Leadership
Executive Board
Ann Berman, President
Allyson Cole-Strauss, Executive Vice President
Melissa H., Vice President
Mike Halprin, Treasurer
Barbara Freed, Secretary
Rabbi David Krishef, Ex-officio
Board of Trustees
Daveed ben-Avraham, Board of Trustees, term ending 2026
Joseph Korn, Board of Trustees, term ending 2026
Elisabeth Rosewall, Board of Trustees, term ending 2027
Grant Winkelman, Board of Trustees, term ending 2027
Jim Flood, Board of Trustees, term ending 2028
Dale Kramer, Board of Trustees, term ending 2028
Sandy Freed, Immediate Past President
Barbara Wepman, Past President
Committee Chairs
Allyson Cole-Strauss, Religious Life Committee Chair
Rhonda Reider, Scrip Committee Chair
Shannon Beesley, Voice editor contact
Ed Miller, Cemetery Committee Chair
From the President – Summer 2026
Final thoughts on my Presidency For the past four years, I have had the privilege — and occasional headache — of serving as President of the Board of Trustees for Ahavas Israel. When I first stepped into this role, I hadn’t been President of anything since like 7th grade shop class ( of course that … Read more
From the President – February 2025
Now that Chanukah has passed, we owe it to ourselves to ask, “what can we do to help get us through the remaining cold winter months?” One good answer is mindfulness. In the quiet of winter, the rhythm of Jewish prayer and tradition offers a unique opportunity for mindfulness—a way to connect deeply with ourselves, … Read more
From the President – January 2025
Cooking Up Connections: How Food Brings Us Together In a world where schedules are packed and screens dominate our attention, findingmoments to truly connect can feel like a lost art. But in our community, we’ve discoveredthe secret ingredients to building bonds: cooking and dining together. More Than Just a MealWhen we gather in the kitchen, … Read more
From the President – December 2024
Chanukah and Volunteering: A Celebration of Light Through Community Service As the days grow shorter and the candles of the menorah shine brighter, Chanukah reminds us of the miracles of light and hope. But the spirit of the holiday isn’t just about the warmth of the candles or the joy of family gatherings. It’s also … Read more
From the President – November 2024
Have you ever wondered how Judaism, Thanksgiving, and family values intersect in our culturaland religious lives? Judaism is centered on the belief in one God and following the teachings found in the Torah.Jewish traditions and values emphasize community, education, and ethical living. Key practicesinclude observing the Sabbath, dietary laws, and celebrating holidays like Passover, RoshHashanah, … Read more
From the President, October 2024
Dear Congregation, As we approach the High Holidays, a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration, I wanted to take amoment to share my heartfelt thoughts with you. The High Holidays invite us to look inward, to seekforgiveness, and to renew our commitment to our values and our community. And for many of us ourthoughts may … Read more
From the President, September 2024
Dear Congregation, As the summer of 2024, with its humidity, slowly gives way to a more comfortable air mass, slightly fewer hours of daylight and a not-yet-visible suggestion in the trees that leaves are about to discolor and drop, there is no mistaking what time it is on the Jewish calendar. But it needn’t be … Read more
From the President, November 2023
How can Chanukah help us find Hope and Unity? How can we deal with the Emotional Impact of conflict and war? A message from the President.
From the President, October 2023
As the echoes of the High Holidays begin to fade, it’s essential to find ways to maintain this sense of spiritual connection and community that was vibrant during this special time. The journey of faith and community does not end with Yom Kippur; it continues, and it’s up to all of us to keep the … Read more
From the President, September 2023
As I sit down to write a column for the September issue of the Voice, I am thinking ahead to Rosh Hashanah and what it means. Rosh Hashanah, as we all know, is the Jewish New Year, the beginning of the month of Tishrei. On this holiday we imagine Hashem is reviewing the behavior of … Read more