Am Yisrael has a wonderful professional
staff -- Rabbi, Cantor, educators and administrators who are
committed to our synagogue and Jewish life.
Rabbi
— Cantor — Religious
School Director — Executive
Director
Education Consultant —
Youth Director — Administrative
Staff—Email
Addresses
Rabbi
Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin came to Am
Yisrael in 1990 to serve as the congregation's Assistant Rabbi.
In 1994 she became the Congregation's sole Rabbi. At that
time Am Yisrael became the first congregation in the Chicago
metropolitan area to be headed by a woman, and for 10 years
was the largest Conservative congregation in the country to
have that honor. Rabbi Newman Kamin provides keen intellectual
and spiritual guidance to the congregation and, of course,
continues its tradition of counting men and women equally
in all religious observances. She is a popular Jewish teacher
and speaker who loves teaching people of all ages. Rabbi Newman
Kamin serves on the Chancellor's Cabinet of the Jewish Theological
Seminary, the seminary that trains and ordains Conservative
rabbis. She is also a member of The Executive Council of the
Rabbinical Assembly and President of the Chicago Chapter of
the Rabbinical Assembly (2004-06). Rabbi Newman Kamin is the
2005 recipient of the Jewish Theological Seminary's Rabbi
Simon Greenberg Rabbinic Achievement Award.
Message
From the Rabbi
Rabbi Newman-Kamin may be contacted at 847-446-7215 ext. 13
rabbink@amyisrael.org
Cantor
Cantor Simon, a truly gifted vocalist
and musician, has been leading prayers for more than 20 years.
He is an exciting and compelling presence on the bimah. In
addition to his own involvement throughout the year as Cantor
and as a highly skilled Torah reader, Cantor Simon has brought
together an outstanding choir that adds so much to our High
Holiday services each year. Cantor Simon also teaches in our
Religious School, and is recognized in the community as a
popular song-leader and an accomplished entertainer.
Cantor Simon may be contacted
at 847-446-7215 ext. 20 cantorsimon@amyisrael.org
Executive Director
Nancy Holab Nevins joined the Am Yisrael
staff in 1991. She brings a strong organizational background
with her, including 15 years of administrative work in broadcast
communications, primarily at NBC owned radio station WKQX. Nancy
grew up on the North Shore, is a New Trier West alumnus, has
a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin
and has strong ties in our community. She is always happy to
answer questions and assist our members in whatever way is necessary.
Nancy may be contacted
at: 847-446-7215, ext. 14 nhnevins@amyisrael.org.
Religious
School Director
 We
are very pleased that Sally Brown-Winter has brought her decades
of experience in Jewish Education to Am Yisrael. We are sure
that you will find her delightful, intelligent, focused and
committed to the Jewish education of our children. She previously
served as Religious School Principal at Shaare Tikvah in Albany
Park and as Director of Education at Oak Park Temple. Additionally,
she directed a media center for a Jewish Board of Education
and directed a Jewish Day Camp. Now, she is focusing her talents
on directing our fine Religious School.
Religious School Director Sally Brown-Winter may be contacted
at 847-446-7215 ext. 12
sbrownwinter@amyisrael.org
Education Consultant
 Dr.
Elliot Lefkovitz has served Am Yisrael with distinction for
more than 25 years as Education Director. Some of the youngsters
he taught are now adult members of the synagogue. We are fortunate
to continue to benefit from Dr. Lefkovitz’s knowledge
and gifts as Education Consultant, with his new focus on Adult
Education. Dr. Lefkovitz is a scholar as well as a beloved
educator, having taught Holocaust Studies at Spertus College
and authored a number of books and papers. His guidance and
contributions will be evident in the synagogue’s adult
education programming throughout the year.
Education Consultant Dr. Lefkovitz may be contacted at: 847-446-7215
ext. 15 elefkovitz@amyisrael.org
 Youth
Director
Marah Shuman Altenberg, who serves as the synagogue’s
current youth director, was also the original youth director
who started Am Yisrael’s youth department in 1996. She
ran the department for 6 years, before leaving to start a family.
She also was a youth director at a synagogue in White Plaines,
NY for 6 years and previously served as the director of youth
programming at JCYS’s Buffalo Grove location. Marah also
has had a successful career in journalism, working at various
newspapers and magazines. She was an editor for 4 newspapers
in the Pioneer Press chain for 10 years and recently served
as a senior editor for the national magazine Consumers Digest,
among other positions. Marah received a B.S. degree in journalism
from University of Illinois. During her tenure there she studied
in Israel at Hebrew University in Jersusalem. Marah is married
to Jonathan Altenberg and they have two daughters, Jessica,
7, and Caitlyn 3.
Youth Director Marah Shuman Altenberg may be contacted at 847
446-7215 ext. 16 maltenberg@amyisrael.org
Administrative
Staff
Am Yisrael’s administrative staff
does an excellent job of managing the synagogue’s business
affairs, office and building due to their skills, experience
and dedication.
The administrative staff team includes Building
& Grounds Supervisor, Bryan Bogucki, Administrative
Assistant Gleivy de Souza and Part Time Assistant to the Rabbi,
Nan Naranjo.
Email Addresses
Rabbi Newman Kamin
Cantor :Stuart Simon
Executive Director: Nancy Holab Nevins
Religous School Director:
Sally Brown Winter
Education Consultant:
Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz
Administrative Assistant:
Gleivy de Souza
Assistant to the Rabbi:
Nan Naranjo
Building and Grounds Supervisor:
Bryan Bogucki
Youth Director: Marah Shuman Altenberg
President Joel Brown
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