Gail Milchman, Executive Director, joined Temple B’nai Abraham in 1996. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director of the Clifton Jewish Center in Clifton for eight years. She also held positions in the administrative and religious school offices of the Barnet Temple, Franklin Lakes, NJ.Gail holds a B.A. degree with honors in Elementary Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is certified as an early childhood educator.  She is a former elementary school teacher in the Prospect Park, NJ school system. She also taught Sunday school at the YMHA in Paterson and nursery school at Beth Rishon in Wyckoff. Gail is a Vice-President of Metro NAASE- a chapter of the North American Association of Executive Directors. gmilchman@tbanj.org

 

 

Janet Resnick, Religious School Director since 1993. She has been involved in Jewish Education since the age of 16. Prior to joining Temple B’nai Abraham, Janet served as Principal of Adath Shalom in Boonton and Dover. Her extensive Judaic background encompasses teaching Hebrew School, adult B’nai Mitzvah classes, B’nai Mitzvah tutor and program coordinator for Jewish seniors. Janet is a certified Rabbinic Aide and taught public school in Newark for seven years. She is an active member of the Principals’ forum of MetroWest and has led Hebrew workshops at Limud in London as well as workshops at the Jewish Education Association of MetroWest. Janet holds a B.A. in Hebraic Studies from Rutgers University and a teaching certification from Kean University and a Principal Certification from Hebrew Union College. She has studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ulpan Akiva, in Netanya, Israel and has attended classes at The Conference in Alternatives in Jewish Education, Jewish Education Association, and Gratz College. jresnick@tbanj.org

Rena Yosevitz, Religious School Assistant Director, joined our staff in June 2010. She is also the Hey Class Coordinator and leader of Kidz Connect Junior Youth Group. After pursuing an Early Childhood Education BA from Brooklyn College, Rena’s professional path led to several years in office management, public relations and event planning, in conjunction with teaching Sunday School and leading Junior Congregation High Holiday and Shabbat services. Rena studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Institute for Modern Israel at Emory University. Since moving to New Jersey in 2001, Rena has taught for Conservative and Reform temples including Temple Emanu-El of Westfield and Temple Beth El of Hillsborough, coordinating holiday and special events, forming a new teen leadership program and facilitating for special needs students. Rena is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and passion for Judaism and Israel with B’nai Abraham students, and introducing the Hey Class to the Coming of Age Holocaust curriculum, recently published by the Museum of Jewish Heritage, NYC, on which she collaborated. ryosevitz@tbanj.org

 

Claudia Minde, High School Director, since 2003, is also the co-advisor for B’nai Brith Girls (BBG), runs the Teen Tikkun Olam Group,  organizes the temple’s College Committee and leads G.I.R.L.S. group with Cantor Epstein. Claudia received her MSW Graduate degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and completed her internship at the Rachel Coalition with Jewish Family Service. Claudia’s undergraduate studies were at the University of Vermont, majoring in Social Work and interning at the Northeastern Family Institute where she helped develop and implement intervention, treatment, care and discharge plans for teenaged residents with behavioral and emotional disturbances. Claudia is currently working toward her Graduate Certificate in Jewish Studies. Claudia has developed innovative curriculum and social action projects for teens. She works in conjunction with the temple's social worker to facilitate parenting workshops addressing teen issues.  She has coached local teams in the MetroWest community including the South Orange Dolphins Swim Team, Maccabi Softball and Swimming Teams, JCC Metrowest Swim Team and Solomon Schechter Middle School softball and swimming.

 cminde@tbanj.org

 

Deborah Aronson Ziering, The Early School Director has been an early childhood educator for over 27 years and has been associated with TBA’s pre-school programs for over 26 years. She is a graduate of Trenton State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and training in Special Education and Day Care Management. Debbie a pre-school math and language arts specialist has developed the school’s literacy related curriculum for all age levels. Her background and interest in literacy led Debbie to create an Early Childhood state of the art library at the Early School. She has been instrumental in formulating the latest theories and translating them into curriculum and programming. Debbie is a member of the Partnership of Jewish Learning and Life’s Director’s Network, CAJE as well as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

dziering@tbanj.org.

 

Sheila Grossman, The Early School Founding Director  founded the Temple B’nai Abraham Nursery School in September of 1974. Before that, she taught and established other nursery schools in the area. In addition to her degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, she has been trained in a variety of therapy models. Her strong background in the arts from the High School of Music and Art and from Hunter College enabled her to incorporate many creative activities into the program. Her love of Judaism began with her attendance at a Yiddish school as a child. Her continuing education, studying Torah and Jewish subjects, is clearly visible during Shabbat and holiday experiences she shares with the children and their families. Sheila has three married children and six grandchildren.sgrossman@tbanj.org

(photo courtesy Jan Press PhotoMedia)

 

Tina Greenberg, Communications Coordinator,  has a professional background which includes a long and diverse career as a public relations consultant in the public and private sectors. She also enjoyed a seven-year stint as a primary school teacher and curriculum specialist. Tina holds BA in Education from Hunter College in New York as well as a reading specialist certification from the University of Miami and is certified as a web author by NJIT. In addition to Tina’s responsibilities regarding Temple communications and marketing, she serves as the liaison and mentor to those who wish to schedule simchas in the Temple facilities. tgreenberg@tbanj.org

 

 

Laura Wold, Office Manager has been with the Temple B’nai Abraham staff since 1984. She is a veritable fount of knowledge when it comes to anything regarding TBA, whether past , present or even future! Her computer expertise is legendary, and she has been essential in implementing the numerous computer program upgrades throughout the years. Laura trains and supports TBA staff through these vital improvements. She is certified as a Notary Public.  lwold@tbanj.org

 

 

 

Tracey Bent, Facilities Manager, joined the staff of Temple B’nai Abraham in 1991. As Facilities Manager, he oversees a staff of dedicated workers. In addition, Tracey manages the operations of the Temple’s computer systems and technology services. A Microsoft Office Specialist and Microsoft Certified Professional, Tracey continues to pursue his education in the computer field. He studied electronics at DeVry Technical Institute in Woodbridge and attended Union County College in Cranford. An eight-year member of the Livingston volunteer Fire Department, he currently serves as the captain of Engine 3. tbent@tbanj.org

 

Karen Frank, RN, Congregational Nurse. Her work integrates physical and spiritual health. She meets with our members and their families to assist in making lifestyle choices, grapple with spiritual issues, consult on health concerns, and helps connect families to community resources. Karen holds degrees in psychology and nursing, is a certified Jewish Spiritual Director. She is a partner at the Kalsman Institute for Judaism and Health, a national project of Hebrew Union College, and has served as a Synagogue 3000 faculty member, and member of SeRaF, fellowship of Jewish Healing Professionals. Karen has 25 years of experience as a visiting nurse and is committed to helping seniors safely maintain independence while enhancing physical, spiritual, and mental health. kfrank@tbanj.org

 

 

Ann Hicks, LCSW, JFS Synagogue Social Worker, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker  who holds a MSW from New York University (NYU) as well as a MBA from NYU. Ann is a Jewish Family Service of MetroWest (JFS) consultant as well as a private clinician. She has worked with a variety of clients including those who have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and ADD. She has led social skill groups for children and teens as well as parenting groups. She has also worked with psychiatrists and in a community mental health setting for the last 12 years.  In addition to her work at TBA, she has a private practice in Chatham. Previous to her social work career, Ann worked in the field of advertising  in New York, London and San Francisco. ahicks@tbanj.org

 

 

 

 

Gerald Kivowitz, B'nai Abraham Memorial Park Director. Jerry holds a B.S. degree in Business Management from Montclair State University.  Prior to joining Temple B’nai Abraham, he was V.P. of Sales for Jarco Manufacturing and Venus Knitting Mills, District Sales Manager for Harrison Baking Company and Assistant Credit Manager for Tuscan Dairy.  jkivowitz@tbanj.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie Meron, Clergy Admin. Asst. , Barbara Silber, Receptionist,

Carol Katzman, Accounting/Admin. Associate, Mindy Berkowitz, CPA, Controller

& Fredd Wright, Accountant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marlene Libby, Early School Admin. Asst. & Bonnie McCarthy, Religious School Admin. Asst.

Staff Directory