Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy

HBHA Lore

Society EN ↓ 21 episodes

*HBHA Lore* is your all-access pass to the stories, memories, and people that make Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy unforgettable. Hosted by Micah Margolies—HBHA alum, longtime teacher, and proud member of the community for nearly half the school’s history—each episode features a candid conversation with someone connected to HBHA past or present. From alumni and teachers to students and friends, guests share where life has taken them, their favorite HBHA moments, and the ways the school has shaped their journey.

Author

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy

Category

Society

Podcast website

redcircle.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 20: Aaron Zitron & Brett Kaplan 07.07.2026

HBHA Lore Episode 20 features host Micah Margolies closing out a dynamic first season of the podcast with two HBHA alumni from the Class of 1995, Aaron Zitron and Brett Kaplan. The conversation revisits memories from the early days of HBHA’s inaugural basketball team, stories from the building before HBHA’s current campus, and reflections on some of their favorite teachers from decades ago.

Episode 19: Rabbi David Helfand 12.05.2026

In this week's episode, join David and Micah as they talk about David's experience as a new senior rabbi at a Maryland congregation. They discuss his passion for storytelling as a way of exploring Jewish ideas and Jewish identity, the meaning he finds in various Jewish texts and prayers, and s ome of David's favorite formative experiences at HBHA. (Like blowing the Shofar for each pray...

Episode 18: Kelly Reichman 28.04.2026

In this episode, longtime art teacher Kelly Reichman shares stories from her time as a college singer (including a once-in-a-lifetime moment alongside a famous country music legend) and reflects on her nearly 30-year career teaching art at HBHA. We highlight some standout student artwork and explore how engaging in art supports the brain in unique ways. Kelly also offers her perspective on creativ...

Episode 17: The Bell Siblings 15.04.2026

In this lively episode, the Bell siblings take the mic to share stories, talents, and a lot of personality. Jacob dives into his surprisingly impressive skill as a cartographer, while Natalie reflects on the unique challenge of balancing medical training with life in ROTC. Madi brings us up to speed on her journey, wrapping up a Chemical Engineering degree at the University of Missouri. The episod...

Episode 16: Jordan Marks 31.03.2026

Jordan '08 Marks shares stories from his journey as an emergency room physician, from working on an ambulance to serving in New York City during the height of the COVID pandemic. He also brings us into his life at home, with the hilarious chaos of raising a toddler and twin babies. Along the way, we revisit some unforgettable HBHA memories. Hear about the time he hid in a very unexpected spot...

Episode 15: Jacob Katz 17.03.2026

In this episode, we learn about Jacob's career as a filmmaker and editor since graduating from HBHA in 2016. Discover how HBHA nurtured his early passion for videography and editing, and hear a few funny stories along the way - including snippets from his video productions from his HBHA days to the present.

Episode 14: Netta Krashin 03.03.2026

Join us for a conversation with Netta Krashin, whose connection to HBHA spans more than three decades as a teacher, administrator, parent, and now grandparent. Netta shares her journey from early childhood in Israel to life in America, and reveals a surprising sport that showcases her unexpected passion and talent. Listeners will hear about some of her favorite school projects, including the belov...

Episode 13: Daniel Magariel 17.02.2026

In this episode, we sit down with alumnus Daniel '02 Magariel to talk about the path from HBHA classrooms to publishing acclaimed novels. Daniel shares the story behind writing his two books, One of the Boys and Walk the Darkness Down, and reflects on the authors who shaped his voice and approach to storytelling. He also takes us behind the scenes of his latest novel, including his time workin...

Episode 12: Tribute to Todd Clauer, z''l 02.02.2026

This episode honors Todd Clauer, proud parent of three HBHA graduates and dedicated staff member for 25 years. He served HBHA as a Science & Math Teacher, Upper School Principal, College Guidance Counselor, and Cross Country Coach. His impact on the HBHA community is immeasurable, and he is dearly missed.

Episode 11: Lara Krigel Pabst 20.01.2026

In this episode, we sit down with Lara Krigel Pabst, HBHA Class of ’97 and current HBHA parent, for a conversation that spans career, community, and childhood memories. Lara reflects on her path in the legal field and her ongoing involvement on the boards of several Jewish organizations across the Kansas City area. She also shares stories from her own HBHA days, including a hilarious memory from h...

Episode 10: Eliana Saidel 06.01.2026

In this episode, alumna Eliana '18 Saidel shares how her Jewish learning (and teaching!) has continued since graduation, her favorite spots around New York City, and which Broadway musical she’d love to star in. Plus, enjoy a clip from one of her standout HBHA performances in The Laramie Project and hear stories from her many other school plays.

Episode 9: Micah Levine 23.12.2025

Get to know HBHA alumnus Micah '09 Levine as he reflects on his path from HBHA to a career in pulmonology in this episode of HBHA Lore ! Micah Levine (not to be confused with HBHA Lore host Micah Margolies) shares stories from founding his own company, his work with Jewish agencies, and his favorite HBHA memories.

Episode 8: The Goldenberg Sisters 09.12.2025

Get to know Elana '16, Kayla '18, and Mirra '20 Goldenberg in this entertaining episode of HBHA Lore! Hear about their work in the medical and social work fields, reminisce with them about their favorite HBHA experiences, and enjoy a friendly competition to see who knows her sisters the best!

Episode 7: Matt Rissien 25.11.2025

From HBHA memories to life as a Jewish professional, HBHA alumnus Matt '05 Rissien shares stories, favorite HBHA moments, and a glimpse into all he's experienced since graduation.

Episode 6: Annie Fingersh 11.11.2025

Calling in from her study abroad adventure in Portugal, Alumna Annie '23 Fingersh shares a bit about her life at Northwestern, travel plans, and her favorite HBHA memories.

Episode 5: Rabbi Berel Sosover 28.10.2025

Sit down with Rabbi Berel Sosover to learn about his life and reminisce on 20 years of teaching at HBHA!

Episode 4: Jonathan Edelman 16.10.2025

Get to know HBHA alumnus Jonathan Edelman! In this episode, Jonathan reflects on his time at HBHA and how it influenced his current work as the Collections Curator at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

Episode 3: Kaley Wajcman 25.09.2025

In this episode of HBHA Lore, we sit down with Kaley, an HBHA alumna and current parent of three students, as she reflects on her time at the Academy and how it shaped her path. She shares stories from her student days, the transitions and challenges she’s navigated since then, and how her experiences led her into a meaningful career as an art therapist. 

Episode 2: Laura Hewitt 09.09.2025

In Episode 2 of HBHA Lore, we sit down with longtime HBHA teacher Laura Hewitt to hear her stories, experiences, and reflections from her time at the Academy and beyond.

Kicking Off HBHA Lore with Sam Matsil 26.08.2025

In our very first episode of HBHA Lore , host Micah Margolies sits down with alum and Director of Athletics & Student Life Sam Matsil (’16). From his years as a student athlete to leading HBHA’s athletics program today, Sam shares favorite memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and the lessons he’s carried with him.

Introducing HBHA Lore 22.08.2025

Host Micah Margolies introduces Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy's new official podcast, HBHA Lore.

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