Rabbi 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 is 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 two wonderful daughters-in-law. They also have three adorable granddaughters and a handsome grandson.
Jenifer Petrescu
Jenifer Petrescu
Executive Director
jenifer@bnaigainesville.com
(352) 376-1508, x103
Jenifer Petrescu is our Executive Director and has served in that role since 2013. However, her time at B'nai Israel began in 2003, when she worked at a teacher in our day school. Jenifer has also served on the day school committee and been an active participant at B'nai Israel since she started here, nearly 22 years ago.
Jenifer has her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida, both in Political Science with a focus on Public Administration. Jenifer and her husband Vlad have three children: Cristian (12), Stella (10) and Eloise (5). All of her children have gone through the day school and consider B'nai Israel their second home.
Elizabeth Chazulle
Elizabeth Chazulle
Financial Administrator
elizabeth@bnaigainesville.com
(352) 376-1508,x105.
Elizabeth Chazeulle joined Congregation B’nai Israel as a staff team member after being a proud congregation member for the past two years. As the Financial Administrator, she brings extensive expertise in administrative leadership, financial management, and organizational effectiveness to her role.
Elizabeth holds a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), reflecting her dedication to excellence in her field. With years of experience managing budgets, coordinating complex projects, and fostering innovation, she is passionate about creating efficient systems that support the congregation's mission.
Before joining CBI, Elizabeth served in various capacities, including Senior Executive Assistant, Clerk to the Special Magistrate, and Departmental City Commission Liaison with the City of Gainesville. Her diverse background includes service in the U.S. Army as an Avionics Technician, roles in aviation and renewable energy sectors, and certification as an Emergency Medical Responder/Volunteer Firefighter. Elizabeth also has many years of experience working with nonprofit, government, and emergency management organizations. She is adept at team leadership, process improvement, and engaging with community stakeholders.
Elizabeth enjoys supporting local initiatives in her community, and spending time with her family.
Ilana Gertler
Ilana Gertler
B'nai Mitzvah Coodinator
Ilana@BnaiGainesville.com
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.
Vinny Picataggio
Vinny Picataggio
Head of Maintenance
vinny@bnaigainesville.com
Vinny joined the B'nai Israel staff in 2021 after moving from South Florida, where he worked at Temple Beth El in the maintenance department. Vinny and his wife Mary Ann have 5 children collectively and 4 grandchildren. Vinny has been a tremendous asset to B'nai Israel and we are happy to have him as part of our team. He loves country music and the mountains of the Northeast.
