jeffrey rips, executive director

Jeffrey’s professional journey has been guided by a clear and heartfelt mission: to build community and enhance the lives of those around him. With over 40 years of experience in Jewish communal service, he brings deep passion, insight, and dedication to his role as Executive Director of Temple Akiba.

Jeffrey began his career in resident Jewish camping before moving into leadership roles with JCC youth, teen, and camp programs. He went on to serve as a Hillel Executive Director for 13 years and later spent nearly 13 years at the Alpert Jewish Community Center in Long Beach, where he served over seven years as Executive Director. His leadership is marked by a deep commitment to Jewish life, relationship-building, and strengthening communal connections.

In recognition of his impact and leadership, Jeffrey was one of just six professionals selected nationally to participate in the NATA (National Association for Temple Administration) Aspiring Leader Program. He also currently serves as President of PATA, the Los Angeles/Orange County regional group of NATA members, and previously served on the Board of ASU Hillel, reflecting his continued commitment to Jewish life across generations.

Outside of his professional life, Jeffrey has always been deeply community-minded. He has coached countless youth sports teams, served on various youth league boards, participated in scouting commissions, and spent eight years as a Board Member of the Rossmoor Community Services District.

While Jewish community-building is a lifelong passion, nothing brings Jeffrey more joy than his family. He met his wife, Lauren—a dedicated public elementary school teacher—while they were both working at a JCC day camp. Together, they have three children who have continued the family legacy of leadership and learning. Their daughter, Ellie, is the Assistant Director of the University of Washington Hillel in Seattle and is completing her Master’s in Jewish Professional Studies and Jewish Leadership through Spertus Institute. Their twin sons, Joshua and Jacob, are both pursuing careers in law. Joshua is a graduate of ASU’s Barrett Honors College and recently earned his J.D. from Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law. Jacob, a Jacobs Scholar at UCSD’s School of Engineering, worked in structural engineering before completing his first year at Chapman Law as well.

Jeffrey grew up a die-hard Dodgers fan but has since become a devoted Angels supporter, though he still cheers for the Dodgers when they’re not facing off with his Angels. He enjoys theater, hiking in Yosemite, traveling, family game nights, movie marathons, and playing Mah Jongg. Known by friends, family, and colleagues as a pun-master (to mixed reviews), Jeffrey continues to find joy in every opportunity to connect, uplift, and build lasting community.

Randee Bishoff, Director of Education

Randee has been involved in Jewish education for as long as she can remember, from her education as a student at Temple Emanuel Day School, to her involvement in youth programs and BBYO. Randee has an M.A. in secular education as well as an additional M.A. in Jewish Education from HUC. Along with her valuable classroom teaching background she brings experience in programming and innovative teaching methods. Randee has a background in administration and has been a member of the Temple Akiba Faculty beginning in the classroom and moving around all the way to her current position as Director of Education. Randee brings her love of Judaism that she has grown over the years into the classrooms of the Akiba students through sharing her rich knowledge about customs, traditions and culture. Randee shares this love of Judaism with her husband, Scott, and her two children Benjamin and Sarah for whom Temple Akiba is known as home.

kathryn vischjager, Program Director

Kathryn Vischjager came to Temple Akiba with an extensive background in Jewish education and communal work.  Kathryn grew up actively involved in the reform movement, attending NFTY youth group programs, camps and leadership development.  Kathryn spent several months living in Israel as a teen, and upon returning, it became very natural to develop a career in service to the Jewish people.  Kathryn achieved her undergraduate degree in Judaic Studies, with a minor in fine arts, all while teaching religious school and putting in the time to intern with religious school administration locally in Eugene, Oregon.  Eventually, upon her professional mentor's advice, she relocated to Los Angeles to earn a master's degree in Jewish Education from the University of Judaism and an additional undergraduate degree in Hebrew Literature. Kathryn spent a number of years as the Director of Informal Education at Temple Judea in Encino (overseeing experiential and "out of the box" educational programming, high school programming, and more) before spreading her wings to gain new insight and experience in Jewish communal work.  Kathryn gained that new experience and insight by lending her expertise to programs with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles as well as with Beit T'Shuvah, a Jewish rehab program. Currently, Kathryn is able to weave all of her experience with Jewish education and communal work into her role as Program Director at Temple Akiba.  Whether it is a holiday, a social opportunity, a cultural event, a speaker, a concert, or something else - Jewish life is ripe for moments of joy, learning, connection, and more - and Kathryn seeks to imbue Akiba's programming with all of it.  

Leah Penso, Director of Resident Camp and Youth Programs

Leah grew up at Temple Akiba and has been working with Akiba youth since 2006 through Akiba High, Resident Camp, and TASTY – Akiba’s 4th-12th grade youth group. Leah loves to bring her passion for children and creative programming into all areas of Akiba. Leah holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Child Development and a Masters degree in Counseling with a license in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Robyn Altman, Director of Day camp

Robyn has been working with the youth at Temple Akiba since 2006. She has taught Religious School for many years and attended day camp and overnight camp for most of her life. Combining her experiences as events manager along with her love for Judaism makes running Temple Akiba's Day Camp a brilliant fit!!

Michael rothbart, Director of music

Michael was born and raised in Los Angeles and grew up at Leo Baeck Temple, where his early exposure to traditional and contemporary Jewish music inspired him to teach himself guitar, in addition to already playing piano. He went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education and teaching credential from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach. In addition to being the Music Director here at Temple Akiba, Michael currently works full time as a middle school music teacher at Westside Neighborhood School in Los Angeles He has served in Jewish music as a pianist, conductor, choral singer, and songleader at synagogues throughout Southern California. He has also worked as a music director and pianist for multiple youth theater organizations in the LA area.