Our Staff
Sasha Perry
(they/them)
Rabbi
rabbi@tzedekchicago.org
Sasha Perry is a spiritual leader and community organizer based in Los Angeles. They are known for creating Jewish practice and ritual for those seeking to divest their Jewishness from Zionism. They are a senior rabbinic student in the ALEPH ordination program, and a graduate of ALEPH’s Earth-Based Judaism certification program. Sasha has been organizing for over 20 years in earth-and-animal liberation and Palestinian freedom spaces including Earth First!, Rabbis for Ceasefire, Jewish Voice for Peace, and If Not Now. Sasha’s rabbinic path has been paved by the study of Reb Zalman Shacter-Shalomi, SVARA, ActUp!, and countless radical movements. The result is the weaving together of anti-colonialist liberatory Judaism with mysticism, Talmud, and heart.
Sasha is a trans/queer working-class Ashkenazi jew and community organizer in earth/animal liberation and racial justice spaces. They edit documentaries like they study Talmud, stringing the pearls, with a focus on stories that elevate the improbable experience of being alive in this moment and struggle for justice in the world. They are part of the Los Angeles Chevra Kadisha, co-founder of the Trans Wave ice hockey team, and deeply fond of cacti.
Aviva Stein (she/they)
Executive Director
Contact: aviva@tzedekchicago.org
Aviva began working as Tzedek Chicago’s Family Program Coordinator in 2019. As the family program and Tzedek Chicago grew consistently over the years, Aviva transitioned to became Tzedek Chicago’s first Executive Director in 2024. When not at Tzedek Chicago, you can find Aviva bike riding and bird watching.
Leah Yacknin-Dawson (she/her)
Program Administrator
Contact: leah@tzedekchicago.org
Leah is a poet, writer, and educator from Pittsburgh, PA. She performs around Chicago and helps lead monthly poetry workshops at PO Box Collective. In her free time, Leah is usually in or near the lake.
Sivan Spector (she/her)
Family Program Coordinator
Contact: sivan@tzedekchicago.org
Sivan Spector is a theatre maker and educator based in Chicago. She has been a teaching artist for over 6 years through various theatre companies, most recently serving as the Education Programs Manager at the Chicago Children's Theatre. Sivan directs and performs in devised work across the city - recent credits include co-directing and producing House of Dreams: Purim 5785 through Tzedek Chicago at Firehouse Arts Studio, and writing, puppet-making, and performing in Switchboard: Missed Connections from the SS Eastland at Steppenwolf, by way of the Neo-Futurists. When not behind a puppet or in front of a group of children, Sivan can be found taking long walks in Humboldt park, cooking, and hosting dinner parties.
Rabbi Brant Rosen founded Tzedek Chicago in 2015. In 2026 he stepped back from his position and welcomed Sasha Perry as Tzedek Chicago’s next rabbi.
Learn more about Rabbi Brant here.