I am a third generation member of Holy Blossom Temple and am serving on the Board for the first time following several years of ever-increasing involvement within the Temple community.

I am proud to have been a part of the redesign and building of the HBT website (www.holyblossom.org). As a marketer, I believe that an excellent online user experience is critical to making the Temple accessible to all. The COVID era has emphasized just how important it is to have a seamless virtual experience for all congregants, and I look forward to contributing to help improve all facets of Temple communications.

For me Holy Blossom represents home and comfort; I have many wonderful memories of worship and life cycle experiences with family and friends. My father Jack was an usher for over 60 years and my grandmother, Vici, was president of Sisterhood in the 1950s. Most importantly, I met my wife, Judy Shiner, in our consecration class when we were six years old and we attended religious school together through confirmation. After a 20-year hiatus, we reconnected and were married on the very same bima where we received our mini Torahs at Simchat Torah so many years before.

Professionally I am a marketing consultant, corporate communications facilitator, and educator. I have owned a marketing agency, Branderos, since 2010, following many years working both agency and client side. I have developed curriculum for the Canadian Marketing Association where I have taught for many years, in addition to extensive volunteer work in education within the marketing community.

I am an alumnae of the 2-year Wexner Heritage Project which I attended after obtaining a minor in Jewish History at University of Toronto (with a major in English literature). In my spare time I cycle, read and root for the Jays. I’m also closing in on 3 years of reading Daf Yomi: almost half-way there!

I am hoping that the concept of l’dor v’dor will extend to my four children–Sam (a neurosurgical resident in Winnipeg), Reuben (a cannabis sales exec in Toronto), Maddy and Jonathan (both Queens’ University students)–as they see what a meaningful impact Holy Blossom has had on our lives.

I am awed by, and grateful for the clergy and the many members of the HBT community who do such important work for our synagogue and the Jewish community as a whole.

It is a privilege to serve on the Board.