Call Rabbi Koval at 216-509-1989 or Email Rabbi Koval

Associate Director


Ruchi Koval is the co-founder and Associate Director of JFX. She has been a Jewish educator since 1998, leading self-development groups for adults and teens, and mentoring educators around the world. Ruchi is a certified relationship coach, motivational speaker, musician, blogger, author, and mother. She is a Momentum Educator, inspiring thousands of women on their journeys in Israel. Ruchi is the author of two books, Conversations with God and Soul Construction. Find her blog at outoftheorthobox.com, download the “Ruchi Koval” app from your app store, and follow her podcasts.

Call Ruchi at 216-346-9582 or Email Ruchi

Assistant Rabbi

Josh Grodko was born and raised in NY and attended rabbinical school in Yeshiva Toras Chaim (Chofetz Chaim) in North Miami Beach. He graduated as a business major from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. Josh lived in Israel and returned to Cleveland in 2015 with his wife Sarah Rena and their three sons. As our assistant rabbi, Josh leads the congregation on Shabbat together with Rabbi Koval. His ready smile, depth and wisdom add so much to our community.

Call Josh at 845-548-3013 or Email Josh

Sunday School Director

Rochie Kutoff is the author of two books on Hebrew reading: “The Amazing Aleph Beis Experience,” and "The Nekudos Experience," which incorporate her teaching methods that she has developed in over a decade of teaching and several years as a kindergarten supervisor at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland. She holds degrees in Music Therapy, Education and Special Education. 

Call Rochie at 216-849-0209 or Email Rochie

Director of Young Families Division

Miriam grew up in Toronto, Canada. Upon her marriage to Rabbi Yosef Koval, she relocated and settled in Cleveland where they have lived since. Miriam has an impressive range of professional experiences: entrepreneur, educator, Rebbetzin, health coach, and noted matchmaker. 
Miriam was educated in Toronto at the Beth Jacob High School and continued her post graduate studies at Talpiot College, where she earned her degree in Jewish Education. Subsequently she attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where she graduated with honors. 
Miriam is a mother of eight very fabulous and active children and a grandmother of four adorable grandchildren. Miriam is creative, fun-loving, personable and finds the joy and humor in  life. She is the former director of JFX's Sunday School, currently serving as the director of the Young Families division of JFX.
Email Miriam

Bat Mitzvah and Teen Director

Zelda Nakdimen was born and raised in Cleveland and has been working with JFX since 2010. She launched our unique Bat Mitzvah program for girls ages 11-13, which includes group classes and experiences as well as one-on-one learning. As an experienced mentor in the Hebrew Academy's mentorship program, Zelda also runs JFX's program with get-togethers and Shabbatons throughout the year in her home. Zelda is a much-beloved member of our staff, forging relationships for life with our tween and teen girls.

Call Zelda at 216-456-6222 or Email Zelda

 

Administrative Staff

Logistics Coordinator

Shua Levin is originally from Los Angeles. He lived in Israel from 2012-2020 where he pursued his education, attending the TJ Rabbinical School, the Mir institution of Talmudic study, and Ohr Sameach, in which he received his certificate in pedagogy, administration and Rabbinic responsibilities. Shua's favorite activity is planning and organizing, so his position at JFX of Logistics Coordinator is a perfect fit. Shua says, "This is what I have always enjoyed spending my time doing — the only difference is that now I'm directing my energies and skill into one of the top organizations of its kind."

Email Shua

Social Media Manager

Maverick Peters is the creative mind behind the "Maverick Podcasting Network." He's the guy who makes sure his clients and podcasters look and sound amazing. He's also a pro at online branding, which makes him a valuable asset in handling JFX's social media. When he's not working, you can find Maverick shredding it on his snowboard during Ohio's winters. He and his wife, Tehila, are proud parents to their daughter, Tori.

Email Maverick

Director of YPX and Assistant Director of Development

Daniel Wealcatch and his wife Sara Deena grew up in Baltimore, MD. They moved to University Heights just over 1.5 years ago. Daniel enjoys connecting and relating to others, especially when it pertains to spiritual matters – hence his role in YPX. He enjoys being creative in writing, exercise, and music. If he is not at work or in the Bais Medrash, you can probably bet that he is either out somewhere being active (skiing, swimming, hiking, biking, running, gym-time) or journaling at Starbucks.

Email Daniel