New CSOA Families

Bud and Jessica Andrews

Hello!  We are Bud and Jessica Andrews and are pleased to be joining Congregation Sons of Abraham! Since coming to La Crosse from Green Bay in December, my wife Jessica and I have been settling into the area and appreciate the overall welcoming response from the community. I am excited to join the area’s Jewish community and to call Congregation Sons of Abraham my new spiritual home. We are looking forward to meeting and becoming more involved with La Crosse’s Jewish Community in the coming year.

Olena Belka

Hello, friends! My name is Olena Belka. I was born in Odessa, Ukraine, a historical beautiful European city which Ukrainians call Odesa-Mama or the Pearl on the Black Sea. For about 8 years I have called La Crosse my home,  because of its welcoming community, stunning nature and amazing architecture.  My brother and I are both very passionate about architecture and both own sustainable construction companies. I am very excited to be part of our small La Crosse Jewish community. I feel very proud to be a member of CSOA, because it reminds me of home and where I came from. I would love to be helpful when needed for the congregation. My field of expertise includes (but not limited to)  – architectural drafting, knowledge of the local building codes, 3-D graphics and  deep knowledge of the LEED which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Kazu Kitano
Hello. I’m Kazu Kitano. I moved from Madison to Onalaska (Brice Prairie) exactly a year ago, gradually taking root in the neighborhood. So I am so glad to find this warm, welcoming Jewish community here. I love to learn everything about Judaism and Jewish history and people. (I converted 8 years ago. When you see me in shul you can ask me how I, a Japanese immigrant, came across Judaism.) I live with my partner (Tom), his son (Zach), two dogs (Texas Healers named Boo and Mordecai) and a cat (Oscar). I enjoy going to the YMCA and love singing. (I am a member of the new choir Viterbo Choral Arts.) I look forward to meeting you all and experiencing rich and beautiful culture and liturgy with you.
(Thank you to New Member Chairman Peter Strauss for collecting these introductions!)