Yehuda Neydavoud
Head of School
Message from Head of School
A line I once heard stayed with me. A truly happy student feels, “This school was made for me.” And when they return years later and say, “It’s not the same place I grew up in,” that’s intentional. A school should grow with its students. Every child has their own strengths and their own way of seeing the world. At Elray we recognize that and guide each child toward who they truly are. When that individuality is nurtured, a child walks through life with confidence, strength, and a real sense of identity and purpose.
We know choosing a private Jewish school comes with questions. You want strong academics, a clear path for your child’s future, and a place where values are upheld. That’s exactly why we created Elray. Our teachers ensure that students gain both academic excellence and a strong Jewish identity, by limiting the class sizes so every child is known and supported.
Our goal is simple: a place where every child can discover their greatness and grow into who they are meant to be. We work with families who believe in our mission to ensure finances never stand in the way.
— Yehuda
Morah Eti Rafi
J. S. Teacher
Morah Eti Rafi earned her Master’s degree in education 27 years ago in Israel through the Misrad HaChinuch. She has been teaching Pre-K and 1st grade ever since, beginning with five years in Israel and continuing for the past 22 years in Los Angeles.
Morah Eti believes every child is a world of their own. Her approach is to first understand each child’s uniqueness and then teach in a way that truly reaches them. As she often says, “The antenna that connects me with my students is love. When you learn a child well, what you teach them stays with them forever.”
Her students consistently say the same thing: that Morah Eti believed in them, gave them confidence, and made them feel capable of conquering the world. Step into her classroom and you immediately feel it — the warmth, care, and love that define her teaching.
Mrs. Sarit Lavaee
School Therapist
Mrs .Sarit Lavaee is a certified parenting coach, educator, and mentor with extensive experience supporting young adults.
She specializes in building self-esteem, strengthening self-awareness, developing healthy relationships, and helping young people navigate personal and emotional challenges.
With a natural ability to connect with students and establish trust, Sarit has been particularly successful in reaching students who are struggling socially, emotionally, or academically. Her approach combines warmth, insight, and genuine belief in each student’s ability to grow, thrive, and reach their potential.
.jpeg)
Ariella Dan
General Studies Teacher
Morah Ariella believes that teaching is about so much more than academics—it is about helping children feel seen, loved, and confident in who they are.
She strives to create a joyful, nurturing classroom filled with meaningful experiences where every child can learn, grow, and develop a love of learning at their own pace.
She believes that strong relationships with both students and parents are the foundation of a successful school year and feels honored to play a role in each child's growth.
Outside the classroom, Morah Ariella enjoys spending time with her family, participating in community events, and finding creative ways to make everyday moments special.
Morah Geula Pe'er
J. S. Teacher
Morah Geula is our Judaic studies and Hebrew language teacher. She has over six years of experience in the classroom and is committed to creating a warm and engaging learning environment. She helps students build a strong connection to Jewish traditions and their relationship with Hashem.
She teaches through hands-on experiences and positive encouragement. She uses interactive lessons and skill-based materials so each child can grow at their own pace in a supportive setting.
Morah Geula strives to ensure that every child feels comfortable and valued. She creates a space where learning is meaningful and where students develop a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage.