Welcome back to the Teacher Corner! This week, the Warrior Word sat down with Rabbi Barany, a new Judaics teacher in the high school. Read on to get to know him as he tells us a bit about himself.
Tziyona Gheblikian: Where were you born and raised?
Rabbi Barany: Hollywood, Florida.
TG: You mentioned in class that you recently moved back to Florida from somewhere, where was that?
RB: I was living in New York for the last--I don’t know--12 or 10 years, something like that.
TG: What was it like over there, what were you doing?
RB: I was working at Yeshiva University in the Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and I was working in the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. And prior to that, I was teaching in New Jersey.
TG: How long have you been teaching for?
RB: Five years, I’d say. Something like that.
TG: What made you move back to Florida?
RB: Thank G-d, I just got married to someone who lives in Boca Raton, Florida. And that gave me the opportunity to come back down to Florida, so I jumped at the chance.
TG: Oh, Mazal Tov! So what brought you to Hebrew Academy?
RB: I have some good experience. I have worked with many schools, having worked at Yeshiva University and many day schools across the country. I had a very good experience with Hebrew Academy and working with the administration, and I wanted the opportunity to join the team.
TG: What was your dream career as a child? Did you always want to be a teacher?
RB: When I was getting Bar Mitzvah lessons from my Rabbi, I told him that I wanted to be a Rabbi when I grow up.
TG: It’s cool that you followed through with that!
RB: Thank you, I didn’t know what it meant at the time, but I knew I wanted to share knowledge and teach. For many years now I wanted that.
TG: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
RB: A caring individual. I’m going to use one of my three words for “A.”
TG: What do you like to do in your spare time?
RB: I like to learn Torah. I like to watch sports, specifically UFC, and spend time with my wife.
TG: What is your favorite sport?
RB: UFC, it’s a mixed martial art.
TG: Have you ever practiced it?
RB: I have been in a few classes, yes. Certainly not in a while though.
TG: Do you have any hidden talents?
RB: Well making people laugh wouldn’t be hidden, so I wouldn’t really say I have any hidden talents. I could very minimally juggle, very poorly, if that counts.
TG: Yes, that counts. What are your hopes for this school year?
RB: To have a wonderful learning experience with my students, and have a wonderful experience at Hebrew Academy in general.
By: Tziyona Gheblikian (12th grade)