Rabbi and Education Director, Rabbi Alison B. Kobey

Rabbi Kobey joined us in July 2009. She comes to Or Chadash with extensive pulpit, chaplaincy and community activitism experience. She served Temple B'rith Kodesh in Rochester, NY as Associate Rabbi and Director of Life Long Jewish Learning from 2000-2009. She oversaw the TBK religious school, the Rochester Kollel, as well as participating in many other rabbinic duties, such as counseling and life cycle events. Rabbi Kobey was active in the Rochester community and served on many local and state boards. Rabbi Kobey attended Tufts University and Hebrew Union College.

Rabbi Kobey loves the strong combination of rabbinic duties with educational duties because "learning is a life long continuum. As rabbis, we provide roots for Jewish learning and then strive to build upon those foundations. There is no endpoint along the path of learning. Thus, my job helps promote Jewish learning as a life long process." Moreover, she notes that two of the trends within American Judaism include a return to Jewish learning and a return to synagogue activity. "My job combines both pieces and then supports greater growth within Jewish spiritual life as a whole."

Rabbi Kobey notes that one challenge of responding to the new hunger for learning is to provide entry points for people of different ages and backgrounds and involvement that fits a variety of needs. "We want to provide numerous opportunities which will reach out to all people and help them enhance their own connections to Judaism."

Religious School Administrator, Jen Strelser

Jen Stelser became our Religious School Administrator in July 2009.  You know her as a past President of the Board of Directors of Congregation Or Chadash, as well as a Board Member. She also capably led the Religious School Committee for several years and she has taught Religious and Hebrew School classes.

Music Director and Teacher, Stephanie Weishaar

Stephanie Weishaar took on our new position of Music Director in 2011 after many years of volunteer service to Congregation Or Chadash. She is a past President of the Board of Directors and former Religious School teacher. Stephanie currently teaches Music, volunteers as a co-Advisor for CORY (Congregation Or Chadash Youth group), and serves as a Cantorial Soloist at Or Chadash. Her love for singing Jewish music began in childhood when she served as a “junior rabbi,” leading the Chatzi Kaddish and other prayers at Shabbat services in the Chicago suburbs. After attending Hava Nashira, the URJ’s training camp for songleaders, in June 2011, Stephanie returned to Or Chadash with renewed enthusiasm for the music of our movement. Whether she is teaching the children on Sunday mornings or leading the congregation in song on a Friday night, Stephanie’s passion for Jewish music shines through.

 Temple Administrator, Deanie Preston

Deanie Preston became our Temple Administrator in 2009. She helps keep our synagogue organized and running smoothly and is indispensible in helping Rabbi Kobey with day to day tasks. She keeps our temple's master calendar up to date and sends out our weekly email blasts. She has proven to be so efficient, that we keep piling more on her!

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