Take a Look at Our Clergy

The clergy are an important part of our program. They spend quality time in the classrooms with our children, support and often lead our parent and family education, and provide Tot Shabbat and other holiday functions appropriate for famliies and children.

Rabbi Rick

Senior Rabbi Richard M. Litvak is an esteemed leader, dynamic teacher and wise counselor. With warmth, energy and creativity, Rabbi Litvak has nurtured the continuous growth and development of the congregation for 25 years. Under his guidance and inspiration, our temple has becomes a wonderful center for Jewish life and a genuinely caring community.

[View biographical information on the Temple Beth El website.]

Rabbi Paula

One of my favorite times during the week is my time with our Simcha children. I enjoy singing shabbat and holidays songs with them either in the classroom or the sanctuary. The kids ask great questions and we have the opportunity to celebrate together. It is especially wonderful when parents join us!

Many of the Simcha families attend Tot Shabbat dinners and services. This is a perfect opportunity for families to secure their relationships with each other and meet other young Temple Beth El families. Our brief service centers around singing, stories and dancing. It is very sweet to see the children feel so comfortable in the sanctuary.

We also welcome non-members at these events and try to reach out to those who are new to the community.

I treasure my connection with our children and look forward to getting to know all of our Simcha families over the years to come. Rabbi Paula

Rabbi Shifra

Rabbi Shifra Weiss-Penzias comes from eight generations of rabbis on her mother's side, including her grandfather, an Orthodox rabbi in the Bronx. Rabbi Shifra received her BA in Sociology at Brandeis University, and her rabbinic ordination and M.A. in Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College in New York. She served as a rabbi for three years in New Jersey, one year in Boston, and four years in Seattle. Rabbi Shifra loves to teach adults and children, sing, talk about G-d, strategize about how to preserve the environment and create a better world, spend time out doors, and enjoy all things Jewish with others. She loves to plan community events, religious services and family programs which incorporate spirituality, music, dance, drama, art, stories and games and encourage active participation. She and her husband, Peter, are the proud parents of two children, Kaima and Jordan.

[View biographical information on the Temple Beth El website.]

Rabbi Rick visits with the Pre-K kids on Shabbat.

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