Staff & Leadership - Beit Rayim Synagogue

Donate

Donate

Home > About Us > Staff & Leadership

Staff Members

Daniel Rosen
Director
of Administration

905-303-5471 x 3720
directoradmin@beitrayim.org

Robyn Zajac-Cooper
Synagogue
Administrator

905-303-5471 x 3721
robyn@beitrayim.org

Daniela Sommerfeld
Bookkeeper /
School Administrator

905-303-5471 x 3722
accounting@beitrayim.org

Amalia Mordachaev
School
Administrator

905-303-5471 x 3007
school@beitrayim.org

2024-25 Executive and Board of Directors

Larry Miller Board Chair	Larry Miller and his wife Amy joined Beit Rayim in 2006 along with their three children Adam, Laura and Melissa. Since then, Larry's family has grown considerably, BH’, with all three children getting married and grandchildren arriving soon after. Along the way Larry's Beit Rayim ‘family’ has grown as well, being there with support during both happy and sad times. Larry joined Beit Rayim's leadership team in 2008 and was elected President in 2010; then again for a second term in 2018. Larry's experience from the private sector has served him well with making key decisions impacting our synagogue and school. Similarly, working with the many talented people that make up Beit Rayim has benefited him greatly with decisions he has had to make in the private sector.
Lorraine Bloom Co-President	(click arrow to expand/collapse text) Lorraine has been a dedicated member of Beit Rayim Synagogue and School since 1999, when she and her husband, David, joined as a young family, seeking a sense of connection and community. Over the years, they’ve both become more active and involved in synagogue life. David joined the Board of Directors and then became Co-President in 2015. Lorraine took on the role of Lay Leader for the ShinShinim program in 2017. Becoming increasingly involved, Lorraine was asked to join the Board in 2021, and eventually moved on the join the Executive. In February 2025, Lorraine stepped into the role of Co-President of the Board of Directors. The Bloom’s three children were all blessed to study their B’nei Mitzvoth with Cantor Eli Bard, who personified the welcoming warmth of Beit Rayim. Their daughter, Rachel, had the opportunity to work as an assistant teacher with the Beit Rayim Hebrew School. Beyond her volunteer experience at Beit Rayim, Lorraine has held several volunteer positions at USDS/Robbins Hebrew Academy, as a member of the Parents Association. Additionally, Lorraine has been an active member of CHW, Lev Zahav Chapter, acting in various capacities on the Executive for over 25 years. “Through our active participation at Beit Rayim, we have built many lasting friendships, which truly embodies the House of Friends philosophy. Having been members for over 25 years, we are grateful for all that Beit Rayim has been for our family. I am enthusiastic about discovering new ways to make meaningful contributions to the Beit Rayim community. Together, we will grow and increase our impact for our community.” Outside of Shul life, Lorraine is active as a Fine Art Photographer. She’s participated in several Art Exhibitions and has given lectures on her photography. .
Sharon Dagan Co-President	(click arrow to expand/collapse text) Sharon has been a dedicated member of Beit Rayim since 2020 and enjoys being actively involved in our synagogue community. In addition to her role as a Vice-President, she has organized our special women-led Shabbat Shira service and is a member of our ritual committee. Her prior volunteer experience includes leadership positions with other Jewish organizations and she was a past recipient of the Molly Friedman Memorial Award from Jewish Women International of Canada in recognition of her outstanding leadership development. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys yoga, reading historical fiction, and theatre.
Sheryl Zaitlin-Gencher 1st Vice President	(click arrow to expand/collapse text) Sheryl, a Montreal native, relocated to Toronto in 1990, commencing her illustrious journey as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her career spans roles in the hospital environment and she currently works within an adult rehabilitation hospital and runs a private practice. Sheryl's commitment to patient care focuses on the enhancement of individuals' communication abilities amid complex medical challenges. During her leisure time, Sheryl enjoys reading, embracing the outdoors, and meticulously crafting her next travel adventure. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-zaitlin-gencher-4867a41b/
David Carolin Treasurer	David Carolin has been a member of Beit Rayim since 2020. Both his daughters recently celebrated their Bat Mitzvot at Beit Rayim. David is a Chartered Professional Accountant and is a partner in a small CPA firm that has offices in both Toronto and Montreal. In the past, David sat on the board of the organization that provided meals-on-wheels and other services to Senior Citizens living independently in western Toronto. David and his wife Simone and their children live in Thornhill.
Shawna Sosnovich Secretary
Esther Chudy Director
Marni Herskovits Director	Marni and her family began attending Beit Rayim's High Holiday services in 2008 and officially became members in 2014. They were impressed by how warm and engaging Beit Rayim’s community was and these impressions led them to become more involved. Over the years, Marni and her family attended education classes, Torah chanting classes, participated in Shabbat Shira, volunteered to pack and deliver Mishloach Manot baskets, supported various committees and more. Outside of her experiences with Beit Rayim, Marni is the VP of Programs at Ve’ahavta, a Jewish non-profit organization providing services to individuals who have experienced poverty. In her personal time, Marni loves to read and to attend the theatre. She also deeply values time with her husband, two teenage kids (both of whom were lucky enough to mark their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs with Beit Rayim) and their dog.
Anton Katz Director	Anton Katz has been a member of Beit Rayim since 2014. Anton practices corporate law in Toronto. He has two children: Emma, 20, and Ethan, 18. He has served on the Board and the Executive in the past. He is also an avid tennis player.
Alan Kaplan Director	Alan is an original member of Beit Rayim, along with his wife Sharon. They have four great kids, currently two amazing grandchildren and have lots of dogs. They now live in Stouffville after many years of living in Richmond Hill.
Stephen Reisch Director	(click arrow to expand/collapse text) Since joining Beit Rayim in 2001, I have remained actively engaged in numerous synagogue programs, committees, and events. One of my enduring contributions has been serving as the coordinator for the High Holy Day services—originally taking on the role in 2004 and continuing in a sustained capacity for the past decade. On a personal note, I am fortunate to share my life with my wife, Audrey, and our two children, Jason and Valerie. We are also blessed with two grandchildren, Aliyah and Xavier, who bring great joy to our lives. Aliyah is an alumna of Beit Rayim Hebrew School, while Xavier has just completed Grade 2 at the school, further deepening our family’s connection to the community. Beyond my involvement with the synagogue, I have a keen interest in amateur radio and electronics, enjoy listening to Big Band and Swing music, and take great pleasure in entertaining guests—especially through my signature Shabarbeque dinners, which have become a cherished tradition among friends and family.
Adam Starkman Director	Adam has been a member of Beit Rayim along with his wife Michelle Garshon for over 20 years Their three daughters all attended Beit Rayim’s Hebrew school. While following in Michelle’s footsteps in joining the Board, community and connectedness has taken on even greater priority for Adam since October 7th.

Past Presidents

Irv Siegel President 2024
Adam Horowitz President 2021-24	Larry Miller President 2019-21	Lawrence Janit Co-President 2017-19	Bryan Gerson Co-President 2017-19	David Bloom Co-President 2015-17	Irv Siegel Co-President 2015-17
Irv Siegel President 2013-15	Larry Miller President 2011-13	Irv Siegel President 2009-11	William Mandelman President 2006-09	Karen Baron President 2004-06	Ronda Goldberg President 2000-04
Jack Bengall President 1999-00	Irv Siegel President 1997-99	Chuck Ticker President 1995-97	Steve Jacobson President 1994-95	George Meltz President 1993-94	Howard Lerner President 1993-94

Thu, 3 July 2025 7 Tammuz 5785

Beit Rayim Synagogue and School 9600 Bathurst Street, Ste. 243 Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, L6A 3Z8

Refund Policy

Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms