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.
Janice Rosenblatt, FTA, became the Congregation’s first Executive Director in March 1991. Her responsibilities include the daily management of the Temple’s operations and facilities. She serves as an ex-officio member of the Temple Board and Executive Committee, the Budget and Finance Committee, and the Investment Committee, the Steering Committee for Vision 2020, as well as working with the Fundraising and Endowment Committees. She is responsible for assisting the Board, committee chairs and the staff in the development, implementation and analysis of all policies and programs of the Temple and its affiliates.
She has earned the advanced certification of Fellow in Temple Administration (FTA) from the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA) and served as President of NATA. She served on the Board of the URJ, served as a member of the Board of Certification and the Consulting Service as well as the URJ Task Force on the Future of the Synagogue. She is married to Ed Williams and has three children, Shana, Josh and Sara (Asa) and two wonderful grandsons, Max and Sid.
Shelly 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 grown children.
Shelly is finishing her term as 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.
Irene Papamanolis, Temple Administrative Assistant
Irene covers the front office, answering phones, greeting and assisting members and guests, providing information. She is responsible for donations/sunshine, coordinates the logistics of the High Holy Day tickets, handles mail and mailings, orders supplies and assists staff and committees.
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.