Joshua Kessler’s career in food began with a decision to follow a deep rooted passion for cooking. Family is a foundation for Josh’s culinary pursuits. He is surrounded by generations of expertise and talent in the food and hospitality business that both guided and energized his cooking ambition. While spending years working in the corporate insurance industry, Josh quietly pursued his dream–moonlighting in kitchens in and around NYC. In this early part of his path to becoming a professional, Josh spent time cooking at Mike’s Bistro (NYC). After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Josh worked at Union Square Hospitality Group. Barnea is the culmination of a dream fueled by passion and desire

Nathan Hoffman is the CEO of the Galilee Culinary Institute ("GCI") by JNF, located on the eastern side of the Galilee in the Greater Kiryat Shmona area. He is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the Institute's operational and change management processes. Hoffman started his Jewish National Fund journey by helping to start the Arizona JNFuture chapter. He made Aliyah (immigration to Israel) with Nefesh B'Nefesh, another Jewish National Fund affiliate in 2017 with his wife to Tzvat, and settled in northern Israel. Hoffman has over 18 years of diverse experience leading business operations for both startups and established organizations.