Third generation, born in Philadelphia, PA, he and his family moved to Israel for his 1st year of elementary school. He was then brought up in Far Rockaway, NY, where he completed his schooling through high school. His 1st year of University studies was done abroad on the campus of Yeshiva University in Jerusalem, Israel. He then returned to NY where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Yeshiva University in January 1987.