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Leadership

“The Shofar, or ram’s horn,

calls people to the service of God”.

Executive Committee

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Jason Haselkorn
President

Keith Paulus

Vice President / Treasurer

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Brynne Ellis

Vice President

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Louise Casper

Vice President

Marge Lesser Wallen

Secretary

2023-2024 
Board of Directors

Cindy Albers
Cindy moved to Wellington, Florida from Rockville, MD in 2003.  After moving to Wellington, she continued her connection with the Reform Judaism community and joined a local temple where she served a term on the Board, a term on the Executive Board and chaired and participated in several committees. When her husband Mark and her became empty nesters in 2019, they moved to Palm Beach Gardens to be closer to the beach. They joined Temple Judea shortly after.  Cindy has two grown sons, Aaron and Matt.  She is a graduate of the University of Maryland Business School.  After a full-time career in recruiting, Cindy is now self employed as a Talent Acquisition & HR Consultant for small professional services firms in the Washington, DC area. She enjoys traveling, pickleball, biking, yoga, beach time, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
 

Julie Buckner
Julie Buckner is a Dayton, OH native (Temple Israel). Upon her graduation from the University of Michigan she settled in West Bloomfield, MI, (another Temple Israel), where she raised her children and worked as a motivational speaker for Weight Watchers.  In 2010, she and her husband, Dave, moved to Cincinnati, OH (Isaac M. Wise Temple) where she spent time being a docent for the Center for Holocaust and Humanities Education, as well as sitting on the boards of the American Jewish Committee and Wise Temple, along with being  Director of the Josh E. Levine Foundation. After moving full time to West Palm Beach in 2017, Julie and Dave immediately joined Temple Judea. Since then, she became a Bat Mitzvah for the second time and renewed her wedding vows in a Jewish ceremony. Julie is involved with Insight through Education and sits on the JFS Addiction Program Task Force. She is the president of the Temple Judea Sisterhood and is honored to be a Temple Judea Board member.
 

Louise Casper
Louise Casper grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland where she graduated from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, spending her final semester in Israel with her high school graduating class.  After graduating from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Masters of Science in Business from Johns Hopkins University, Louise worked for the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC for 14 years as the Director of Administrative Operations overseeing 28 outpatient physical rehabilitation centers.    In 2003, Louise and her husband, Dennis, relocated to Wellington, Florida and in 2008 became the owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage & The Salt Room in Coral Springs. In 2015, Louise, Dennis, their one daughter Emily (17) along with her parents, Elinor and Barry Schimel, joined Temple Judea.
 

Brynne Ellis
Brynne Ellis grew up in Scarsdale, New York where she sat on the board of the youth group of Westchester Reform Temple throughout high school. During her college years at Tulane University, she continued her involvement in Jewish philanthropies by serving on the Board of Tulane's Hillel as the Student Liaison. After moving to Palm Beach Gardens in 2009 with her husband, Elliot, Brynne participated in the inaugural class of the Emerging Leadership Program of the Jewish Federation of the Palm Beaches. Through ELP, Brynne learned about and came to love the local Jewish community. She enjoys serving on Temple Judea's board and continuing the incredible work that the founders of the temple started so many years ago - an open and loving Jewish community. In addition to her Jewish community involvement, Brynne is also involved at The Benjamin School, currently serving as the President-Elect of the Benjamin Parent's Association.  In 2021, Brynne founded To the Moon and Back Gifts - a personalized gifting business.  Brynne lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband, Elliot, and their two children, Hudson (11) and Sienna (8).
 

Sheree Friedlander
Sheree Friedlander moved here from Beachwood, Ohio by way of Andover, Mass. and has  been a member of Temple Judea almost from the day she arrived here 38 years ago with her husband Cary and children Adam and Elyce. Sheree has been a professional educator both in Ohio and Palm Beach County throughout her entire life - having worked in every aspect of both Jewish and Secular education. She earned her RJE, an International Reform Jewish Educator Certification, while working as an AP to a Community Hebrew High School and then became the Upper School Principal of a large Sunday School having earned a variety of educational awards. Upon moving to PBG, Rabbi Levine promptly recruited her to become Temple Judea’s Director of Education which she did for almost 20 wonderful years until her youngest went off to college and she needed more time to be available to her family. Sheree went on to work in a variety of educational programs utilizing her Math and Science degrees, but her personal highlights include teaching at the Judaica High School Institute & Kesher programs, serving on The Superintendent’s Committee for the Gifted, working as an Adjunct at Palm Beach State College & recently retiring from The Benjamin School for which she represented them as a Northern Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year. Sheree is still tutoring for The Benjamin School’s Learning Lab as well as volunteering at TBS and for the PBG Medical Center Auxiliary. She is a member of TJ’s Caring Committee and became an Adult Bat Mitzvah last year with a wonderful class!  Some of her favorite pastimes include the beach, long walks, book clubs, mindful meditation, mahj and TJ’s outdoor Shabbat Services. Her children, Adam and Elyce, grew up in Temple Judea and Rabbi Joel Levine not only presided at their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but married them both as well! L’Dor V’Dor - from one generation to the loving next - Rabbi Yaron named her grandchildren; and we are hopeful that they will participate in Temple Judea’s future. Sheree is both humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to serve on TJ’s Board and be included in such a vibrant community, for “together we can all choose to make a real difference!”
 

Ruth Gonzalez
Ruth Abrams Gonzalez was born and grew up in Harrisburg, PA. She earned a BA from Finch College in New York City and an MA in elementary education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Leaving New York to teach outside of Washington, DC, she eventually moved back to the Harrisburg area to teach and be near family.  Changing careers, Ruth went into the retail business, and owned a haberdashery for several years.  After meeting and marrying her beloved Roberto, the couple moved to Florida in the early 1990’s, where she spent quite a few years working as a real estate agent. Ruth joined Temple Judea in 2005 where she became active quickly. Joining Sisterhood, Ruth served as President for 2 years.  After joining the Board, she was appointed membership chair. Together with Rabbi Levine and Rabbi Yaron, Ruth hosted successful meet and greets at restaurants and members’ homes to talk to potential members about life at Temple Judea. Now co-chair of the Caring Committee, she understands how little things like phone calls to the sick and soup and bagels can make everyone feel a little better. 
In addition to her involvement with Temple Judea, Ruth has tutored at Jupiter Elementary School and El Sol, and she has been delivering meals for the Kind Kitchen in Palm Beach Gardens every Thursday for over two years. She has also been involved with the Hispanic community living near her, since the beginning of the Pandemic, taking food, school supplies and toys to several families, and meeting beautiful, smart, and loving children who live in less than desirable conditions. 
Through her incredible Cuban American husband, Ruth is lucky to have 2 grown, fantastic children, who followed Ruth and Bob to Florida decades ago, and blessed them with 4 outstanding and beloved grandchildren. Ruth is honored to be asked to serve on the Board of Temple Judea for a second time and looks forward to helping in every way possible. 


Jason Haselkorn
​ Jason Haselkorn has been a member of Temple Judea since 2005 and a Board of Trustee’s member since 2013.    Jason is a graduate of New York Law School, and he moved to Palm Beach County, Florida after passing the New York and New Jersey bar exams.  He has practiced law in Palm Beach County, Florida since 1995.  He was a Senior Partner with a large law firm specializing in handling Securities arbitration and investment litigation matters.  In 2018, he left that law firm to start his own nationwide securities arbitration and investment litigation firm with offices in Juno Beach, FL, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Arizona.  Jason was elected to the Juno Beach Town Council in March 2014 and he has served three consecutive terms since, including 6 years as Mayor (from March 2016-March 2022).  Jason and his wife Catherine are proud residents of Juno Beach for 17 years and they are raising two daughters (Rachel age 22 and Sydney age 19).  
 

Alesia Hoy
Alesia Hoy is a long-time member of Temple Judea.  She was born in Monticello, New York, and raised in Miami.  After graduating from Smith College, she earned a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Miami. She practiced law at Kimbrell and Hamann in Miami and at Shutts and Bowen in West Palm Beach.  Her husband John is a retired Florida Circuit Judge.  Alesia stepped away from the law for ten years to raise her children, Alex and Logan.  Eventually, she changed careers and taught middle school math at Meyer Academy and later at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, where she ended her career as the head of the middle school.  Alex and Logan attended Temple Judea’s preschool, then Meyer Academy, and became b’nai mitzvah at Temple Judea.  Alesia was a member of either the Board of Trustees or the Executive Board of Temple Judea from 1992 through 1999. She served terms as secretary and treasurer of the temple.  She chaired many Passover Seders, Purim carnivals, and various fundraising activities.  Alesia also served on the Meyer Academy Board of Directors or the Executive Board from 1996 through 2004.  At Meyer, she chaired Hanukkah dinners, Purim carnivals, book fairs, staff appreciation weeks, and co-chaired the 25th anniversary auction honoring Sydelle and Arthur Meyer.  Alesia and John are enjoying their retirement by traveling throughout the United States.
 

Karen Karmazin
Karen Karmazin was raised in Queens NY and attained her BA and graduate studies in Fine Arts at Queens College. She attained her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut and Doctorate in Education at the University of Buffalo. Karen’s teaching career spanned the education of normally achieving and special needs students in suburban and urban districts. She served as an elementary school principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and as clinical assistant professor at the University of Buffalo where she taught graduate classes in literacy, assessment, and instruction. Before retiring, she served as the School and Community Liaison at the University of Buffalo, taught seminars at the Teacher Education Institute and authored publications in the field of bullying prevention. As a lifelong member of Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo NY she served on the advisory committee for education and as religious school coordinator for students with special needs. Additionally, she served on the board of Western NY Arts in Education. Since retiring in 2014 she established residency in Jupiter FL and remains active in volunteering as a literacy tutor, with TJ social action activities, and as a board member of the Artists of Palm Beach County. She considers TJ to be her center for life-long learning while not visiting her extended family of eleven grandchildren.

Benjamin Levine
Ben Levine lives in Juno Beach and has been a member of Temple Judea since 2015. He previously lived in Syracuse, New York. Ben received his undergraduate degree in business administration and economics from Syracuse University and his law degree from Georgetown University. He served as an Assistant Attorney General for New York State before entering private practice, concentrating in trusts, estates, elder law and associated tax and litigation matters. Ben is no stranger to serving the community. He served for 23 years on his local Board of Education. Ben served the Syracuse Jewish community with multiple terms on the Boards of Trustees of Temple Society of Concord (now Temple Concord), the Jewish Home of Central New York (now Menorah Park), the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York and the Central New York Jewish Cemetery Association. Before retiring full time to Florida, Ben enjoyed winter skiing, boating and golf. Ben and his late wife Susan have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He is honored to serve on the Board of Temple Judea and to contribute his collaborative style to further the important missions of the Temple. 
 

Jody Levy
Jody Levy was born and raised in Miami and currently lives in Jupiter.  She has been married to Andrew for 46 years and they have 3 incredible daughters,  6 grandchildren and a mini golden doodle puppy.  Jody retired last year after managing Andrew’s podiatric practice for 30 years.  Jody has been a volunteer at Palm Beach County Hospice and is currently a member of the Temple Judea’s Caring Committees. She also volunteers at First Presbyterian Church Feeding Hope and the West Palm Beach Food Bank.  Jody plays pickleball and mahjong and stays healthy by combining Pilates and bicycling.  She spends lots of time with her grandchildren in Tampa and is enjoying traveling.    Jody and Andy have been active members of Temple Judea since 1995.  They have been fortunate enough to have had Rabbi Levine and Rabbi Kapitulnik officiate in bat mitzvahs, confirmations, marriage vow renewal, weddings and baby namings.  Temple Judea is a very important part of their lives and Jody is honored for the opportunity to serve on its board. 
 

Keith Paulus
Keith Paulus along with his wife Melanie and daughters Cassie and Jordan have been long-time members of Temple Judea. In 2007, Keith became an adult Bar Mitzvah.  Keith has served as a Board member, Vice President, Religious School liaison as well as his current position as Treasurer and President-Elect.  Keith is the Chair of Temple Judea’s Finance Committee.
 

Rosalee Savel
Rosalee and her husband Bob have been married since 1959.  The two grew up as neighbors in Winthrop Massachusetts.  After serving in the US Public Health Service on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Chinle, Arizona for two exciting years they made the big move to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1962.  They  owned and operated Tequesta Pharmacy in Tequesta, Florida for over twenty years  before retiring. Rosalee and Bob have been blessed with amazing children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Savel’s are founding members of Temple Judea. Rosalee has served many positions on the board and as well as two terms as president.  Rosalee’s hobbies include needlepoint, traveling, exercising and various  other crafts.   Rosalee is honored to be serving on the Temple Judea Board for another term.
 
Donna Sheynfeld

Donna Sheynfeld is a NY native, who moved to Palm Beach Gardens in 2021 with her husband Tal and their 3 children: Emmi (8), Arielle (7) and Luca (4). She is an early-childhood expert with over 18 years of experience and a diverse background, including positions at The Dalton School, Harlem Children’s Zone, and as an Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood Mathematics at Hunter College in NY. She is the founder of the educational company, Little Learners NYC. Donna was an active member of the NYC chapter of the ADL and was the PA president at the JCC Manhattan. She is eager to take on a more active role at Temple Judea. In her free time, Donna enjoys playing tennis and spending outdoor time with her family and friends.
 

Ed Slotnick
Dr. Edward Slotnick was raised in Ventnor, N.J.  He attended Rutgers University and met his wife Vicki there. After graduating from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and then completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Thomas Jefferson University.  During Ed’s practice years, Ed was on the board of Main Line Reform Temple and was chairman of the education committee.  He became very active in the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, subsequently becoming president. He was appointed to the certifying board of ACOOG. Ed and Vicki raised their three children in Merion, PA and now have four awesome grandchildren. They retired in 1999 and now live full time in BallenIsles. Ed was elected to the first BallenIsles’ member board and was very involved with planning the new Sports Center, as well as having served on the house committee.  Highlights of Eddy’s involvement at Temple Judea include the renewal of his marriage vows to Vicki in honor of their 50th anniversary in 2013, with Rabbi Kapitulnik and Cantor Stillman officiating; and in 2015, Vicki at 73 years of age, and her Parisian granddaughter, Lea, became B’not Mitzvah at Temple Judea. Eddy is now on the Quality Committee of Jupiter Hospital, and a director of The First Tee of the Palm Beaches.
 

Marjorie Lesser Wallen
​Marjorie Lesser  Wallen has been a member of Temple Judea since the Lesser family joined in 1983 after their move from Rockland County, New York to Palm Beach County.  Over the past 40 years, her commitment to strengthening Temple Judea’s place in the community has been steadfast.  Serving on the Temple Board of Trustees in its early days, she steered the fundraising team in building its first permanent home on Chillingworth Drive and has remained supportive in all ways possible as she embarked upon her professional career in school administration for the Palm Beach County School District.  In addition to her membership in Sisterhood, she has also served as a region president and on  the National Board of Women’s American ORT and is a lifetime member of Hadassah.   Our Temple Judea family has shared in the lifecycle events of the Lesser family with the bar mitzvahs of sons Craig and Jason, the marriage of Craig to Renee, the naming of granddaughter Ava and the loss of her beloved husband Daniel.  Rabbi Yaron officiated at her 2014 marriage to fellow congregant, Howard Wallen. Marjorie is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees as the Recording Secretary. She has been the High Holy Day Coordinator for the past 7 years, really enjoys participating in the social action and outreach programs offered by the temple, is the Immediate Past President of Temple Judea's Sisterhood and was the 2021 recipient of Temple Judea's prestigious Shofar Award.
 

Donald Wolk
Donald Wolk was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Economics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  Donald served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserves and as the President and CEO of Good Group of Companies – a national company specializing in digital marketing, lithography, digital printing, fulfillment, and distribution.  Donald is a founder of Temple Beth Tikvah in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania. He has also served as  Board Member and Trustee of Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, PA.  Donald and his wife, Susan, moved to Florida as full-time residents of Jupiter in 2012.  Together they have three children, six grandchildren, and three great – grandchildren.

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