Rabbi Samuel N. Gordon leads Sukkat Shalom after more than twenty-five years experience as a rabbi in the Chicago area. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1980 and received an MBA degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. In 2005 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity from HUC-JIR. He has been in the forefront of creating new models for Jewish family education and worship. He has devoted himself to the work of Outreach, creating innovative programs serving intermarried couples and families. In addition to his work in Outreach and Family Education, Rabbi Gordon has been widely recognized as a leader in Social Justice throughout our community and beyond. He also founded Rabbis for Obama, named by Ha'aretz, Israel's leading newspaper, as one of the 36 American Jews who helped shape the 2008 Presidential election. Contact Rabbi Gordon at samgordon@aol.com

Cantor Ross Wolman , born and raised in Lancaster, PA, graduated from Temple University with a BMus in Music Education. Being a dedicated songleader, many of Ross’ summers have been spent at URJ Camps including: Kutz Camp, Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute – OSRUI, and the NFTY in Israel Summer Experience. Ross was fortunate to have spent two of his years of cantorial studies in Israel. During this time, he was invited to serve as Cantor in Reform congregations around the world. He led many services including: Sukkot, Purim, and Pesach in Kiev, Kharkov, and Poltava, Ukraine, and High Holiday services at Congregation Bavat Ayin in Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel. Ross has also been an active leader and organizer of the Riding4Reform cycling fundraiser, which benefits the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. In May 2007, Ross was Invested as Cantor from Hebrew Union College and is a proud member of the ACC (American Conference of Cantors). Ross and his wife Malka live in Chicago. Contact Cantor Wolman at ross.wolman@gmail.com

Judy Buckman is Executive Director of Sukkat Shalom. Her previous experience includes over a decade of administrative leadership in the Jewish community. Judy is a member of the National Association of Temple Administrators, the Chicago Association of Temple Administrators, and is a member of the Jewish Book Council. She brings with her tremendous organizational and people skills, as well as a strong financial background. Judy also provides Sukkat Shalom with its exceptional adult educational programming—consistently bringing in speakers and authors of the highest quality. Contact Judy Buckman at JJBuckman@aol.com

Ari Poster Moffic graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Religious Studies and a Certificate in Jewish Studies. She then attended Baltimore Hebrew University where she received a double Master's Degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies. She was ordained a Rabbi from Hebrew Union College in June, 2007. Rabbi Moffic has an extensive background in Jewish family education -including writing for a Jewish family magazine, leading family retreats, and helping to start a family centered religious school. She has a special interest in Jewish educational work in the former Soviet Union. Ari believes in learning through doing and engaging the entire family in meaningful Jewish experiences. Contact Rabbi Moffic at ariposter@gmail.com

Amy Israel is the Program Coordinator of Sukkat Shalom. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a major in marketing. Her previous position as a Purchasing Agent with Walgreens Corporate gives her the organization, computer knowledge, creativity, and strong people skills needed to be successful at this position. Amy was also instrumental in creating a workshop for the Jewish Book Council held in Los Angeles, California. Amy is grateful to be a part of this wonderful and dynamic congregation.
Contact Amy Israel at ABucky1@aol.com