Our Spiritual Leader

Beth Chaverim is led by Jodi Kornfeld, a rabbinic candidate. As the leader of Beth Chaverim, Jodi is committed to leading by ethical and moral example, listening to the voice of the community and displaying compassion and sensitivity to the community's needs. As an effective communicator, Jodi has a wonderful capacity for instilling a deep knowledge of Judaism, making the knowledge relevant for the community, and fostering a sense of togetherness through communal learning and celebration.

Jodi's experience includes directing a Humanistic Jewish school, teaching religious school, publishing articles on Jewish educational subjects, and presenting at local educational conferences as well as coordinating a national conference for Humanistic Jewish educators.

• Master's degree in Jewish Studies from Spertus College, 2003
• Doctoral candidate at Spertus College
• Rabbinic candidate at the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, ordination October 2009
• Deerfield resident for over 20 years
• Ordained Spiritual Humanist and available to perform life cycle ceremonies including weddings, baby namings and funerals

Jodi Kornfeld was the guest columnist for the Chicago Jewish News Torah Column, commenting about the Torah portion, Kedoshim on May 2, 2008.
Visit here to read her column.  When the page loads scroll all the way down to see the column.