PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Rabbi Stern began his tenure in the pulpit of TBA in July 1997. He brings his unique vitality, ideas, warmth, and sense of humor to our congregation. Rabbi Stern holds a Master of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and two MA degrees from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Hebrew Letters and Jewish Communal Service. He demonstrates an energetic and passionate enthusiasm for Jewish living, worship, and learning, and is deeply committed to teaching at all levels. Rabbi Stern and his wife Liza (a respected rabbi as well) have 5 children. Both have New England roots: Keith grew up in Middletown, Connecticut, and Liza spent her childhood in Newton. To learn more about his interest, listen to sermons or podcasts, read his blog and more visit his page.
Cantor Snyder was raised in the Reform Movement of Greater Boston, including Temple Israel, Temple Beth Elohim, URJ Eisner Camp, NFTY-Northeast, and NFTY in Israel. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Skidmore College, where he also studied vocal performance and participated in operatic and choral production. He earned a Masters in Sacred Music and was ordained by the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at HUC-JIR in 2024. Cantor Snyder has served congregations in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Utah, and Maryland. He is passionate about Jewish music, learning, and community, and loves creating connections with people of all ages. He lives in Dedham with his fiancé Lindsay and their cat CJ. Cantor Snyder enjoys cooking, theater, Hebrew calligraphy, and potatoes.
Executive Director
Becky, as Executive Director, works with the congregation to further TBA's vision of a supportive and vibrant community. As a long-time staff member, she has worked with children, teens, and adults in a variety of roles making strong connections with congregants of all ages. Becky discovered her love of Judaism as a camper at URJ Eisner Camp. Through her 12 years as a camper and counselor, she discovered the impact Judaism can have and the importance of a supportive and innovative Jewish community. She was also heavily involved in NFTY (youth group) where she met her husband. She attended Brandeis University and earned her master’s degree in education from Lesley University. Becky brings a dedication to synagogue life and a philosophy of sacred and open partnership to her work with the community. Becky resides with Mike and their two children, Eli and Noah who affectionately view TBA as their second home.
Director of Operations
Jewish community has always been at the center of Rachel's life. From summers at OSRUI to BBYO, she developed a deep love for Jewish connection, belonging, and leadership from an early age — a passion that would go on to shape her entire career. She studied Hebrew and Judaic Cultural Studies and International Studies at the University of Michigan, before pursuing graduate work at Brandeis University where she earned both a Social Impact MBA and an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership. Her professional journey has been dedicated to building meaningful Jewish engagement: she has served as a Community Connector at Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Director of Engagement at the University of Wisconsin Hillel, and most recently as Director of Powered By OneTable at OneTable. Originally from Chicago Rachel now lives in Roslindale with her husband AJ, her children Charlie and Solly, and dog Lucy.
Director of Communications & Marketing
Eileen has been an integral part of the synagogue professional team for many years, bringing creativity and strategy to TBA's communications and marketing. As TBA’s photographer, she captures the heart of the community while also finding fun and engaging ways to showcase TBA and Judaism on Instagram and TikTok. She attended Bridgewater State University and is certified in advanced social media strategy by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. When she’s not crafting compelling content Eileen loves to cook, read, and go for long walks. She and her husband Dave enjoy traveling and welcoming their adult children and their significant others on weekends for family dinners.
As Director of our Early Learning Center, Gaby supports teachers in the classroom and oversees ELC administration, as well as our extended day and summer programs. She holds certifications as both a Director and Lead Teacher. Prior to joining TBA, she studied Exercise and Health Science at the University of Massachusetts. Gaby and her partner Julio have two daughters: Amalia (5), a proud TBA alum who will be heading off to kindergarten, and Gianna (2), who will be joining the Moonbeam class this fall. In her free time, Gaby enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new adventures with her girls.
In Rebecca's role she supports children, teens, and their families in their Jewish learning journeys. Previously, she served as the Director of Jewish Teen Leadership at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, the Associate Regional Director of Jewish Enrichment for BBYO's Ohio Northern Region, and the Teen Director at URJ 6 Points West summer camp. Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in Literary and Cultural Studies from Carnegie Mellon University, where her research focused on ritual practice and gendered performance in Jewish spaces. Rebecca lives with her fiancé and their cat, Romeo.
Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of Hartford and discovered her passion for Early Childhood Education when her daughter was a student at the ELC. Seeing the children’s smiling faces each morning when she greets them is one of her favorite parts of the day!
Outside of school, she loves to read, cook, and do Pilates. Rebecca lives in Canton with her husband Andrew, daughter Ava, and their dog Enzo.
Doug's knowledge of facilities comes from a combined ten years of employment at both Tufts Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. He also held the position of field service technician for eight years with Air Systems Technologies before joining TBA. Doug works closely with temple families when planning their celebratory life-cycle functions. Doug lives with his wife Amy and has three sons, Jonathan, Zachary and Graham.
Alexa, a graduate of the University of Southern California, is thrilled to be back and working in her hometown synagogue. Her role at TBA is multi-disciplinary. When at the front desk Alexa works closely with TBA’s clergy to manage their schedules and support ongoing projects. A large part of her work concentrates on event planning and execution. In her spare time, she teaches in the ELC and at Sunday School. Her degree in GeoDesign gives her a solid background to form logical and forward-making decisions. Alexa’s sunny and competent demeanor makes her well-liked and respected among our congregation.
Lori works with TBA students in the 5th and 7th grade religious school classrooms, BAYGL youth groups, and Midrasha. Lori is passionate about empowering young people and creating meaningful Jewish experiences both in and out of the classroom. She has a degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Georgia. She previously worked as a religious school teacher at Temple Hillel B’nai Torah and Congregation Ahavas Achim and served as the Assistant Director of the After the Bell afterschool program at the Boys and Girls Club. Lori currently lives in Waltham with her partner, Dani, and enjoys trying new restaurants, reading historical fiction, and crafting.
Jenna moved to Massachusetts from England with her husband and daughter several years ago, and quickly grew their family to include their dog Coco. Jenna Studied sociology at University of Sussex before relocating and has worked for several large companies; most noticeably being Babcock International, where she oversaw the safety and service coordination of the Metropolitan Police fleet of over 4000 vehicles. When not at TBA, Jenna loves to cook and is always keen to try a new recipe!