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 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 and three adorable granddaughters.

Contact Rabbi Kaiman at rabbi@bnaigainesville.com or (352) 376-1508 x104.

Ilana McAfoos
Coordinator of Jewish Learning

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.

Alaya "Laya" Green
Administrative Assistant 

Laya is new to the Gainesville and Congregation B'nai Israel Community. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, and has moved to Gainesville to attend Santa Fe College where she is currently studying Business Administration in hopes to earn her Master's degree in International Business and Marketing. This is her first time working at a synagogue and she is eager to learn more about our Jewish community.

Laya loves traveling, animals, and binge-watching The Office. Growing up, she had over 20 pets and currently has a dog and a cat. She is very friendly and looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Contact Laya at Laya@BnaiGainesville.com or x100.