Congregation Bnai Tikvah
1558 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, Illinois 60015
Phone: 847-945-0470 | info@bnaitikvah.net
Rabbi Fine was born and raised in Deerfield, Illinois. He was a proud graduate and attendee of Solomon Schechter Day School, Camp Ramah and Camp Chi, and Ida Crown Jewish Academy. After graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, where he served as Hillel President for three years, Rabbi Fine began a Masters in Jewish Education which he completed in 2011. Rabbi Fine was ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2012. During his time at JTS he spent two years in Israel studying at the Conservative Yeshiva and the Machon Schechter Institute. While at JTS, Rabbi Fine received the William H. Lebeau Book Award and the Rabbi Morris Silverman Award in Liturgy. He also completed certificates in Fundraising from New York University, Rav Hamakshir (Kashrut Supervision) from JTS, a Mini-MBA for Non-Profit Organizations from St. Thomas University and became an accredited Life Coach in 2020. In 2014, the Forward recognized him as one of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis. In 2018 he was selected as part of the Clergy Leadership Incubator and then in 2021 he was awarded the Minnesota Hillel Capp Leadership Award.
Rabbi Fine served as the student Rabbi at Congregation Sons of Israel in Amsterdam, NY and the Rabbinic Assistant and Director of Congregational Learning at Beth El Synagogue Center in New Rochelle, NY and the Senior Rabbi at Temple of Aaron in St. Paul, MN. During his tenure he was known for innovation through programs like Crossriver Kosherfest, Annual Celebrity Fundraisers, and more. He can be found on his website TheGreatRabbino.com, the largest Jewish sports website, and his podcast The Religion of Human Nature. Rabbi Fine is married to Jessica (also from Deerfield) and they have two amazing daughters Annie and Trudy.
Hazzan Hery’s journey began in Lima, Perú, where he attended Hebrew Day School for 15 years, immersing himself in Jewish education from a young age. His academic path led him to the University in Perú before he ventured to the United States in 1986, where he earned a BA in Psychology from Earlham College. Driven by his passion for Jewish liturgy and music, Hazzan Hery pursued advanced studies at Yeshiva University’s Cantorial School in New York City, graduating in 1993. Prior to joining Congregation B’nai Tikvah, he served as the Hazzan at Havurat Yisrael, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Queens, New York, where he honed his skills in leading worship and fostering a vibrant spiritual community.
Hazzan Hery became a beloved member of the B’nai Tikvah community in 2001, initially serving as the High Holiday Hazzan. His dedication and talent were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as Ritual Educator in 2003. In this role, Hazzan Hery has devoted himself to training and nurturing both children and adults in ritual skills and prayer, ensuring that the traditions of our faith are passed down with care and reverence. His impact on the community is immeasurable, having prepared hundreds of congregants for B’nai Mitzvah and other significant milestones in their Jewish journeys.
In 2014, Hazzan Hery was formally installed as the Hazzan at B’nai Tikvah, a role that solidified his position as a cornerstone of the community. His deep connection to the congregation and his unwavering commitment to its spiritual life have made him a treasured figure within B’nai Tikvah. Hazzan Hery’s contributions extend far beyond his musical talents; he embodies the heart and soul of the community, enriching the lives of all who have the privilege of learning from and praying with him.
Michele earned her Master of Social Work and Certificate in Jewish Communal Service from Yeshiva University in NYC. She worked in the Women’s Division at JUF and as the Program Director of Hillel at Arizona State University while in graduate school. She remained in her role as Program Director at ASU until she was recruited by the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix to be the inaugural Director of its newly launching Young Leadership Division. Michele held this position until she and her husband Jonathan moved back to the Chicagoland area to start their family.
Michele then spent a year working as the Education Director for Financial Poise, an online continuing professional education company, and another year working as a development consultant with Giving Tree Associates.
Most recently, Michele served as the Assistant Director at the Steinberg Pre-School at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. After years teaching Religious School, Hebrew High School and Pre-School, Michele was honored when the administration asked her to step into the newly created role of Assistant Director of the Pre-School.
Michele and Jonathan live in Highland Park and have three children, Sophie, Julia and David.
Click here to schedule a meeting with Kevin.
After graduating from Highland Park High School and attending Camp Timberlane, Kevin earned his BA in Communications with a minor in Theater from the University of Denver in 2005.
His radio and event management journey boasts remarkable milestones at Kiss 103.5, Lake County’s 102.3 XLC, and WGN Radio, while his impactful contributions encompass roles as the Promotions Manager at WBBM Newsradio (Bears Radio) and 670 The Score (Cubs Radio). This path led to honors such as the JUF ‘36 under 36’ recognition and BBYO’s International AZA Advisor of the Year, underscoring his deep community involvement.
In 2018, Kevin channeled his expertise to the Camp Young Judaea Midwest, where he took on the role of Marketing & Communications Manager, seamlessly fusing creativity with strategic thinking. Beyond his professional pursuits, his commitment flourishes through Chainsaw Manor, a captivating Halloween yard display. This experience, known for its immersive ambiance, not only brings joy to the community but also supports the NICU at Lurie Children’s Hospital, showcasing Kevin’s dedication to positive change.
His diverse passions, from professional leadership to community safety as a trained weather spotter, reveal his holistic life approach, inspiring others through his boundless dedication. Residing in Deerfield with his wife Stacy and their three children – Lucy, Jade, and Emma – Kevin’s journey is defined by unwavering dedication to excellence and a heartfelt desire to create a meaningful impact.
Rebecca brings a deep passion for Jewish learning, community building, and a heart full of simcha (joy). Rebecca is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, and engaging educational environment where every child can thrive while partnering with families to foster meaningful Jewish experiences.
For Rebecca, joining B’nai Tikvah is a true homecoming. She grew up nearby in Northbrook, where her love of Jewish learning was nurtured at Solomon Schechter Day School and Ida Crown Jewish Academy. Those experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to Jewish education and her belief that learning should inspire curiosity, connection, and a strong sense of Jewish identity.
Deerfield has been Rebecca’s home for many years, where she raised her two children, Ella and Aaron. Continuing the family tradition, both attended Solomon Schechter and spent their summers at Camp Ramah, experiences that further strengthened their connection to Jewish life and community.
Outside of the synagogue, Rebecca enjoys a lively home filled with three dogs, a cat, and several of her son’s geckos. In her free time, she loves reading, spending time with family, and horseback riding.
Rebecca is excited to get to know the B’nai Tikvah kehillah and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students, parents, and congregants for many years to come.
Anat Pissetzky is excited to join B’nai Tikvah as Youth Engagement Coordinator. Originally from Deerfield and a graduate of Deerfield High School, Anat has spent the past several years working with children, teens, and families throughout the North Shore Jewish community. Her work in youth programming and education has fueled a passion for helping young people build meaningful connections to Jewish life. She is thrilled to continue that work at B’nai Tikvah and serve a community that helped shape her own Jewish journey.
In her new role, Anat will lead youth programming, coordinate B’nai Mitzvah preparations, and teach 6th grade religious school. Drawing on her experience in youth engagement and Jewish education, she is passionate about creating spaces where young people feel connected, supported, and inspired to explore their Jewish identities. Anat looks forward to partnering with students, parents, clergy, and staff to help foster a vibrant and welcoming community for the next generation of B’nai Tikvah families.
Avraham was raised in Chicago and is a graduate of Arie Crown and Ida Crown. After graduating from the University of Illinois and passing the CPA exam, he made Aliyah and lived in Israel for thirteen years before returning with his family to the States. While in Israel, he spent six years learning Torah in Jerusalem and then seven years working in Tel-Aviv and Petach Tikvah. He returned to the America in 1997 and lived in New York for sixteen years before returning to Chicago in 2013.
Avraham has four years of public accounting experience and has spent twenty five years working as a Chief Financial Officer, Controller and Director of Finance for various corporations and Jewish not-for-profits. He recently spent ten years as the Director of Finance for North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, where he managed all aspects of accounting including the annual budget process. He also worked four years as the Chief Financial Officer for the Rockland County Jewish Community Campus which included Federation, the JCC and Jewish Family Services.
Avraham lives with his wife, Tziporah, in Skokie and is a father of four beautiful young adults. His hobbies include learning hassidus, gardening, biking, fishing, sports blogging (Bears, Bulls, White Sox) and taking care of his three betta fish.
Carolyn grew up in Evanston, where she was a member of Mikdosh El Hagro Conservative Synagogue. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois -Chicago Circle Campus and Judaic Studies from Spertus College. It was during her senior year she began her lifelong career serving the Jewish community.
Before coming to Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Carolyn served at The iCenter – Israel Education Resource Center as Office Manager, Executive Assistant to the CEO, and a member of the production team for the organization’s seminars and programs. Her previous professional experience includes positions at Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale, Temple Beth Israel in Skokie, and the Jewish United Fund of Chicago, where she served as Director of Missions and Director of the Speakers Bureau.
Carolyn has a deep passion for Israel and has been fortunate to have lived there and visited many, many times over the years. She is thrilled to serve as the Synagogue Coordinator and looks forward to supporting and engaging with the congregation.
