Guided by passionate, dedicated leaders who bring warmth, scholarship, and deep commitment to Jewish life in our community.
Senior Rabbi
Ordained in 2004 at Hebrew Union College. Associate rabbi 2005–2016, then Senior Rabbi. Committed to strengthening Etz Chaim’s presence as the center of Jewish life in the western suburbs. She teaches an Intro to Judaism course at Elmhurst College as an adjunct professor, participates in DuPage United and the Glen Ellyn Religious Leaders group, and uses her passion for music, teaching, and learning to help others see the world through a spiritual lens. Her warm, engaging presence opens the door to Judaism in an accessible manner for interfaith families.
Associate Rabbi
Ordained in 2016 from HUC-JIR Cincinnati. Previously served at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. An Oak Park, IL native, she’s thrilled to be home serving the western suburbs. She loves developing creative worship, walking with families through times of sorrow and joy, and bringing Torah to life. She serves as Dean of Faculty for the URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy and administers need-based camp scholarships. Outside of work, she enjoys scuba diving, long walks with her dog Tali, playing musical instruments, and baking challah.
Dir. of Lifelong Learning & Music
20+ years in Jewish education. 2022 recipient of the Shomeir Shira Award, the Guild of Temple Musicians’ highest honor. She earned the RJE title in 2024 from the Association of Reform Jewish Educators. Past President of the Guild, former conductor of HaZamir Chicago, and OSRUI camp faculty member. B.M. from the University of Michigan, M.M. from Oakland University. Passionate about fostering Jewish identity through learning, music, and Tikkun Olam. Loves to camp, sing, bake, and spend time with her family and rescue dog, Duke.
Rabbi Emeritus
After 35 years as our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Steven M. Bob became Rabbi Emeritus in July 2016. He is a passionate educator who serves on the faculty at Wheaton College and Elmhurst University, where he co-founded the Holocaust Education Program. A prolific writer and community leader, he has authored two books on the Book of Jonah and has been recognized nationally for his influence in interfaith and civic leadership. He continues to share his love of Torah and sense of humor with the Etz Chaim family.
Executive Director
Aaron Robbin brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership to his role as Executive Director, including a previous tenure as Executive Director of BBYO Passport where he managed a $10M budget and international programs. He holds an Executive MBA from Quantic, a Master’s in Education from DePaul, and is a certified chronic pain coach. A dedicated educator and youth leader, Aaron is passionate about creating joyful, meaningful Jewish experiences. He lives in Deerfield with his wife and two children.
Assistant Director of Education
Andrea Schuster (she/hers) grew up in Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!) and came to Chicago for graduate school at the University of Chicago. She has a Masters in Cultural Anthropology and did her thesis on the Spertus Museum. Andrea has been a Jewish educator for almost 20 years and was a middle school science teacher for 8 years. She taught 3rd grade Hebrew last year at CEC and is thrilled to be a part of such a warm, inclusive community. Education is Andrea’s passion, and she is honored to be working with Marla and the CEC team in this new position.
Andrea and her husband Gordon live in Glendale Heights with their dog Ruthie and their enormous vegetable garden. Andrea and Gordon recently adopted their first child, Layne!
Program & Communication Manager
Yahelle Yaccoby (she/her) grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and recently relocated from Salt Lake City, Utah. She has a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. Yahelle has been a Jewish professional for six years, and previously worked for the United Jewish Federation of Utah. She is excited to be part of CEC’s team and looks forward to getting to know the Jewish community in the Western Suburbs!
Yahelle and her husband, Colton, live in Aurora with their rambunctious cats, Eric and Oliver.
Member & Clergy Admin
Barbara, a Chicago native, has called the Western suburbs home since 1975. With a degree in Mathematics from Loyola University, her career spans experience as a computer programmer and medical office manager. Beyond her work at Etz Chaim, Barbara is a dedicated volunteer for nonprofits supporting health, education, and the arts. A proud grandmother of eight, she stays active as a dedicated walker and enjoys traveling, reading, and attending live events with her family and friends.
Inclusive Education Coordinator
Theorizing that one could time travel within his lifetime, Matt Newton stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished…” While Matt isn’t actually Dr. Sam Beckett, he has “jumped” through several careers, from U.S. Army linguist to advertising executive, before discovering his true calling: supporting neurodivergent youth and adults.
Matt has a degree in Psychology from San Jose State and years of experience in advocacy and program design. He is thrilled to join Congregation Etz Chaim to support inclusion for all and help build lifelong foundations of growth.
Matt recently moved from the Bay Area to Illinois with his wife, Mia, and their daughter, Talia. As a “Jewish-adjacent” partner in an interfaith marriage, Matt is appreciative of the warm welcome from the CEC community and looks forward to growing within this loving family.
Maintenance Crew
J&L Cleaning Services is a family-owned business led by Javier Vega. Javier is a resilient and accomplished individual, started his transformative journey in Mexico City, which led him to the United States two decades ago. Javier, along with Elmer Suarez and Katia Vega, have been dedicated to serving CEC for the past few years.
