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.

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This episode of HBHA Lore brings together the Kreisler siblings for a fun conversation about where life has taken them since their time at HBHA. We hear about their very different paths through college, from agricultural economics and political science to environmental science, and their budding careers in law, the Air Force, and working with animals. They also share stories from a recent family trip to Japan and some of their favorite HBHA memories, including the unforgettable experience of building and launching trebuchets. To wrap things up, the siblings put their knowledge of each other to the test in a game that brings plenty of laughs.

Episode 23: Kreisler Siblings

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In this episode, join 1999 alum Dan Cohen to explore his career in marketing and communications and the many unexpected places it has taken him.From his current role with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire and navigating the World Cup to working alongside Patrick Mahomes on a Super Bowl commercial, Dan shares stories and insights from his professional journey. Micah and Dan also discuss how the industry has evolved, the tools and trends shaping marketing today, and how Dan stays ahead in an ever-changing field.And, of course, no HBHA Lore episode would be complete without plenty of HBHA memories along the way.

Episode 22: Dan Cohen

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HBHA Lore is back! Former student Joel Gutovitz joins host Micah Margolies to share stories that are as unforgettable as they are entertaining.In this episode, Joel shares a story of an unexpected midnight adventure helping out at a hospital in Israel, he shares memories from the legendary Gutovitz brothers&#39; basketball scoring dynasty, and he gives us an unforgettable look inside a typical Gutovitz Shabbat meal.

Episode 21: Joel Gutovitz

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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 20: Aaron Zitron & Brett Kaplan

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In this week&#39;s episode, join David and Micah as they talk about David&#39;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 some of David&#39;s favorite formative experiences at HBHA. (Like blowing the Shofar for each prayer minyan each morning during the month of Elul, a tradition continued at HBHA to this day!)

Episode 19: Rabbi David Helfand

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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 creativity, reminding us that being an artist is something everyone can access.

Episode 18: Kelly Reichman

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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 episode is packed with throwbacks to each sibling’s time in the HBHA Upper School play. It all wraps up with a fun and competitive game of “Bell Most Likely,” where the siblings vote on who’s destined to become a Jeopardy champion, survive on a deserted island, etc. Be prepared for humor, nostalgia, and fun.

Episode 17: The Bell Siblings

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Jordan &#39;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 during class and a class trip to Israel, where he nearly got lost… only to be found in a surprising place thirty minutes later.

Episode 16: Jordan Marks

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In this episode, we learn about Jacob&#39;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 15: Jacob Katz

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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 beloved Presidents Fair, and learn how her roles at HBHA — from second-grade teacher to Director of Student Services — shaped generations of students.

Episode 14: Netta Krashin

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In this episode, we sit down with alumnus Daniel &#39;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 working on a fishing boat.And of course, we revisit his HBHA roots: the teachers who challenged him, the moments that sparked his love of writing, and the memories that still stay with him.

Episode 13: Daniel Magariel

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This episode honors Todd Clauer, proud parent of three HBHA graduates and dedicated staff member for 25 years. He served HBHA as a Science &amp; 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 12: Tribute to Todd Clauer, z''l

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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 her Chag Siddur celebration.

Episode 11: Lara Krigel Pabst

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In this episode, alumna Eliana &#39;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 10: Eliana Saidel

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Get to know HBHA alumnus Micah &#39;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 9: Micah Levine

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Get to know Elana &#39;16, Kayla &#39;18, and Mirra &#39;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 8: The Goldenberg Sisters

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From HBHA memories to life as a Jewish professional, HBHA alumnus Matt &#39;05 Rissien shares stories, favorite HBHA moments, and a glimpse into all he&#39;s experienced since graduation.

Episode 7: Matt Rissien

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Calling in from her study abroad adventure in Portugal, Alumna Annie &#39;23 Fingersh shares a bit about her life at Northwestern, travel plans, and her favorite HBHA memories.

Episode 6: Annie Fingersh

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

Episode 5: Rabbi Berel Sosover

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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 4: Jonathan Edelman

The Official HBHA Podcast

*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.