Rebecca Koren

Rebecca is affectionally known as the "ultimate nurturer" in the Chicago Jewish community. As an active member in the Chicago Jewish Day School, Gan Gani Moadon Kol Chadash, and Anshe Shalom Bnai Israel communities, she is often taking care of someone in one capacity or another.

Her professional work as Midwest Outreach Program Coordinator for Sharsheret, a Jewish breast and ovarian cancer support community, is rooted in her passion for helping others. "I strive to always be mindful of how lucky I am and give back in any way I can," Rebecca said.

As a member of an "informal Israeli welcoming committee" for new families in Chicago, the New Jersey native has lived in Israel several times throughout her life. "Our oldest son was born there and [my husband, my other son, and I] all carry dual citizenship," she said. "Our dream is to move back one day to settle in Ra'anana."

On the weekends, she can be found with her husband, Eran, and two sons at Anshe Sholom, using a "Shabbat tab" to get ice cream at Windy City Sweets, attending Chabad kids' cooking classes, and picnicking with friends at the beach or park.

AGE:
36

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Midwest Outreach Program Coordinator for Sharsheret

ON THE SIDE:
Mom—or actually—Ima, volunteer, book club-lover, podcast fanatic

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Committed to creating a better world.

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
I’ve gotten Cristin Milioti from How I Met Your Mother several times.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Becoming fluent (or at least very proficient!) in Hebrew after only learning the aleph bet at age 20. I was motivated to learn Hebrew because of my trip to Israel on Birthright.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My father-in-law. He made aliyah from Moldova at the age of 15. He and his family had to leave everything behind, all they had were their passports and one bag. He had to change his first and last name and forge a new identity. He didn't know a word of Hebrew. He worked hard to learn the language, served in a prestigious IDF unit, went on to college and graduate school, and forged a successful career and started a beautiful family. He is just one story of perseverance and determination, and of why the Jewish homeland is so important.