Our Clergy, Staff and Board

 

 

Rabbi Steven Henkin

Spiritual Leader

 

 

Margaret Norman

Director of Programming and Engagement

Margaret Norman is the Director of Programming and Engagement at Temple Beth El where she develops responsive programming, works on community engagement, and fosters collaborative partnerships. She also oversees the development of the Beth El Civil Rights Experience; a multimedia community history project exploring Jewish Birmingham and Civil Rights. Margaret received her BA in Individualized Study from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a concentration in Food Systems and Public Policy, and is currently completing her MA in American Studies with UNC-Chapel Hill.  Before coming to Temple Beth El she worked across fields of food, education, and public history with organizations such as the the Jefferson County Memorial Project, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, and the Institute of Southern Jewish Life. Margaret grew up in an interfaith family in Vermont, where she went to synagogue in a farmhouse and first developed the love for Jewish community that she brings to her work today.   Email Margaret at mnorman@templebeth-el.net

 

 

Howard Kaplan

Director of Member Services and Logistics

Howard comes to us with amazing computer and tech skills, experience with ShulCloud (so yes, he can get you set up and answer all your questions), website upkeep and design experience, years of volunteer service with many different organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, and the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club (where he currently serves as vice-president of the Torch Awards).

He is highly organized; very detailed; has planned and implemented hundreds of events over the years; and he has a great attitude! If you have questions around ShulCloud, something that you notice around the temple that needs repair, or any other member service issue, start with Howard!

Email Howard at hkaplan@templebeth-el.net

 

Andrea May

Bookkeeper

Andrea comes to us after almost 27 years working for State Farm Insurance, where she spent most of her time in the Public Affairs and Learning & Development departments. She and her husband, Bo, and daughter, Gabrielle, moved to Birmingham from Florida in the summer of 2009. She says she’s here to stay, especially after her sister and brother-in-law moved up here to be closer to family.

Andrea loves staying busy, which TBE and our bookkeeping department happily provide! Andrea is a member of the J and is an avid runner, reader and shopper.

Email Andrea at bookkeeper@templebeth-el.net

 

Aryn Wallsh 

Receptionist

Email Aryn at volunteer@templebeth-el.net 

 

 

Bernard Axel

Temple Beth El Kitchens Head Chef

 

 

Warren Collins

Temple Beth El Kitchens Assistant Manager

 

Maurine Halpern

Interim Religious School Administrator

Email Maurine at mhalpern@majorpromotions.net

 

 

Nico Cuso

Maintenance Supervisor

 

 

Mandy Deavers

Temple Beth El Kitchens