Leadership & Faculty

Committed to
each talmid.

Experienced educators. A shared commitment to growth.

Rabbi Michoel Abayev

Founder/Menahel

Rabbi Abayev is the beating heart and passion behind Metivta of Queens. He is a loving, warm, dedicated and devoted Menahel and Rebbe. Rabbi Abayev zooms in on every single boy as an only student and is ready to give it all for every boy. His skill to create, develop, and establish is what makes the yeshiva what it is today. His creative, engaging and clear lessons make the Gemara captivating and come to life. He is passionate about instilling in each boy the love for learning, personal growth, and success in their careers long after high school.

Chinuch & advisory guidance

Experience that shapes our direction.

Professor Richard Altabe

Chinuch & Advisory Board

Mr. Altabe brings over 30 years of experience leading general studies programs at leading yeshivos. He will guide the development of the General Studies program and serve as an advisor to the General Studies principal. Mr. Altabe is also a professor at Touro Graduate School of Education and a member of the New York Blue Ribbon Commission.

Rabbi Dov Hammel

Chinuch & Advisory Board

Rabbi D. Hammel, former menahel of MTJ and current Mashgiach at Torah V’Daath, will be coming regularly to guide, mentor, and oversee the yeshiva. He brings decades of experience in chinuch and educational leadership. His guidance will help shape the yeshiva’s vision, structure, and standards.

Chinuch Board

Professor Richard Altabe
Harav Mordechai Yaffe Shlita, Ph.D
Harav Yaakov Bender Shlita
Harav Dov Hammel Shlita

Rabbinical Board

Harav Dovid Shustal Shlita
Harav Dovid Fishman Shlita
Harav Tzvi Kaplan Shlita

Faculty & staff

The people behind every day.

Rabbi Moshe Aronov

General Studies Principal

Rabbi Moshe Aronov comes to Metivta of Queens with a strong background in chinuch and a deep love for guiding the next generation. Having taught for over a decade across multiple yeshivas, he understands how to connect with students, inspire critical thinking, and cultivate a supportive, home-like atmosphere. Rabbi Aronov spent close to 25 years immersed in learning at Yeshiva Darchei Torah, as well as time learning at the Mir Yeshiva in Israel. As Principal, he is dedicated to partnering with parents and faculty to guide each student toward personal and academic excellence.

Moshe Omri Duani

Algebra teacher

Moshe Omri Duani brings more than 15 years of experience as a mathematics educator and instructional leader. He holds an MA in Mathematics Education from Columbia University and a BS in Mathematics and Economics from Bar Ilan University, and is certified to teach mathematics in New York State in grades 7–12. A former middle and high school math department chair, he has developed curricula, mentored teachers, and taught courses ranging from Algebra and Geometry to AP Statistics and AP Calculus. He believes every student can succeed in mathematics with the right support.

Alex Aronov

Woodworking

Alex Aronov is a New York woodworker and artist with nearly 15 years of experience. Through his studio, Aleph Aleph, he creates handcrafted Judaica in wood, stone, and metal, with a specialty in carving. His work ranges from mezuzah cases to lecterns and an Aron Kodesh. At Metivta of Queens, his weekly woodworking classes teach students to use hand tools safely, developing skills in layout, sawing, planing, glue-ups, and finishing. Students earn a badge for each skill they master. Alex brings years of sharing his craft with his own children and others to his work with the talmidim.

Ephraim Edward Gavrilov

History & ELA

Ephraim Edward Gavrilov brings more than 10 years of experience as a high school ELA teacher. He holds a double major in Russian and English Literature from Hunter College and a master's degree in Comparative Literature from Brooklyn College, with a focus on Russian, French, and English studies. He is passionate about fostering a love of literature in his students.

Rob Mittleman

Geometry & Science

Rob Mittleman, known to his students as Mr. Rob, teaches geometry and science at Metivta of Queens. He holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from SUNY Albany and has taught math and science to middle and high school students. He has also tutored extensively, helping students prepare for Regents exams, the SAT, ACT, and GRE. Combining formal and informal teaching approaches, he makes lessons engaging and brings the subjects to life. He believes every student can become a confident math or science learner with the right encouragement and guidance.

Rabbi Eliyahu Maksumov

Public Speaking

Rabbi Eliyahu Maksumov is a Torah educator, lecturer, and community leader who is passionate about inspiring students through Torah learning and personal growth. He teaches Judaic Studies to students in grades 7–12, college outreach, and public speaking. As a TorahAnytime speaker, he shares engaging Torah insights that connect timeless Jewish wisdom to everyday life. He brings his experience in public speaking to Metivta of Queens. He strives to help students develop confidence, critical thinking, strong Jewish values, and a deeper connection to Torah.

Your son's next chapter

A conversation is a good place to start.

Get to know our yeshiva. We would love to hear from your family.

Explore admissions

Committed toeach talmid.