Our Staff and Board

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF 

Amy Devine-Stretch, Office Manager     devinea@adathjeshurun.info     215.635.6611, ext. 114

Amy's initial introduction to Adath Jeshurun was in March 2002 as an employee of St. Clair CPAs, a company AJ hired to assist in straightening out the synagogue's accounting office. Amy fondly recalls, "I loved it here so much (at the time I was working with Gene Johnson z"l) that when Gavi Miller was looking to hire someone once St. Clair was finished, I asked if I could apply for the position and have been here ever since." As Amy came on staff to manage AJ's financial systems, she first began by just handling the shul's accounts payable and then, over time, took on more and more responsibilities — keeping the budget, doing payroll, accounts receivable, and generally helping Robert Friedman with everything related to AJ's daily operations.

Calvin Thompson, Building Supervisor     calvinthompson15@icloud.com     215.635.6611, ext. 129
Hello all, my name is Calvin Thompson. I am the Building Manager of AJ. It didn’t really register until writing this that I have spent almost half of my life in AJ. When you read this I will have started my 18th year at AJ. Although I did not grow up as an AJ kid... I grew up in AJ. Some of my fondest memories have an AJ connection. I used to be envious watching parents pick up their children after Preschool...watching those happy little faces race to their parents tugs at all heart strings. Now, as an AJ parent myself... I get it. AJ is truly a community... better yet, a family. And, I get to see family every day. I guess if I can share anything while writing this, it’s that I am grateful. I am grateful to call this my home. And I am grateful to see and share my family every day.

Beth Shapiro, Director of Programming and New Initiatives     bshapiro@adathjeshurun.info     215.635.6611, ext. 113
Beth is our new Director of Programming and New Initiatives. She will be working on existing and new programs and strengthening community connections. She comes to us from a career in arts administration and museum outreach. Her academic journey includes advanced degrees in Fine Art and Integrative Health. Beth has been a teacher, docent, board member, and program developer for PAFA and the Barnes Foundation. Beth is a fine artist and has exhibited nationally. In recent years Beth has coached high school and college graduates through their transition years. Beth uses her studies in Positive Psychology and Mindfulness in all that she does. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing Jewish community! She lives here in Elkins Park with her husband Jonathan and their two very silly dogs, Zoe and Zuko!

OUR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Beryl Rosoff-Verbit, Administrative Assistant     brosoff-verbit@adathjeshurun.info     215.635.6611, ext. 110
Being part of the Jewish community has been a lifelong commitment for Beryl Rosoff-Verbit. This Jewish Northeast Philadelphia girl met her husband at a Bar Mitzvah, started a Hillel at her university, lived on a kibbutz in Israel as a newlywed, taught part-time in a Jewish Montessori school, and later was employed at a Jewish overnight camp. Her belief in the importance of Jewish outreach is exemplified through her 22+ years as an active Hadassah board member. Today, as the newest member of Adath Jeshurun’s administrative team, Beryl feels fortunate to have found her calling. Her tremendous organizational skills, inherently helpful nature, and warm smile are a true asset to AJ’s welcoming community.

Marjorie Trager, Graphic Designer and Publicity Coordinator     mtrager@adathjeshurun.info     215.635.6611, ext. 116

Marjorie Trager is responsible for developing AJ’s communication materials, from the weekly email, bi-monthly printed newsletter, and website that let congregants know what’s happening at AJ, to the flyers, posters, invitations, and signage that advertise the numerous events held by AJ and its constituent groups. She has worked in the graphic design field for more than 25 years and has worked part-time at AJ since 2009. When not at AJ, she works with numerous corporate clients and spends spare time creating personal artwork. Marjorie grew up in Springfield Township, Montgomery County, and has lived in Wyncote since 1995 with her husband and numerous cats.

Executive Committee

President: Dr. Harry Lessig (harrylessig@gmail.com)
Executive Vice President: Doug Karan
Vice Presidents:
     Mark Schwartz
     Tammy Zebovitz
     Leslie Sokolow
Treasurer: Steven Strauss
Assistant Treasurer: Howard Goldman
Secretary: Maxine Croul
Immediate Past President: Howard Levin