STAFF
Temple Beth-El has a warm, welcoming and helpful professional staff to answer your questions and help you get the information you need.
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.
Laura Perpinyal
Director of Congregational Learning
(847) 205-9982, ext. 212
Laura Siegel Perpinyal, RJE loves being a Jewish Educator and working with learners of all ages! She is thrilled to be serving the Temple Beth-El community as Director of Congregational Learning beginning in 2023. Prior to coming to TBE she served as the Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Chai for 11 years and under her leadership the school was Accredited by the ARJE for Excellence in Jewish Education. Before coming to Temple Chai Laura and her husband lived in Johannesburg, South Africa. There she served as the Director of Development for the Jewish National Fund of South Africa and was very involved with volunteering for Limmud Johannesburg and served as Conference Co-chair in 2011.
Laura is active nationally and locally in Jewish Education leadership roles. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE), is a past President of the Chicago Area Reform Jewish Educators (ChARJE) and serves on the RECC, the Rabbi, Educator, Cantor Committee of Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI). She loves spending part of her summers at camp with Beth-El campers and staff! She was also chosen to be in the inaugural cohort of Mandel Educational Leadership Fellows, graduating in 2023.
Laura attended Indiana University where she graduated with Honors with degrees in Jewish Studies and Political Science. In 2009 Laura graduated from Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion with Joint master’s degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Non-Profit Management. Laura and her husband Avi live in Northbrook with their two kids.
Leslie Hanus
Clergy and Lifecycle Coordinator
(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.
Kelly Rome
Accounting Manager
(847) 205-9982, ext. 209
Kelly is very excited to join the TBE community as Accounting Manager.
Kelly brings with her over 25 years of experience, and she isn’t just a “numbers” girl! Kelly truly enjoys her interaction with the community that surrounds her. Kelly grew up in Deerfield and currently lives in Wheeling with her Gentle Giant (Fur-Baby) Harley. When not in the office, you can find her dancing to music, playing at the dog park or just outside enjoying her garden. She is honored to be a part of the Temple Beth-El Team!
Holly Hamburg
Membership Coordinator
(847) 205.9982, ext. 207
Holly serves as the Membership Coordinator 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
Linda Goldman
Communications and Event Coordinator
(847) 205-9982, ext. 201
Linda Goldman joined TBE during High Holidays 2022. Linda has been involved in events and communications for over 35 years beginning with collegiate Model United Nations conferences in St. Louis and Chicago, continuing with the Glenview Ice Center for nearly 20 years, and most recently with the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A native of both Skokie and Glenview, Linda graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Global Studies. Linda also worked as a Community Coordinator with AuPairCare, assisting both host families and AuPairs. Linda enjoys volunteering and has served on non-profit Boards of Directors and has volunteered for Over the Edge in Chicago and Roanoke. Linda currently resides in Evanston with her cat Laila Ali.
Lisa Michael
Operation and Education Coordinator
(847) 205-9982, ext. 210
Lisa Michael (she/her) is currently serving as the Operation and Education Coordinator, supporting the Executive Director and Director of Congregational Learning. Lisa attended Indiana University in Bloomington where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She taught Sunday School at BJBE for six years and most recently worked in Real Estate as an Administrative Assistant/Transaction Coordinator. She grew up in Glenview and now resides in Buffalo Grove with her husband Joel and daughter Jori. She is thrilled to be a part of such a welcoming and supportive community!
Jessi Hersman
Education, Engagement and Experience Manager
(847) 205-9982, ext. 205
Jessi Hersman (she/her) is currently serving as the Education and Engagement Coordinator, helping to foster and oversee connections, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging at Temple Beth-El. She has always been connected to Judaism and Education. From attending Jewish overnight camp to teaching religious school, it has it has remained an essential piece of her journey. She attended Illinois State University where she graduated with degrees in Theatre Education and Acting, with additional certifications in theatre and leadership. During her time at ISU, she was a part of many philanthropic efforts, particularly those that supported neuro-divergent learners in the recreation and play spaces and the classroom. After college, she furthered her education in New York, focusing on Playback Theatre, Directing, creating brave spaces for actors, and conflict/resolution in the workspace. Her love for belonging stems from her want to support her students and their families to the highest level and amplify voices that need to be heard.
Although Jessi is a new full-time professional in the Reform Jewish Movement space, she has worked for over 15 years in the fields of education and parks and recreation, most recently serving as the Recreation Supervisor and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Contact for the Buffalo Grove Park District. Jessi's passion for fostering a sense of belonging is evident in her creation of unique theatrical and religious programming experiences, earning her the Illinois Theatre Association's Excellence in Community Theatre Award. She currently is a proud HUC-JIR Jewish Ideas Fellow. She and her husband, along with her vibrant two kids reside in Mundelein, IL.
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