Lorraine Bloom
Co-President |
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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. .
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Sharon Dagan
Co-President |
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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. |
 Sheryl Zaitlin-Gencher
1st Vice President |
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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/
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David Carolin
Treasurer
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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 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 |
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Carol Grosman
Director |
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 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. |
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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, committees, 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.
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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. |
