Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff
Rabbi Ephraim and Tova Polakoff and their family joined the Bais Tefilah family in September of 2015. Prior to becoming the rabbi of Bais Tefilah, Rabbi Polakoff served as the assistant rabbi of the Young Israel of Staten Island, as well as the assistant rabbi of the Young Israel of Long Beach. Rabbi Polakoff also teaches at the DRS High School for Boys in Woodmere as well as at the SKA High School for Girls in Hewlett.
Rabbi Polakoff, originally from Great Neck, NY, studied at Yeshiva Derech HaTalmud in Yerushalayim under Rav Chaim Ilson, one of the esteemed students of Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, זצ"ל. He then attended Yeshiva University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Rabbi Polakoff continued his studies at the Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, MD, where he received semicha in 2011. Concurrently, he attended classes at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School and graduated with a Master’s degree in Jewish Education in 2012.
Tova (Frank) Polakoff, originally from Teaneck, NJ, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stern College for Women in 2008. Since that time she has taught general and Judaic studies to elementary, middle, and high school girls. Currently, Tova is a beloved Dean of Students at Bnos Bais Yaakov and Tichon Meir Moshe High School in Far Rockaway. Tova is also an active Rebbetzin, hosting Shabbos meals and giving regular shiurim to the women of the community.
The Polakoffs are blessed with eight beautiful children - Yisrael Meir, Zevy, Gavriel, Aharon, Asher, Yafa, Devora, and Avigail.
Rabbi Polakoff