Director

Alissa Zuchman is a graduate of Solomon Schechter High School and a proud alumna of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, where she pursued her studies in Bible and Rabbinic Literature. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Alissa has excelled as a Director of Life Long Learning and spearheaded one of the only “Family Schools” in the country. Her academic achievements include an M.A in Education from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University in Theology, Psychology, and Education, specializing in Art Therapy.

Alissa is thrilled to rejoin the Board of Jewish Education as its Director, a role that perfectly aligns with her passion for nurturing creativity and inspiring educators, parents, and students.

On a personal note, Alissa resides in Antioch, IL, with her partner Bob and cherishes her roles as a mother to Mimi, son-in-law Zach, and Yaya to granddaughter Zoe.

Rebecca Kushnir-Anisfeld

Director

Rebecca was born and raised in the Chicago area and has a deep understanding of our community and its unique needs. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Bradley University, Rebecca has always been driven by a passion for education and a commitment to helping children thrive.
Currently, as the Early Childhood Director at BJE-ECC, Rebecca oversees development and implementation of BJE-ECC’s comprehensive program. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all children, ensuring that each child’s developmental needs are met with care and expertise. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to fostering strong relationships with families, understanding their needs, and providing the necessary support to ensure their children’s success.

To learn more about the BJE-ECC bjeecc.org

Rabbi Eric Zaff

Curriculum Director

Rabbi Zaff is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience in formal and informal learning environments. He is committed to bringing joy and purpose to his students of all ages, from young children to retirees. As the director of curriculum for the Board of Jewish Education, he is devoted to creating and implementing effective curricula for diverse settings. With a strong educational background from the University of Chicago, where he received a BA in English Language and Literature; Machon Pardes and the Pardes Educators Program in Jerusalem, through which he earned an MA in Jewish Education from Hebrew University; and, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in New York, where he received rabbinic ordination. Rabbi Zaff is passionate about passing on his love for Torah and the Red Sox to his own children

Dr. Alicia Gejman

Curriculum Specialist

Dr. Gejman is an educator with over 25 years of experience in many areas of Jewish and secular education. She is fluent in Hebrew, Spanish, and English. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education Counseling and Psychology from BarIlan University, Ramat-Gan, (1982), a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem (1990), an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Washington University (1992), and a doctoral degree in “Science in Jewish Studies” at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership (2016). Her areas of expertise include educational consultation, curriculum development, teacher training, mentoring, evaluation, and teaching foreign languages.She lives with her husband in Cambridge, MA, and has two children and three grandchild.

Renee Kaplan

Program Coordinator

Renee Kaplan has been on staff at the Board of Jewish Education in a variety of capacities since September 2014. As the Program Coordinator and Board of Director liaison she brings her expertise in communication to each division. Her career began in education working for several schools as a Financial Aid advisor. She is most proud of her work as the Director of Financial Aid for the Zarem/Golde ORT School in Chicago. Making it possible for new immigrants to learn English, receive skill training and then see them placed in jobs was extremely gratifying. A passion for helping others is fundamental to her character. Renee grew up in Skokie and holds a BA in telecommunications from Indiana University.

Bruce Duhan

Creative Director

“Good design is attention to small things, but good design is no small thing.” Bruce Duhan is Creative Director and Designer at the Board of Jewish Education. Bruce joined the team in March of 2018 after a successful career that included and still includes being President/Creative Director of DuhanCreative, his own creative consultancy. He was formerly EVP, Creative Director at Ogilvy Advertising. Prior to this Bruce was EVP, General Manager of the concepting think-tank of BEN Marketing Group, acquired by Ogilvy in 2002. As one of the founding partners of BEN, and Chief Creative Officer, Bruce led a creative team that produced award-winning design for some of the best known clients in the world, Coca-Cola, HBO, Holiday Inn, IBM, DuPont, and others. Bruce is a graduate of Pratt Institute and began his design career with Creative Playthings, designing toys and toy packaging.

Leslye Whittmam

Event Manager

Leslye Whittman has been with the Board of Jewish Education for 3 years as the Events Manager. With over 25 years of planning various events and Marketing for the non-profit and for profit communities, she has championed for causes such as Domestic Violence and AIDs, and has worked at many of the top technology firms in the country. Some of her favorite events have included Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Hudson, Steven Levitt of Freakonomics, and a croquet tournament. She enjoys working on a variety of things and can be found sitting at her kitchen table working with her dog Coco, the poodle/chihuahua. She enjoys traveling with her husband and 3 kids.