Orot Educators
Jane Sherwin Shapiro
Jane Shapiro is passionate about all aspects of Jewish teaching and learning. She has been a teacher to many over the last thirty years, in classes ranging from weekly Torah study to Jewish thought, history and literature. As Associate Director of the Florence Melton School she worked with teachers across North America and Israel to develop good pedagogic practices. She has consulted with organizations ranging from the American Jewish Committee, The Jewish Theological Seminary, Camp Ramah, Spertus Institute, and Jewish Federations of North America. She is a graduate of Princeton University, studied at Columbia University and received her doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2016. She is a graduate of the Mandel Teacher Educators Institute and Visions of Jewish Education projects. in 2017 Jane received an Educators Award from the Covenant Foundation. In 2018 she was featured in an Eli talk on “The Torah of Bubbiehood.” She lives in Skokie, Illinois with her husband David and is also mother to four sons, mother-in-law to three daughters and grandmother to six.
Email Jane Jane@orotcenter.org
Deborah Lebold Wineman
Deb Wineman is an experienced and celebrated yoga instructor who has earned certifications in movement and meditation from a variety of traditions since 2008. Her own spiritual practice of yoga and study of yogic philosophy inspired her study of Torah and integration of Jewish prayer in her daily practice. Deb leads engaging classes and workshops that provide embodied explorations of Jewish themes and teachings in a spiritual language that resonates with our Jewish souls. Through balanced, breath-focused yoga practices infused with philosophy, ancient wisdom and beautiful music, Deb helps students of all levels feel awake and whole.
Judith Joseph
Artist Judith Joseph's paintings, woodblock prints and calligraphy (ketubot) are in numerous public and private collections. She exhibits widely across the U.S. and Canada, and she is a two-time recipient of the Illinois Arts Council Fellowship Award. She is on the art faculty at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Art Center, Highland Park and she co-teaches the Artists' Beit Midrash at NSS-Beth El with Jane Shapiro. She is passionate about helping people explore and express their Jewish heritage through art.
David Gottlieb
David Gottlieb first studied meditation in the Zen tradition, and has more recently studied with Rabbi Sam Feinsmith and Rabbi Jordan Bendat Appel in Jewish contemplative practice. David received his PhD in the History of Judaism from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2018, and is a member of the Jewish Studies faculty at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.
Rabbi Rivkah Glick
Rabbi Rivkah is a neurosurgeon, teacher, mother, wife, rabbi, and pursuer of peace. Rabbi Rivkah coordinates all Orot Mindfulness Meditations online. She works with a rotation of educators to provide meaningful virtual programming twice a week throughout the country.
Lavey Derby
Lavey began to explore the world of Kabbalah and Eastern European Hasidism at the Hebrew University early in his studies, and this became the foundation of his own spiritual life. Lavey was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and is affiliated with the Jewish Renewal community. He is an eighth-generation direct descendent of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, for whom he is named, and comes from a family line of rabbis that traces back to the 16th century.
Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell
Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell is a teacher of Jewish mindfulness and text and has spent years leading retreats and immersive experiences for adults in various settings through the National Ramah Commission, Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning, and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Jordan was the founding Director of Ramah Beyond and was Director of Camp Ramah in Canada from 2019-2022. Previously, he worked for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS) as a teacher of Jewish Mindfulness and as Director of the Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training. Jordan also taught meditation to rabbis and cantors through IJS’ Clergy Leadership Program. After being ordained in 2008, Jordan served as a congregational rabbi outside of Chicago and co-founded Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning. Jordan is a recipient of the 2014 Covenant Foundation Pomegranate Prize. He and his wife Yael live in Toronto and are the proud and grateful parents of three.
Missy Lavintman
Missy has been a Hebrew and Jewish educator for more than 40 years, teaching in afternoon schools, day schools, synagogues and colleges. She has a MA in Education, a BS in Hebrew Education with a minor in Creative Drama. She was the recipient of the Vivian Mann Educator of the Year Award and the Grinspoon-Steinhardt National Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. These awards enabled her to participate in several Jewish educational seminars with Kivunim traveling to various parts of the world. These learning adventures culminated with further study in Israel. Missy has been married for 48 years, has five children, 3 sons-in-law and five adorable grandchildren. Since their children and grandchildren live throughout the US and in Israel, travel to spend time with them is a top priority.
Amy Atkins
Amy Atkins is a devoted mother and advocate for mindful parenting, deeply involved in Jewish community building and mindfulness practices. Her extensive experience includes roles in key Jewish organizations and a dedication to yoga, showcasing her commitment to fostering a supportive, welcoming community for Jewish families.
Jessie Lavintman
Jessie Cohen Lavintman, a mother and experienced Jewish educator, combines her passion for life coaching, doula services, and education to support parents in the Orot PPP. Her journey includes significant ties to Israel, a love for cooking, and a commitment to creating a nurturing community for families.
Jessica Soria Korsunsky
Jessica Soria Korsunsky brings her rich background in Jewish community service and mindfulness to her role, emphasizing parent empowerment and community building. With a history of impactful roles in Jewish organizations and as a yoga instructor, she fosters creative and inclusive experiences for families.
Candice G. Rosene
Candice G. Rosene leverages her expertise in parenting and early childhood development, coupled with a career in broadcasting and film, to support families through transitions and growth. She focuses on creating inclusive spaces for parents to connect, share, and enhance their journey through motherhood.
Jess Berlin
Jess Berlin is a seasoned Jewish educator and retreat director, dedicated to enriching family experiences through immersive retreats and spiritual practices. Her work in meditation, yoga, and outdoor education has impacted many, fostering deep connections within the Jewish community.
Jodie Honigman
Jodie Honigman, a passionate Jewish educator and counseling psychology MA candidate, contributes her expertise to the Milwaukee Jewish community. Her dedication to learning, teaching, and providing therapy enriches her role, making her a valuable resource for families navigating their Jewish journeys.
Michal Berkson Powell
Michal Berkson Powell, a clinical social worker with extensive experience, focuses on supporting children, families, and educators. Her work spans public schools, Jewish organizations, and private practice, emphasizing mental health and educational success across various settings.
Mara Bragg
Mara Bragg, a dedicated educator and community builder, excels in supporting families through early childhood and Jewish life exploration. Her leadership in creating engaging, supportive programs reflects her commitment to nurturing family connections and facilitating community growth.
Elana Pollack
Elana Pollack's passion for Jewish education and community engagement shines through her work in various roles. Her experiences in summer camps, day schools, and community organizations highlight her dedication to creating inclusive, educational spaces for Jewish families.
Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez
Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez combines her rabbinic ordination and social work expertise to lead in Jewish education, engagement, and non-profit consulting. Her leadership in several volunteer roles underscores her commitment to building inclusive, values-driven Jewish communities.
Dr. Aviva Levine Jacobs
Aviva completed a joint degree in Psychology and Judaic Studies at Brown University. She received her PysD in clinical psychology from the CA School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco with a focus on children and families. Aviva has worked as a therapist supporting children, teens, and parents in both clinic settings and private practice. She has extensive experience supporting children, teens, and staff members at Jewish overnight camps, where she has worked for over a decade as a staff trainer, educator and currently as Director of Camper Care and Staff Wellness at Camp Ramah in CA. Aviva has a passion for supporting parents of young children and works as a mental health consultant.
Sue Bojdak
Sue Bojdak has been a Jewish educator for over 20 years, teaching and learning with kids, families and adults. She currently serves as the Director of Education at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav in San Francisco. Sue has a BA in Religious Studies from SUNY Stony Brook, an MA in Divinity from the University of Chicago, a California Adult Education credential, and is currently completing a certificate in Spiritual Direction at the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Sue is the mother and stepmother of four young adults aged 18-20. She lives in Berkeley, CA.