Clergy and Staff

[Rabbi — Cantor — Religious School Director — Executive Director — Education Consultant — Youth Director — Administrative Staff]

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.

Rabbi Newman-Kamin may be contacted at 847-446-7215 ext. 13 or rabbink@amyisrael.org.

Cantor

Cantor Stuart Simon, a truly gifted vocalist and musician, has been leading prayers for more than 35 years, with more than 26 years at Am Yisrael. He is an exciting and compelling presence on the bimah. Am Yisrael has always recognized that music is a most important component of worship. Music can stir the soul, intensify emotions and revivify centuries-old prayers. Cantor Simon provides this vital musical component to worship, helping to lift prayers of praise, gratitude, petition and penitence to God and singing of the beauty and harmony of Creation. In addition to his own involvement throughout the years as Cantor and as a highly skilled Torah reader, Cantor Simon is a teacher in our Religious School, offers adult education classes and is recognized in the community as a popular song leader and an accomplished entertainer and musician. He also works with B’nai Mitzvah students, providing them with outstanding training as well as a deeply meaningful experience.

Cantor Simon may be contacted at 847-446-7215 ext. 20 or 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 or nhnevins@amyisrael.org.

School Director

Charlie Sherman joined the Am Yisrael community in 2010 as the School Director. Charlie is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary's joint program with Columbia University for his undergraduate studies. He received a BA in Bible from JTS and a BA in Religion from Columbia. Charlie went on to receive his Master's degree in Jewish Education from JTS. Charlie comes to us with ten years experience as a teacher and director of Jewish programming at the Rodeph Sholom School in New York City. He led youth and family services and taught hundreds of students at that school and within the Rodeph Sholom Religious School. Charlie served as Educational Director at Congregation Or Zarua in New York. Charlie's most recent post was as Jewish Studies Principal at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School, a Kindergarten through 8th Grade Jewish Community Day School. Charlie is a 2005 recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education as a teacher, mentor and leader. Charlie is a member of the national board of the Jewish Educators Assembly. Charlie and his wife Laura are the proud parents of two boys, Michael, 8; and Gabe, 5.

Charlie may be contacted at 847-446-7215 ext. 12 or csherman@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 are evident in the synagogue’s adult education programming throughout the year.

Education Consultant Dr. Lefkovitz may be contacted at: 847-446-7215 ext. 15 or elefkovitz@amyisrael.org.

Youth Director

Ezra Balser comes to us with a wealth of Jewish educational background, USY and Jewish camp experience.  Most recently, Ezra taught at the Anshe Emet Day School, was Rosh Edat at Camp Ramah in New England, and was USY Advisor at Anshe Emet.

Ezra Balser may be contacted at 847 446-7215 ext. 16 or ebalser@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.