Staff & Board of Directors

Main Office Staff

Jessica Green, MAEd	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Executive Director	(818) 346-0811 x107

Jessica Green joined Shomrei Torah Synagogue in 2000. She received her BA from the University of Michigan and her Master of Arts in Jewish Education from the American Jewish University. Additionally, she has completed all coursework and internship requirements for her Master of Business Administration in Non-Profit Management from the AJU, thesis pending. From 2000-2005, Jessica served as the Director of Education at STS, overseeing the Religious School and Teen Leadership programming. In July 2005, Jessica transitioned to a new challenge and assumed the role of Executive Director. She views herself as the key link to current and prospective synagogue members, and believes that being connected to a synagogue community adds meaning to people's lives. She is committed to making it possible for anyone to be a member at STS.

Jessica grew up in New Jersey in a home where Jewish celebrations and synagogue participation were strong influences. She is an alumni of both a Solomon Schechter Day School and many years at Camp Ramah. When Jessica is not at Shomrei Torah she enjoys spending time with her husband, Dave and their son, Oliver.

Jordanna Flores

Development Coordinator

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(818) 346-0811 x206

Sarah Sturm

Communications Director

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(818) 346-0811 x104

Joy Contreras

Clergy Assistant

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(818) 346-0811 x105

Nancy Davidson

Bookkeeper

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(818) 346-0811 x109

Shahnee Chen-Zion

Membership Coordinator

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(818) 346-0811

Education Center Staff

Adrianne Pasternak, MAEd	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director of Education	(818) 346-4979 x123

Adrianne Pasternak joined the STS staff in 2005 after many years of teaching both preschool and Religious School. She holds a BA in Judaic Studies and a Masters of Education from the American Jewish University. Adrianne's passion for creating community and teaching through experience is evident in both our preschool and Religious School programs. She is a third generation teacher and attributes much of her passion for education and teaching to her family. When Adrianne isn't at STS, she and her husband Avi are busy caring for their four children.

Tally Safdie

Religious School Assistant Director

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(818) 346-4979 x140

Cheryl Wolf

Education Center Administrator

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(818) 346-4979 x126

Samantha Duenas

Youth Director

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(818) 346-4979 x111

Hazzan Joel Smith	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ritual Director

Hazzan Joel Smith, a native of Los Angeles, has been the Ritual Director at STS since 2003. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree with Honors from Harvard College and is a graduate of the Cantorial Soloist program at Hebrew Union College. In 2008 he was certified as a Hazzan by the Cantors Assembly and received his commission from the Assembly in 2010.

An expert Ba'al Kriah, Hazzan Smith brings to life the sacred writings of our people: Torah, Haftarah and Megillah. He is passionate about helping others find meaning and purpose through chanting and study. His patience, persistence and fortitude give others the confidence, strength and assurance they need to succeed.

On the rare occasion that he is not at STS or on the road, Joel can be found with his dear wife Janet and their son, Jacob.

Ron Snow	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cantor

Ron Snow joined the STS community in 1999 after attending regular services and finding STS warm and inviting. What began as a childhood love of Jewish liturgy while growing up in suburban Detroit continued over the years, leading to a place on the STS bimah.

"I never would have imagined the rewarding feeling that is afforded me on a constant basis, here at STS. I look forward to each week with great anticipation."

While many hear his voice singing and leading services at STS on a weekly basis, it is his speaking voice that fills the airwaves, selling everything from air cleaners to automobiles to beauty products and more.

Rebecca Somberg	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Choir Director

Rebecca is a nationally renowned singing teacher and coach in both the Los Angeles area and in New York. Rebecca trained in Jewish music beginning at the age of seven by Composer/Cantor Phillip Moddel and holds degrees in Opera, Music Education and Choral Directing from CSUN. She is the Conductor and Soloist of the USA choir in Israel for Zimriya International Choir Festival and has been the national anthem singer many times for the Dodgers, Lakers and Kings as well as JNF. Rebecca formed the Youth and Adult Choirs at Shomrei Torah Synagogue 25 years ago when it was still CBK. She is a very popular performer for all major Jewish organizations and has been a featured guest soloist with many symphony orchestras, including the LA Jewish Symphony, Pacific Symphony and West Valley Symphony. Rebecca is happily married to Dr. Mark Somberg, DC and has a lovely daughter, Marissa.

Executive Officers 2012-2013

Ellen Cervantes	President
Rob Springer	Administrative Vice President
Leah Kuluva	Education Vice President
Benzy Kogen	Religious Vice President
Andrea Richards	Community Vice President
Steve Landau	Finance Vice President
Joyce Sachartoff	Development Vice President
Recording Secretary	Jeannie Raffle

Board of Directors

Randy Barmache	Pamela Belinfante
Sara Cohen	Rob Garfinkle
Jeff Greenspun	Bruce Isaacson
Telila Levy	Barry Megdal
Hilleri Merritt	Michael Nebel
Robin Irvine	Caren Jinich
Arlee Oppenheim	Sam Shvartsmann
Joan Small	Leslie Spillman