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Staff

BETH EL STAFF

Michele Alexandria
Rabbinic and Administrative Assistant
Ext. 225 
michele@cbe.org 
 

I joined Congregation Beth El as the Rabbinic Assistant, in July 2019.  I assist Rabbi Shulman and Rabbi Avi with all the lifecycle events throughout the year.  Prior to joining the Beth El staff, I was self-employed as a Professional Organizer, as well as, hired by small businesses to help them manage their operations more efficiently and assist them with their bookkeeping needs. 

My greatest joy in life, for the past 20 years, is the spiritual coaching work I do with others, as a trained Professional Spiritual Life Coach, and Emotional Healing Facilitator.  There is nothing more beautiful, and powerful, then guiding others to heal, and live joyously from their Soul. 

Maria Alvarez
Executive Assistant/Office Administrator
Ext. 226
 
I am the Executive Assistant, Office Administrator and Member Accounts Administrator at Congregation Beth El. I attended Cal State University Bakersfield, where I studied Business & Accounting. 
Prior to joining Beth El five years ago, I worked at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and W. J. Bradley Mortgage Company in various similar positions. 
As Executive Assistant, Office Administrator and Member Accounts Administrator at Congregation Beth El, I wear many hats, which include: 
•    Manage the day-to-day operations of the office, including the graphic/layout design of the various booklets used at our events, weekly services, and annual meeting.
•    Provide a bridge for smooth communication between the Executive Director’s office and internal/external contacts.
•    Process all payments and donations from members and non-members.
•    Work with the contracted security company to monitor the security of the facility, especially all entry gate areas, using security cameras, software, and intercom device.
•    Work with the Facilities Manager and staff to coordinate various quarterly and annual building inspections, appointments with vendors for continuous upkeep, and maintenance of facilities equipment and the campus.
For fun I love to travel, explore new places and meet new people.
Natalia Arad
Communications Manager
Ext. 241 
natalia@cbe.org 
 

Hello! I'm Natalia Arad and I am thrilled to be joining the Beth El community as the new Communications Manager. I recently relocated to San Diego from New York City after 14 years where I cultivated my career in non-profit Jewish settings. Over the years I have worked in many areas within synagogues, spanning from communications to operations and administration. I am truly passionate about the role in play in making a community's Jewish experience meaningful.

Cheryl Katz
Director of Jewish Learning
Ext. 224
 
Cheryl Katz is before all else a student, and believes that learning can never be finished.  She hopes to instill the same lifelong quest for knowledge and yet more questions in her students.
 
Cheryl held educational leadership positions at several synagogues around San Diego before coming to Beth El.  She taught 6th and 7th grade Hebrew and tutored b'nai mitzvah for many years.  She has also served congregations as a Cantorial Soloist and High Holy Day hazzan.
 
A passionate student of hazzanut, advocate for children and teens and seeker of vibrant spiritual experiences, she strives to spark authentic, deep and enduring love of Judaism in students of all ages.
 
Cheryl is a Masters candidate in Jewish Education at the Davidson School of Jewish Education at Jewish Theological Seminary.
David Lipsitz
Ba'al Tefilah & CHAI Coordinator
Ext. 231
 

Hi, I'm David Lipsitz, the new Ba'al Tefillah and Chai Coordinator at Beth El. Though I studied Government and Politics at University of Maryland, it was through my many singing groups that I found my ultimate calling in music. I have been privileged to sing and lead services in over 100 synagogues worldwide. My goal this year is to infuse as much music as possible into the everyday experience of our synagogue community. When I'm not singing around San Diego, you can find me scaling summits in remote ranges around the globe. 

Jason Lobenstein
Director of Administration
Ext. 239
 

Shalom! I am proud and humbled to be returning to Congregation Beth El as the Director of Administration. Many of you may remember me from when I served our community as the Community Engagement Director and Youth Director.

I am excited to be rejoining Congregation Beth El where I will work closely with our rabbis, Board of Directors, volunteers, and professional staff to continue providing meaningful Jewish experiences for our community. In my role as the Director of Administration, I will oversee our congregation's day-to-day operations, membership recruitment, and renewals, and provide logistical support for major synagogue events and holiday celebrations, as well as manage our facilities, finances, and technology.

My office is open to all congregants, and I am excited to create new relationships and memories with our community moving forward. Next time you are on campus, I hope you stop by to say hello, catch up or share your concerns.

Dvora Vinick
Program Director
Ext. 237
 

As Program Director at Congregation Beth El, I have the privilege of helping to build community for our synagogue family through programming, social action efforts, and Hesed support. I enjoy collaborating with committees to bring their creative visions to life at Beth El.  

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Prior to moving to San Diego, I worked as a therapist with survivors of child sexual abuse in individual, family and group settings.  

I am grateful to the warm and welcoming community I have found for myself and my family at Beth El. I hope to be able to help others make lasting and meaningful relationships. 

BETH EL FACILITY STAFF

Antonio CarmonaAntonio Carmona
Facilities Manager

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Daniel Garcia
Facilities 

 

 

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Thu, March 30 2023 8 Nisan 5783