Jerry Kaye, Director

Jerry Kaye is the Director of the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin as the head of the Union for Reform Judaism Youth Department for the Great Lakes Region. Jerry served as a member of the Brandeis University Professional Advisory Committee on Informal Education and has authored numerous works relating to Jewish education, self-esteem and youth.  He consults to communities and congregations throughout North America and presents programs on Jewish content for children, adults and families alike.

Jerry is professionally associated with the National Association of Temple Educators and is a Life Fellow of the American Orthopsychiatric Association. He has been cited with the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) by NATE and was recognized as the Alexander Dushkin Distinguished Educator by the Chicago Board of Jewish Education.

Most recently, he has been invited to join the International Task Force on Jewish Peoplehood, just one of thirty from around the world, sponsored by Beit Hatfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People affiliated with Tel Aviv University.

Jerry takes special pride in having been selected as the first recipient of the Guardian of Hope Award from Keshet, an organization of families with special needs children. In May of 2000, he received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.

Jerry holds a Master's degree in counseling psychology from Roosevelt University and completed post-graduate studies at the Chicago Medical School/University of Health Sciences.  He has also studied at the Spertus College of Judaica in Chicago and his professional and scholastic honors include membership in Blue Key, Pi Kappa Delta (Degree of Special Distinction), and Phi Delta Kappa, Professional Education Society.

Jerry is best known, though, as a storyteller.  He is the host and moderator of Sanctuary, a Chicago television series focused on Jewish communal issues.

E-mail Jerry | Call Jerry at 847-239-6977

Susan Alexander, Associate Director

Susan joined OSRUI as the Project Coordinator for Kallot and the Camp’s Elderhostel program. Since 1999 she has served as Associate Director, coordinating our summer program, summer staff, and the OSRUI scholarship program. Susan brings with her years of experience as a teacher and temple educator. She is the recipient of the Fay and Haskell Lurie Award for excellence in teaching in Jewish Classrooms.  Susan holds a Masters Degree from Northwestern University and is a gifted musician. In her spare time she loves to garden; Susan plants the beautiful garden in Kibbutz HaTzofim each spring, then teaches the campers and staff how to care for it!

E-mail Susan | Call Susan at 847-239-6980

Denise Heimlich, Manager of Marketing & Camper Registration

Denise is responsible for all aspects of the camper registration process. A former camper and staff member, her very first job with OSRUI was working in the office at camp while a member of the Avodah Corps. Denise was also a camper parent and is well versed in parent concerns. Her previous experience includes working with grade school age children and teaching religious school at the junior high level. In addition, she has extensive marketing and advertising experience. 

E-mail Denise | Call Denise at 847-239-6989

JoAnn Sandoval, Business Manager

JoAnn Sandoval has served as the OSRUI Business Manager for 19 years. She handles camper accounts and all other financial matters for Camp. JoAnn holds a degree in accounting from DePaul University and comes with a substantial background as a corporate executive and as a mom in her own right.

Email JoAnn | Call JoAnn at 847-239-6981

Barbara Gordon, Program Coordinator

As part of our year-round team, Barbara Gordon coordinates weekend retreats and facilities usage, year-round events and programming, and special OSRUI programs such as Lehrhaus, Chagigah and Hava Nashira. Barbara has also led cooking chugs and programs for many summers at Camp.

E-mail Barbara | Call Barbara at 847-239-6984