Temple Beth Ami Staff
The Temple administrative staff is available to assist members and guests with all your needs concerning Temple administration, including membership, event scheduling, lifecycle, finances, and other questions you may have. It would be our pleasure to schedule a tour and meet with prospective members and guests.
Please contact the Temple office or the staff member directly. Hours are: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; closed on Jewish holidays and most Federal holidays.
Debbie Ezrin became Temple Beth Ami’s second Executive Director in November 2019. As the senior operating and administrative officer, she is responsible for the leadership and oversight of building operations, finance, human resources, development, marketing, and programming/engagement. She serves as an ex-officio member of the Temple Board and Executive Committee, as well as various other board committees. She is responsible for assisting the Board, committee chairs and the staff in the strategic direction of the congregation, as well as all policies and programs of the Temple and its affiliates.
Prior to joining TBA, Debbie spent more than 25 years working for and with mission-driven organizations, where she developed expertise in nonprofit management, development, communications, volunteer management, board development, and strategic planning. Debbie and her husband Mark have two children, Melanie and Jared, who celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah and confirmations at Temple Beth Ami.
Shelly Lenkin Gordon joined the staff at Temple Beth Ami in July, 2002, after spending 13 years as the Youth and Program Director at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, MD. A native Washingtonian who grew up in a synagogue-focused family, Shelly loves the challenges and rewards of working in the congregational setting. Early years spent at Jewish sleep away camps, teaching religious school and staffing Israel trips for teens ultimately led Shelly to pursue an M.A. in Jewish Communal Service from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University. Shelly’s proud of having passed on her love of Jewish camping to her two adult children.
Shelly is enjoying her work as Immediate Past President of PEP-RJ, the partner affiliate group of the URJ for Program and Engagement Professionals. Stop by her office any time to say “hello” and let her know how she can direct you to find what you’re looking for. It’s all about the relationships and the connections we make within the Beth Ami community and she’s here to help.
Diane Ferraro, Temple Administrator
Diane is responsible for computer technology, maintaining our database and facilities, including room scheduling for meetings, social events and rentals. She coordinates Chadashot newsletter processing and design, the Temple-wide calendar, Bar/Bat Mitzvah scheduling and ushering, new member intake, Temple correspondence, administrative support for committees, and office staff supervision.
Susan Neumann, Administrative Assistant to the Clergy
Susan handles our rabbis’ correspondence, scheduling of all appointments for the clergy and preparation and support for the Rabbis’ classes and programs. Susan also supports the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program including meeting scheduling, preparing family materials, tutoring, rehearsal scheduling, supplement preparations, etc.
Gail Brodsky, Administrative Assistant to the Clergy
Gail is responsible for Cantor Eschler’s correspondence and support for the ritual needs of the congregation including lifecycle events and Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Gail also prepares the Friday flyer, handles Yahrzeits, and provides funeral support. Gail is the liaison to TBA Cares and the Temple musical groups.
Joanne Diamond and Esther Abelson, Accounting
Joanne serves as the Accounting Manager and is responsible for all accounting responsibilities, including but not limited to payroll, preparing monthly and yearly reports, the annual audit and account monitoring. Esther handles accounts receivable and payable, deposits, and data input.