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. They also have three adorable granddaughters and this year welcomed their first grandson.

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

Ilana Gertler
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.

Vinny Picataggio
Head of Maintenance

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.

Contact Vinny at vinny@bnaigainesville.com.