Our People

Solly Assa, with over 25 years of experience owning and developing commercial real estate across residential, retail, office, hotel, industrial, and other commercial properties throughout the US, has built a reputation since 2000 for identifying market opportunities driven by economic cycles.

He specializes in sourcing undervalued investments, securing significant funding for his family and partners in national and international markets, including the food, pharmaceutical, apparel, cryptocurrency, and AI data center sectors.

Haron has been an integral part of the community since before the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue opened its doors. He serves not only as our synagogue’s gabbay, but as the building engineer, community liaison, and all-around problem solver. Haron takes great care in maintaining the traditions of our community, and is known for his welcoming demeanor, compassion, and integrity. He and his wife Sandy, and children Simon, Leila, Naomi and Rachel have been involved in many of the different functions of the synagogue throughout the years.

Shmuel has been the Hazan of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue from its opening. Our congregation is honored to hear Shmuel sing many of the beautiful traditional and modern melodies of the Tefillah each week. He is a renowned Hazan and is often invited to sing at simahot around the world. Shmuel and his wife, Rachel and their children Eliyahu, Ezra, Yonatan, Shoshana and Ariel are a source of energy in our congregation.

Rabbi Netanel Aminov is an emerging Torah leader whose passion, clarity, and authenticity are igniting hearts across the Jewish world. At just seventeen years old, he founded Halacha Moment, a visionary project that has since grown into a global movement, reaching and uplifting thousands with accessible, relevant, and life-changing Torah.

Rabbi Aminov studied Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Eretz Yisrael, and continued his learning at The Rabbinical Seminary Of America. After his marriage, he returned to Eretz Yisrael to learn at The Jerusalem Kollel under HaRav Yitzchak Berkovits, shlit”a, with whom he maintains a close and enduring relationship. Under Rav Berkovits’ guidance, Rabbi Aminov received his Rabbinic ordination (semicha) along with rigorous training in practical halacha, including Kashrut, Taharat Hamishpacha, and Shabbat.

Today, Rabbi Aminov serves with Edmond J. Safra NYC and Chazak NYC, where he continues to inspire, teach, and lead with warmth, depth, and an unwavering dedication to Klal Yisrael.

Rabbi Aminov lives in New York City with his wife, Shoshana, and their wonderful children, Yisrael and Shlomo.

For inquiries or to contact Rabbi Aminov, please email: rabbiaminov@ejsny.org

Batya grew up in Brooklyn, where the warmth of community and connection helped shape the person that she is today. She attended Touro College, earning her B.A. in Psychology — a foundation that continues to influence the she understands people and builds meaningful relationships.

For the past ten years Batya has worked in customer service, sales, and clothing design, fields that allowed her to express creativity while engaging deeply with others. Each experience strengthened her passion for helping people feel seen, supported, and valued.

Outside of work, She loves spending time with my three children, who bring endless joy and inspiration into my life. She also enjoys biking, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes — always seeking experiences that broaden my horizons and bring new energy into my daily life.

Today, I am proud to be part of the Safra team — a place that aligns deeply with my values and feels like a true spiritual home. Being surrounded by a community dedicated to growth, meaning, and connection is both inspiring and fulfilling, and I am grateful to contribute to that mission every day.

Rabbi Reuven Ibragimov is the COO at Chazak NYC at the Edmond J Safra Synagogue. He was the COO and innovator at RAJE-NY. He and his wife served as campus chaplain and program director at Brooklyn College and Long Island University. Rabbi Ibragimov has been developing cutting-edge programs for college students, young Jewish professionals, and newlyweds in the New York area. Thousands of students from around the world have participated in his innovative programs, benefiting from his dedication to Jewish education and community building. He lives in Long Island with his wife, Nalini, Executive Director of the Olami House, and their six fabulous children.

Originally from London, England, Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff graduated with honors in political science from Manchester University. After working for MTV in news production, and winning the national competition ‘Jewish Stand-Up Comedian’ of the Year, Rabbi Hajioff traveled to study in Israel and then Monsey to receive his rabbinical smicha ordination from Yeshiva Ohr Somayach.

Rabbi Hajioff is the educational director of Birthright Israel Alumni in Manhattan, New York. He has been instrumental in implementing programs for Birthright Israel in Manhattan such as the very successful adult bar and bat mitzvah program which some four hundred people have completed so far. He also leads trips to Israel and Poland three times a year for hundreds of young professionals. On behalf of Birthright Israel, he leads leadership trips to Israel, Poland and Prague.

Rabbi Hajioff is on the full-time faculty of Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University. His very popular credited courses include courses on Jewish Philosophy, Mysticism, Jewish holidays, Shabbat and many others. He teaches introductory Judaic studies courses, which cover all the foundations of Jewish thought. He recently received the “Professor of the Year” award in Judaic Studies from the senior year students at Stern. His very popular book “Jew Got Questions” was published by Feldheim in 2014.

Rabbi Hajioff lives in Wesley Hills with his wife Anita and their five children.