JewishROC Staff
Rabbi Yaacov Benamou, Rabbi
Serving as a rabbi for over 23 years throughout Israel, Canada and the United 
States, Rabbi Yaacov Benamou has focused his energy on Jewish education and outreach through the building of communities, the fostering of affiliation, and inspiring a love of learning. Rabbi Benamou received his s’micha (rabbinic ordination) from one of the leading Torah scholars of our generation, Rabbi Issachar Meyer at Yeshivat Hanegev in Netivot, Israel . There he had the privilege of learning with one of the great Kabbalists of the 21st century, the Baba Sali, of blessed memory. He earned his Masters of Science degree in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University and a Masters of Psychology and Counseling from the University of Manitoba. Rabbi Benamou also completed extensive post-graduate coursework in genetic engineering at Ben-Gurion University.
Dawn Hardgrave, Executive Director
Dawn has been with JewishROC since September of 2006. She comes to JewishROC with a background in freelance writing and education. She has a BA in Education from the College of Santa Fe and a BA in History from the University of New Mexico. Dawn brings her years of experience in the field of teaching and freelance writing to her position as Executive Director of JewishROC. As Executive Director she is involved with all aspects of the Center's organization and planning. She is the mother of two amazing boys.
Daniel Gordin, Associate Director
Daniel has been working with JewishROC since January of 2007. He graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelors degree in Government & Politics and a minor in Philosophy. He is 24 years old and lives in Rockville, MD.
Ruthie Benamou, Rebbetzin
Ruthie was born in New York and raised in Israel. She graduated Bar Ilan University with a Bachelor of Social work and studied at the Institute for 
Advanced Torah Studies. She continued her counseling education in Canada and earned a degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Manitoba. She also completed a Master’s of Science in Jewish Education from Yeshivah University.
Ruthie is our women’s spiritual leader. In addition to leading the women’s group, she teaches Hebrew classes as well as tutors men, women and children in Hebrew language and Judaic topics. Ruthie engages her students in unique ways that make everyone feel that learning is fun. She gets much pleasure from seeing the growth in each student.
Additionally, Ruthie is engaged with Hachanasat Orchim (hospitality) every Shabbat and holiday. She coordinates and prepares all the Shabbat meals. She also helps members with personal and family matters, as well as with spiritual growth issues. Ruthie is the Director of Educational Programming at JewishROC and has great visions for our organization. She welcomes assistance and support from everyone. She is the proud mother of three wonderful boys.