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 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
Interim Director of The Brodie Family Early Learning Center at Beth Sholom
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.
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.
Cassandra Raginsky
Office Manager/ Etgar Administrator
Cassandra is dedicated to serving the needs of our congregants through volunteer management, administrative support, and program management. As the assistant for Etgar, Cassandra helps to provide meaningful communication between the school and families. Prior to joining our staff, she worked at Artistic Screen Designs, in Willow Grove as the online store sales. She graduated from Albright College with a degree in Digital Media and Arts Administration.