Congregation Ahavas Achim
A Diverse and Welcoming Jewish Community
Staff and Leadership
Office Manager, Daniella Yitzchak
Daniella Yitzchak is the Office Manager of CAA and has been since 2012. Daniella has been a member of the CAA community since 2004, and served on the Board of Directors of CAA for 9 years, as well as on countless committees over the years. Daniella is also the Chevra Kaddisha coordinator for the CAA community.
Prior to working at CAA, Daniella was Program Manager with The Kaddish Project, which partnered with the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College. Daniella also worked at Monadnock Family Services with clients who were challenged by severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Before living in New Hampshire, Daniella earned both a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies from Baltimore Hebrew University. Daniella also earned a Certificate in Jewish Communal Service from the Baltimore Institute of Jewish Communal Service. Daniella worked as a social worker in Baltimore City at the Jewish Big Brother and Big Sister League and Jewish Addiction Services and before that, at AIDS Interfaith Residential Services doing hospice care.
Most importantly, Daniella is the mother of three delightful and rascally sons- Negev, Stav and Liav-who are the heart of her life!
As Office Manager, Daniella keeps the synagogue building going, maintaining the calendar and communicating with CAA members and the broader community through the weekly email, mailings and phone calls. She is happy to assist congregation members with their synagogue needs and loves to encourage a vibrant Jewish culture in our community.
Daniella can be reached at (603) 352-6747 or secretary.ahavas.achim@gmail.com
Dr. Elaine "Lainee" Broad Ginsberg
Dr. Elaine "Lainee" Broad Ginsberg received her collegiate degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, Oberlin College, Ball State University, and a doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Lainee has been teaching music theory, ear training, composition, music history, and the History of Jewish Music at Keene State College in New Hampshire since 2005. She was also been the Choral Director at Hampshire College in Massachusetts for 17 years. Previously, she taught at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan for 8 years, where she conducted the Chamber Singers and led the Theory and Composition program.
Lainee provides piano and vocal music at CAA for Shabbat services and holidays. She is regularly featured at the monthly "Shir Shabbat" Friday evening service. She also serves as the conductor of Mak'hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western MA, an ensemble which performs regularly in the Western MA region and makes an annual appearance in Keene.
Some of Lainee's choral conducting highlights in the past have included conducting the Hampshire College Chorus in front of the Dalai Lama and an audience of 5000 in 2007 at Smith College in Massachusetts. She has also conducted at the International Choral Festival in St. Moritz, Switzerland while in graduate school.
Lainee is a published composer of choral music. Her most well-know work is an arrangement of the Hebrew song by Nurit Hirsh entitled "Oseh Shalom" which has sold over many thousands of copies of sheet music to date. It is featured on Chicago a cappella's recording "Days of Awe and Rejoicing: Radiant Gems of Jewish Choral Music" and was recently performed by the professional men's choir Cantus during its 2015 American tour. Lainee's music has received many performances in colleges, high schools, community choirs, and synagogues, as well at several music festivals, most notably the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association). She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her compositions, including the Guild of Synagogue Musicians and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She has also been commissioned to write many pieces for synagogue and community choirs, including the Five College Choral Festival (Mass.) and was also commissioned to write a piece for the International Clarinet Society for its annual convention. Her music has been heard on WQXR in New York and WFCR in Massachusetts. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Roye, a longtime CAA member, and beloved canine companions. Their daughter Maya attends the University of New Hampshire where she is majoring in Biomedical science. Lainee is also the proud step-mother of Roye's three grown children and step-grandmother of seven.
Our Current Board Of Directors
Click to view personal bios.
Roye has been married to Lainee ( CAA musical director) for 15 years, has four children and seven grandchildren. Roye was a clinical social worker working for the State of Massachusetts for 33 years. He retired from his job 2 years ago and has enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taking care of himself. Roye has been involved with CAA and previously served on the board for 13 years. Roye has participated in a number of committees and also has taught Sunday School. Roye is the chair of the Religious School Committee. He can be reached at royeginsberg@hotmail.com
Paul Bieber was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Paul graduated from Babson College, in Wellesley, MA, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His business experiences include nine years as salesman and sales manager for a wholesale tool and supply company and twenty years as executive vice-president and general manager of a 250-person, privately held manufacturer on Long Island, NY. Paul is the author of the book “Solutions to Everyday Business Problems”. Currently Paul continues to do consulting work in the architectural glass industry and writes a blog relating to the glass industry.
Paul served as CAA’s President from 2009 to 2014 and continues to be active in many aspects of life at CAA. He currently chairs the Nominations Committee, was instrumental on the Rabbi Search Committee, and sits on CAA’s Finance Committee. In addition to all those responsibilities Paul and his wife, Elaine, co-chair the Caring Committee, which helps our members as needed. The Biebers have lived in New Hampshire for 14 years, coming here from Long Island, NY. The Biebers have two adult children and three grandchildren who are healthy and fun. Feel free to call Paul at 603-242-3521 or email him at: paulbaseball@msn.com.
David has been a member since 1987. He has an MBA in Finance from Grand Valley State University and worked as an Assistant Vice President of Liberty Mutual Insurance for 26 years. David is married to Sandy and they have three daughters and three grandchildren. He currently serves on CAA’s Finance, Cemetery, Security, and Covid-19 Committees. David is also on the Board of Directors of Rise for Baby and Family in Keene and serves as its treasurer. He also volunteers at the 100 Nights Shelter and at the Cheshire County House of Corrections. His contact information is: kochman10@yahoo.com (603) 903-0357 (landline) or (603) 852-4072 (cell).
Scott joined the Board in 2018 and has been the Financial Secretary since 2019. He is also a member of the Finance Committee. Scott graduated from college in 1994 with a major in History and Economics, and thereafter went to law school where he met his wife, Dawn. Scott worked at a New York City law firm as a corporate restructuring attorney for many years. After 18 years in New York, Scott and Dawn moved with their two children, Jacob, and Benjamin, to Keene in 2015. Scott enjoys outdoor activities such as running, biking, and planting trees. He is a member of the Keene chess club and loves playing any type of game. His contact information is friedmanscottj@gmail.com and (646) 287-6765 (cell).
Selena and her husband, Malcolm have been members of CAA for 38 years. They moved to Keene in 1978 after finding jobs here. Selena worked as an elementary teacher for 30 years before retiring. Malcolm is an architect. Their son and daughter, Zeke, and Emily, grew up in Keene. Malcolm and Selena have both been Board Members, as well as members of several committees. Malcolm has served as President of CAA and is now a member of the Building Committee and the Cemetery Committee. Selena currently serves as the Corresponding Secretary of the Board. She is also a member of the Religious Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Caring Committee. You can reach Selena at selenakatz50@gmail.com or at 603-209-4835.
Since graduating from the New England School of Law in 1986, Randy has dedicated much of his legal career to advocating for children and families in New York City. Prior to law school, Randy received a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Alfred University. Since 2000, Randy has divided his time between New York City and Keene, New Hampshire. In 2010, Randy became licensed to practice law in New Hampshire where he has developed a small general practice. In addition to serving as chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Committee on “Children and the Law” from 2011 to 2014, Randy is currently a member of the New York City Bar Association’s “Juvenile Justice” Committee. Over the last ten years Randy has organized and presented at many continuing legal education programs in New York City on a variety of topics related to Family Law. These programs have covered such topics as; “The Link between Child Abuse and Animal Abuse”; “Family Court Appeals”; and “Medical Advancements in diagnosing Child Abuse.” Having a strong commitment to community service, Randy has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Antioch University New England from 2009 to 2015, as President of CAA from 2006-2009 and as President of the Board of Directors of Sophia’s Hearth Family Center, in Keene, New Hampshire, from 2001-2003. Currently Randy is a member of the Board of Rise for Baby and Family in Keene, New Hampshire. Randy’s two boys Max (26) and Noah (22) attended Hebrew School and were Bar Mitzvah at CAA. Randy can be contacted at randall.carmel@gmail.com or on his cell phone at 603-313-1951.
Bio forthcoming.
Bio forthcoming.
Gail became a member of CAA in 2019 and joined the board in June of that year. A native of West Hartford, Connecticut, she moved to Springfield, Vermont with her husband, Tom, after serving as Chief Staff Attorney to the Connecticut Supreme Court for nine years. Post-retirement, they have spent much time traveling and, until recently, wintered in their condo in Bangkok, Thailand. These days, they divide their time between their farm in Springfield and their apartment in Keene. Between Gail and Tom, they have three children and a four-year-old granddaughter. Gail graduated from the University of Colorado and received her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She loves the outdoors and spends a lot of time trail riding and learning dressage on her horse Tuktuk. Gail finds it to be an honor to serve on the board of CAA. She has been involved with the Caring Committee and the Bylaws Committee, and helps out at The Community Kitchen when she can. Gail can be reached at gfgiesen@aol.com or (860)841-9044.
Barbara Green has been a member of CAA since 1997 and has previously served on the synagogue Board as Corresponding Secretary for nine years. Barbara’s professional career was mostly in the field of applied and environmental microbiology, working in Research & Development for Millipore Corporation and Corning, Inc. Before moving to Keene last year, Barbara served on the Fitzwilliam Conservation Commission, and as a Town Library Trustee. Barbara’s late husband, David Green, was President of CAA from 2004-2009. Barbara can be reached at blmgreen52@gmail.com
Bio
Vivian and Tom and joined CAA in 2008 when they moved to Putney, Vermont. Vivian joined the CAA Board the next year, serving in various positions. Tom and Vivian lived in Arlington, Virginia for 30 years where they raised their three children. They worked for the Food and Drug Administration for 8 years, where, among other things, Vivian managed the review and approval of Lactaid milk. Vivian also worked in the Office of Pesticide Programs at the Environmental Protection Agency where she developed policy to meet the requirements of health and safety, the applicable laws, and the needs of pesticide users. Since moving to Vermont, Vivian has tried out various volunteer careers. She seems to be serving a life term as President of the Brattleboro Branch of the American Association of University Women and sings in Mak'hela, takes fiddle lessons, and piano lessons, and contra dance every week in Nelson, NH. What Vivian enjoys the most is her job as "Grandma Mommy" to Nathan, River, Aerin and Louisa. You can reach Vivian on her cell phone: 703-527-3163 or email her at: Vivian.prunier@gmail.com
Gary was born and raised in the small town of Thurmont, Frederick County, Maryland. He also attended both college and medical school in Maryland. Gary practiced Family Medicine for 28 years here in Keene, retiring (for the first time) in 2004. He then came out of retirement to become Medical Director at the Maplewood Nursing Home in Cheshire County, retiring for the second time in 2016. Gary and his wife, Jane, have been members of CAA since 1976. They have two sons who both became a Bar Mitzvah at CAA. Gary has enjoyed various activities at CAA, including the Kosher-Q, Sukkah-building, Community Kitchen, Torah reading on Yom Kippur and the spirituality of our coming together to worship in our beautiful space. This is Gary’s second time on the Board, and he is looking forward to helping us grow through these challenging times. Gary can be reached at gm_shapiro@yahoo.com
Marni has been a member of CAA since 2004. She lives in Keene with her husband Michael Davern and their two boys- Noah and Caleb. Marni is active with the Religious School. She is a pediatrician at Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock, where she also serves as the Associate Medical Director of Clinical Informatics. Marni enjoys swimming, hiking with her family, and other outdoor activities whenever she gets the chance! Marni can be reached at marni.silverstein@gmail.com 603-359-7475.
Bio forthcoming.
Bio forthcoming.
