KI's offices and facilities are maintained by a staff of 11 dedicated individuals, some of whom are pictured below. Led by Executive Director Brian Rissinger, they work in the Clergy Office, Preschool Office, JQuest Office and care for the Elkins Park Campus. Next time you're in the building, stop by to introduce yourself and say hello!

Brian D. Rissinger

Executive Director

Brian joined KI as its Executive Director in July 2006. An active member of the National Association of Temple Administrators, Brian has an extensive background in synagogue administration and operations. For 17 years, Brian served as Executive Director of Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, PA, where he was involved in all aspects of the synagogue's systems, finances, membership, staff recruitment and facility maintenance. Prior to serving at Main Line Reform Temple, Brian was a member of the administrative team at Federation Early Learning Services for eleven years. Brian holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology.

Brian also serves as a member of the board for the Interfaith Coalition on Energy.

Email Brian Rissinger
Brissinger@kenesethisrael.org

Deborah Rosen

Director of JQuest & Quest Noar

Deborah Rosen has been a member of the synagogue her whole life!  She had her bat mitzvah, confirmation, wedding and son’s bar mitzvah here at KI.  She has also been an educator at KI for over 35 years, beginning at the age of 14 when she became a madricha (teen assistant). Over the years, Deborah has taught grades K – 9 and has supported youth programming and curriculum development.  She holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting, and utilizes her skills and training as a project manager to manage operations and technology. Her educational philosophy stresses the importance of a warm nurturing environment.

Email Deb Rosen
DRosen@Jquest.org

Kelly Sussman

Director of Early Childhood Education, Richard E. Rudolph Preschool

Kelly joined KI when she first arrived from the UK in 2006 - before she even had a place to live. She immediately called KI home and has been working in multiple capacities to help strengthen and support our community. She is proud to have worked for decades in education, a vocation culminating in the completion of her master's degree and directorship to take on the role of Director of Early Childhood Education. Working in the preschool answers a calling that fulfills her desire to be of service to children and their families. Along with her husband Benjamin, Kelly has two daughters, one in the JQuest program and the other in Quest Noar. Kelly is also a member of our TJM Artist Collaborative community.

Click here to learn more about the Richard E. Rudolph Jr. Preschool and Infant Center.

Email Kelly Sussman

Kelly@KenesethIsrael.org

Jaimie Shmelzer

Membership Chair

Jaimie joined KI as its Membership Engagement Coordinator in July 2016, and has been a member of the synagogue her whole life. Along with her husband Kevin, Jaimie has two sons in JQuest, and one son in Quest Noar. Prior to working at KI, Jaimie was an elementary school teacher. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and a Master’s Degree in Education.

Email Jaimie Shmelzer

jshmelzer@kenesethisrael.org

 

Office Staff

Our administrative office is staffed by a group of courteous and professional individuals who are here to assist current and future congregants, as well as the general public.

Next time you are in the building stop to introduce yourself and say hi!

Contact the administrative office: 215-887-8700

Naomi Godel
Naomi@kenesethisrael.org
Facilities Coordinator

Lauren D'Orazio
lauren@kenesethisrael.org
Preschool Administration Coordinator

Education Office

Please visit our Education office for questions about our programs, registration information and forms.

Contact the Education office: 215-887-8704

Lee Slobotkin
KIFTY@JQuest.org Lee@kenesethisrael.org
Youth Engagement & Digital Content Director

Clergy Study

Facilities Staff

Our dedicated facilities staff, without whom much would not be possible, include:

Epifanio (Sleen) Rivera,
Facilities Manager

Jose Dolmo

Michael Rodriguez

Dana Gibbs