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
Julie Atchick
Director of Program
Julie creates engaging programs for Shabbat and holidays, special events, and compiles our weekly email, Connections newsletter, and Annual Report. She is also the B’nai Mitzvah coordinator, working together with families to plan their special days, and serves as Director of Etgar, the Beth Sholom and Adath Jeshurun elementary religious school. Julie has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Temple University where she majored in Religion and minored in Jewish Studies.
Jan Nossbaum
Family Engagement Specialist
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. 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 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
Associate Director of Programming & Coordinator of the Center for Spiritual Well-Being
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.
Terry Straus
Administrative Assistant
Terry has worked on our Main Office for nearly three decades where she processes contributions, coordinates congregational mailings, and creates a welcoming environment for members and guests. Before working at Beth Sholom, Terry was a preschool teacher. She graduated with a BS in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College of Boston University. For 30 years, Terry has lived in her condo in Elkins Park.
Julie Townsend
Director of The Brodie Family Early Learning Center at Beth Sholom
Julie has over 35 years experience in education and over five years in the mental health field. She has been a teacher, a director, a STARS assessor and a Behavior Specialist for neurodivergent youth. Julie holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s in Human Service/management, and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. She loves spending time with her Sphynx cat and her adult son.
Emily Wright
Director of Finance and Administration
Emily manages payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, and our Main Office. She is also highly involved in our social action programs such as the Mitzvah Food Pantry and our annual Thx4Giving fundraiser. Emily previously worked in commercial real estate analysis, acquisitions and development, and financial analysis. She holds a Bachelors in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. She is married with three children and one grandchild. Emily has completed Iron Man triathlons and trains as an endurance athlete.