Executive Director
STEPHANIE KRASMAN
Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McGill University, and a Master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University in Boston. Stephanie’s career has spanned the Jewish community from BBYO, resident camping, the JCC field, and Hillel. Stephanie worked in the Professional Development department of the JCC Association in NYC, and spent 10 years as the Assistant Executive Director for Hillel of Greater Toronto. Stephanie’s entrée into the synagogue world was as the Executive Director of Congregation Darchei Noam, where she spent 5 years. Stephanie has been the Executive Director of Beth Sholom Synagogue since 2018. Stephanie’s husband is a business professor at an Ontario university. They have three children.
OFFICE STAFF
Administrator
DINA BROWNSTEIN
Dina grew up in Toronto and has spent the majority of her work life in the fashion industry after receiving a BA from York University and a post graduate degree in Marketing Management from Humber College. She is an avid runner and exercise enthusiast and lives with her daughter Jordyn and enjoys spending time with her extended family and friends.
Special Events & Program Manager
SANCHIA RABIN
Sanchia was born in South Africa, and moved to Toronto in 2002. She studied Public Relations, Sports Marketing and Events. She has been working in events for the past 27 years, focusing on charity work with the likes of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, S.O.S Childrens Villages, Bnai Brith, to name a few. She has had the pleasure of working with high profile Sportsman and celebrities in both, South Africa and Canada. Sanchia has worked with numerous Jewish organisations, synagogues and charities in Toronto. She was instrumental in bringing and organising the Shabbat Project Toronto and the biggest Challah Bakes boasting close to 3000 people. Sanchia is a huge sports enthusiast, a big Man Utd. Fan, and loves to watch the Raptors and Leafs too. In her spare time, she is involved with charity work, as this gives her great pleasure to give back to society. She is married with 3 children, and her 2 cockapoo dogs. She is always up for a challenge, so shoot her an email or come say hi, she would love to meet you, hear your ideas and make them happen!
Marketing & Communications Manager
LINDSAY NAFT
Lindsay has a diverse work history, from arts administration and ticketing operations management to time as a post secondary registrar. She previously worked at Congregation Darchei Noam as their Manager of Membership & Communication. Outside of work, you can usually find her at a choir rehearsal or baking up a storm.
Ritual & Bookings Coordinator
ROSEANNE MASON
Roseanne was born and raised in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood and has spent her work career in the Jewish not for profit arena. She has worked in Lifecycle and administrative roles at Holy Blossom Temple, Beth Torah Congregation, UJA, Associated Hebrew School and Bialik Hebrew Day School before finding her new forever home at Beth Sholom. Roseanne has 3 fabulous adult children and still lives locally with her greatest companion, her dog Odin!
Acting Membership Engagement &
High Holy Days Coordinator
MARNI TURNER
Marni spent many amazing years working in and being involved in the Jewish Community of New York City which included working in membership engagement at the renowned Congregation Emanu-El on Fifth Ave. Marni is delighted to have come back to be close to her family and her Jewish Community roots in Toronto. Marni is always happy to help you with anything and everything membership at Beth Sholom!
Membership Engagement &
High Holy Days Coordinator
VICTORIA MESIHAYEV
Victoria is responsible for our membership engagement and the High Holy Day planning and execution. She graduated from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel with a Bachelor's in Statistics & Economics. Victoria is inspired daily by her husband and three kids, and likes to hike, cook and play soccer with her family.
ACCOUNTING STAFF
Accounting Manager
TATJANA KACINA
Tatjana is the Accounting Manager at Beth Sholom Synagogue. She oversees all financials in the building. If you have any questions about transactions, keep an eye out for this stylish lady in the office.
Accounting Analyst
Rika Ciprut
Rika has worked in Accounting and Finance since 2003, and has spent four years working at Congregation Darchei Noam as an Account Manager and Finance Administrator. She loves cooking, painting, and spending time with her three children and husband.
SholomLearning STAFF
Director of Family Learning & Engagement
ALEXA RUBIN ABERGEL
Alexa manages all aspects of the SholomLearning curriculum. She works closely with parents and students to create an enjoyable experience for everyone enrolled in the programs. You may have seen Alexa leading discussions with adults and seniors at the synagogue.
Coordinator of Family Learning & Engagement
FARGANA SARMASOVA
Fargana works alongside Alexa for our camps and youth programs. She engages in Jewish activities and synagogue life with many children during her days. Fargana speaks several languages such as English, Hebrew, Russian, Turkish and Azerbaijani.
FACILITIES & IN-HOUSE CATERING STAFF
Facilities Manager
JORGE HERNANDEZ
He is the smiling presence who knows everything about this building. He is happy to be here and has a great respect for our congregation.
In-House Caterer
ELIZABETH NAWRACAJ
In her spare time, Elizabeth likes to write poetry, go skiing and she is learning to speak French. Elizabeth has worked at Beth Sholom Synagogue since 1990 and she knows every corner of the building.
Maintenance Staff
ALEJANDRA VELA
She is responsible for the important role of maintaining the cleanliness and safety of educational facilities within the building. She loves making friends and when she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Maintenance Staff
CARL CASTANEDA
Carl is one of our maintenance staff at Beth Sholom. He is very happy to help with any task in the building. He has learned so much from working here since December 2018 and wants to learn more. When he is not at work he enjoys spending time with his family.
