Am Yisrael has a wonderful professional staff -- Rabbi, Cantor,
educators and administrators who are committed to our synagogue
and Jewish life.
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@aol.com
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. 31
cantorsimon@amyisrael.org
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
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.
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
Dave Brull joins Am Yisrael after 3 years of experience as a
synagogue youth adviser, and after working with children of
all ages as both a counselor and teen director at two different
Jewish overnight camps. This profession evolved from Dave’s
involvement as an early leader of his synagogue’s new
youth group and as a regional leader in Chicago area USY (which
includes parts of Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana). We are happy
to have a youth director who is as committed and experienced
as Dave Brull.
Youth Director Dave Brull may be contacted at:
847-446-7215 ext. 16
AmYisraelYouth@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, and
secretary Gleivy De Souza.
