She, Her
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 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 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.
“As the Executive Director of KAM Isaiah Israel, I’m honored to work daily in a place I deeply love. When my family moved to Chicago, we joined Shabbat in the park, and found a true “Kehilah” – a community where everyone feels at home, safe, and valued. As an Israeli immigrant and mother of three, I understand the challenges of maintaining a strong Jewish identity. KAM Isaiah Israel offers a warm, inclusive space where all, regardless of how “Jew-ish” they feel, can connect and belong. Our synagogue has evolved into a community hub, fulfilling religious, spiritual, and social needs while fostering Tikkun Olam. My vision is to make KAM Isaiah Israel a vibrant center for Jewish life, where our beautiful building thrives with art, celebrations, and Torah.
Come visit us! We welcome new faces and value your unique perspectives.
L’Shalom,
Osnat
She, Her
Elisa Aranoff is a passionate Jewish educator with more than 20 years of experience, including as a private B’nai Mitzvah tutor. Most recently she was Camp Director of Apachi Hyde Park JCC Day Camp until it closed in August 2024. Prior to that she taught at the Institute for Jewish Enrichment and Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School. She completed Music Together teacher training and co-founded a Jewish version called Zemer Emet. She reestablished the Hyde Park chapter of the international Jewish youth group BBYO. She holds a Certificate in Jewish Leadership from Spertus, and a Masters in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Elisa enjoys singing, playing guitar, and spending time with her husband Michael, sons Moses and Daniel, and dog Daisy.
She, Her
Kimberly Kent brings a wealth of administrative experience across industries to her role at KAM Isaiah Israel. A South Side native who began her career at UChicago Hospitals in 1987, she is excited to support the daily operations of our congregation and connect with the KAMII community.
A proud grandmother of five, Kimberly enjoys fine dining, music, dancing, and long walks. She grew up in Avalon Park, attended Kenwood High School, and raised her family in Hyde Park. New to Judaism, Kimberly is eager to learn and grow as part of the KAMII team.
She, He, They
Eva is the program assistant for Shoresh and a teacher at Akiba-Schechter. A life-long Hyde Parker and Lab graduate, Eva recently completed a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Learning at UIC, focusing on early childhood education and disability studies.
In their free time, Eva enjoys hanging out with her goldendoodle, Rory, playing the ukulele, and geeking out over favorite TV shows. Coming from a Jewish-Catholic interfaith family and raised in a renewal congregation, Eva is excited to bring that perspective and passion to the KAMII community.
She, Her
Born and raised in Chicago, 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 her role.
He, Him
James has been with our temple for almost a decade and is a wearer-of-many-hats while also helping all functions of each department for everyday needs, whether it be for Shabbat services or daily activities.
He is always eager to help out and is very passionate about spreading peace, love, caring and sharing in the world.
She, Her
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.
He, Him
John enjoys his role at KAM Isaiah Israel as the all-around ‘go-to’ for any and all maintenance requests that come his way and is very engaged with all tenants in the building for any needs that may arise.
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.