Clergy
Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin
Rabbi
Raymond and Ruth Perelman Senior Rabbinic Chair
Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin grew up on Long Island and graduated from Brown University in 1984 with a degree in Philosophy magna cum laude. He was ordained as a rabbi from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1994. While a student at JTS, Rabbi Krainin received a full fellowship to Rabbinical School as a Wexner Graduate Fellow awarded to promising leaders in fields of Jewish communal service. Rabbi Krainin has participated in programs of Jewish leadership development (“From Good To Great”) as well as programs of Jewish spiritual leadership development under the auspices of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Rabbi Krainin spent the first ten years following his ordination as the spiritual leader of Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester, PA. During that time he was noted for creating a warm and spiritually uplifting Shabbat prayer experience that dramatically increased participation and attendance in communal worship through interactive Torah discussions. He developed networks of mutual support enabling members of the congregational community to reach out to one another in times of need, as well as exciting, accessible, adult education programs that increased participation in Jewish Learning.
Since becoming the Raymond and Ruth Perelman Senior Rabbinic Chair at Beth Sholom Congregation, Rabbi Krainin has been involved in a number of community organizations and activities. He has served as a Board member of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. He has served as co-chair of the Formal Education Committee for the Philadelphia Jewish Federation. He spent four years as the Rabbinic Chair of the Kehillah of Old York Road and currently serves as co-chair of the Old York Road Revitalization effort. He currently serves as a trustee of the Lasko Family Foundation and is a Vice President of the Philadelphia Board of Rabbis. Rabbi Krainin has been a contributor to the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent for the monthly commentary on the Torah portion. His book review essays have been included in Sh’ma- A Journal of Jewish Thought. Rabbi Krainin’s sermons have appeared in several editions of Living Words: Best High Holy Day Sermons, published by JFL Books.
Rabbi Glanzberg-Krainin is married to Rabbi Deborah Glanzberg-Krainin and is the father of Eliana, Klielle, and Noam.
Cantor Jacob Agar
Cantor
Cantor Agar received his cantorial investiture at the H.L Miller Cantorial School at Jewish Theological Seminary of New York. Previously he studied opera performance and linguistics at SUNY Purchase College. Following conservatory, he sang with several opera companies in New York and New Jersey, and has worked with a wide variety of conductors. Cantor Agar is also a composer and arranger and is inspired by a wide variety of music. He was inspired to become a cantor by his love for Judaism, Jewish music, and his interest in using music to uplift people and bring them closer to Judaism. His goal is to use music to elevate people spiritually and to help them find comfort and solace at synagogue.
Professional Staff
Danielle Otero
Executive Director
Danielle joined Beth Sholom as Executive Director in December 2023. She works closely with our clergy, staff, Board, and Committees, and oversees synagogue operations. Prior to her current position, Danielle worked in both the public and non-profit sectors, in Program Management, Donor Relations, and Development. She holds an MBA and Masters in Health Administration. She and her family have been active members of Beth Sholom since 2014. Danielle served as a lay leader at Beth Sholom for many years, prior to her current staff role. She has also been an active volunteer throughout the Jewish community.
Jan Nossbaum
Director of Family Life and Learning
Director of The Etgar Collaborative K-7 ReligiOUS SCHOOL
Jan focuses on strengthening relationships among families with children from preschool age through B’nai Mitzvah, building a deeper sense of community between them and with all of our members. Jan designs and facilitates learning opportunities, multi-generational programs, age-appropriate tzedakah projects, and schmoozing.
Additionally, Jan directs a dedicated staff of religious school teachers. Beth Sholom Congregation along with our neighbors, Congregation Adath Jeshurun, formed a communal Conservative program for religious education for kids in grades K-7. Etgar Collaborative allows students to have both text book based learning and experiential learning in order to dig deeper and explore their Jewish life. Prior to joining our staff, Jan worked at Perelman Jewish Day School as the Science Specialist and STEAM Coordinator. She lives in Upper Dublin, with her husband, Jeff, and their two daughters. She graduated from Temple University with a dual degree in Elementary and Childhood Education and earned her Masters in Public Health from St. Joseph’s University.
Andrea Sachs Otto
Director of Engagement
Andrea oversees membership, communication and strategic initiatives that help our congregants create meaningful connections with both Beth Sholom Congregation, as well as other members within our community. Prior to her current position, Andrea has had experience in nonprofit development and communications having worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years. She holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a MS from New York University. Andrea lives in Rydal, PA with her husband and three children and enjoys exploring architecture, travelling, and reading.
Stacey Salsman
Director of Congregational Life
She is an integral part of planning our programs, services, and special events and supports our auxiliaries and other groups. Stacey attended The George Washington University and Gratz College where she earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Communications, and is certified to teach Hebrew school. She lives with her husband, Andy, two girls, and a golden doodle. Stacey enjoys reading, spinning, running, beading, and challah baking.
Carly Tancredi
Director of Early Learning
In this role, she works to ensure a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for our infants through five year olds. Carly has over a decade of experience, having worked with children of all ages. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Early Childhood Education, as well as a Masters in Early Childhood and Special Ed with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Therapy. Carly loves seeing her past students grow and achieve their goals in development and beyond.
James Smith
Facilities Director
James has been a part of our Beth Sholom family for nearly a decade before assuming the role of Facilities Director. In this position, James is responsible for overseeing vendor contracts and supervising our maintenance staff of six, coordinating their scheduling and managing them daily. In addition, he is responsible for the physical building, both interior and exterior, as well as our landscaping. James is a proud vet, having served in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. He was born and raised in Philadelphia and now spends his little free time with his 8 children and 16 grandchildren.
Susan Solomon
Coordinator of Family Life and Learning
In her role working with our young families, Susan is dedicated to supporting our families going through the B’nai Mitzvah process. She also works in Etgar, our religious school, providing a connection between the school and families. She has experience with communications, data management, and customer service. Susan holds a B.A in Art History with an emphasis on Architectural History. She lives with her husband and daughter and is passionate about our Frank Lloyd Wright building.
Cassandra Raginsky
Office Manager
Cassandra is dedicated to serving the needs of our congregants through volunteer management, administrative support, and project management. Prior to joining our staff, she worked at Artistic Screen Designs, in Willow Grove as the online store sales manager. She graduated from Albright College with a degree in Digital Media and Arts Administration.