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. 

rochel

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.
Goldstein

Rabbi Michael Goldstein grew up in Ottawa, where he attended Hillel Academy and the Ottawa Torah Institute.  After high school, he studied at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavne in Israel, and then continued his studies at Yeshiva University in New York, where he received both his B.A. and his rabbinic ordination, and where he is currently a candidate for the MSW degree.

 

After many years away from Ottawa, Michael has been drawn back to a city and community that he loves.  Together with his wife Stacy, he is looking forward to adding to the energy and warmth of his hometown.