Our Rabbi

Young Israel of Oak Park is honored to have Rabbi Shaya and Rebbetzin Rikki Katz at our shul.  Their energetic and skilled leadership have already guide our shul to new heights.

Rabbi Katz grew up in Baltimore, MD, and studied abroad for two years in Yeshivat Hakotel, after which he was awarded a full scholarship to be part of Yeshiva University's Masmidim Honors Programs for advanced Judaic studies. After graduating with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Architecture, he received his ordination from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and earned a Master's degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, along with a certificate in Jewish Communal Service. He worked as an assistant rabbi for the Riverdale Jewish Center, while also acting as their resident social worker. Rikki Katz has her degree in Biology as well as an Associates in Jewish Studies from Stern College. She currently teaches Judaic studies and Ivrit to the second grade of Farber Hebrew Day School Yeshivat Akiva.

Before arrivng at YIOP, Rabbi Shaya and Rikki Katz were in Kansas City, KS, where they both demonstrated impressive abilities as educators. Rabbi Katz served as the Executive Director of the Kansas City Community Kollel, teaching hundreds of classes and running Jewish programming throughout the community, as well as being the assistant rabbi for the local Shul, Beth Israel Avraham Voliner. Rikki has worked for a variety of Jewish institutions, including elementary Judaic Studies teacher at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, and working part-time for the KC Kollel, particularly with women's programming. She is currently working at Farber Hebrew Day School as an elementary Judaic teacher.

Rabbi Shaya and Rikki are joined by their enthusiastic children: Dovi, who loves to build, Elka , who is great at making people smile, and Asher who has adorable dimples. 

Rabbi Katz can be reached at Rabbi@YIOP.org