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Staff Members

Marlene Rosen
Executive Director

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

Robyn Zajac-Cooper
Synagogue Administrator

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

Lud(mila) Genshenza
Bookkeeper

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

Raquelle Revi
School Administrator

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

2023-24 Executive and Board of Directors


Adam Horowitz
President

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Adam is a distinguished corporate executive with expertise in Grocery Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods, Loyalty Programs, and Analytics Software. Over the course of his career, he has assumed key executive roles at industry-leading companies including Loblaw, PepsiCo, LoyaltyOne, and Nielsen. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Adam has consistently delivered outstanding outcomes by applying his unique aptitude for problem simplification and results-driven execution.


Adam's professional acumen is underscored by his remarkable track record of negotiating very large and long-term agreements with some of the world's foremost retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. Moreover, he has pioneered the development of lucrative analytics software and consultancy ventures, boasting a diverse global clientele.

His leadership portfolio encompasses a comprehensive spectrum of responsibilities, including sales management, client development, category management and software development.  Central to his success is his exceptional ability to cultivate enduring relationships, eliciting loyalty from clients, colleagues, and team members.

In his leisure time, Adam actively engages in pursuits such as swimming, cycling, and golf.  He is an enthusiastic reader, with a particular interest in biographies and historical fiction.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-horowitz-86149112/


Lorraine Bloom

First Vice-President
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We joined Beit Rayim Synagogue in 1999 as a young family seeking a sense of connection and community. Over the years, we have become increasingly involved in Shul life. Our children celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at Beit Rayim, my husband David served as Co-President, and I took on the role of Lay Leader for the ShinShinim program for three years, I have been a member of the Board and, more recently have been active as an Executive member of the Board.
 Our daughter also worked as an Assistant Teacher at the Hebrew School. Through our active participation at Beit Rayim, we've built many lasting friendships, which truly embodies the House of Friends philosophy.


Beyond our involvement in the synagogue, I've played various roles at USDS/Robbins Hebrew Academy when our children were students there. Additionally, I've been an active member of my local Hadassah chapter, with positions on the Executive board almost every year since I joined in 1992. I also served on the CHW Toronto Board for several years, although later I decided to focus my efforts at the chapter level. Currently, my primary focus is on my career as a fine art photographer, where I have had the opportunity to participate in Art Exhibits, delivered lectures on my work, and continue to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.

Going forward, I'm 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.


Michelle Garshon

Treasurer
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Michelle and her family have been members of Beit Rayim for 20 years. All three of her children graduated from Beit Rayim Hebrew school. 
Michelle joined the board in 2021 as Treasurer. 

Professionally, Michelle is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and has 35 years experience in the financial services industry working for an array of Banking, Insurance and Consulting companies. She is currently working at a leading actuarial consulting firm.

Beit Rayim provides a welcoming community for all. Michelle is happy to be part of the board, building friendships and ties to our community. 

 

Sharon Dagan

Vice President Elect
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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.


In her volunteer work with Beit Rayim, Sharon’s main goals are building strong relationships with our current and future members and continuing to increase member engagement.

Sharon is a senior lawyer in the insurance industry with approximately 20 years of legal experience.


Larry Miller

Past President
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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.

Larry founded Merithian Products Corp. in 1992 and in his capacity as President and CEO has grown the company to be a significant electrical products manufacturer and distributor servicing many industries in Canada and the USA.

In his current role as Immediate Past President, Larry has had the opportunity to mentor current and future leaders of Beit Rayim — a role he feels is perhaps the most fulfilling of the various roles he has had at our synagogue.


Alan Nusbaum

Director
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Since 1985, I’ve been the owner operator of Connectis Group, an IT software company providing document automation, fax and cyber security services and technical solutions to both the private and public sectors in North America.  For years, I’ve developed certified skills around digital marketing, business development, business management, finance, the full Microsoft technology stack, cyber security, communications, staffing and customer relations.
 

Although now retired, I expect to continue leveraging my business experiences with the Shul.

My goal is to facilitate a more connected membership Kehilla and staff to foster an energized interest level with increased engagement with as many members as possible.

My wife Adrienne and I have been active members of Beit Rayim since 2001.  We’ve participated in and co-developed social / educational programming and events with fellow members of the synagogue and the community over the years.


Bijan Rafii

Director
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Bijan was trained as a microbiologist and an epidemiologist and spent the first 20 years of his career at the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of fetal lung development. He then transitioned into an administrative role, and over the next 13 years, he pursued various leadership positions managing research infrastructure at the same research institute.
During his career, he successfully completed many complex projects, including starting a successful research support facility and being one of the key leads in the operational readiness of the new research wing of the hospital.


In 2019, Bijan left SickKids and founded the Canadian Centre for Men and Families-York Region to help close the gap in mental health services for men. Bijan is a strong child and family advocate and currently chairs the Canadian Campaign for Equal Shared Co-Parenting with the task of reforming the Divorce Act to ensure children have the benefits of both parents’ love and guidance in cases of divorce or separation. Bijan has been a board member with the Beit Rayim Synagogue and Hebrew School for the past 5 years. Bijan’s other interests include hiking, exercise, and learning.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bijan-rafii-609b9952/?originalSubdomain=ca


Stephen Reisch
Director
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I have been an active member of Beit Rayim since 2001 and have been involved in many shul programs, committee’s, and activities over the years.

One of my roles was coordinator of the High Holy Day services, starting in 2004 and more permanently for over the past 10 years and am currently co-chair of the M’Sorah (Ritual) committee.

On a personal note, I am married to Audrey and have two incredible children, Jason and Valerie. We are also blessed with two grandchildren, Aliyah and Xavier. Aliyah is a graduate of Beit Rayim Hebrew School and Xavier just started Grade 1 at BRHS. Some of my interests include amateur radio and electronics, listening to Big Band and Swing music, and entertaining at home, cooking my famous Shabarbeque dinners for friends and family.

Sherri Schwartz

Director
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Sherri Schwartz has been a member of Beit Rayim for over five years.  She joined the Board last year, where she helped organize the successful Trivia Night.   Sherri loves the feeling of community at Beit Rayim.  It truly is a "House of Friends".
 

Sherri is a dentist by training, and is one of the dental managers for for one of the largest Public Health Units in Canada.  She loves to help people, and enjoys being a Gregarious Greeter on Shabbat mornings, and High Holidays.  Sherri is the mother of three wonderful children Aidan, Gracie, and Kayla.  She has a great husband, Kevin.  

Her son has special needs, and values the inclusive environment of Beit Rayim where everyone is welcome.   In Sherri's spare time she enjoys reading, walks, and dinner with friends.


Edwin Simon

Director
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Edwin is a distinguished retired dentist, holding an alma mater from Dalhousie University. With an impressive career spanning 36 years, he served as the exclusive proprietor of his highly regarded dental practice in Markham. His role demanded proficiency in diverse areas, including adept team leadership, astute practice management, employer responsibilities, and strategic marketing acumen.

A pivotal aspect of his practice was centered on delivering patient-centric care, where he meticulously tailored treatments to meet the unique needs and desires of everyone in an ethical, compassionate manner.

Hailing from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Edwin's roots in his community ran deep, with regular attendance at the local Shul and celebrating festive holidays with his extended family. His Jewish education was evident in his eight-year attendance at Hebrew school five days a week.

Edwin's leadership journey was enriched through experiences with organizations such as Young Judea, Boy Scouts, Army Cadets, and a role as a Senior Counselor at a Jewish summer camp, where his passion for archery was ignited and continues into his retirement.

In his well-earned retirement, Edwin has deepened his spiritual exploration through the study of Torah and Kabbalah, maintaining a regular presence at shul services contributing when he can. A member of Beit Rayim since 1991, his enduring connection reflects his conviction that it is now time to reciprocate the support and spiritual fulfillment he has found within this community.

Shawna Sosnovich
Director
 

Sheryl Zaitlin-Gencher

Director
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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/


Kevin Zeilig

Director
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Kevin is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist. He has been in the field for almost twenty years, working mostly in mental health settings, including at the Humber River Hospital and CAMH, in their structured psychotherapy program. He is presently working for: The Social Work Consulting Group, providing community-based care to people, who are suffering from psychoemotional concerns stemming from motor vehicle collisions and at the Scarbrough Health Network, in their Mental Health Crisis program. He also maintains a small but growing private psychotherapy practice.
 

Kevin was born and raised in Toronto, moving to York region in 2009. He has been a member of Beit Rayim since 2011 and is married with two teenage daughters. He attends shul frequently on Shabbat and maintains a strong, Jewish identity and commitment to the Beit Rayim community and Israel. 

Past Presidents


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


 

                                                
                                                                                                      
          
                                    

Tue, 19 March 2024 9 Adar II 5784