Rabbi Manes Kogan was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He holds a degree in Psychology from The University of Buenos Aires, as well as a Masters in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and received his rabbinical ordination from the Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano, the Conservative Seminary in Buenos Aires. Rabbi Kogan was an Adjunct Instructor in the Religious and Judaic Programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, teaching courses in Rabbinical Literature, Jewish Thought and Holocaust. Rabbi Kogan served as the spiritual leader of Beth Israel Congregation in Roanoke, Virginia, before joining Hillcrest. He lives with his wife, Silvia, and his three children, Daniela, Ilan, and Abigail.

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Cantor Emeritus Moti Fuchs has been singing and acting since he was a young boy. He was the star performer in the first religious musical review in Israel. He came to America to begin his highly successful cantorial career and has been associated with prominent synagogues in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. The Jewish Press describes Cantor Fuchs as being "best known for his charismatic personality and vocal style ... he possesses the unique ability to sing straight from his heart with all his neshama."

 

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