Betsy Forester

Rabbi

Rabbi Betsy Forester helps us build lives of meaning and purpose through transformative Jewish experiences rich in authenticity, depth, empowerment, intellectual rigor, sacredness, and joy. She joined our congregational family as our Rabbi in the summer of 2018.  Read her bio here.

Click here to read some of her sermons, as well as guest divrei Torah by some of our members.

Dr. Stephanie Kirklin

Education Director

Dr. Stephanie Kirklin is a passionate Jewish educator who brings diverse experiences in religious school leadership, classroom teaching, curriculum design and supervision, and teacher mentoring. She joined the BIC team in June 2022, having previously worked in synagogue schools, Jewish day schools, and a public school. Her work with children spans preschool through middle school grades and includes planning for students experiencing a range of learning needs. During the pandemic, she created and directed an online school for young children. Stephanie enjoys bringing her love of Jewish music into the classroom and creatively fosters love of Jewish life. She lives in Verona with her husband and their two daughters.

Deborah Hoffman

Program & Youth Director

Deborah has dedicated much of her professional life to Jewish youth since her own teenage years at a synagogue in Columbus, Ohio.  She attended Camp Ramah in Wisconsin as a camper, and worked there as a counselor and later graduated from UW-Madison.  At Beth Israel Deborah coordinates volunteers, oversees the youth groups, MOUSY and Kadima, and teaches on Shabbat mornings. Many of our youth have learned to lead Torah service and countless other life lessons from Deborah.