Rabbi Zischa Shaps is the founder and Director of JET, as well as the Executive Director of Torah Academy of Ottawa. Rabbi Shaps has taught at the Ottawa Torah Institute and Hillel Academy. He has served on the board of the Soloway Jewish Community Centre, and is an active canvasser for the United Jewish Appeal. Rabbi Shaps received his Rabbinic Ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary of America-Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in New York.  In addition to overseeing all of JET's programs, he also inspires many through his many classes on a variety of subjects

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rabbi Dovid Burger received his Rabbinic Ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary of America-Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. He was the founder and Rabbi of the Young Israel Congregation of Fort Worth, Texas before moving to Ottawa. Rabbi Burger teaches extensively for JET in addition to his full time position as Judaic Studies teacher and Judaic senior school coordinator at Hillel Academy.  Rabbi Burger brings a passion for what he teaches to all of his classrooms  that is contagious

Lauren Shaps has been active in JET since its inception over 15 years ago. She teaches many JET classes throughout the year and is involved in the coordination and programming of many of JET's events, specifically the JETsetters division for young adults in their 20's and 30's.   Lauren’s classes present Judaism in a “user friendly” format, so that Jews get “turned on” to Judaism and are able to access the great depth and beauty and meaning to enhance their lives.

Lauren earned a Master's Degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York. She has had many years of experience in youth work and individual, child and family counseling, having worked for Jewish Family Services and later for the Heart Institute’s Cardiac Rehab Program. 

After relocating to Ottawa from Philadelphia with her husband and six children in 2004, Rachel Goldbaum joined the JET staff as its Program Coordinator two years ago.  With many years of experience in both event planning and coordination, teaching, and Jewish marriage education and counseling, she enthusiastically applies her talents in the field of Jewish outreach.

Rabbi Avraham Gross, JETs newest Rabbi to their Campus team, originates from the state of New Jersey. Rabbi Gross earned his B.A. in Talmudical Law and received his Rabbinical Ordination at the Tanenbaum College in Jerusalem, Israel. He is also a Certified Substance Abuse and Addiction Counselor. Prior to his arrival in Ottawa, Rabbi Gross traveled to college campuses throughout the southern California region bringing Judaism to life for unaffiliated students. His outgoing personality, warm and welcoming Shabbat table and innovative campus programming encouraged many students to take a closer look at their connection to Judaism.

Ayala Gross, originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earned her certification in Computer Programming from the Computer Institute of Technology in New Jersey. She subsequently enrolled at Machon Bnos Yehuda, a program of Jewish Studies for Women in Jerusalem, where she greatly enjoyed classes with renowned Jewish educators. Ayala's initial introduction to JET was when she was hired to develop and maintain the JET website, from her home in Jerusalem, which she did with creativity and professionalism.

The Gross's feel great passion for Judaism and the Jewish people which guides their work on the university campuses. They eagerly anticipate their home becoming a "home away from home" for hundreds of Jewish students. They are also proud of their 3 adorable children, Faigy, Mordechai and Shoshana, who love when students fill their house.