Clergy and Staff
Rabbi David Kaiman
Rabbi David Kaiman has served as rabbi at Congregation B'nai Israel since June 2003. Rabbi Kaiman was ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, NY in June of 2003 with an MA in Hebrew Letters and concentration in religious education. Rabbi Kaiman has served as a rabbi and educator at congregations in Florida, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Maryland. Rabbi Kaiman also spent several summers as an educator at Camp Ramah including two years with the Tikvah Program for Special Needs Jewish Education at Camp Ramah in New England. Prior to entering seminary, Rabbi Kaiman spent 21 years as a corporate manager in industry where he was active as a community leader for religious and secular organizations. Rabbi Kaiman also proud to be a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville and a Gator. Married to Rebeca Shalom, LCSW they have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.
Contact Rabbi Kaiman at rabbi@bnaigainesville.com or (352) 376-1508 x104. You may also wish to explore The Rabbi's Page.
Erin Lang, Executive Director
Erin has served as executive director of B'nai Israel since 2007. Erin has a degree in Business Management from the University of Florida and is currently pursuing an MSW degree. Erin loves meeting with congregants and guests, and she especially enjoys collaborating with committee leaders and volunteers. Erin is passionate about local food as well as yoga and dance, and she has integrated these interests with Judaism through the synagogue's Community Supported Agriculture project and New Moon Yoga classes for women, which she leads each month.
Julie Worsham, Administrative Coordinator
Julie came on board in the B'nai Israel office just as her family was moving to North Central Florida from Alabama in the summer of 2010. We are delighted to have her at B'nai Israel! Julie handles all the bookkeeping, correspondence and day-to-day operations in the office, and she would love to answer your questions or assist you next time you call or stop by.
Debby Kinman-Ford, Day School Director
Debby has served as the Director of the Day School since 2005, and she brings years of experience in both education and Jewish community programming. Under Debby's direction, the Day School has become a bright and cheerful space of learning, where Jewish values are interwoven throughout the curriculum. Additionally, Debby is an active member of B'nai Israel who goes above and beyond with her volunteerism.
Suzanne Chester, Religious School (Chavaya) Director
Suzanne is a long-time member of B'nai Israel, who has been involved with the religious school for many years. She currently serves as the director of our revamped program, called Chavaya! A Great Jewish Experience, which features hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students in Kindergarten - 7th grade. When she's not at B'nai Israel, Suzanne is busy dancing, and has most recently studied ballroom and Israeli dancing.
Rafael Lola, Maintenance Supervisor
Rafael joined the B'nai Israel staff in 2009, and he has been keeping our facility looking great ever since. Rafael has been named an honorary member of the Men's Club and has developed a wonderful rapport with our school families and congregants. Chances are you'll see Rafael cleaning and keeping the building secure next time you're here for a program - take a minute to say hello.