Daniel Cohen, President

The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Congregation and provides general supervision, in consultation with the Administrative Committee, of the affairs of the Congregation.

BZBI has been a primary source of Jewish education for our two sons from the Laurie Wagman Playschool/Abigail Cohen Preschool through Bar Mitzvah. For the past 15+ years, BZBI has been the fabric of our spiritual lives, woven from the celebrations of our family’s simchas and as well as milestones marked by members of our Kehilah. Sherri and I value the opportunity to give back to our community through volunteering, and have done so principally through activities related to Early Childhood and Youth and Family Education. I look forward to this new opportunity to serve BZBI as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Eileen Dwell, Vice President

The Vice-Presidents are each responsible for a group of standing and ad hoc committees as well as performing additional duties delegated to them by the President or Board of Trustees.

After years of living in the suburbs and being a part of that Jewish community I moved into Center City some 10 years ago. When I started attending Shabbat services and joined BZBI I
was welcomed warmly. The warmth I felt made it easy for me to feel at home and get involved in Synagogue life. When I was asked to serve on the board in the area of Community Engagement, I was honored. I have met many wonderful people and have developed valued friendships. I enjoy being a part of the BZBI Community helping to build warm, inclusive Jewish community here in Center City. At BZBI I want to do for others, what the BZBI community has done for me.

Matt Maron, Vice President

The Vice-Presidents are each responsible for a group of standing and ad hoc committees as well as performing additional duties delegated to them by the President or Board of Trustees.

BZBI is a home-away-from-home and an invaluable part of the Jewish community of Philadelphia. It is my honor and privilege to be a part of the BZBI family!

Eric Berger, Treasurer

Eric has been a member of BZBI since 1998 when he moved to Philadelphia from Atlanta for medical training at Children’s  Hospital of Philadelphia.  Although he intended to move back to Atlanta, he was drawn to stay in Philly by the great community he found at BZBI, including his soon to be wife—Melissa Lerman.  Together Eric and Melissa have been active members of BZBI, which has been the site of their wedding, baby namings and Bnei Mitzvot for their 2 children Benjamin and Ella. Due to the commitment and gratitude they feel towards BZBI, both have served on the board multiple times. Outside of his BZBI work, Eric runs Center City Pediatrics and enjoys spending time with his family and many longtime Philly friends.

Amy Schulz, Secretary

The Secretary primarily keeps the official records of all proceedings of the Congregation and Board of Trustees meetings.

Over the last 10+ years BZBI has been the place where I have celebrated Shabbat, holidays, simchas, and so much more!  I am honored to be serving on the board and look forward to getting to know more about the inner workings of the organization – and getting to know more of the congregation – so that I can help contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the synagogue.

Akil Bowler, Chair, Building Committee

This committee works with the Executive Director to maintain the condition of our facilities, recommending improvement projects to maintain the building and premises. It formulates rules and regulations for the use of rooms, and advises on custodial and other service personnel.

Seyna Abel, Chair, Community Committee

This committee develops a year-round program of social and cultural activities for the congregation and community.

Seyna has a long involvement in volunteering, starting with her first synagogue, SJCC- Bnai Aaron, in Havertown, where she and her husband, Larry, raised their three daughters, and Seyna was President of Sisterhood, and a vice-president of the congregation. Seyna continued her synagogue involvement when SJCC-Bnai Aaron closed, and many of its members joined Adath Israel in Merion Station. Recently, Seyna and Larry joined BZBI, where her three grandchildren are students in—or alumni of—the pre-school. Seyna is one of the few members who can say that she knew Rabbi Abi’s parents before there was an Abi. Seyna enjoys travel to foreign destinations, as well as walking around the streets of Philadelphia. She is always up for an exercise endeavor or a table game of some sort.

Jessica Simon, Chair, Governance Committee

This Committee identifies, enlists, and develops new leadership; recommends rules for the operation of the Board; plans and prepares leadership development programs and retreats; and audits the Trustees’ compliance with their duties and obligations as set forth in the Bylaws.

BZBI has been like a second home for my children from the time they were 18 months of age until the present. I want to give back to the community who has given so much to my family through the years. I am honored to serve in this role on the Board.

Naomi Ullendorf, Chair, Early Childhood Education Committee

This committee works with the Rabbi and the Program Director to determine policy, rules and regulations for the administration of the Preschool and Playschool. The Committee helps develop curriculum and supervise preschool programs, working with the Board of Trustees. Committee members include active Parent-Teacher Association members.

Naomi has been a member of BZBI since moving to Philadelphia in 2023 after completing her medical residency in Pittsburgh. She and her partner Elan quickly found community and a home within the preschool and shul. On a shabbat morning, you will most likely find Naomi carrying baby Raviv up and down the aisles of the sanctuary, or chasing Keshet and Yonah around the building. On other days, you might find her at the playground with her family, biking around the neighborhood, or eating ice cream. 

Brian Bushee, Chair, Finance Council

The Finance Council, in partnership with the Executive Director and Treasurer, is responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of the BZBI. Budget planning, monitoring our investments, authorizing and reviewing annual audits are the main functions of the Finance Council. We work to ensure the financial health of the synagogue.

Matt Whitehorn, Chair, Development Committee

The Development Committee exists to plan for and oversee all fundraising for the BZBI community. Dues, fees, and tuition are not sufficient to fund BZBI’s mission as a Beit HaKnesset (House of Assembly), Beit HaMidrash (House of Study), and Beit HaTefillah (House of Prayer).  Thus, the Development Committee oversees the Annual Giving Campaign, encourages donations to the Tribute and Memorial Funds, and coordinates with committees developing and funding special projects (for example, our kitchen renovations). The committee is also actively involved in planning for large gift solicitations and laying the groundwork for a much-needed capital/endowment campaign.

I’ve been a member of BZBI for a long time (despite my youthful appearance). With the new level of energy and enthusiasm now abounding at BZBI, I realized that I actually missed being on the Board as my prior service ended several years ago. I am hopeful that I can use my professional background working with others to help promote and enhance all of the many positive attributes of our congregation.

Gail Kroop, Chair, Human Resources Committee

This committee works with the Executive Director to create employee job descriptions, conduct personnel evaluations, establish personnel policies (including benefits), and address employee grievances.

Tanya Hess, Chair, Membership Committee

This committee recruits and retains Members, communicating with Jewish families in the community who are not yet formally affiliated, with the view of inviting them to become Members of the Congregation. The committee reviews applications for membership, and when needed initiates action for the suspension or expulsion of Members.

Davida Charney, Chair, Adult Education Committee

This committee works with the clergy and staff is responsible for developing a year-round program of educational activities for the adults of the Congregation and the Jewish community.

I joined BZBI in 2023 when I moved to Philadelphia from Austin Texas.  For a retired professor of writing and Jewish Studies, Congregational Learning is a natural fit that lets me keep doing what I love.  As for religious services, I enjoy being a utility infielder on a team with such a deep bench.