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Wesley R. Gardenswartz
Senior Rabbi
Shira and I have always blessed our children, Nat, Davide, Sam and Jordana, with this blessing: “May you love Monday mornings.”
Don’t live for weekends. Don’t live for off-hours. Don’t live for vacations. Live for Monday mornings. Be so excited by Monday mornings that you can’t wait to get to it.
For 28 years, Temple Emanuel has fulfilled that blessing for me. I love everything about this holy community. I love the people. I love the prayers. I love the singing, the duets, the harmonies, that give me goosebumps for the thousandth time. I love the learning. I love working with so many purpose-driven people to create a more just world. I love the wrestling. I love the creative tensions. I love the aspiration to get ever better. I love my colleagues. I love our lay leaders. I love the opportunity to walk with you, the members of Temple Emanuel, through life.
May we continue now to walk together slowly but surely, to ever brighter days, to many weeks of Monday mornings that promise connection, community, friendship, learning, growing, meaning, and joy. Something magical and mystical regularly happens at 385 Ward Street: sublime moments when together we can feel the presence of God, fulfilling the Torah’s vision: “Build me a sanctuary so that I can dwell among the people.”
This year we will be so excited to introduce our congregation to our new granddaughter Aya Naira Russo!
Temple Emanuel, thank you for being the answer to my deep prayer.
To access Sermons from our wonderful Senior Rabbi, please click HERE.
Send Message (617) 558-8103
Michelle S. Robinson
Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Michelle Robinson was ordained in 1999 as part of the first graduating class of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
Since then, she has been blessed to call Temple Emanuel home. She loves community building, sharing the joy of traditional text study, and facilitating personal connections to the beauty of prayer. Rabbi Robinson has also spent three years and many summers learning and traveling in Israel, where she was blessed to meet her husband, Mike. Together they are the proud parents of four children who remind them of God’s blessings every day.
To access Sermons from our wonderful Senior Rabbi, please click HERE.
Send Message 617-558-8139
Elias Rosemberg
Cantor
Born into a musical family in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hazzan Elias Rosemberg followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, a Hazzan, and his father, a clarinetist in a Klezmer band. In 1991, Hazzan Rosemberg began studies at Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano, and in 1994, he obtained the degree of Hazzan and Singing Professor. In addition to his vocal training, he studied music theory and harmony at the Manuel de Falla Conservatory of Music, and completed a five-year program in Pathology, Audiology and Speech Therapy at the School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires.
Hazzan Rosemberg worked as a concert and wedding performer in the Buenos Aires area, appeared on both radio and television, and is featured on several recordings and in December 1998, he won the vocal contest “Argentina Sings for Israel,” organized by the Israeli Embassy of Argentina.
In 1988, at the age of 18, Rosemberg began work as a Hazzan at Chaim Weitzman community in San Martin, Buenos Aires. From 1990 to 2000, he served as Hazzan at Lamroth Hakol Synagogue, also in Buenos Aires.
In 2001, Hazzan Rosemberg moved to the United States and joined the Cantors Assembly. From 2001 to 2007, he served as the Cantor of Temple Emeth in Chestnut Hill, MA.
Since 2007, Hazzan Rosemberg has served as the Cantor of Temple Emanuel, where he has created many meaningful and exciting new programs, such as Shabbat Alive! and has recorded several CDs of meaningful music.
Hazzan Rosemberg has served on the National Executive Council of the Cantors Assembly and is currently the New England Region Chair. He is featured on three of the Cantors Assembly’s CDs: “Encore,” “The Spirit of Jewish World Music,” and “The Spirit of Celebration.” He has performed in many Cantors Assembly conventions and missions. In addition, he is the immediate past President of the New England Board of Cantors and serves on the faculty of the Cantor-Educator program at Hebrew College in Newton, MA, as a Cantorial Coach. He is currently the President of the AJL (Asamblea de Jazanim Latinoamericanos), alumni of the Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano.
In 2016, Hazzan Rosemberg was the recipient of the Hiddur Mitzvah award by Masorti Olami. He is the first Cantor from Latin America to receive this distinction.
Send Message 617-558-8115
Aliza Berger
Rav Hazzan
Rav Hazzan Aliza Berger is delighted to join the Temple Emanuel community. She recently completed her study at Hebrew College and was ordained as both a cantor and a rabbi in the spring of 2017.
Aliza grew up in the Jewish Renewal community of Boulder, Colorado and dreamed of becoming a rabbi from a very young age. In high school, after becoming the youngest member of the Denver Opera Company, Aliza decided to seriously pursue a singing career and enrolled at Vanderbilt University to study classical voice at the Blair School of Music and Jewish Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. It was there that she realized that her true passion is singing with others and making music together in the context of community.
After graduating, Aliza spent a year in Israel where she studied at Machon Pardes in Jerusalem and with Rabbi Levi Lauer of ATZUM Justice Works. While at Pardes, Aliza was a coordinator for the egalitarian minyan and served as a member of the musician’s circle at Nava Tehila, the Renewal community In Jerusalem, which draws Jews from all backgrounds to daven with music and kavannah.
In Boston, she has served as the Rabbinic Intern at Temple Aliyah in Needham and Nehar Shalom in Jamaica Plain and as the High Holiday Cantorial Soloist for Temple Israel in Boston and Anshe Amunim in the Berkshires.
Aliza plays piano, ukulele, and guitar and is always in the mood for spontaneous jam sessions. In her occasional free time, Aliza enjoys practicing yoga and loves to go out dancing.
To access Sermons from our wonderful Rav Hazzan, please click HERE.
Send Message 617-558-8171
Daniel J. Nesson
Ritual Director & Hazzan Sheini
Dan Nesson joined the professional staff of Temple Emanuel in the fall of 1989.
Previously, he served as Ritual Director at the Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford, Connecticut. He has served as Ba’al Koreh for Temple Emeth in Chestnut Hill and at Adas Hadrath Israel, the oldest continually attended synagogue in Boston.
Mr. Nesson taught Adult Education at Hebrew College and presented workshops at the Adams Street Shul for numerous Havurot.
He has studied Nusach Ha’Tefillah with Cantors Don Gurney, Scott Sokol, Charles Osborne, and the pedagogy of T’amei HaMikrah with Professor Joshua Jacobson.
A lover of music, Mr. Nesson has studied voice with Patricia Stedry, sung with Jan Peerce and performed with the Boston Light Opera Company. He has been a member of the Zamir Choral of Boston since 1979.
Send Message 617-558-8104
Erin Moseley
Executive Director
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Erin has always been involved with Jewish life.
Inspired by her involvement throughout high school and then a birthright trip during undergrad, Erin moved to Israel to pursue her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. During her time in Israel, Erin, reinforced and strengthened her connection to Israel, Judaism and explored and gained a stronger understanding and passion of non-profits and management. Since returning to the states in 2012, Erin has worked exclusively in the world of Jewish non-profits, combining her passion for Jewish Life and non-profits.
When not at Temple Emanuel, Erin can be found going on adventures and spending time with her husband, her amazing son and their pets Sophie, Gus and Lobo.
Send Message 617-558-8127
Aaron Berc
Rabbinic Intern
Aaron Berc is excited to join the Temple Emanuel community this year as the Teen Rabbinic Intern. Prior to Rabbinical school, Aaron had stints in both Corporate America and in Jewish Non-Profits. Most recently, Aaron worked for five years as a Community Organizer at Jewish Community Action, where he organized the Twin Cities Jewish community around issues of affordable housing and economic justice. Aaron previously served as a Rabbinic Intern at Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis and Temple Sinai of Brookline. Aaron graduated from the University of Kansas, with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor concentration in Physics. He also received a Certificate of Jewish Ethics and Social Justice from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Aaron is currently studying to become a Rabbi at Hebrew College in Newton, MA where he is in his third year of study.
Aaron loves basketball, live music, movies, and Jewish practice. He loves to talk about Star Wars or the NBA while going for long walks near trees or the water. His goal for this year is to weave a beautiful and tight knit community with all our TE Teens!
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Colleen Burke
Social Media & Design Manager
Colleen Burke is a graduate from Umass Lowell, with a degree in marketing and a degree in international business. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her dog, her friends, and going to the gym.
Send Message (617) 558-8156
Rita Cohen
Project Manager
Rita was born and raised in Boston, MA. She earned her degree from the UMASS Boston in Public Sector/Human Service Management. Rita enjoyed a long career with the Department of Mental Health working with human service agencies as liaison with DMH which she found very rewarding.
As her family grew, Rita turned to work closer to home allowing for a more balanced family life. In addition to more family time, this moves lead to deeper involvement within her community. Rita served on committees for JBBBS, and as a board member at her congregation. Rita was thrilled to become part of the TE community as an Administrative Associate, and currently as Project Manager, both roles that provide variety and interest in supporting administrative leadership and serving the needs of the congregation in a rich Jewish environment.
In Rita’s free time she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends often at her favorite beach!
Send Message 617-558-8128
Erica Cornell
Operations Manager
Erica Cornell is the Operations Manager and Adult Education Coordinator at Temple Emanuel where her love of organization and connecting with people comes together perfectly. She loves to assist people and help make their lives easier! In her free time, Erica enjoys exploring the city, going to concerts, and spending time with her dog.
Send Message (617) 558-8163
Julianne Cote
Communications Manager
Julianne Cote is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Marketing and Economics. During her studies, she worked part-time at local nonprofits such as the National Yiddish Book Center and the Media Education Foundation as a Marketing Communications Assistant. Outside of work, Julianne enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking dance classes, and thrifting clothes.
Send Message (617) 558-8118
Amanda Cutter
K-8 Program Coordinator
Amanda is the K-8 Program Coordinator for the Temple Emanuel Religious School. After living in Israel for 6 months, she is dedicated to Jewish pluralism and helping students find their personal connections to Judaism and Israel.
Amanda grew up in Newton in the Oak Hill Park neighborhood going to Temple Beth Avodah. After graduating from Newton South High School she went on to Hofstra University, where she studied History and Jewish Studies. While in college she travelled to Ireland, Italy and Greece. She participated in Hillel where she attended weekly shabbat dinners and Jewsy Sushis. Amanda also participated in Birthright. Previously, Amanda interned at the Koret International School for the Studies of the Jewish People at ANU Museum of the Jewish People, where she worked helped with outreach and programs.
Send Message (617) 558-8161
Holly Darides
Preschool Assistant Director
Holly Darides grew up in beautiful Vermont and attended college there as well. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and is EEC certified. Holly has called Massachusetts her home since 1997. She taught in a variety of educational settings for many, many years and has created beautiful memories.
Holly stepped into the role of Assistant Director in 2024 and enjoys working closely with our special Temple Emanuel Preschool community of little learners, amazing educators and families.
Holly likes spending time with her special family and friends, barbecuing, listening to music, taking walks, being in nature and especially photographing flowers and other nature items.
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Noa Falik
Community Engagement Specialist
Noa graduated from UMass Boston, where she studied psychology. During college, she worked as a research assistant on an autism study and interned for the City of Boston’s Disabilities Commission. She is passionate about advocating for neurodivergent and disabled people.
Born in the South and raised in New England, Noa loves Jewish life for its richness and vibrancy. She is thrilled to help foster meaningful connections with and within the Temple Emanuel community.
During her free time Noa can be found completing the daily crossword puzzle, walking her beloved rescue dog Cami, or curled up with a mystery novel.
Send Message (617) 558-8105
Eugenia Gerstein
Choir Director
Eugenia Gerstein has been at Temple Emanuel for 25 years as the Choral director and music educator. She conducts various children and youth choirs, Kol Emanuel, the adult choir and Zamira, the TE women group; and teaches music at our Religious school.
Seven years ago, Eugenia’s creativity lead to a new program – iGenesis studio. The recording studio is equipped with the latest technology for audio and video production. The iGenesis video program has become a major component in for Temple Emanuel during the Pandemic, producing numerous music videos for Holidays, bringing Temple Emanuel community together in the virtual time.
Eugenia graduated from Ural Conservatory magna cum laude with a Master’s Degree in choral conducting and received her Bachelor degree in music education and in Teaching music theory from Moscow Music teachers’ College. She also holds a diploma in Piano playing from Moscow Music school.
Native of Moscow, Eugenia came to the USA in 1994 with her son Kirill Gerstein, a music prodigy, who became the youngest student at Berklee College of Music at age 14. Kirill Gerstein became a world- renown pianist, performing with leading orchestras. In 1997 her husband, Leonid was allowed to leave Russia, and was reunited with Eugenia and Kirill.
In addition to her work at Temple Emanuel, Eugenia works with Solomon Schechter Day School and has a private piano studio in Newton.
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Wayne Goldstein
Membership and Teen Engagement Director
Over a span of 30+ years, Wayne Goldstein has served in various capacities in leading, educating, and inspiring children and adults both in the public and private sector. Currently in his 18th year at Temple Emanuel, Wayne was recently named the Membership and Teen Engagement Director in July, 2022. He will be reaching out to and engaging our entire community including our newest members with programs, events, learning opportunities, shul wide mitzvah projects and conversation to help everyone feel at home at the synagogue. His door is always open and he is happy to meet with anyone of any age at any time that is convenient.
Wayne has held numerous other positions including Children’s Director at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton, MA, Director of JCC Camp Kingswood in Maine, Regional Director of Operations for Mulberry Child Care Centers in New England, Operations Coordinator for the JCC Maccabi Games in Boston along with other staffing and leadership experiences with USY, Camp Ramah in NE (which he also attended and was on staff for 10 years) and Camp Young Judaea in Amherst, NH as the Head of Judaica from 2005-2019.
Wayne attended the Hebrew Academy and Yeshiva High School in Atlanta, GA where his knowledge and love for Judaism first began. He made the move North to New England where he received his BA in Psychology from Clark University in Worcester, MA, a MS in Counseling from Springfield College and a Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping from Hebrew College. He is the proud father of Jonathan (Muhlenberg College 2020) and Eli (UMass-Amherst 2023) and the lucky husband to Robin. In his spare time, he loves to travel, play tennis and basketball, listen to music, attend concerts, watch sports, read, and go on long walks with his golden retriever, Millie!
Send Message (617) 558-8121
Andrew Hanold
Creative A/V Director
Andrew is the Creative A/V Director at Temple Emanuel, where he produces video content for the temple’s religious, educational, and marketing programs. After graduating from Ithaca College with a TV and Radio production degree, he pursued documentary filmmaking in New York City, then pivoted to covering local news and promoting programming at WNDU-TV in South Bend, Indiana.
Andrew is excited to be back in his home state with his wife, daughter, and dog Lily. They all enjoy finding new hiking trails to explore, and he’s excited to have a positive and meaningful impact on the Temple Emanuel community.
Send Message (617) 558-8172
Naama Hartz
Event and Floor Specialist
Naama Hartz is delighted to be the Event Specialist at Temple Emanuel supporting the community with their very special events. She spent 7 years in Los Angeles building a career as an event designer before moving back to the Boston area where her family resides. Naama is married with two children and currently lives in Wellesley.
Send Message (617) 558-8107
Saffron Heels
Executive Assistant
Saffron (they/he) grew up in Acton, Massachusetts and studied sociology at the University of New Hampshire. Their background is in public health research and has experience working with local community nonprofits. He joined Temple Emanuel in April 2024, and is excited to be a part of a welcoming and thriving community. When not at Temple Emanuel, Saffron can be found trying out a new soup recipe, playing chess with his family, or painting.
Send Message (617) 558-8109
AJ Helman
Ritual Coordinator
AJ Helman (they/them/theirs) is an artist, theatermaker, and educator residing in Boston, Massachusetts after graduating from Emerson College in 2020 with a BFA in Theater Education and Performance. They grew up locally at Temple Emanu-El in Haverhill, MA under the leadership of Rabbi Ira Korinow and was born while their parents were the NFTY-affiliated youth group advisors. AJ has worked at other local synagogues in the Greater Boston Area as a Hebrew Tutor and after-school teacher and is so excited to be part of the Temple Emanuel Newton community. When they are not coordinating all life cycle events at the synagogue, they can be found hiking with their dog, Bruno, and crocheting.
Send Message (617) 558-8123
Lori Kipnes
Director of the Kesher Afterschool Program and Hebrew/Curriculum Specialist for the Religious School
Lori is excited to bring the renowned Kesher Afterschool Program to Temple Emanuel and to work with the Religious School on Hebrew learning and curriculum development. Lori joined Kesher Newton in 2017 and served as Executive Director for the past two years. Prior to that, she was Kesher’s Director of Curriculum, Learning, and Inclusion; Hebrew Coordinator; and a teacher. Lori reinvigorated Hebrew proficiency principles at Kesher and moved its Yahadut curriculum to full project-based learning.
Lori has extensive experience coaching teachers as well as developing and creatively implementing Hebrew and Judaic studies curriculum. For 40 years, she has taught children from preschool through 8th grade in day school, supplementary school, camp and tutoring settings. She has a background in Jewish pluralistic settings, including Kesher Newton, the Jewish Community Day School of Greater Boston (JCDS) and Gann Academy. As a teacher and a parent, Lori has worked with children with many different learning styles and is well-versed in differentiated instruction and inclusion protocols. She lived, worked, and raised four children in Israel; two of her daughters and her grandchildren live there still.
Lori holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education with a concentration in Hebrew additional-language instruction from the Delet Program at Brandeis University. She also earned a Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University and a BA from Wesleyan University in Women’s Studies and Religion.
In her spare time, Lori enjoys reading, theater, and spending time with her family and friends.
Send Message (617) 558-8106
Jeremiah Klarman
Artist-in-Residence
Jeremiah Klarman is a graduate of the New England Conservatory, where he studied composition and improvisation with Michael Gandolfi and Hankus Netsky. Jeremiah has a lifelong passion for Jewish music and has collaborated with many different ensembles including the NEC Jewish Music Ensemble, the Zamir Chorale of Boston and the Klezmer Conservatory Band. His compositions have been performed by a wide array of ensembles, including the Boston Pops, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, the Longwood Symphony, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and the Zamir Chorale, among others. Jeremiah is a regular musician at Temple Emanuel, participating in Shabbat and High Holiday services, concerts and other special events. He is a frequent collaborator with Cantor Rosemberg and has written several pieces for him, including Kol Haamim, which he wrote in 2009 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the temple. Jeremiah is thrilled to continue his relationship with Temple Emanuel as Artist-In-Residence and looks forward to many more years of music with the Temple Emanuel community.
Check out my new single, Psalm 121, available everywhere for purchase and streaming.
Watch the music video here.
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Beth Kozinn
Education Coordinator
Beth Kozinn is excited to join the Temple Emanuel as Education Coordinator. A graduate of Brandeis University and Suffolk Law School, Beth has worked in Jewish nonprofit for nearly 30 years. During her 25 years working for the Union for Reform Judaism, Beth served as a regional office manager, executive assistant, event planner, and program coordinator. Most recently she worked as the Director of Operations for Kesher Newton, managing all the administrative aspects of the program. Over the years Beth has worked with a variety of lay leaders, clergy, religious school students, and people exploring Judaism. When not at Kesher Beth enjoys volunteering at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton and Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh, gardening, reading, exercising and music. Beth lives in Newton with her husband, and they have a daughter who recently graduated college.
Send Message (617) 558-8122
Jill Matusow
Director of Finance
Jill was born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. After high school, she attended the University of Vermont where she majored in Elementary Education and French.
Being in Vermont allowed her to do a lot of skiing which was one of her passions. She then went on to work in the business world since teaching jobs were scarce at the time. Her friends encouraged her to study accounting and ultimately, she graduated from Boston College with an MBA, majoring in Accounting, spending many years in Public Accounting as a CPA before moving to the nonprofit sector.
Jill joined Temple Emanuel over 13 years ago and finally traveled to Israel two years ago with her daughter, Hayley. She is Director of Finance in charge of all accounting functions and human resources.
In her free time She loves to host family dinners, garden, play mahjongg and is a member of a Book Club. When not doing any of these things, her happy place is sitting on a beach reading a good book.
Send Message 617-558-8112
Aji Mussafeer
Security & Facilities Director
Originally from the Island of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, Aji moved to the United States after receiving his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Bradford University in England. Aji is well-traveled and is fluent in English, French, Hindi and Mauritian Creole.
Aji is a martial arts enthusiast and a nature lover. When not working, Aji can be found hiking, going on adventures, playing video games and spending time with his family.
Send Message 617-558-8129
Adele Newman
Annual Appeal Coordinator
Adele Newman has been at Temple Emanuel in various fundraising capacities for about 20 years now. Previously, she did a lot of volunteer work in the Jewish Community, especially with CJP Women’s Division and the JCC where she held leadership positions in both. Most recently, Adele was on the board for many years at JCDS, The Jewish Community Day School.
In her spare time, Adele loves to read, attempt to play bridge and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Adele’s grandchildren are always making fun of her Boston accent and think she is the best cook.
In the winter, when Adele is not working on the Annual Appeal, she spends time on the east coast of Florida with her husband where she enjoys being out of the cold.
Send Message 617-558-8165
Rich Ragusa
House Staff
Rich was born and raised in Massachusetts graduating from Brockton high and attending the Art Institute of Boston for college. After graduating, Rich worked for the B&D Deli and the Catering By Andrews, eventually landing at Temple Emanuel, where he has worked for over a decade.
When not a Temple Emanuel Rich enjoys going on long walks and exploring the city and working on Art projects.
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Lena Ravitch
Young Family and Young Adult Engagement Specialist
A lover of interpersonal work and notorious extrovert, Lena (she/her/hers) is always eager to get to know new people and strives to create inclusive spaces for folks to connect and schmooze.
Lena is a graduate of University of Rochester with a BA in Music. During her studies, she worked in engagement at Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership, helping young musicians build entrepreneurial skills. She also has experience in marketing through 21C Media Group, a PR firm for Classical musicians, and spent two years as a high school English teacher because she refuses to pick a lane.
Lena grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and spent her summers at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, where she later became a counselor. She has loved working with kids since high school, when she supported Tot Shabbat at her hometown synagogue and worked part time planning events at Game-U, an afterschool program which provided K-8 programming and robotics classes.
In her spare time, Lena is captain of a women’s soccer team, an animated movie aficionado, and butler to her adorable cat Lily.
Send Message (617) 558-8108
Erica Salamon
Accounting Assistant
Erica grew up in Lexington MA and after spending time in rural Pennsylvania, New York City, Denver and Baltimore has found herself raising her own family back in Massachusetts. After over a decade of accounting roles at various companies ranging from a hedge fund to a foundation, Erica has found her spot helping the accounting team at Temple Emanuel.
Erica has two children and is currently enjoying spending extra time with them. They can often be found exploring the outdoors on nature walks, bike rides and downhill skiing.
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Shaun Sander
Director of Web and Database Operations
Shaun Sander, born and raised in Danbury, CT, has been instilled with a strong sense of community from a young age. Whether it was his journey to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, or welcoming new generations of students as an Orientation Leader, working with others to learn and grow has always been his passion. After receiving his B.S.B.A. in Economic-Finance & Accounting from the University of Hartford, Shaun spent his early career cultivating his skills with the Danbury Public School System before joining our community as the Database Specialist.
Since then, Shaun has grown through the Temple Emanuel community and is now the Director of Web and Database Operations. From managing the membership database to overseeing the operations of the Marketing Department, he is always ready to help and support Temple Emanuel any way he can!
Outside of work, Shaun can be found doing anything from exploring the hidden treasures of Greater Boston and snowboarding the snowy peaks of the Green Mountains, to settling in for a movie marathon with his wife and their pets Maya and Twix.
Send Message 617-558-8102
Keta Selmanaj
Accounting Specialist
Keta Selmanaj is our Accounting Specialist and is so happy to be part of such a loving Community. She loves learning to better understand the world around her and helping people. Keta was born and raised in a small, beautiful Country, Vlora, Albania, and moved to the USA back in April 2005. She is married with 2 children and enjoys spending time with her family in Winchester, MA. She wants to express her personal appreciation to the wonderful team here at Temple Emanuel!
Send Message (617) 558-8113
Stacey Shulman
Director of Early Childhood
Stacey Shulman has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching for over 20 years. She is delighted to be the Preschool Administrator supporting the children, families, and staff. Stacey has a passion for early childhood education. Stacey is married with three children and currently resides in Natick.
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Zerihun Simamo
House Staff
Zerihun Simano is originally from Ethiopia and has been a part of the Temple Emanuel Facilities team for almost two years. Zerihun brings his depth of experience from his degree in Advanced General Mechanic to the job every single day. In his free time, Zerihun is involved in his Church and spends time reading and watching and making videos online. Zerihun welcomed his first child, a son, in December of 2020.
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Ilana Snapstailer
Education Director
Ilana is the Temple Emanuel Education Director. After teaching in every Jewish denomination, she is dedicated to Jewish pluralism and helping students find their personal connections to Judaism and Israel. Through her personal and professional Jewish education journey, Ilana developed a passion for providing supplemental school students a Jewish day-school caliber experience and education.
Previously, Ilana served as the Executive Director of Kesher Newton, as Associate Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League in New England and as Director of Academic Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel to New England, all while teaching Religious School on the side, including 5th grade at Temple Emanuel! Ilana holds a B.A. and M.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University with a Massachusetts State Certification in Elementary Education and minors in both Hebrew language and History. She also studied abroad at the University of Haifa in Israel.
Ilana lives in Newton with her husband Avner, and two sons, Izzy (5) and Sammy (8 months).
Send Message 617-558-8122
Shira Starobinski
Assistant to Rabbi Robinson
Shira Starobinski is a native Israeli (from our sister city Haifa) who was born on Shabbat Shira. She graduated from Haifa University in Hebrew and French Languages & Literature and earned a master’s degree in Library Science. Shira enjoys the warm, Jewish atmosphere at Temple Emanuel and uses her diverse skills to assist Senior Rabbi Michelle Robinson and members of the community.
In her free time, she can be found reading, exercising, singing, and traveling.
Send Message 617-558-8141
Rhiannon Thomas
Office Manager
Rhiannon is from the UK and has lived in the United States for over twenty years. She took a BA from Queen Mary College, University of London, in French and Russian language and literature, and spent the first half of her career working in publishing, both in London and Boston.
Having taken time off to raise her son, now fifteen, she has joined Temple Emanuel and loves being part of a vibrant faith community.
In her spare time Rhiannon enjoys crafts such as sewing and crocheting, and has recently developed an interest in the world of anime in order to keep up with her son’s passion!
Send Message (617) 558-8100
Steve Thompson
Cantor/B'nei Mitzvah Tutor
Steve Thompson was born and raised in Newton. He attended the Newton Public Schools and grew up at Temple Emanuel.
He had the distinct pleasure of pursuing parallel careers as a public-school history teacher/administrator and as hazzan for two Conservative congregations for over forty years. Steve taught in the Chelmsford Public School System from 1971-2006 specializing in Political Science, AP American History, AP European History, Psychology, and the Holocaust, and served as Curriculum Coordinator for Social studies, Grades 5-12. He served as hazzan from 1972-2012 at Temple Beth El of Lowell, Massachusetts for twenty-five years and Temple Reyim of Newton, Massachusetts for fifteen years.
In 2014, he started working at Temple Emanuel, where he has been tutoring bar/bat mitzvah students, training and coordinating young children, teens and adults to read Megillah verses for the Purim Family Service, to lead the Rosh Hashanah Family Service and read Torah for Simchat Torah evening and morning. He loves attending Shabbat and Holiday services and is so thrilled to be part of the Morning Minyan.
Believe it or not, Steve has a life outside of TE. Steve made Aliyah in 2012 living in Israel for six months and the U.S. for six months, but due to personal reasons, now travels to Israel once or twice a year to visit family and friends. He loves to travel (not during COVID-19), especially to be with his children, step-children and grandchildren. He is an avid Boston/New England sports fan and plays golf regularly with his fellow retired teachers. Loves going to the movies and concerts. Huge NCIS (all of them) fan. Reads historical fiction and non-fiction as well as spy thrillers.
Steve is the very proud father, stepfather and father-in-law of Jeremy/Lili, Marni/Adam, Josh/Julia, Rachel/David, Libbie/Tzachi, Aaron/Stacy, Anna/Aaron and the very, very proud grandfather of thirteen (soon to be 14) grandchildren.
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