STAFF
Temple Beth-El has a warm, welcoming and helpful professional staff to answer your questions and help you get the information you need.
Rabbi Ari Moffic
Director of Congregational Learning & Engagement
(847) 205-9982, ext. 212
Rabbi Ari (or ‘Ari’ as she prefers) is a Rabbi-Educator who prides herself on creatively working as a partner with families to inspire learners of all ages and backgrounds to incorporate Judaism into their lives in meaningful and grounding ways.
She is known throughout the Chicago area for having served as Founder of CoHere Chicago as well as Rabbi-Educator positions at Interfaith Family/Chicago, Congregation Sukkat Shalom, Wilmette, and Beth Tikvah Congregation, Hoffman Estates.
“I am passionate about having Jewish learning be fun, relevant, easy to access and challenging in a good way to our minds,” Rabbi Ari said. “I like to think of creative ways for people of all ages to learn more about Judaism and love to see their excitement at realizing how amazing, deep and layered Judaism is.”
“I aim for us to use Jewish teachings to inspire us to be better people and to make our world a better place.”
Laurie Orenstein
Executive Director
(847) 205-9982, ext. 211
Laurie is thrilled to join the Temple Beth-El Family this Spring as the next Executive Director. Laurie joins us with over 25 years of experience in the Chicago Jewish Non-Profit world. Laurie last worked as the principal of the Anshe Emet Religious School in Chicago and spent almost two decades at the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. Laurie has held several positions working in both programming and administrative roles. Laurie believes in the power of community and looks forward to working closely to strengthen it in the years to come.
Laurie grew up in Homewood and now lives in Glenview with her husband Dan and her three children Jacob, Ruthie, and Johnny.
Leslie Hanus
Clergy Administrative Assistant
(847) 205-9982, ext. 202
Leslie provides administrative support for the Executive Director, Rabbi and Cantor and coordinates congregant lifecycle events. Leslie brings over 10 years of marketing and project management experience to her role with Temple Beth-El.
Leslie grew up in Glenview and now resides in Deerfield with her husband, Rich and 2 sons, Ben and Sam. Leslie is “thrilled to be working in such a kind, welcoming and supportive environment”. When not in the office, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and being outdoors.
Nancy Reil
Accounting Manager
(847) 205-9982, ext. 209
Nancy is responsible for managing the accounting needs of Temple Beth-El. She has brought a tremendous amount of experience to TBE having worked for Pioneer Press, publisher of 30+ suburban newspapers, for 31 years.
In Nancy’s last position at Pioneer Press she was Chief Financial Officer overseeing the Accounting, Credit and Payroll staff in addition to doing the financial reporting. In addition, Nancy served on the Board of the Pioneer Press Charitable Foundation.
Nancy finds her role at TBE both challenging and fulfilling. “I am fortunate to speak with our wonderful congregants in responding to their needs,” she said. Nancy is a long-time member of Temple Beth-El with her husband, Jay, who has been very active in leadership throughout the years.
Holly Hamburg
Membership Engagement Assistant
(847) 205.9982, ext. 207
Holly serves as the Membership Engagement Assistant for Temple Beth-El and supports the Executive Director and Membership Vice President in growing the congregation by developing prospective member initiatives that attract new members and engage and retain existing members.
Holly comes to Temple Beth-El with over 20 years of marketing, communications and special events experience and is delighted to be part of the Temple Beth-El family.
A native of Boston, MA, Holly currently resides in Northbrook with her husband Phil and two sons, Jake and Adam.
“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up” — Bernard Meltzer
