I am thrilled and honored to be the Executive Director of KAM Isaiah Israel. How often does one get to work every day at a place they already love and care for? I consider myself very lucky.
When my family and I moved to Chicago several years ago, we joined the community for Shabbat in the park, and the rest is history. Today, when I think of KAM Isaiah Israel, the first word that comes to mind is "Kehilah" - "community." It is a place where members, families, children, and all can come together and feel at home, safe, heard, and part of a positive change in the world. A place to bring your loved ones and be accepted with open arms. And a place to have fun!
As an immigrant-Israeli mother of three, I experience firsthand the challenge of building a strong Jewish identity while being immersed in non-Jewish environments. KAM Isaiah Israel is devoted to help support new and existing community members by offering a welcoming, warm inviting place, so everyone can feel comfortable no matter how Jew-ish they see themselves.
The concept of a synagogue has evolved from a place of worship to a center for the community – Where individuals can fulfill their religious, spiritual, and social needs, engage with a supportive community, and work on Tikkun Olam. It is a place where faith and daily life intersect, helping people feel secure in their Jewish identity and being part of a caring community that extends beyond themselves.
My vision for our synagogue is to become a community center for Jewish life. Our beautiful building will be filled, again, with people enjoying Chevrutah (friends in a community) - a place for Jewish life, art, celebrations, and Torah.
Please come visit us and say hi! We love meeting new people, and we value each of your unique viewpoints.
L'Shalom,
Osnat Strulov-shlain
Executive Director
Osnat leads all aspects of synagogue life, from day-to-day to strategic planning and everything in between.
Born and raised in Israel, Osnat and her family moved to Berkeley, California in 2013 and later to Chicago in 2019 for her husband's academic career.
Osnat brings a unique combination of nonprofit management experience from the educational sector combined with experience working with Jewish organizations and a deep profound knowledge and passion for modern Jewish life.
Osnat lives in Hyde Park with her husband, three children, a dog, and a rescue cat. When not at the synagogue, Osnat is usually in the Hyde Park Arts Center creating with ceramics, volunteering at the Lab school and neighborhood events, or walking around the neighborhood with her children and dog exploring the parks, arts, and restaurant offerings.
Deanna designs, implements and coordinates adult and family education programs to serve all ages of our diverse congregation.
Born and raised in Chicago, Deanna returned recently with her family from Los Angeles, where she served as the Director of Jewish Innovation at the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center. During her tenure, she built an alternative religious school, expanded curriculum for multiple ages, developed the b'nai mitzvah program, increasing enrollment by 300% over 6 years. Deanna managed a staff of 15 part-time teachers and organized weekly adult learning seminars, and created new programming. After leaving this position, Deanna created Pop Up Shul, a Jewish exploration initiative for musicians, artists, and philosophers, encouraging a fun and meaningful connection to Judaism. There she led Shabbat services, High Holiday services for hundreds of people, officiated weddings, bnai mitzvah, and more for mostly unaffiliated and interfaith families.
An accomplished writer, performer, and Jewish educator, Deanna brings a wealth of experience from her roles as a mentor with Hebrew Helpers, a cantorial soloist, a DreamLab fellow, a Storahtelling Maven, an ROI member, a Honeymoon Israel educator, and the founding Director of Performing Arts at Camp Ramah in Northern California. She wrote three award-winning novels and a children's book about national parks, and was recognized as a New Ground Changemaker grant recipient for her work fostering relationships between Jews and Muslims. Fluent in Hebrew, Deanna is excited to leverage her innovative approaches to education and her passion for networking, the arts, and nature in her new role.
Jacob Perkins
Office Assistant/Work Study
Jacob is a second year Master of Divinity (MDiv) student at the University of Chicago Divinity School, pursuing ordination to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church. Additionally, Jacob studies medieval Spanish interreligious communities in al-Andalus, Mysticism, and Liturgy. Jacob cares deeply about building positive, mutually respectful relationships between Abrahamic faiths in a way that is genuine and celebrates differences.
Olga Perez
Facilities
Olga has been one of KAMII's long-standing staff members, and always looks forward to the High Holy Days as she is able to see and connect with all of the KAM Isaiah Israel community. She is always eager to meet new people and help in any way that she can. Outside of work, Olga enjoys reading and walking and the best parts that Chicago has to offer. Beloved mother and grandmother to many, she also enjoys traveling back home to Guatemala as much as she is able.
John Sefner
Building Supervisor
Additionally, John is a great asset for vendor management as a contractor liaison for all construction-related activities. A long-playing bassist and a recent newlywed, John enjoys spending his time with his wife and daughter and their cats- watching all of the hockey games they can, trying the latest restaurants in Hyde Park, and especially going fishing when weather permits.
Wed, September 27 2023
12 Tishrei 5784
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