Employment
B’nai Tikvah is always looking for talented individuals to join our administrative and teaching staffs. If you are interested in career opportunities with us, please let us know!
Learn About Opportunities to Join Us
Meet Our Staff
Stephanie Wishnoff – Pre-K/Art & Cooking Resource
I have been a part of Sunday school for 15 years teaching little ones of our traditions and holidays. My passion for education is a reason I love my full time job as a manager for a jewelry store. I get to learn and educate others of the new trends and breakthrough in the jewelry industry. Family is so important to me and one of the reasons I stay connected to my community. I can’t wait to make B’nai Tikvah a part of that.
Lynn Harris – Kindergarten/1st Grade
Lynn is a native of Milwaukee – born and raised there. She earned her M.A. in Judaic Studies from the Siegal College of Jewish Studies in Cleveland, and has been teaching Hebrew School since 1986. She loves to travel, read, and cook! Her 3 adult children are married and she is blessed with grandchildren. Lynn and her husband enjoy living in West Rogers Park. Lynn is so happy and excited to be teaching K/1 this year at B’nai Tikvah.
Sandy Cohen – Sunday 2nd Grade/ Wednesday Resource
I grew up in Chicago and attended Ida Crown Jewish Academy. I was involved in Bnei Akiva, a religious Zionist organization and spent my summers at Camp Moshava in Wild Rose Wisconsin. I spent my gap-year abroad in Israel on a work study program on Kibbutz Yavne (near Ashdod). I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in Speech and Performing Arts. I taught Hebrew as well as Hebrew High School for many years both in Chicago and in Buffalo Grove. I love visiting Israel especially since I have family there, including an Identical twin sister. I love to travel, go vintage shopping and enjoy life!
Marsha Kasanov – 3rd Grade/4th Grade
My name is Marsha Kasanov and I have been a Hebrew teacher at The Religious School for more than 30 years. I continue to enjoy the look of recognition when a student sounds out a word they already know, such as “Shabbat” or “Shalom”, and realize they can read it in Hebrew! I live in Arlington Heights with my husband, Joel. We have two amazing children and four wonderful grandchildren. Along with my interest in Jewish education, when I am not teaching I am involved in another aspect of Jewish life. I am a Judaic fabric artist and create various types of Judaic ceremonial fabric items such as tallitot, kipot, chuppot, ark curtains, etc.
Zippi Perlmutter – 4th Grade A
My name is Zipporah Perlmutter and I have been teaching at The Religious School for more than 30 years and love it dearly. I was born in Israel and studied Hebrew and English Literature and the Hebrew language at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Teaching Judaica is my passion. I see myself as lucky because I am just as excited and enthusiastic every year as I was for my first year of teaching.
Leora Eidenberg – 5th Grade A
Leora Eidenberg has been teaching 5th grade at Bnai Tikvah for over 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree from University of Chicago in Social Work. Aside from teaching, Leora tutors students in Hebrew and for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. In her spare time she is part of a book club, plays Maj, and Canasta, loves biking and tennis, traveling, and attending concerts. She has a son and daughter.
Myra Friedland – 5th Grade B
My name is Myra Friedland. I am so excited to be one of the 5th Grade teachers this year. I love working with and teaching children and am looking forward to another exciting year imparting my love and enthusiasm for Judaica and Israel. I was an elementary Physical Education teacher for over 30 years, the last 26 years at Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook, before leaving teaching full time. I have also taught religious school at Congregation Beth El in Highland Park.
Anita Gelbart – 6th Grade
My name is Anita Gelbart and it is a pleasure to teach your child. I am a veteran teacher at The Religious School and have been teaching here for over 30 years! I enjoy teaching Hebrew, History, Torah, and Jewish Heritage to your children. This year has been filled with many new and exciting learning opportunities. Along with teaching at B’nai Tikvah, I work at Hillel Torah Day School in Skokie as the educational coordinator. Despite a very hectic schedule, I try to find time for power walking, swimming in the summer, reading, cooking and entertaining for Shabbat, and of course my most favorite activity: spending time with our children and adorable grandchildren!
Matti Barzilai – 7th Grade
Matti grew up in Westchester, NY where she was very involved in her synagogue and regional youth group and spent her summers at URJ Eisner Camp. Matti first spent time living in Chicago during college where she earned a BA in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago. She also has a MA in Jewish Education and certificates in Jewish day school and Hebrew education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Matti is excited to return to the Chicagoland area and join the B’nai Tikvah community. In her free time, Matti enjoys reading, knitting, and spending time with family.
Pnina Mazor -7th Grade
Pnina Mazor has being teaching is excited to be returning to B’nai Tikvah this year as one of the 7th Grade teachers. She holds a Master of Education from Loyola University and Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies from Hebrew Theological College. In addition to her work at B’nai Tikvah, Pnina teaches 7th & 8th grade Bible at Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook for the last 30 years. In her spare time, she enjoy yoga, zumba, and working out. Pnina lives in Highland Park while her twin boys lives in NYC & California.
Lawrence LeVine – 8th Grade
Lawrence LeVine teaches the 8th Grade class. Lawrence has worked at local synagogues, day and overnight camps and JCCs in various administrative and community engagement roles. He lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife and two children.
Matt Rissien – 9th Grade
Matt Rissien is so excited to be returning to B’nai Tikvah this year! Matt has many years of experience with students of all ages. Last year Matt taught seventh grade and is so excited to be teaching ninth grade this year. Matt is thrilled to be part of the B’nai Tikvah Faculty.
Paul Kerman – Resource
I am thrilled to be working at Bnai Tikvah as Tuesday’s Resource Teacher. I have been teaching at Jewish schools on the North Shore for over 30 years, as well as having taught for C.P.S. as a Math and Science teacher and consultant for over 40 years. For fun, I play guitar, read spy novels, and most importantly, enjoy being the Papa to our two beautiful granddaughters. I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of our Tuesday students.
Jeremy Raskin – Music
My name is Jeremy Raskin, and I grew up in Long Island, NY. I am so excited to begin my 1st year as the music teacher here at Congregation B’nai Tikvah. I studied history and languages at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I have been a Jewish educator and song leader for over 12 years, after leaving a career in television in Los Angeles that left me wanting more from life. I became a teacher because I love working in a creative, Jewish environment. I’m best known by my students for my fun repertoire of Jewish children’s music. When I’m not teaching, my wife Andrea & I are raising our 3 month-old daughter, Tamara Keren in Rogers Park, Chicago.