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
Marketing & Communications Manager
DEBORAH BHONKAR
Deborah has an MBA in Marketing, and an MS in Marketing Intelligence from Fordham University in New York, and has worked in the corporate world, with companies like Unilever, Mattel, and American Express for many years. Deborah is also a professional volleyball player and an avid traveler.
Office Administrator
MARNIE PACKMAN
Marnie is the first person to greet you when you walk into the office. Her main interests are music and art. She works behind the scenes with logistics and coordinating with our staff. You may have seen her perform for the Chai Society Senior’s Program.
Ritual & Bookings Coordinator
VERED YALINEWITZ
When you have a lifecycle event Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Bris, Baby Naming, Wedding or even a death in the family, Vered is the person to help you along the way. Vered grew up in Israel, and loves reading and spending time with her family.
Special Events & Program Manager
JENN FERMAN
Jenn is a seasoned project manager and facilitates meaningful experiences by designing high-calibre engagement opportunities. She is responsible for building diverse program offerings and overseeing the management of many initiatives. She joined Beth Sholom with a background in Jewish communal work, and has a Master of Education degree.
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
ATHENA KAY
Athena has worked in Accounting and Finance for over 15 years, and has spent many years working within the Jewish community. Athen is also very committed to her personal synagogue – hosting ShinShinim in her home, and traveling to Israel to help select and hire them.
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.
Programs & Education Coordinator
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.
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.
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.
