Ruth Goodman

Ruth Goodman is the Director of the Israeli Dance Institute and a leading figure in the world of Israeli folk dance. She succeeded Fred Berk as Director of 92NY’s Jewish/Israeli Dance Division and has guided the renowned Wednesday night dance sessions for more than 40 years. Founder of the Parparim Ensemble and longtime educator, Ruth has choreographed, taught, and inspired generations of dancers across the Americas and Israel.

Israel Siegler

Israel Siegler was born in Romania and grew up in Israel, where he developed a deep connection to dance and culture. He began dancing International Dance in 1986 and quickly expanded into Israeli Dance in 1987, building a lifelong passion for the art form. Today, he leads two dance sessions in Philadelphia, sharing his experience and enthusiasm with the community.

Tamar Epstein

Tamar discovered her love for Israeli Folk Dance at just three years old under the guidance of Lorraine Arcus and has been dancing, performing, and teaching ever since. Inspired by renowned mentors like Ruth Goodman and Danny Pollock, she has become a creative force in the community. Her choreography includes well-known dances such as Lamadeti, Yerushalayim, Chayai Libi, Am KeLavi Yakum, and At Lo Yadat.

Meliss Jakubovic

Meliss Jakubovic, a second-generation Israeli folk dancer from Atlanta, began dancing at age seven and has led her community’s weekly harkada since she was sixteen. Celebrated for her graceful, precise style and clear instruction, she brings warmth and expertise to every session. Meliss is thrilled to join the RikudAmerica staff and share her own choreography and lifelong passion for Israeli dance.

Howie Goldman

Howie Goldman has been immersed in Israeli dance for nearly six decades, developing his passion and expertise under the guidance of legendary teachers and choreographers including Moshe Eskayo, Shmulik Gov-Ari, Ruth Goodman, Danny Uziel, and Naftaly Kadosh. Over the years, Howie has shared his love of Israeli dance as a teacher at local sessions and dance camps, bringing energy and deep tradition to all his dancing.

Tamar Shabtai

Originally from Israel and now based in Chicago, Tamar Shabtai has been immersed in Israeli folk dance since childhood. A graduate of Gadi Bitton’s instructors’ course, she began choreographing at 12 and is best known for her popular dance K’she’Ba HaGa’agu’a (“When the Longing Comes”). Energetic and passionate, Tamar now shares her love of Israeli dance by teaching in local JCC programs and community settings.

Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman is a dynamic Israeli dance educator who has taught on five continents and directed dance programs at camps, schools, and community settings. She is the Founding Director of Ma’agal, which helps camps and schools elevate their Israeli dance education, and she also designs professional learning experiences at UJA-Federation of NY. Erica lives in Brooklyn and brings warmth, clarity, and joy to every dance floor she steps onto.

Jake Altholtz

Jake has been dancing since childhood and began Israeli folk dancing at age 11. Since 17, he has taught dancers of all ages in schools, camps, and community programs. Originally from New Jersey, he now lives in Watertown, MA, where he co-leads Boston’s largest Israeli dance session. He also choreographs, debuting his partner dance “Oseh Lo Makom” in Boston, and looks forward to bringing great energy to Rikud America 2026.

Laurie Schlussel