PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Senior Rabbi
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.
Cantorial Leader
Emma joined TBA in 2023 as our Cantorial Leader. She brings with her a passion for communal singing, diversity, and inclusion. Emma was raised in St. Louis, MO at a Conservative synagogue with Reform teachings at home. She went to URJ camps OSRUI and Kutz and started song leading professionally in 2011. After attending Bard College, Emma was the Music and T’filah coordinator at Larchmont Temple. As her role as TBA's Cantorial Leader, Emma provides music for Shabbat, High Holy Days and other education programs. She also runs the choirs, serves as TBA’s B’nai Mitzvah tutor and joins Rabbi Stern with pastoral care duties. Emma lives with her black lab Winnie and visits her Quarterhorse Sue on weekends.
Rabbinic Intern
We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Michaela Brown (she/her) as Temple Beth Avodah’s rabbinic intern for the year. Rabbi Brown is in her fifth year of rabbinical school at Hebrew college. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, she first fell in love with Jewish community through her involvement in BBYO, an international pluralistic Jewish youth movement. She received her BA in Jewish Studies with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Virginia. Rabbi Brown has been Jewish Women’s Archive’s Twersky Education Fellow, a part of T’ruah’s (the rabbinic call for human rights) rabbinical student Summer Fellowship, SVARA’s (a traditionally radical, queer yeshiva) Talmud Pedagogy Fellowship, and the rabbinic intern at Temple Israel of Boston.
Executive Director
Becky, as Executive Director, works with the congregation to further TBA's vision of a supportive and vibrant community. She joined the staff team in 2005 and 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 Communications & Marketing
Eileen plans, develops, and implements TBA's communications and marketing strategies and serves as TBA's photographer. She majored in human resource management at Bridgewater State University and is certified in advanced social media strategy by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Eileen and her husband Dave enjoy traveling, cooking and welcoming their adult children and their significant others on weekends for family dinners.
Heidi connects families with young children to the community through our full-time Early Learning Center as well as synagogue programming and education for children, parents, and families. She majored in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and earned her Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew College. Heidi is a founding member and past president of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ). She has two grown children and is thrilled to be a grandmother! She lives with her husband Todd, her dog Charleston and cats Ally and Alex.
Rebecca has been with Temple Beth Avodah for over fifteen years. She is instrumental in supporting our education department in various ways including building security, licensing and enrollment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Hartford. Rebecca lives with her husband Andrew, daughter Ava and their dog Enzo.
Stacey's role is to provide support to students, administer the onsite Religious School Sunday program, and assist during the Monday and Wednesday programs. She also serves as the ELC Judaic Coordinator. Stacey holds a Master's Degree in special education and has been working in our ELC and Religious School for over 20 years.
Gaby supports Early Learning Center teachers in the classroom, assists with administration, and heads up our extended hours program. Gaby is in her fifth year at TBA and recently received her early childhood lead teacher and director certifications. Prior to joining TBA she studied exercise and health science at The University of Massachusetts.
Eva's role is to foster positive relationships between students, create safe spaces in the community, and support teen leadership through many different youth programs and retreats. She does a fabulous job in engaging our teens. This is Eva's second year working at TBA after growing up in the community, and studying Geology and Environmental Science at Union College.
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.
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!
Doug began his role at TBA in 2004. His 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. 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.