Rabbi Lisa Eiduson, Education Director. Rabbi Lisa Eiduson joined Temple Beth Avodah’s congregational family in 2003 as Rabbi/Educator. A native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Rabbi Eiduson received her BA in Religion and Jewish Studies from Boston University in 1986 where she studied with Elie Wiesel. She received her Masters Degree in 1991, and together with her husband, Rabbi Joe Eiduson, was ordained a rabbi in 1992 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. Following ordination, Rabbi Eiduson went on to serve Reform congregations in Cincinnati, Ohio, Buffalo, New York and Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to her synagogue work, Rabbi Eiduson taught at the college level for eight years as an Adjunct Faculty member first at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and later at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Rabbi Eiduson enjoys her work as Rabbi/Educator at Temple Beth Avodah because she loves learning and teaching about Judaism to children and adults of all ages. She finds great satisfaction and gratification in sharing her enthusiasm for Jewish life and Jewish experiences with families, and in making the ancient texts and traditions come alive in our time. Rabbi Eiduson's educational philosophy is built on the foundation that simply gathering Jewish knowledge is not enough; moreover, we are called to find joy and meaning in participating in the life of the synagogue. Rabbi Eiduson believes that the synagogue should be a warm and welcoming place for all who wish to enter, and that Jewish education today needs to be compelling and exciting for both adults and children at Temple Beth Avodah. Rabbi Eiduson enjoys reading, gardening and music, and perhaps most of all, spending time at the ocean with her husband, Joe, their daughters, Rosie and Carly, and their two labrador retrievers, Maggie and Mason.
Heidi Baker, Congregational Educator/Preschool Director. Heidi has been Temple Beth Avodah’s Preschool Director for the past thirteen years. In addition to this role, two years ago she assumed the posit ion of Renaissance Educator. Heidi contributes significantly to learning at TBA by designing and directing family programming, curriculum development and teaching in the religious school. Heidi has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past 25 years. Prior to joining us she had worked in both private and public sectors including: Head Start, owned, operated and managed a private preschool program, and served as the inaugural Director of a Jewish preschool. Heidi truly enjoys working with children and their families in a Reform Jewish setting. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and recently received a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education at Hebrew College. Heidi was a founding member and sits on the board of the Early Childhood Educators of Union for Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ). She lives in Sharon with her husband and two teenage children.
Becky Oliver, Congregational Educator. Becky joined the Beth Avodah team as Youth Educator in 2005. She earned her B.A. in Sociology at Brandeis University where she was active in the Jewish community. She grew up in the Reform movement attending Eisner Camp as both a camper and counselor. As a teen Becky also participated in NFTY-Northeast, the regional youth group. As Temple Beth Avodah's Youth Educator, Becky spends her time encouraging children and teens to become more involved in Jewish experiences and to continue their Jewish education through high school. Becky lives in Waltham with her husband, Mike, and their dog, Rudy.
Rebecca Baizen, Executive Assistant. Rebecca has worked for the Temple Beth Avodah family since December 2001. She holds the position of Executive Assistant and supports Rabbi Eiduson and the Religious School, the Youth Educator and Pre-School Director. Rebecca has a BA degree in Education from the University of Hartford. Prior to working at Temple Beth Avodah, Rebecca worked in the admissions office of The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. She lives with her husband, Andrew, and their daughter Ava in Canton.
Shukie Sapir, B'Nai Mitzvah Tutor. Shukie Sapir is the primary B’nai Mitzvah tutor, preparing students for reading Torah and leading the service at their B’nai Mitzvah. In her 20 years of teaching at Temple Beth Avodah, Shukie has taught every grade in the Religious School, and acts as a mentor to other Hebrew teachers. Shukie also participates in Adult Education, and teaches Hebrew as part of our Adult B’nai Mitzvah program. The fact that she is a life-long learner, in combination with her respect for her students and the learning process, contribute to her success and longevity here. Though a true Sabra, Shukie lives in Newton with her husband Danny. They have two grown daughters, Leigh and Shellie, who has blessed them with two grandchildren, Shea and Noa.
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