About the Girls School
The Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion Girls School provides a high-level limudei kodesh and general studies education for girls in grades Pre-1A through 8, offering enrichment and remediation as needed, so that each girl can achieve at her own level. Students master Hebrew language in order to study primary Jewish texts, and benefit from special in-school and optional after-school activities that enrich a full day of learning.
The school places principal emphasis on preparing the girls to succeed in contemporary society without compromising their Torah values. Teachers focus on their students’ ethical and moral development, instilling in them self-respect and integrity, as well as a commitment to academic excellence. The girls graduate from YST uniquely ready for high school, but also deeply invested in their Torah obligations, their connection to Am Yisroel, and their personal imperative to perform acts of chesed.
Mrs. Cyrel Brudny, Principal Emeritus
Mrs. Cyrel Brudny, our principal emeritus, was the force behind the establishment of the Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion school system and its first principal at large. She served as principal of the Girls School from its opening in September 1991 until her retirement in 2022. A graduate of the Beth Jacob Teachers Institute of Jerusalem, Mrs. Brudny began her career as a high school math teacher, and as principal continued to relish every opportunity to connect with her students through mathematics. She has presented at the Torah Umesorah Aish Dos Educational Leadership Fellowship for Principals of Yeshiva Day Schools and has mentored new principals through Yeshiva University’s School Partnership. She tirelessly sought new directions to keep the Girls School energized, in both its Judaic and secular studies curricula and its panoply of extracurricular activities and school-wide programs. With unique devotion, Mrs. Brudny dedicated herself to the success of each of her students, readying them for the next level of their academic careers while enriching them personally and spiritually.
Mrs. Shoshana Sauer, Principal
Mrs. Shoshana Sauer assumed the principalship of Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion Girls School at the onset of the 2022-2023 school year. She served for the previous 10 years as YST’s Director of Special Services, while also teaching Jewish History at Reenas Bais Yaakov. During that time, she earned a stellar reputation as a committed administrator and creative educator. Mrs. Sauer holds an MA in Education and Special Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has completed leadership training through YU Lead as well as the Hidden Sparks Learning Lenses Coaching Program. As a longtime member of the Edison/Highland Park community, Mrs. Sauer has a deep understanding of its families and students. She is passionate about maintaining the high academic standards of Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion while meeting the needs of each and every individual student. She brings a unique blend of intelligence, compassion and positivity to her position.
Mrs. Aviel Brodkin, General Studies Principal
Mrs. Aviel Brodkin joined Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion Girls in 2022 as General Studies Principal. Mrs. Brodkin served as founding principal of Maayan Torah Day School of Portland, Oregon for the past 10 years, gaining a reputation as a strong school leader. In her capacity as school administrator, Mrs. Brodkin developed expertise in the areas of curriculum design, academic best practices, special education, and teacher mentoring. In particular, she is passionate about developing a positive school culture and promoting student engagement. Her educational background in language development has shaped her guidance of school literacy programs. Mrs. Brodkin also served as the Rebbetzin of Congregation Kesser Israel of Portland, providing extensive adult learning opportunities, lectures, and parenting classes. Mrs. Brodkin holds a Principal’s Certificate from COJDS, is a certified Nurtured Heart Trainer, and is completing her MA in Educational Leadership.