Our Story

Rabbi Seth and Lisa Cook have spent the last 15 years involved in Jewish outreach and education, hosting meals and events, running trips to Israel and Poland, teaching classes, organizing programs, and engaging in meaningful conversations with Jews from all backgrounds and ages. 

Rabbi Seth graduated from Indiana University in 2003 with a Jewish Studies degree before heading to Israel to embark on a 7-year course of study at Aish HaTorah Rabbinical Academy (Yeshivah) in Jerusalem. Lisa received her BA in communications from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and completed her post-graduate studies at the University of Melbourne and Tel Aviv University. In 2009, Lisa was studying and working in Israel when she met Seth. Three years later, married and with a baby, the Cook family headed (back) to IU to expand the Aish campus branch there. 

After spending four years in Bloomington, and another seven in Pittsburgh, PA working with Jewish college students and young professionals, the Cooks are thrilled to be in Cincinnati building CJX and connecting with Jews in this incredible city.

Kayla Soroka is an experienced educator and outreach coordinator with a passion for strengthening the Jewish community through unity and understanding. Among her many accomplishments in the local community, Kayla has led MOMentum trips and educational events, directed study groups including the staff Lunch and Learn program at the Jewish Federation, and founded and directed The JTeam, a program focused on connecting young adults with different Jewish affiliations through community action projects, social events, and open, thoughtful conversation. 

With a Master’s in Psychological Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Kayla also has over a decade's experience teaching high school, and is a self-proclaimed Kosher foodie, enjoying anything food-related, especially hosting friends for lively, engaging Shabbat dinners.