Phil is proud to be the Executive Director of Canada’s largest synagogue, where he partners with clergy, staff, and lay leadership to ensure the Congregation is welcoming and positioned to serve our community today and for generations to come.

With more than 35 years of senior leadership experience across both the private and Jewish non‑profit sectors, Phil brings a disciplined, thoughtful approach to organizational leadership. His career includes brand marketing roles in global companies such as Wrigley, Mars, and Warner‑Lambert/Pfizer, as well as leading complex operations at Toronto Pearson Airport, before transitioning to mission‑driven work in the Jewish community—including leading his beloved childhood camp in Nova Scotia, Camp Kadimah.

At Beth Tzedec, Phil focuses on strengthening governance and improving systems and operations so members can count on a synagogue that is safe, runs smoothly, responds thoughtfully to their needs, and can be relied on in both everyday moments and life’s most meaningful milestones.

Originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Phil is a graduate of Dalhousie University (BSc, MBA) and a lifelong hockey coach, having coached at all levels in Toronto and abroad, including a stint leading the U18 Israeli national hockey team. He brings that same passion and commitment to his work at Beth Tzedec, helping ensure the synagogue remains a strong and enduring home for Jewish life.

Jonathan Ain brings over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, including more than 18 years in senior fundraising and leadership roles. Before coming to Beth Tzedec, Jonny served as the CEO of the Canadian Friends of Bar-Ilan University.

With a deep commitment to Jewish life and the State of Israel, Jonny has spent much of his career within the Jewish communal world. His previous roles include Director of Development at both CJPAC and Holy Blossom Temple. He also brings significant experience from the healthcare sector, having contributed to major fundraising portfolios at SickKids and CAMH.

A native Torontonian, Jonny lives in North York with his husband, Sam, and their son, Nathan—along with the family dogs, Eddie and Ollie.

Now in his third year at Beth Tzedec, Jonny is grateful to work alongside a dedicated membership, SLT, and staff, and remains committed to strengthening the community he so deeply admires.

Karen brings many years of experience in the Jewish community to Beth Tzedec Congregation. Before joining Beth Tzedec, she spent 11 years at the Prosserman Jewish Community Centre as Executive Assistant, and 18 years with the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Throughout her career, Karen has collaborated with numerous Jewish agencies and is eager to bring her skills and passion to Beth Tzedec.

In her role here, Karen plans milestone celebrations and events for the congregation. She is delighted to be part of such a dedicated and welcoming team.

Karen is also the proud mother of three wonderful children and the grandmother of three amazing grandchildren.

Terri joined Beth Tzedec in July 1998 to serve as office coordinator for the Congregational School, Youth Department and Young Families staff, and moved to the position of executive assistant in December 2008. She became communications coordinator in 2013, production manager in 2019, and in 2023 became the senior marketing manager.

Terri is a graduate of University of Windsor and the Harris Institute for the Arts. Prior to joining Beth Tzedec Congregation, she worked in the advertising, music management, and music /entertainment publishing fields.

Michael Goodbaum is a communications specialist with a heartfelt focus on the Jewish community and not for profit spaces.

He is a talented pianist, guitarist and songwriter. A graduate of the Gifted program at Northern Secondary School, he studied Creative Writing at UBC before going on to perform as a professional musician across Ontario. He also has experience in audio production and podcasting.

Michael worked in the city’s top catering companies and restaurants, where he earned the title of chef. One of his most prized possessions is his Bubbie Esther Goodbaum’s handwritten recipe book.

His favourite place to be is the Kawartha Highlands of Ontario with his wife Alex and son J.J.

Originally known for heading the Aquatics programs of the Prosserman and Schwartz Reisman JCC’s, Yuri leveraged his passion for photography, as well as audio, video, computer, and network engineering to reinvent himself over the course of the pandemic as a broadcast professional.

Yuri is most typically seen streaming Beth Tzedec’s services and programs, building AV infrastructure, editing videos, taking photos and flying his drone.

Yuri has been described by his Beth Tzedec peers as “the one who has the most fun.”

Daniel is responsible for the planning and implementation of all major and marquee programming at Beth Tzedec. He also works with colleagues to ensure that programming for all groups is supported with proper marketing, scheduling and space needs. He oversees the synagogue’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah administrative processes and social/educational program. Daniel teaches regularly on Shabbat and co-leads Beth Tzedec’s monthly Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat Family service experiences.

Daniel joined Beth Tzedec Congregation in 2012 after receiving his Master of Arts in Jewish Education from the William Davidson School of Jewish Education at JTS. He also holds an M.A. in Bible from JTS and a B.A. in Jewish Studies and Political Science from McGill University. Daniel has worked in a wide range of Jewish educational settings, including Camp Ramah in Canada and the Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, Hillel at the University of Toronto, the Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island and numerous supplementary and congregational school settings. Raised in Ottawa, Daniel likes to golf, swim and spends the winter cheering on his hometown Senators. Daniel is married to Rachel and the proud parent of Mira, Nadav and Adi.

Penina Hoffnung is responsible to support the reinvigoration of youth, teen and family programming with the goal of creating communities of connection amongst and between families.

Relocating to Toronto from Philadelphia, Penina holds a Masters in Jewish Education from Gratz College in the US and has spent over 20 years in community outreach and engagement, as well as education and faith development. Most recently, Penina has led operations planning, programming, and membership for the Kesher Israel Congregation in Pennsylvania. In addition, she was the Senior Manager for Community Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and played an integral role in engaging under-served and untapped groups in Jewish communal life.

Asher Farber is an accomplished pianist, collaborator, performer, conductor, musical arranger, choir director, and teacher. He is also a proud grandchild of four Holocaust survivors.

As Musical Director of Beth Tzedec, Asher will continue his leadership of conducting and preparing our synagogue choirs throughout the year and for High Holy Days. He will also develop, maintain, and upkeep our musical library. Asher will support and work closely with our Senior Cantor, Chaim Stern, and with all of our musical staff to ensure that we consistently provide high-quality musical programming and events at the shul.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Asher spent his early years developing his relationship with both music and with Judaism, beginning at the young age of three. While receiving a Jewish education, Asher completed all ten grades of the Royal Conservatory of Music, performed and competed in local concerts and festivals, and often placed at the top of his class with distinction. When possible, Asher pursued opportunities where both music and Judaism intersect, such as playing in a local Klezmer band, and frequently volunteering to read Torah at his synagogue.

In 2012, Asher moved to Toronto to further his studies. After completing his Masters of Collaborative Piano Performance from the University of Toronto in 2014, Asher decided to stay in the GTA to develop his career in music. Over the next decade, Asher continued to collaborate with and/or lead a large and diverse range of musicians, musical groups, and projects. This includes: several community choirs (including the choirs at both the Miles Nadal and Prosserman JCC’s), children’s groups and choirs, musical theatre groups, opera companies, and much more. Additionally, Asher teaches private piano and music lessons to many students.

Asher joined the Beth Tzedec community in 2017/2018, periodically reading Torah for the Little Minyan, and also singing tenor in the “Shir Hadash Ensemble” under the direction of Ezra Burke and Cantor Sidney Ezer.

In 2019, Asher got married to Allie Dennis, with Rabbi Steven Wernick and Cantor Sidney Ezer officiating under the Chuppah. Soon after, Asher and Allie met and adopted Luna, their rescue dog from Egypt.

During the pandemic, Asher developed high-quality musical programming (both virtually and in person) for the shul with Cantor Sidney. In 2021, Asher joined the Lishmoa El Harina Ensemble – Beth Tzedec’s High Holy Day Choir. Later that same year, Asher also founded the Beth Tzedec quartet (“the HarmonEzers”), which he continued to lead and conduct for multiple Shabbat services every month at Beth Tzedec over several years.

In September 2025, Asher took on the new role of High Holy Day Conductor, leading services with the shul’s new Senior Cantor Chaim Stern. In the following months, Asher and Cantor Chaim have worked closely on various projects together, including January’s successful Shabbat Shira, which was under Asher’s musical direction.

Asher is extremely excited about what lies ahead for the music and for all of our community at Beth Tzedec.

With a deep-rooted connection to Israel and a lifelong commitment to the Jewish people, Shirel brings extensive experience in education, mentorship, and community leadership. She holds degrees in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as a one-year certification in Judaism studies from Midrasha Machon Ora (2007–2008), enriching her knowledge of Jewish heritage and traditions.

Her professional journey includes serving as Youth Engagement Director at Beth Tzedec Congregation (2017–2021), where she led impactful programs fostering Jewish identity and community engagement. Before that, she worked as an Educational Leader for School Children at Kibbutz Ein Zurim (2011–2016), creating and implementing educational initiatives that promoted growth and learning.

She has also mentored at Hackathons with JNF, supporting youth in their creative and technological endeavors to serve the Jewish community. Her work reflects a dedication to nurturing the next Jeiwsh generation with knowledge, pride, and a sense of belonging.

Shirel views her role in the community not simply as a job, but as a shlichut (mission) to the Jewish nation—an opportunity to strengthen and uplift the people through education, engagement, and unwavering commitment to their shared heritage.

Matthew Jadd is excited to join the Beth Tzedec team as Education Coordinator after serving as a lay leader on Beth Tzedec’s 20s & 30s Committee. In this role, he works closely with the Spiritual Leadership Team to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Congregational School and B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring Program.

Matthew holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management and an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University. He also earned a Certificate in Israel Education from the iCenter, a Certificate in Emergency Preparedness from Tel Aviv University, and holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.

Before joining Beth Tzedec, Matthew served as Executive Director and Director of Business Operations at The Toronto Heschel School and previously as Director of Youth Engagement at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, Maryland. He has also held senior leadership roles at several Jewish camps across North America.

Outside of work, Matthew remains actively involved in the Jewish community as a counselor with Camp Nai Nai Nai and as both an MHWOW and OneTable host. He is also a third-degree black belt in karate, a First Aid and Lifeguard Instructor, a contemporary dancer, a stand-up comedian, and an avid Toronto sports and Buffalo Bills fan.

Hadassah holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies, with Honors in Accounting from York University and received her CPA, CA designation. She began her career with an emphasis on the preparation of audit and reporting packages, helping clients with their filings and acting as a technical resource. For the past four years, she has continued to build on her experience as an accountant with a focus on the not-for-profit sector and charitable organizations.

Hadassah is passionate about contributing to the Jewish community through her role as Director of Finance at Beth Tzedec.

Hadassah enjoys spending time with her family.

Aida has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce – Accounting, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the Philippines. Aida and her family immigrated to Canada in 2005. In 2010, she earned her designation as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Aida loves everything that is accounting; she joined Beth Tzedec in 2007 as the accounts receivable administrator. In February 2022, she transitioned into the role of accounts payable and payroll administrator.

Joven graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy in Manila, Philippines. He spent most of his career in Internal audit and credit & collections before immigrating to Canada in 2007. He joined a Jewish not-for-profit organization in 2008 and worked in accounts receivable for ten years.

2022 marks his return to NPO and is thrilled to join Beth Tzedec to work once again with the Jewish community.

He loves hanging out with wife and daughter.

Evon brings over 18 years of experience in the furniture manufacturing industry and, more recently, from the healthcare world. Bringing over 20 years of administrative support experience to Beth Tzedec.

Evon supports our Executive Director and is very excited to be part of an amazing and dynamic team.

Evon was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario and moved to Toronto when she married her husband Mike in 1989 and has two wonderful sons. She enjoys travelling, especially overseas, to spend time with family and friends.

If you wish to make a donation, inquire about the shul or services, want to make reservation for an event or just have a question and don’t know who to ask, Avital’s is the friendly voice you’ll hear when you call the office and the smiling the face you’ll find at the reception desk.

Avital loves the variety of Jewish life in Toronto but she is devoted to the members of Beth Tzedec and considers the shul her home away from home.

Avital was born and raised in Jerusalem. She has a BA in Social Studies from the Hebrew University and, before joining Beth Tzedec, she worked in the spokesman’s office at The Jewish Agency and the Shalom Hartman Institute. She is married “with one adorable child.”

Originally from Israel, Romy brings more than a decade of experience in marketing, communications, project management and executive support to her role as as Executive Assistant to Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin. Before moving to Toronto, Romy held senior roles at Herzliya Medical Center, one of Israel’s leading private hospitals, where she led large-scale digital initiatives, supported senior leadership, and managed complex projects from planning through execution. Being part of an organization dedicated to improving people’s lives was especially meaningful to her and inspired her to seek a role at Beth Tzedec, where she continues making a real difference in the community.

Romy lives in Toronto with her husband and their two daughters. She is passionate about all things arts and crafts, enjoys spending time with her family, and values building meaningful connections and putting down roots in the Jewish community.

With over a decade of experience as an Executive Assistant, Jade brings a unique blend of professionalism, and genuine care for the people and organizations she supports. Her career has been built on anticipating needs and building trusted relationships. 

Jade is guided by values of community, responsibility, compassion, integrity and tikkun olam. The belief that we each have a role to play in making the world a better place.

She loves animals and spends time with her Italian greyhound and volunteering with shelters to find homes for all animals in need.

Brian’s responsibilities include the management and oversight of security, sound, lights, water, paint, set-up, tear-down, cleanliness and day-to-day operations (“You name it, we make it work!”). He oversees a staff of eight full-time and many more part-time employees.

Taking pride in making your simhahs go smoothly, Brian is one of the most beloved members of the Beth Tzedec family. It is his smiling face that often greets the congregants on Shabbat and holiday mornings, and he has participated onstage in all seven of the Beth Tzedec Purim Family Musicals.

Brian is a graduate of Humber College, with a Property Manager certificate from Humber’s Building Science program. He lives with his wife Heather, and their three beautiful children, Meaghan, Jacob and Ethan.

David Shapero has diverse professional experience in Canada and Israel, where he lived for ten years. He holds a BA in Economics and an MBA in Strategy and worked in various capacities in E-commerce, Broadcast Television, Testing and Certification, and Hospitality.

David will have responsibility for the overall business and operational leadership of the Beth Tzedec Memorial Park. In this position he oversees all aspects including staff and volunteers, finances, and the maintenance and development of the facilities.

As an empathetic, analytical thinker, David looks forward to the challenges and opportunities at Beth Tzedec Memorial Park.

A native Torontonian, David lives in Toronto with his Israeli wife and two young boys, who take up most of his time outside work. He has a strong passion for Israel, travel, great food, sports, music, and just about anything outdoors.

David looks forward to joining the tremendous team at Beth Tzedec, an institution he has known well since early childhood.