Rabbi Emeritus Barry Schechter

Rabbi Barry Schechter was born in London, England. Following Yeshiva studies at Etz Chaim in London and Gateshead Talmudical Academy he was ordained as a Rabbi. He has master's degrees in economics from Cambridge University and Essex University in England and did graduate work at Northwestern University. Serving Congregation Kol Emeth since 1981, first as Cantor and then Rabbi.

Rabbi Schechter has also become well-known for his programs on Jewish humor. These have been given at synagogues in the Chicago area, Milwaukee and New York, as well as Hadassah groups, YIVO, public libraries, the Universities of Chicago, Hartford, Reading (England) and the Jewish organization Gesher in Berlin. His popular Cable TV series Yiddish and Laughter won a Telly Award in 1999.

He has also lectured on the History of Eastern European Jews, Yiddish Language and Dialects, Austrian and German Jewish Refugees in Britain, the Holocaust, and other subjects of Jewish interest.

Rabbi Schechter speaks Yiddish, German, Hebrew, Polish, Russian and French, and has published articles in scholarly journals, as well as in the National Jewish Post and Opinion and the Washington Post.

He has lectured on Beliefs and Practices of Judaism to Catholic groups.

rabbischechter@kolemethskokie,org

Hazzan Sarah Alexander

Hazzan Sarah Alexander is a native Chicagoan, and lives with her husband and two children in Skokie.  She is excited to transition into the role of Spiritual Leader of Congregation Kol Emeth in Skokie, serving and building the Kol Emeth synagogue community.  

Hazzan Alexander studied under Hazzan Rabbi Shlomo Shuster z”l, who taught and inspired her to serve G-d and the Jewish people as a thoroughly learned, Conservative Hazzan.  With his support, she was accepted by examination into the Cantors Assembly.

She began her career as Hazzan Sheni at Ezra Habonim - the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, where she also led the Religious School.  Her next pulpit was at Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin, where she was Kol Bo (sole clergy), leading services, giving sermons, leading classes, and working with youth and adult students.  Her path then led her to serve the residents at CJE Senior Life, where she led Shabbat and holiday services, led classes, and administered pastoral care.  She also created custom siddurim for the different populations at Gidwitz and Lieberman.

During this time period, and with the goal of opening a path to traditional Jewish prayer to every person, Hazzan Alexander created transliterated siddurim which are paginated to match the standard Conservative prayerbooks. As a keruv project, they are available for free and are currently used at hundreds of synagogues on four continents. You can find the files at tinyurl.com/siddurfiles. She is currently working on a transliterated [High Holiday] machzor, with the aim of having it available for the 5787 holidays.

Hazzan Alexander is a longtime student of Gemara and traditional Jewish texts, as well as those of modern sages. She aspires to give every Jew an engaging experience with worship and Torah study in its broadest sense.  She looks forward to connecting with you at the shul and/or via email or phone.

hazzanalexander@kolemethskokie.org

Ronald C. Roth, President

Ron was born in the West Rogers Park neighborhood and raised in the Northwest suburbs. After graduating from Streamwood High School, Ron went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and zoology from Western Illinois University. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Worsham College of Mortuary Science and began his career in funeral service in 1988.

Ron is an active member of Congregation Kol Emeth, where he serves on numerous committees. He has also served as President of his Homeowners Association for over 25 years. His passion for music has led him to ringing handbells in a local handbell choir since 1992.

president@kolemethskokie.org