We want to thank our honorees for their continued dedication to Ben Porat Yosef.
Rabbi Saul Zucker, Head of School, is an educational leader with over 40 years of experience and a history of advocating for progressive education in both Judaic and general studies. At BPY, Rabbi Zucker has focused on enhancing the professionalism in various sectors of the school, expanding the superstar team of administrators and faculty, and earning the prestigious and rare dual accreditation designation from NJAIS and the Middle State Association of Schools and Colleges. Rabbi Zucker has taught 8th grade Gemara to both advanced and grade level students, along with teaching Tanach to 1st through 3rd grade students. His Kabbalat Shabbat stories to the students are a weekly highlight for many.
Prior to coming to BPY, Rabbi Zucker most recently implemented this pedagogical approach – including active-learner methodology and inquiry-based learning – at Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he served as principal from 2011-2017. While at Magen David, Rabbi Zucker built, mentored, and led an award-winning educational leadership team that was recognized by leading educational institutions. Under his leadership, the school was awarded two Young Pioneer prizes by the Jewish Educational Project and two Pomegranate Prizes from the Covenant Foundation, in addition to having two educational administrators selected to become Joshua Venture Group Fellows. Rabbi Zucker fostered unique relationships between the school and Israeli organizations to enhance students’ connection to Israel.
Before joining Magen David, Rabbi Zucker served as national director for the Orthodox Union’s Department of Day School & Educational Services, where he mentored heads of school and educational leaders nationwide, and was the founding rosh mesivta of The Mesivta of North Jersey. He previously held positions as a Talmud instructor, associate principal, and principal at The Frisch School and as general studies principal at Northwest Yeshiva High School in Seattle, Washington. Rabbi Zucker has extensive experience working in both Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities and is knowledgeable and energized about celebrating the full range of rich and diverse Jewish traditions. He is a sought-after public speaker and widely published on subjects related to Torah study and Jewish education. Rabbi Zucker is particularly passionate about teaching Talmud and has pioneered a unique study methodology that is now inspiring a second generation of students. Rabbi Zucker holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Queens College, a Master of Education degree in Educational Policy, Governance, and Administration from the University of Washington, and received Semikhah Yoreh Yoreh from Yeshiva Bnei Torah and Dayan Rabbi Meir Gruenberg, zt”l, Kezmarker Rav, Av Beit Din, Brooklyn, New York
Achdut Am Yisrael Award
Miriam Peretz is a respected Israeli educator, public speaker, and inspiring advocate for unity, resilience, and hope. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, she immigrated to Israel as a child and went on to dedicate her life to teaching, educational leadership, and youth development.
Tragedy touched her deeply when her two eldest sons, Uriel and Eliraz, were killed while serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Rather than retreating from life, Miriam transformed her grief into purpose, becoming a powerful voice of strength and perseverance. She has since shared her message with students, soldiers, and communities across Israel and around the world, inspiring countless individuals through her faith, courage, and compassion.
In recognition of her extraordinary impact, Miriam was awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement and Special Contribution to Society in 2018. Her leadership and moral clarity have earned her national recognition, including being a candidate for President of the State of Israel—a testament to the respect she commands across all segments of Israeli society. An advocate of BPY, Miriam believes deeply in the school’s mission and highlights BPY’s accomplishments with senior Israeli leaders.Through her continued work, Miriam exemplifies the values of achdut, courage, and community, touching lives and strengthening the Jewish people.
Alumni Achievement Award
Allie Orgen exemplifies the spirit of BPY through her remarkable accomplishments, leadership, and ongoing commitment to giving back to the community. A proud graduate of BPY’s Class of 2016, she currently serves as a Senior Analyst at a private philanthropic foundation, where she applies her expertise to support meaningful initiatives and social impact programs. Earlier in her career, Allie gained valuable experience interning in the U.S. House of Representatives and participating in prestigious academic fellowships with the American Enterprise Institute, AIPAC, and The Fund for American Studies.
A graduate of Yeshiva University’s Straus Scholars program, where she studied political science and history, Allie has leveraged her education to make a tangible difference in both her professional work and her community involvement. Through her achievements, mentorship, and dedication to nurturing the next generation, Allie demonstrates how a strong foundation at BPY can empower alumni to excel, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the world. Her story serves as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire BPY family.