בס״ד
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Rebecca Sarchi
Head of Seminary
Rebecca Sarchi brings over four decades of experience and heart-led leadership to Ma’ayan Chai Seminary. Born in London and shaped by her formative years spent in Israel, she has built her life and family in South Africa, where she devoted 25 years to serving as Principal of the Chabad Girls High School. Deeply passionate about chinuch, Rebecca believes in every student and in nurturing each individual while guiding and uplifting them to become the future mothers of Klal Yisroel. Her love of learning, self-growth, and Eretz Yisroel continues to inspire generations of students.
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Ester Unterslak
Managing Director
Originally from Australia, Ester Unterslak has been an integral part of the Johannesburg Jewish community for over 22 years. A proud mother of six, including two sets of twins, she brings warmth, dedication, and exceptional organisational strength to Ma’ayan Chai. With years of involvement in tzedakah work, fundraising initiatives, and communal leadership — including serving on the board of Chassidim Shul — Ester is excited to welcome girls from around the world and support their spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth in Johannesburg’s uniquely uplifting environment.
Efrat Schochet
Head of Studies & Curriculum Development
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Efrat Schochet studied in seminaries in New York, Eretz Yisroel, and Melbourne. Together with her family, she is honoured to serve as the Rebbe’s shluchim, nurturing the growing Lubavitch community in Johannesburg.
With a deep passion for Tanach, Efrat views teaching and curriculum development not merely as a profession, but as a calling. She is devoted to bringing Torah texts to life and helping each student connect with confidence, understanding, and personal relevance.
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Chani Zwick
Student Life and Programme Coordinator
With over 24 years of experience in chinuch, Chani Zwick has served as both teacher and administrator at Torah Academy and Yeshiva College. A graduate of Ohel Chana Seminary with a BCom degree, she brings strong educational depth and organisational insight to her role. While remaining committed to Torah Academy, Chani is deeply invested in continued communal growth and shaping a supportive, vibrant seminary experience. She is inspired by the opportunity to help empower the next generation of Jewish women through Ma’ayan Chai.
Rabbi Groner
Rov & Menahel Ruchni
Our seminary is guided by the Rov and Mashpia of Anash in Johannesburg, Rabbi Sholom Ber Groner. He has led Anash in Johannesburg for decades with clarity, inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt compassion, guiding us as Chassidim, in the Rebbe’s way. With a profound wealth of Torah knowledge and insight, as well as many years of experience teaching in our local Girl’s High School, Rabbi Groner will be guiding our seminary and its students in the path the Rebbe taught, helping raise the next generation of inspired and committed women.
SOME OF OUR EDUCATORS
Mrs Sterna Wineberg
Mrs Wineberg is a dynamic, master-teacher of text-based subjects. She has deep passion for learning and teaching Chumash and Rashi Sichos. Her classes are unforgettable and the messages she imbues along with the skills she cultivates have remained with her many alumnae for life.
As a life coach in an active practice, Mrs Wineberg brings clarity, strength and compassion to each individual she encounters.
Mrs Rivky Chaikin
Mrs Chaikin is a beloved teacher and sought-after kallah instructor who has guided hundreds of brides as they prepare for marriage. Women of all ages treasure her wisdom, turning to her long after their weddings for support, clarity, and heartfelt advice. It’s not uncommon to find her in a coffee shop, deeply engaged in conversation with someone she’s uplifting, encouraging, or gently guiding forward.
Mrs Mashi Lipskar
Designated by the Rebbe Z”L as a Shlucha and Mechaneches, Morah Mashi is known for her warmth, insight, and ability to connect with students of all ages. Gifted in chinuch and interpersonal communication, she is a beloved and successful educator. She and Rabbi Lipskar serve as the head shluchim, guiding the South African community with dedication and vision.
Rabbi Gidon Fox
Rabbi Fox is a Dayan in Johannesburg and serves as the Rabbi of the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation. Widely respected for his encyclopedic knowledge and expertise in Halacha, his clarity in psak and depth of understanding make him a sought-after authority.
Rabbi Nesanel Schochet
Rabbi Schochet is the Rov of Chassidim Shul. An eloquent speaker and teacher, he explains deep concepts with clarity and approachability, making complex ideas accessible to all. He has a profound understanding of people and emotions, and is deeply empathetic and understanding. Rabbi Schochet also coaches many individuals, guiding them with wisdom, insight and care.