Schechter Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Schraiber (’08)
Rebecca Schraiber is a proud Schechter alumna and a passionate leader in the world of accounting policy. Now living in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Rebecca brings her technical expertise and love of problem-solving to her role as Senior Manager of US Accounting Policy at CIBC, a major North American financial institution that provides a wide range of financial services to personal, business, and institutional clients in Canada, the U.S., and globally. In this position she is responsible for overseeing the proper accounting treatment for all US transactions and operations at the bank.
“My favorite part of my role,” she says, “is using my technical accounting background and research skills to solve important and complex problems facing the bank—and working with my colleagues to find a solution rooted in sound accounting guidance.”
Putting her Hebrew skills to use in Tel Aviv
After graduating from Deerfield High School, Rebecca earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she was active in the Accounting Club and Chabad. Following graduation, she obtained her CPA license and began her career at PwC in the financial services audit practice, where she worked for seven years. A highlight of her early career was an international assignment in Tel Aviv.
“I had the chance to put the Hebrew skills I acquired at Schechter to use—having to work almost exclusively in Hebrew,” Rebecca says. “I am most proud of my ability to travel across the world in the midst of a pandemic and be able to thrive in my time in Tel Aviv both professionally and personally.”
Outside of her professional life, Rebecca is a passionate cook and self-described foodie who loves exploring Chicago’s restaurant scene. She also enjoys horseback riding and is a loyal Fighting Illini Basketball fan—despite living in a “house-divided” with her Northwestern-leaning fiancé, Perry.
Rebecca and Perry are enjoying some quiet time before jumping into wedding planning. “We plan to live here in Chicago as both of our friends, careers, and my family are here,” she says. Perry, a South Florida native, is a partner at a Chicago law firm specializing in trademarks and branding. He attended Northwestern University and earned his law degree from WashU in St. Louis. “He is also a big foodie and sports lover—so those are two things we love doing together,” Rebecca adds.
Schechter Roots and Lifelong Jewish Identity
Rebecca credits much of her success and grounding to her time at Schechter.
“My time at Schechter was so impactful and a time I reflect back on quite often,” she says. “Schechter not only set me up academically to be able to handle the rigor of high school and beyond, but also provided me with the strong values and sense of Jewish identity I’ve taken with me to forge positive change in the world.”
Schechter even played matchmaker!
“The most unique part of my Schechter experience was that I owe it to Schechter for meeting my now fiancé, Perry!” she says. “I was a member of the Schechter Lions Women’s Basketball team, coached by Dana Fine, who helped introduce me to Perry through her friend—and also Schechter alumna—Samantha Silverman.”
Rebecca’s Schechter friendships have stood the test of time. “My Schechter friends and teachers remain an important part of my life today. It is these relationships that have helped me become the person I am today, and I am forever grateful to Schechter for giving me some of my best friends for life.”
When reflecting on the strength of the Schechter community, she adds: “It is so vast. Whether in Israel spending time with the Forester family on Pesach or attending milestone events for my Schechter friends in Chicago, I know that this community will support me wherever I go.”
She also fondly recalls cherished Schechter traditions, like Yom Ha’atzmaut: “We would have a big field day outside, dancing to Israeli music and eating falafel.” Learning to read Torah is another memory that stays with her—it allowed her to chant a portion at the aufruf of her twin brother, Michael. “I’m also grateful for the ability to lead Birkat when I have Shabbat dinner with friends and to participate in Kabbalat Shabbat and other services,” she says.
Her advice to current Schechter students and her younger self?
“Keep dreaming big, working hard, and showing up for the people you love. Staying grounded in your values and standing up for yourself and others also should not be overlooked.”
