I married into a 3rd generation Holy Blossom family when I moved to Toronto, after having moved around the world and studied in the US. I grew up in Montreal, attending conservative and modern orthodox synagogues and moved to Israel with my family when I was in high school, and like most Israelis, I didn’t attend any synagogue! Holy Blossom Temple (HBT) was different than all my other Jewish communal experiences.

It didn’t take long for me to engage as a parent in HBT programs, celebrating Shabbat as a family at the Family Service with Judy and David and enjoying the camaraderie of Family Camp. We had found a welcoming community that engaged us as parents as well as our children. Lifelong friendships were created!  As well, I also enjoyed Women of Holy Blossom (formerly Sisterhood) events and retreats where more friendships were made or strengthened. As our children grew, I found other meaningful volunteer roles including the Out of the Cold program, as a server, dishwasher, security lead and program co-chair, leading one of the 5:30 am breakfast crews, and as a Gabbai for Shabbat and High Holy day services which I still do.

Stepping up to the Holy Blossom Board, was a natural next step, chairing the Department of Jewish Living, and as an officer of the Board. I am also a North American Board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).  which has helped me to continue my learning and contribute to the Reform movement – in North America, in Israel and around the world. I now also serve as President of the HBT Board as of December 2022.

Professionally, I specialize in enterprise risk management, primarily in large financial institutions, with experience in process reengineering and change management. My husband Jeff is a long-time Shacharit service leader and has led multiple search committees for our clergy. He also serves on the board of ARZA Canada. Our two children Beth and Rob (& his wife Valerie) live very conveniently, near each other in the US. In my spare time, I visit family and friends in Israel or the US or am training or racing with my powerwalking friends.

I look forward to hearing YOUR Holy Blossom story!