CLERGY & STAFF
RABBI CRAIG SCHEFF
Rabbi Craig Scheff did not follow a traditional path to the rabbinate. Though his friends nick-named him “Rabs” in high school, and despite the many Saturday mornings he spent in synagogue at his father’s side, his formal Jewish studies did not begin until college, and even that was part of a path to law school. While attending Harvard University, Rabbi Scheff chose a concentration in Near Eastern Studies, and graduated with honors magna cum laude. Upon graduation, he entered Boston University School of Law, where he earned several honors in oral advocacy. Upon becoming a member of the Massachusetts Bar in 1989, Rabbi Scheff practiced commercial litigation for three years. Feeling spiritually unfulfilled, Rabbi Scheff, with his wife Nancy's support, gave up his career in Law and began the long process of studying towards the rabbinate. Click to Read More...
RABBI PAULA MACK DRILL
Rabbi Paula Mack Drill grew up in the close-knit Jewish community of Portland, Maine. She remembers sitting importantly next to her grandfather on the bima when he was president of the synagogue. Perhaps that was the beginning of her journey toward the rabbinate
Rabbi Drill graduated with honors from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania where she developed a broad world-view and a passion for learning. In 1987 she completed a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University as well as a Masters in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Rabbi Drill's social work experience includes eleven years at the Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center and at the Solomon Schechter School of Essex and Union in New Jersey. During seven summers, she served as Assistant Director at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, NY. Click to Read More...
RABBI AMI
HERSH
Rabbi Ami Hersh was raised in the warm Jewish community of Providence, Rhode Island. Through his attendance at the community Jewish day school, his family’s commitment to synagogue life, and a home that was filled with holiday celebrations and a love for Israel, he was set on a path to the rabbinate from an early age. As the Jewish Family Life Coordinator at the OJC, he is fulfilling his dream of creating vibrant, engaging and fun experiences for Jewish families. In addition to his work at the OJC, Rabbi Hersh serves as the Director of Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and is the Program Director of the National Ramah Commission. Click to Read More...
KRISTA BOHN
Krista Bohn has been with the Orangetown Jewish Center since March of 2000. She is responsible for the inner-workings of the OJC office and overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of the synagogue. She handles everything ranging from general inquiries and membership information to program information and school registration, as well as scheduling and catering.
OFFICE
ADMINISTRATOR
HELEN BARNETT
Helen has been the OJC's part-time bookkeeper for the past 18 years. She graduated from NYU School of Commerce, Accounts & Finance with a BS in Economics. Helen's responsibilities include but are not limited to dues & account inquiries, monthly statements, recording receipts, bank deposits, payroll processing, invoice audit & payment, daily cash report maintenance & journal entries. She will be more than happy to help you with all dues and account inquiries. Helen is a devoted employee and member of the OJC.
BOOKEEPER
RABBI MIRIAM MIDLARSKY LICHTENFELD
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Rabbi Miriam was born and largely raised in Boulder, Colorado, where she learned the importance of asserting her Jewish identity in an environment where there were few Jews. She graduated with distinction from the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she studied international relations and environmental studies. After teaching environmental education at outdoor environmental schools in New England, she went back out west to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was while teaching at the religious school there that she discovered her passion for Jewish education. Click to Read More...
SHARON RAPPAPORT
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Sharon Rappaport is a native of Rockland County. She grew up in Nanuet, NY, went off to Tel Aviv University, as well as George Washington University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1986.
While working in a family business, Sharon realized that her love of children and Judaism needed to be addressed directly. She began teaching at Beth Am Temple in their Confirmation Program while returning to graduate school at night.
AMICHAI MARGOLIS
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Amichai Margolis is the Music Director of the OJC allowing him to be the lead singer/guitarist/band leader of "Scooby Jew," our educational Jewish rock band. In his spare time, Amichai owns and operates Joyful Studios, a small professional studio. He and his wife, Kari, have two sons, Lev and Rafi
Amichai is currently the Minister of Music/Musical Director of the Leffell Lower School, a position he has held since 2000. A graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, Amichai founded and directed the Jewish a cappella group “Kol B’yachad” at Brown University. Click to Read More...