Meet us

Spiritual Leadership, Staff, and Board of Directors

Interim Spiritual Leadership

Rabbi Phil Headshot 2
Rabbi Phil Intro 2
Rabbi Phil Letter

Office Staff

Director of Education

Shelby Meyer Margolin

Director of Education
Administrative Assistant

Mel Hirsch

Administrative Assistant
Accountant

Chloe Zheng

Accountant

Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Dan Goldblatt

Rabbi Dan has been Beth Chaim’s spiritual leader for the past 30 years. He retired June 30, 2024. Rabbi Dan currently serves as Vice President of the National Board of Aleph: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal and is also past-President of OHALAH: The Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal where he served as Chairman of the Ethics Committee for seven years and was the chief author of the organization’s Ethics Policy. He has helped found a number of faith-based environmental and social justice organizations in the Bay Area and is active in interfaith work in the San Ramon Valley. 

Board of Directors

Arie, his wife Kelley and children Kyla, Noah and Eli are longtime members of BCC. They were married by Rabbi Dan in 2005. Arie has a deep love for Judaism that dates back to living in Israel as a teen. He has been a Beit Midrash teacher and also has served on the Board of Directors as the Fundraising Chair, Building Director and Brotherhood Vice President. Arie is honored to follow along in his father-in-law Ralph Bleier’s footsteps as BCC President. His other passions include his real estate career, collecting comic books, antique cars, bowling and most of all, spending time with his family and their three pups.

Arie Cohen, President 

Arie, his wife Kelley and children Kyla, Noah and Eli are longtime members of BCC. They were married by Rabbi Dan in 2005. Arie has a deep love for Judaism that dates back to living in Israel as a teen. He has been a Beit Midrash teacher and also has served on the Board of Directors as the Fundraising Chair, Building Director and Brotherhood Vice President. Arie is honored to follow along in his father-in-law Ralph Bleier’s footsteps as BCC President. His other passions include his real estate career, collecting comic books, antique cars, bowling and most of all, spending time with his family and their three pups.
Scott has been a member for over 18 years. A native of North Hollywood, he attended San Francisco State University where he met his wife. He has served on the Board and Brotherhood in previous positions and enjoys supporting the Jewish community.

Scott Ehrlich, Vice President

Scott has been a member for over 18 years. A native of North Hollywood, he attended San Francisco State University where he met his wife. He has served on the Board and Brotherhood in previous positions and enjoys supporting the Jewish community.
Marc is honored to re-join a second sojourn to build a thriving community. Marc and his family have been members since 2009. He is a professional mediator and loves to ski and take lots of pictures.

Marc Feder, Vice President

Marc is honored to re-join a second sojourn to build a thriving community. Marc and his family have been members since 2009. He is a professional mediator and loves to ski and take lots of pictures.
Elliot is originally from Vancouver and lived in southern California before settling in Danville. His three children have gone through Beit Midrash and had their B'Nei Mitzvah at Beth Chaim. He is a CPA and partner at his firm, and has previous Board treasury experience. He enjoys watching soccer and jogging with the family dog.

Elliot Binder, Treasurer

Elliot is originally from Vancouver and lived in southern California before settling in Danville. His three children have gone through Beit Midrash and had their B’Nei Mitzvah at Beth Chaim. He is a CPA and partner at his firm, and has previous Board treasury experience. He enjoys watching soccer and jogging with the family dog.
David received his Aerospace Engineering degree at MIT, medical degree at Harvard, pediatric training at Johns Hopkins, and anesthesiology and critical care training at the University of Pennsylvania. He retired in 2006 after having enjoyed four successful careers: an active tour of duty as Medical Staff Officer at the National Institutes of Health, a Director of Pediatric Intensive Care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Senior VP of Medical Affairs and Technology at Nellcor Puritan Bennett in California, and finally a freelance technology consultant and venture capital investor. As a result of his 30+ years of experience in government, academia, and industry, David has honed his skills at creative problem solving, “out-of-the-box” thinking, and consensus building. His approach to problem solving is to seek “win-win” solutions that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests.

David Swedlow, Secretary

David received his Aerospace Engineering degree at MIT, medical degree at Harvard, pediatric training at Johns Hopkins, and anesthesiology and critical care training at the University of Pennsylvania. He retired in 2006 after having enjoyed four successful careers: an active tour of duty as Medical Staff Officer at the National Institutes of Health, a Director of Pediatric Intensive Care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Senior VP of Medical Affairs and Technology at Nellcor Puritan Bennett in California, and finally a freelance technology consultant and venture capital investor. As a result of his 30+ years of experience in government, academia, and industry, David has honed his skills at creative problem solving, “out-of-the-box” thinking, and consensus building. His approach to problem solving is to seek “win-win” solutions that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests.
Larry and his family have been members for over 13 years. He views Beth Chaim as a Sanctuary for Shabbat, High Holidays, and annual Yahrzeits. He is looking to connect members with their many different needs to the community. 

Larry Candeub, Officer Religious Affairs (Spiritual Life Director)

Larry and his family have been members for over 13 years. He views Beth Chaim as a Sanctuary for Shabbat, High Holidays, and annual Yahrzeits. He is looking to connect members with their many different needs to the community. 
Keith and his family have been active members for over a decade and their daughter went through the religious school from first grade to her Bat Mitzvah. He brings experience in working with housing contractors, and is a software engineer who enjoys reading, games, and family activities.

Keith Brors, Director of Building

Keith and his family have been active members for over a decade and their daughter went through the religious school from first grade to her Bat Mitzvah. He brings experience in working with housing contractors, and is a software engineer who enjoys reading, games, and family activities.
Jeff has been a member of Beth Chaim since 1998. He has two kids who have grown up at Beth Chaim — Jordan (25) has graduated college and Samantha (22) is a senior and will graduate in May ’24. Jeff was a member of the first Beth Chaim Adult B’nei Mitzvah class at age 42, was a Chesed Coordinator/Director for a number of years, trope-mentored several 7th-graders and sings with the Beth Chaim Chazzenut Group. In addition to his duties on the BCC Board, Jeff is in charge of all A/V and streaming for the congregation. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jeff fled Southern California and moved to the Bay Area in 1992, where he started a career in Telecom and call centers — successfully avoiding any occupation that had anything to do with the his two BAs (Radio-TV-Film and History), Teaching Credential (Secondary Social Studies) and Master’s Degree (History). He happily resides as an empty-nester in Pleasant Hill.

Jeff Reitzes, Director of Education

Jeff has been a member of Beth Chaim since 1998. He has two kids who have grown up at Beth Chaim — Jordan (25) has graduated college and Samantha (22) is a senior and will graduate in May ’24. Jeff was a member of the first Beth Chaim Adult B’nei Mitzvah class at age 42, was a Chesed Coordinator/Director for a number of years, trope-mentored several 7th-graders and sings with the Beth Chaim Chazzenut Group. In addition to his duties on the BCC Board, Jeff is in charge of all A/V and streaming for the congregation. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jeff fled Southern California and moved to the Bay Area in 1992, where he started a career in Telecom and call centers — successfully avoiding any occupation that had anything to do with the his two BAs (Radio-TV-Film and History), Teaching Credential (Secondary Social Studies) and Master’s Degree (History). He happily resides as an empty-nester in Pleasant Hill.
Debbie has enjoyed this role for over five years. She has signed up many new members that have become active members of the community and has created new Chavurah groups providing fun and meaningful connections for over 100 members. She also writes grants for Beth Chaim and her favorite hobby is making challah in all shapes and flavors.

Debbie Roof, Director of Membership

Debbie has enjoyed this role for over five years. She has signed up many new members that have become active members of the community and has created new Chavurah groups providing fun and meaningful connections for over 100 members. She also writes grants for Beth Chaim and her favorite hobby is making challah in all shapes and flavors.
Naomi and her family have been members for over 18 years. Originally from New Jersey, she went to SF State University and settled here. Her passion is helping those who are less fortunate and leads many programs such as the winter Adopt-a-Family. She also serves on the Contra Costa Interfaith Council.

Naomi Ehrlich, Director of Social Action (Tikkun Olam)

Naomi and her family have been members for over 18 years. Originally from New Jersey, she went to SF State University and settled here. Her passion is helping those who are less fortunate and leads many programs such as the winter Adopt-a-Family. She also serves on the Contra Costa Interfaith Council.
Tanya has served on the board in other roles and is delighted to hold this role leading the annual fundraiser. Tanya and her family have been members for over 25 years and their kids went through the religious school programs. She enjoys traveling, reading, and socializing. 

Tanya James, Director of Fundraising

Tanya has served on the board in other roles and is delighted to hold this role leading the annual fundraiser. Tanya and her family have been members for over 25 years and their kids went through the religious school programs. She enjoys traveling, reading, and socializing. 
Deborah is originally from New Mexico and worked as a geophysicist for Los Alamos National Lab and Chevron. She has been active on the Beth Chaim Board for many years, including as President, Treasurer, and in various Director positions. She has held volunteer roles such as newsletter editor, fundraising, and leading the Rosh Chodesh women's gathering. Deborah is also on the Board of the local branch of American Association of University Women and active in the land conservation organization Save Mount Diablo. Outside of volunteer work she enjoys mountain biking, camping, hiking, and painting.

Deborah Wechsler, Director at Large (Administration)

Deborah is originally from New Mexico and worked as a geophysicist for Los Alamos National Lab and Chevron. She has been active on the Beth Chaim Board for many years, including as President, Treasurer, and in various Director positions. She has held volunteer roles such as newsletter editor, fundraising, and leading the Rosh Chodesh women’s gathering. Deborah is also on the Board of the local branch of American Association of University Women and active in the land conservation organization Save Mount Diablo. Outside of volunteer work she enjoys mountain biking, camping, hiking, and painting.
Michael and his family have been members for over 15 years. He is a litigation lawyer whose passion is the wellbeing of the Jewish community, and given the proliferation of antisemitism, he is eager to work with members to ensure our community is informed, prepared, and can live in peace and be proud Jews.

Michael Kolis, Director at Large (Advocacy)

Michael and his family have been members for over 15 years. He is a litigation lawyer whose passion is the wellbeing of the Jewish community, and given the proliferation of antisemitism, he is eager to work with members to ensure our community is informed, prepared, and can live in peace and be proud Jews.
Kim and her family have been members for over 13 years. She has a Master of Education from ASU and has held various education roles from special education teacher to elementary principal. With her passion for equity and activism, she cherishes this opportunity ensuring caring and warm community values and support. She enjoys dance, yoga, travel, and works at Athleta in her spare time. 

Kim Thompson, Director at Large (Chesed)

Kim and her family have been members for over 13 years. She has a Master of Education from ASU and has held various education roles from special education teacher to elementary principal. With her passion for equity and activism, she cherishes this opportunity ensuring caring and warm community values and support. She enjoys dance, yoga, travel, and works at Athleta in her spare time. 
Ellen is excited to continue this role for a second year. She served as Secretary from 2005 to 2007, organized several Family Camp weekend retreats and contributed to the planning of the preschool. She and her family have been members of Beth Chaim since 2001 and both kids had the privilege of becoming a B’nai Mitzvah with Rabbi Dan. Ellen loves helping people with their home financing and enjoys travel, hiking, theater, spending time with friends and family and fostering kittens. She is proud to have grown up in Rhode Island.

Ellen Waltrip, Director at Large (Marketing and Communications)

Ellen is excited to continue this role for a second year. She served as Secretary from 2005 to 2007, organized several Family Camp weekend retreats and contributed to the planning of the preschool. She and her family have been members of Beth Chaim since 2001 and both kids had the privilege of becoming a B’nai Mitzvah with Rabbi Dan. Ellen loves helping people with their home financing and enjoys travel, hiking, theater, spending time with friends and family and fostering kittens. She is proud to have grown up in Rhode Island.
Burt and Lynne Gross have been members for over 18 years. He is a retired corporate treasurer, a past Beth Chaim Treasurer, and has served as the Brotherhood's Treasurer for over 6 years. He volunteers for the Danville Police Department and enjoys dining out.

Burt Feldstein, Brotherhood President

Burt and Lynne Gross have been members for over 18 years. He is a retired corporate treasurer, a past Beth Chaim Treasurer, and has served as the Brotherhood’s Treasurer for over 6 years. He volunteers for the Danville Police Department and enjoys dining out.
Jackie is happy to return to the Bay Area after living away for many years. In her adventurous youth, she moved to Oahu with her husband where she spent 12 years raising a family and teaching music. They moved to upstate New York, where she continued her career in music. She was active with the music teachers’ association in New York and was president of the American String Teachers Association of New York, president of the Onondaga County Music Educators, and artistic director for the Oswego Community Youth Orchestra.  Jackie moved to Danville in the middle of the pandemic and found support and friendship through Beth Chaim and the Sisterhood. She is very grateful for this important community and delighted to continue to be a part of it. When she isn’t playing or teaching music or substituting in the schools, Jackie loves visiting her two boys, going to the theater, traveling the world, and enjoying a beautiful California day with friends and family.

Jackie Darville, Sisterhood Co-President

Jackie is happy to return to the Bay Area after living away for many years. In her adventurous youth, she moved to Oahu with her husband where she spent 12 years raising a family and teaching music. They moved to upstate New York, where she continued her career in music. She was active with the music teachers’ association in New York and was president of the American String Teachers Association of New York, president of the Onondaga County Music Educators, and artistic director for the Oswego Community Youth Orchestra.  Jackie moved to Danville in the middle of the pandemic and found support and friendship through Beth Chaim and the Sisterhood. She is very grateful for this important community and delighted to continue to be a part of it. When she isn’t playing or teaching music or substituting in the schools, Jackie loves visiting her two boys, going to the theater, traveling the world, and enjoying a beautiful California day with friends and family.
Suzie has been a member for over 4 years and has found a home within the Sisterhood. She has made many friendships from this network and enjoys socializing. She believes it is important to support organizations that give back as much as the Sisterhood does. 

Suzie Homer, Sisterhood Co-President

Suzie has been a member for over 4 years and has found a home within the Sisterhood. She has made many friendships from this network and enjoys socializing. She believes it is important to support organizations that give back as much as the Sisterhood does. 
As previous President, he enjoys supporting the entire board. Jonathan and his family have been members for over 25 years. Their children went through the B'nei Mitzvah program. He retired as a CEO from Ellie Mae and has formed Omniscient Owl Productions LLC producing commercial theatrical productions. He serves on the Boards of several companies and is an advisor to several private companies.

Jonathan Corr, Past President

As previous President, he enjoys supporting the entire board. Jonathan and his family have been members for over 25 years. Their children went through the B’nei Mitzvah program. He retired as a CEO from Ellie Mae and has formed Omniscient Owl Productions LLC producing commercial theatrical productions. He serves on the Boards of several companies and is an advisor to several private companies.
Martin and his family have been members for over 26 years. He has served on the Board for over 18 years helping Beth Chaim's land investment, Building Committee Construction, and leading fundraising teams obtaining the largest single donor. He has managed tech companies for over 30 years.

Martin Fishman, Trustee

Martin and his family have been members for over 26 years. He has served on the Board for over 18 years helping Beth Chaim’s land investment, Building Committee Construction, and leading fundraising teams obtaining the largest single donor. He has managed tech companies for over 30 years.
Judith and her family have been members of Beth Chaim for over 28 years. She has served on the board for eight previous terms as Spiritual Life Director and as a Vice President. After graduating from Ithaca College, with a dual major in classical flute performance and business, she began her extensive corporate career in Human Resources at American Express, Jordan Marsh, and Macy’s. Judith’s desire to contribute beyond her volunteer work in our community led to new career opportunities as a Jewish communal professional. She has held director roles at The Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, Beth Chaim, the Contra Costa JCC, the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and four years ago joined the team at Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Francisco. Judith is best known at Beth Chaim for the spirituality and singing vocals she brings as a lay leader for our Shabbat services.

Judith Markowitz, Trustee

Judith and her family have been members of Beth Chaim for over 28 years. She has served on the board for eight previous terms as Spiritual Life Director and as a Vice President. After graduating from Ithaca College, with a dual major in classical flute performance and business, she began her extensive corporate career in Human Resources at American Express, Jordan Marsh, and Macy’s. Judith’s desire to contribute beyond her volunteer work in our community led to new career opportunities as a Jewish communal professional. She has held director roles at The Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living, Beth Chaim, the Contra Costa JCC, the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and four years ago joined the team at Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Francisco. Judith is best known at Beth Chaim for the spirituality and singing vocals she brings as a lay leader for our Shabbat services.
Evan and his family have been members for over 23 years. Their three children went through the Beth Chaim religious school and B'nei Mitzvah program. He previously served on the board as Treasurer and Social Action chair. He also volunteers as fundraiser and advocate for Shalom Bayit and is a home chef for Community Kitchens. He enjoys walking his two goldendoodles.

Evan Levy, Trustee

Evan and his family have been members for over 23 years. Their three children went through the Beth Chaim religious school and B’nei Mitzvah program. He previously served on the board as Treasurer and Social Action chair. He also volunteers as fundraiser and advocate for Shalom Bayit and is a home chef for Community Kitchens. He enjoys walking his two goldendoodles.