The UAB Faculty

We Are Family

Aviv Bertele

Founder and owner of UAB. Holds an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and Hebrew Language. Teaches the majority of courses at UAB, including the book clubs. Passionate about making Hebrew accessible to adult learners, he sees teaching Hebrew as his life’s mission. Known for his sharp wit and unapologetic humor, he brings energy and authenticity to every class.

Sharon Barbakov

Teaching Hebrew at UAB since 2018, she has an academic background in Semitic Linguistics and has taught Hebrew in both Jerusalem and Hungary. Combining dynamic energy with professionalism and precision, she creates an engaging and immersive learning experience in every class.

Orel Shmueli

Teaching Hebrew at UAB since 2023, he holds an M.A. in Hebrew Language and also works as a language editor for daily newspapers in Israel while developing educational programs. A true master of the Hebrew language—there’s no question you can ask him that he won’t have an answer to.