Executive Director

At the Board of Directors meeting last night we focused on the pillar of Belonging from our strategic plan, and it gave our Board and our Committee Chairs an opportunity to meet with members of our TBS staff, who were invited to attend this Board meeting, who manage different departments. The strong partnership between our staff and lay leadership is something we value and appreciate, and this meeting provided the opportunity to deepen the understanding of TBS’s organizational structure, learn more about the incredible work our staff does, and reflect on their important roles in fostering belonging in our community and supporting our mission.

Last night we introduced our new Director of Communications, Wendee Yudis. Wendee is excited to help share our story - who we are, what we stand for, and how we connect. As Director of Communications, Wendee will be developing and refining TBS’s messaging, branding, and marketing strategy to ensure our values and programs are clearly and consistently shared across all channels, while strengthening engagement and connection throughout our community. Wendee is focused on learning our community’s voice and helping to foster belonging through the way we communicate - making sure our messages reflect our shared values of connection, spirituality, and inclusion. By refreshing event materials, newsletters, and community events to reflect the energy and life of our congregation, Wendee will make it easier for everyone to see themselves as part of our vibrant, welcoming community.

Other staff members in attendance at the Board meeting last night include:

Susan Aaronson - Accounts Receivable/Membership/Clergy Assistant to Rabbi Peltz. Susan handles all accounts receivables, including billing, payments, all aspects of various campaigns (Endowment, HHD Appeal), donations, including appropriate acknowledgement letters. In terms of membership, Susan maintains our ShulCloud database, processes all membership renewals and new member packets, and assists with the High Holy Day preparation, including HHD seating. As Rabbi Peltz’s assistant, Susan manages his calendar, scheduling meetings, and appointments, as well as correspondences.

Allison Borenstein - Events Manager. Allison schedules lifecycle events as well as internal and external meetings, creates event registrations, assists families with lifecycle donations, and works with our maintenance staff on events and program setups. Allison also works with b’nai mitzvah families with date assignments and kiddush/party/pictures coordination, manages the yahrzeit database, yizkor book and new year’s greetings.

Michael Bush – Controller. Michael oversees all of the synagogue’s accounting and finance operations, including monthly financial statement preparation, month-end close process, and cash management. Additional key responsibilities include budgeting, payroll, reconciliations, financial reporting, and serves as backup for accounting staff. Michael is the financial liaison to our Treasurer, Budget Chair and Finance Committee, with ability as subject matter expert to communicate concisely and timely, relevant financial information.

John Imhof - Congregational Program Coordinator/Kesher High School Director. Part of John’ responsibilities in addition to being our Kesher High School Director is overseeing the coordination of all programming aspects of congregational life including major events, affiliate group programming support, and helps to manage the overall calendar and shape of the year programming wise.

Laura Padersky - Office Manager. Laura’s key responsibilities include managing the administrative budget, vendor relations and contracts, procurement, providing support for staff and cohort groups in a myriad of ways, interacting with congregants and providing the highest level of customer service, in addition to assisting the Executive Director with various synagogue projects. The culture in the front office is essential in providing our congregants, staff, and lay leaders with a sense of belonging. The front office is the first point of contact and creates a first impression for all visitors. Laura ensures that this interaction, either in person or on the phone, is critical in making people feel welcome, seen, and heard.

Lee Senderowitsch - Director, Eric B. Jacobs Early Childhood Education Center. Lee oversees the daily operations, curriculum, and faculty development of our EBJ ECEC, ensuring a nurturing, engaging, and high-quality learning environment for our children and their families. Lee supports our community by building strong relationships with families, guiding teachers with a mission-aligned approach and collaboration, and creating meaningful connections between early childhood education and Jewish life. Lee also works closely with HSA and in collaboration with YMG to create meaningful programming focused on connection, community-building, as well as fundraising for our EBJ ECEC.

Shabbat Shalom, and I look forward to seeing you in Shul. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can always reach out to me at rons@tbsonline.org or (856) 751-6663 x218.

B’shalom,

Ron Safier

Executive Director