisha.

Rabbi Azoulay, his wife Rachel, and their six children are very excited to rejoin the Ohr Haemet family. He looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students and families, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the school community.

Andrew Howard

General Studies Principal

Mr. Howard joins JDOHSS as the new General Studies Principal, bringing more than two decades of educational leadership to the Ohr HaEmet community. He spent 14 years as a Principal across four schools in the Toronto District School Board, followed by 9 years as a Superintendent of Education overseeing 24 schools from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with his career rooted entirely in elementary education. Education is also a family affair in his home: his wife has taught at TanenbaumCHAT for 25 years, and all three of their children are TanenbaumCHAT graduates.

His connection to Judaism shapes his approach as an educator and leader, guided by the values of learning, community, kindness, responsibility, and respect for every individual. Believing that every student has unique strengths to offer, he is committed to creating an environment where students feel known, supported, challenged, and inspired to become their very best. He looks forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff, and to working closely with the Menahel and community partners so that every student can thrive.

Sara Cohen

Vice Principal

Mrs. Cohen brings more than 25 years of educational experience from Israel, Russia, and Canada, and she is deeply aligned with our school's commitment to excellence. She has been a cherished member of the JDOHSS family for over 25 years. Mrs. Cohen holds a B.A. from York University and a Teacher's Certificate from Michlelet Beit Rivka in Israel.

Mrs. Cohen has pursued extensive formal training in Hebrew as a Second Language, Hebrew Grammar, Junior High Mathematics, and Special Education. She is committed to ongoing professional growth, regularly taking courses through The Centre for Jewish Education and actively participating as a member of the Principals Association.

In addition to her responsibilities as Vice Principal, Mrs. Cohen leads the development of our successful Ivrit program among the many other areas of the curriculum that she is involved in. Her warmth, integrity, and exemplary character make her an ideal role model for our students, inspiring them both academically and personally while fostering lifelong connections with her students.

Janet Arnold

Coordinator of Student Wellness

Janet Arnold is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and serves as the Coordinator of Student Wellness at Joe Dwek Ohr HaEmet Sephardic School (JDOHSS). In this role, she supports the emotional, social, and behavioural well-being of students and works collaboratively with students, families, educators, and school staff to help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Janet's work within the school incorporates a tiered approach to student wellness, including school-wide mental health promotion and prevention, targeted supports for students who may require additional assistance, and individualized intervention when appropriate. She also supports practicum students and contributes to mental health education, capacity building, and proactive wellness initiatives across the school community.

Janet is the author of What Do You See When You Take a Look at Me? and co-author of How to Explain a Diagnosis to a Child, resources designed to support meaningful conversations with children about identity, differences, understanding, and acceptance.

Stacie Berman

Student Services Coordinator

Mrs. Stacie Berman, a skilled educator with over 30 years of experience in the Toronto District School Board, has served as a Special Education Consultant and Leader, specializing in supporting students and families from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Stacie's strengths-based approach focuses on recognizing students' unique abilities, fostering essential skills, self-awareness, and confidence.

In addition to her work with students, Stacie mentors teachers and instructs Special Education courses, sharing her expertise to enhance teaching practices. She holds a Master's Degree in Education, specializing in Teaching & Learning and Adaptive Instruction, along with an Ontario Teacher Certification for Elementary and Junior/Intermediate levels.

Joelle Dayan

Gan Ohr Preschool Coordinator

Joelle Dayan is the JDOHSS Gan Ohr Preschool Coordinator, bringing over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels supported, valued, and inspired to learn.

Joelle studied Jewish Studies after high school and holds an Early Childhood Education diploma from Seneca College, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Hartford. Her extensive educational background, combined with her experience working with children with diverse learning needs and in various special education programs, allows her to provide individualized support and create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Throughout her career, Joelle has taught in both the United States and Israel, gaining valuable experience working with young children in diverse educational settings. Her caring and supportive approach, along with her extensive skill set, enables her to establish positive expectations and strong foundational learning experiences for her students.

At Gan Ohr, Joelle is dedicated to creating a warm and nurturing environment rooted in Torah values. She strives to foster a love for Judaism, encourage curiosity and independence, and build meaningful relationships with each child and family. Her commitment to early childhood education ensures that every child is given the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.