Jackie Klein (she/her), MA
Director of Education
I am so excited to join Congregation B’nai Israel as the Education Director. My time as a Jewish Educator has always been through the lenses of how I can bring Jewish Text and tradition to life through relationship and community building. I have a passion for Jewish pluralism in all forms and helping students find their own individual connections to Judaism. I am so excited to get to know each of the Chavaya students through lots of learning and laughing over the coming months. One of the unique aspect of synagogue education is being able to see the growth of children to adulthood from birth. I’m very much looking forward to working with the day school community and bridging the gap between the little ones and Chavaya.
When not in the class room, or involved in synagogue education I enjoy being the learner myself. I have been participating in the Daf Yomi cycle and love finding others to learn Talmud with. My husband Nic and I both grew up in south Florida. We enjoy the water and nature walks (especially when there are Pokémon stops) along with our dog Driedle. We look forward to finding the best trails and restaurants in Gainesville. At home you can find us often watching anime or science fiction especially Star Trek. I and the rest of my family can’t wait to meet your family.
Ilana Gertler
B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator
Ilana is new to Gainesville but not to being involved in Jewish life. Having recently graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Master’s degree in Archaeology with a specialization in Medieval Archaeology, Ilana’s background is rooted in Jewish engagement within her community. She has served as the first full-time Director of Programming for her home congregation at Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Elkins Park, PA. She has also served as a Youth Services Educator at Beth Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and at the Hillel Jewish University Center in Pittsburgh worked as the Jewish Spirituality and Learning intern.
Ilana is also no stranger to Jewish camp, having grown up going to Camp Ramah in the Poconos as the child of camp staffers. As she got older, she also became a staff member and served as the Director for the Theater Arts Program. Having participated in USY as a teen, Ilana recognizes the importance of being engaged in Jewish life from an early age and making programs engaging and fun.
Contact Ilana at Ilana@BnaiGainesville.com or x122.
Sadie Jacobson
Chavaya Teacher
Hi! My name is Sadie Jacobson, and I am a 3rd-year Applied Physiology and Kinesiology student on the pre-physical therapy track. I'm from Tampa, Florida, where I studied Hebrew for 10 years at Hillel Academy of Tampa Jewish day school. I also attended Camp Barney Medintz as a camper and counselor for 12 years. I'm excited to apply my Jewish background and get involved with the Jewish community in Gainesville!
Aaron Fintz
Chavaya Teacher
My name is Aaron Fintz. I am a third-year Business Administration major at the University of Florida. Judaism has always been vital to my success and happiness. I was active in USY and BBYO growing up while attending the temple regularly in a religious household. Furthermore, I am very involved in the synagogues and Jewish Student Union at UF.
Rachel Beer
Chavaya Teacher
Hi! My name is Rachel Beer and I am a Junior at UF majoring in psychology. Growing up, Judaism has always played a very important role in my life and identity. I was active in both USY and my synagogue, as well as have spent my summers at Blue Star Camps and my local JCC. I am so excited to be a part of the Congregation B'nai Israel team and am looking forward to a great year!
Sara Beer
Chavaya Teacher
Hi, my name is Sara Beer and I am a junior at the University of Florida majoring in Public Relations. I have always had a passion for the Jewish community and wanted to continue my involvement in college. I was heavily involved in both USY and my synagogue and spent my summers at Blue Star Camps. This past summer I was in Israel working at an internship in Tel Aviv. I can't wait for a great year!
Noah Gilman
Chavaya Teacher
Hi, my name is Noah Gilman and I am a third year Business Management major at the University of Florida. I am originally from Coral Springs, Florida where I was extremely involved with USY in high school. I also went to Camp Ramah Darom as a camper for 9 years and worked on staff for 2 years. I spent this past summer in Israel working an internship and exploring the country. I'm excited to begin my third year of Chavaya!
Owen Abrams
Chavaya Teacher
Owen is a first year teacher at Chavaya, recently beginning his freshman year of college, where he is pursuing a double major in Computer Engineering and Business Administration, with an intent to go into engineering law. Throughout high school, Owen was an active member of USY, both as a local president and the regional Social Action/Tikun Olam vice president. Owen spends his summers at Camp Ramah Darom, for 9 years as a camper, and as of this past summer, a year on staff. Previously, Owen was a Hebrew school teaching assistant for three years at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh in Boca Raton, Florida.”
