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.
Keren brings over two decades of diverse and impactful experience as an educator across multiple Jewish movements, including Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative. Her extensive background allows her to expertly blend Jewish education with social experiences, creating a unique and dynamic learning environment. Through her teaching, Keren inspires students to explore and deepen their understanding of Judaism, fostering the development of strong Jewish values, a solid Jewish identity, and a profound sense of unity with the Jewish people. Her passion for Jewish education is evident in the way she cultivates a love for Israel and a commitment to Jewish communal life in her students.
In her most recent role, Keren spent four years at Solomon Schechter Day School, where she served as the Judaic Studies and Hebrew teacher for 3rd and 4th grades, in addition to working as a resource teacher. Her innovative approach to teaching and her ability to connect with students of varying backgrounds have made her an invaluable asset to the school community. At Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, where she has been teaching for the past five years, Keren has made a significant impact as both a 6th grade and Kindergarten teacher, developing curricula that resonate with students of different age groups and helping them build a strong foundation in their Jewish education.
Keren’s educational journey extends beyond the Chicago area, as she has also contributed to Jewish day schools in South Carolina and Atlanta, GA, and has taught in various public schools in Israel. These experiences have enriched her teaching style, allowing her to draw from a wide range of educational settings and cultural perspectives. Keren’s commitment to Jewish education is not just a profession but a lifelong mission, and she continues to inspire and guide the next generation of Jewish leaders with her passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication.
Harris is a devoted lifelong member of Chicagoland’s Jewish community. His journey with Judaism began in Kindergarten at an Evanston public school, where he first explored his Jewish identity. This exploration continued at Solomon Schechter Day School in Skokie, where his commitment to Jewish values deepened. Upon returning to the Evanston public school system for high school, Harris stayed actively engaged with his faith through his home synagogue, Beth Hillel. There, he was involved with his local USY chapter and had the opportunity to study weekly with Rabbi Allan Kensky.
Harris’s college years were marked by his leadership roles in Jewish organizations; he served as president of Northeastern Illinois University’s Hillel board and as Treasurer for Loyola University Chicago Hillel. His dedication to Jewish life and education has been a consistent theme throughout his life.
Professionally, Harris has dedicated many years to serving individuals with special needs through his work with Keshet and Yachad Chicago. In 2021, he expanded his impact by interning at the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s education department. During his tenure, he contributed to the development of virtual programming, supported Holocaust survivors, and co-designed an initiative to raise awareness about the ongoing Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.
In addition to his professional and community work, Harris has a long-standing passion for coaching basketball. He has been coaching since high school and most recently served as the Girls Junior Varsity coach at Ida Crown Jewish Academy.
Angie is a proud native of Highland Park and a lifelong resident of the North Shore, where she has cultivated deep roots within the Jewish community. Angie and her husband are the devoted parents of two daughters, and they are deeply committed to guiding their children on meaningful and personalized Jewish journeys.
Before joining our team, Angie spent several years teaching preschool in the Highland Park and Deerfield Jewish communities. During this time, she nurtured her passion for Judaism, playing a vital role in fostering a love for Jewish learning and traditions among her young students. Her dedication to early childhood education and her ability to inspire a deep connection to Jewish values have left a lasting impact on countless families.
Recently, Angie completed an esteemed Fellowship in Jewish Leadership for Women, further enriching her knowledge and skills. She is eager to bring her wisdom, experience, and unwavering passion for Judaism to our congregation, where she looks forward to making a positive and lasting contribution.
