Clergy
Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin
Raymond and Ruth Perelman Senior Rabbinic Chair
Cantor Jacob Agar, received his cantorial investiture at the H.L Miller Cantorial School at Jewish Theological Seminary of New York. Previously he studied opera performance and linguistics at SUNY Purchase College. Following conservatory, he sang with several opera companies in New York and New Jersey, and has worked with a wide variety of conductors. Jacob is also a composer and arranger and is inspired by a wide variety of music. Jacob was inspired to become a cantor by his love for Judaism, Jewish music, and his interest in using music to uplift people and bring them closer to Judaism. His goal is to use music to elevate people spiritually and to help them find comfort and solace at synagogue.
Professional Staff
Robin Minkoff, Executive Director, has served our community as Executive Director since January 2019, overseeing our operations and staff, working closely with our Board of Directors, and learning from our members. Her extensive background in Jewish communal service centers on building relationships, raising and managing funds, and implementing strategic organizational change initiatives. Robin has a Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts with honors in Jewish History from the Baltimore Hebrew University. She and her family live in Elkins Park.
Julie Atchick, Director of Program, creates engaging programs for Shabbat and holidays, special events, and compiles our weekly email, Connections newsletter, and Annual Report. She is also the B'nai Mitzvah coordinator, working together with families to plan their special days, and serves as Director of Etgar, the Beth Sholom and Adath Jeshurun elementary religious school. Julie has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Temple University where she majored in Religion and minored in Jewish Studies.
Jan Nossbaum, Family Engagement Specialist, focuses on strengthening relationships among families with children from preschool age through B'nai Mitzvah, building a deeper sense of community between them and with all of our members. Jan designs and facilitates learning opportunities, multi-generational programs, age-appropriate tzedakah projects, and schmoozing. Prior to joining our staff, Jan worked at Perelman Jewish Day School as the Science Specialist and STEAM Coordinator. She lives in Upper Dublin, with her husband, Jeff, and their two daughters. She graduated from Temple University with a dual degree in Elementary and Childhood Education and earned her Masters in Public Health from St. Joseph’s University.
Andrea Sachs Otto, Director of Engagement, oversees membership and strategic initiatives that help our congregants create meaningful connections with both Beth Sholom Congregation, as well as other members within our community. Prior to her current position, Andrea has had experience in nonprofit development and communications having worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years. She holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a MS from New York University. Andrea lives in Rydal, PA with her husband and three children and enjoys exploring architecture, travelling, and reading.
Stacey Salsman, Associate Director of Programming is also Coordinator of the Center for Spiritual Well-Being. She is an integral part of planning our programs, services, and special events and supports our auxiliaries and other groups. Stacey attended The George Washington University and Gratz College where she earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Communications, and is certified to teach Hebrew school. She lives with her husband, Andy, two girls, and a golden doodle. Stacey enjoys reading, spinning, running, beading, and challah baking.
Terry Straus, Administrative Assistant has worked on our Main Office for nearly three decades where she processes contributions, coordinates congregational mailings, and creates a welcoming environment for members and guests. Before working at Beth Sholom, Terry was a preschool teacher. She graduated with a BS in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College of Boston University. For 30 years, Terry has lived in her condo in Elkins Park.
Eileen Weingram, Director of The Brodie Family Early Learning Center at Beth Sholom, is responsible for creating a nurturing preschool program for our children from the age of 6 weeks through Kindergarten. She has been at Beth Sholom for over 15 years and was previously a teacher in Philadelphia public schools. She is a state-certified principal and holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from Temple University. Her favorite part of her day is when she interacts with the young families who are a part of the preschool community. Eileen lives with her husband and is the proud mother of three children and grandmother of three adorable grandchildren.
Emily Wright, Director of Finance and Administration, manages payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, and our Main Office. She is also highly involved in our social action programs such as the Mitzvah Food Pantry and our annual Thx4Giving fundraiser. Emily previously worked in commercial real estate analysis, acquisitions and development, and financial analysis. She holds a Bachelors in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. She is married with three children and one grandchild. Emily has completed Iron Man triathlons and trains as an endurance athlete.
Emeritus
