Who We Are
Rabbi Stacy Friedman
Rabbi Stacy Friedman, Congregation Rodef Sholom’s senior rabbi, sees Judaism as a rich tradition which can inspire its followers to lift each human being and see within them the divine spark. She joined the congregation in 1993 after posts in New York City, Montana and Victorville, CA and was named senior rabbi in 2003 when her predecessor Rabbi Michael Barenbaum, z"l, retired.
Rabbi-Cantor Elana Rosen-Brown
Rabbi Elana is eager to share her love of teaching and learning with students of all ages. She recently celebrated her ten-year anniversary with Congregation Rodef Sholom and feels blessed to call this community home. At Congregation Rodef Sholom, Rabbi Elana leads adult learning and social justice initiatives, and strives to co-create a community that is fully inclusive of interfaith/Jew-ish/multi-heritage families.
Rabbi Leo Fuchs
Assistant Rabbi
Rabbi Leo Fuchs, our new Assistant Rabbi, will be a full member of our clergy team. His role will focus specifically on amplifying connection with families during the b-mitzvah years and beyond. He will be a dedicated presence with our 7th-12th graders and their families.
Tracey Klapow
Executive Director
Tracey Klapow joined Rodef Sholom's staff in 2022, and loves working alongside an incredible team to support our wonderful, caring community. She is a graduate of Dominican University, with a degree in Psychology, and possesses an M.A. in Nonprofit Management from Gratz College. Prior to Rodef Sholom, Tracey spent 15 years at URJ Camp Newman in strategic advancement and leadership roles. Coming to Rodef Sholom is the culmination of her lifelong passion to build and connect community.
Toby Pechner
Director of Family Worship and Songleading
Toby Pechner, our inaugural Director of Family Worship and Songleading, will prepare all of our B' mitzvah students to lead the congregation in prayer, will lead our young family engagement and Jr. Jews community, and bring joyful music to all aspects of synagogue life.
Cantor Emeritus David Margules
Cantor David Margules’ beautiful tenor voice enhanced and blessed members of Congregation Rodef Sholom from 1991-2024, when he stepped into retirement. Cantor David is treasurer of American Conference of Cantors, where he is also a mentor. He has joined other U.S. cantors to sing at the Vatican and each year participates in the Blessing of the Boats at Tiburon’s Corinthian Yacht Club. He is an avid golfer and a member of the champion Rodef Sholom Rebels softball team.
A native of New York, he earned a B.A. degree in music in 1976 from Ithaca College and an M.A. in sacred music from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 1987. Before joining Rodef Sholom, he served as cantor at Temple Sinai in Lawrence, New York. He is married to Marney Margules; they have two children, Benjamin and Danielle, and one granddaughter, Ava.
Rabbi Emeritus Michael Barenbaum, z"l
Rabbi Michael Barenbaum, z"l, of blessed memory, was Congregation Rodef Sholom's beloved and inspiring senior rabbi 27 years. Under his leadership, the congregation grew in size and deepened its social justice reach. Interfaith outreach was essential to Rabbi Michael, and he created many long standing partnerships with local clergy, interfaith organizations, and churches. Rabbi Michael's big heart, clear-headed leadership, and tireless social justice work set the foundation for Rodef Sholom's identity and ongoing advocacy going forward.
Jose Carillo
Maintenance Manager
JoAnne Forman
joanne@rodefsholom.org
Mental Health Initiative Program Coordinator
Sofie Goldstein
sofie@rodefsholom.org
Office & Facilities Manager
Jacob Hershman
youthdirector@rodefsholom.org
Youth Director
Rose Hornstein
rose@rodefsholom.org
Communications & Marketing Assistant
Moji Javid
moji@rodefsholom.org
Director of Synagogue Engagement
Laurie Kimball
laurie@rodefsholom.org
Executive Assistant
Cheri Lauterbach
cheri@rodefsholom.org
Director of Advancement
Cheryl Lazar
Director of Finance
Aviva Lev David
Religious School Director
Heidi Paul
heidi@rodefsholom.org
B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator and Assistant to Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown
Gabe Robinow
gabe@rodefsholom.org
Advancement & Accounting Associate
Heidi Sanders
heidisanders@rodefsholom.org
Director of Marketing & Communications