A Powerhouse Board for a Bright Jewish Future in Annapolis & the Chesapeake

There’s a new energy rising across the Chesapeake Bay — one that shines with purpose, pride, and community. The newly launched Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake (JFedA-C) has brought together some of the region’s most experienced, passionate, and well-connected Jewish leaders. A key part of our success has been Ed Finkel, Managing Director, Network of Independent Communities for the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) — as well as JFNA’s full professional team. However, a massive part of our success will be our terrific board.

This dynamic group shares a single mission: to unite, serve, and enrich Jewish life in Annapolis and throughout the Chesapeake region — ensuring our community remains strong, secure, and inspired for generations to come.

Officers with Vision and Heart

At the helm is J.D. “Jody” Goldsmith, co-founder and president of JFedA-C — a true force in Jewish community leadership for more than four decades. A retired U.S. Army officer and Coast Guard–certified captain, Goldsmith is currently president of Congregation Kneseth Israel and vice commander of the local Jewish War Veterans Post 380. A skilled lay leader, Torah reader, and High Holiday hazzan, Jody’s passion for Jewish continuity is matched only by his dedication to service and wonderful sense of humor.

I’m honored to serve alongside Jody as co-founder and secretary. My own Jewish journey — from serving as an officer in the Mid-Atlantic Temple Youth (MAFTY) back as a teenager to leading The Israel Project — has always been about strengthening Jewish life and connection. I believe deeply in JFedA-C’s mission to ensure our region’s Jewish community is secure, caring, and vibrant.

Rounding out our all- volunteer executive team is Harvey Tillipman, our treasurer, who brings a lifetime of leadership and financial acumen. Harvey has served as CEO or executive director of health and behavioral-health organizations, consulted for Sheppard Pratt Health System, and led the Association of Jewish Aging Services. His professional rigor and Jewish heart make him an invaluable steward of our community’s resources.

Our board members are each leaders of established organizations in our community. Each group has two board members on our team. They are:

Congregation Kneseth Israel: Tradition and Renewal

Representing Congregation Kneseth Israel, Jack J. Schmerling and Rabbi Joshua Shorr embody the congregation’s blend of history and innovation. Jack, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime community leader, has served Kneseth Israel for more than 41 years as executive vice president and chair of its finance committee. A founding family member of Aleph Bet Jewish Day School, he’s also spent over a decade supporting the Brain Injury Association of Maryland — a testament to his compassion and civic dedication.

Rabbi Joshua Shorr brings deep intellectual and pastoral experience to the table, with advanced degrees in economics, international relations, and psychology. His work spans government, academia, and chaplaincy, and his rabbinic training in Haifa reflects a lifelong commitment to blending Jewish learning with real-world leadership.

Congregation Kol Shalom: Faith and Inclusion

From Congregation Kol Shalom, Rabbi Faith Cantor and Howard Salob bring wisdom, compassion and a shared dedication to inclusion and education.

Rabbi Cantor, who joined Kol Shalom in 2024, has devoted her career to teaching and pastoral care — including work as a hospice chaplain and consultant for families with children who learn differently. Her passion for accessible, joyful Jewish learning has touched countless lives.

Howard Salob has been president of Kol Shalom for an impressive 18 years. A practicing dentist and former team dentist for Washington’s professional sports teams, Howard is also a bar mitzvah tutor and religious committee member who has helped make Kol Shalom an integral part of the Annapolis community.

Temple Beth Shalom: Warmth and Wisdom

Rabbi Ari Goldstein represent one of our region’s most active Reform congregations. Rabbi Goldstein, who has led Temple Beth Shalom since 2007, is a beloved teacher and speaker whose warmth and scholarship inspire his congregation. A proud New Orleanian by birth and Marylander by choice, he continues to bring heart, intellect, and Zionist passion to Jewish life in our region. JFedA-C officers Harvey Tillipman and Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi are also members of Temple Beth Shalom.

Temple Solel: Community and Continuity

The leadership duo of Rabbi Steve Weisman and Michael Tanenhaus reflects Temple Solel’s deep roots and enduring vitality.

Rabbi Weisman has guided Temple Solel since 2000, building on his legacy of interfaith outreach, youth leadership, and adult education. His approachable teaching style and genuine care for people make him a pillar of the wider Jewish community.

Michael Tanenhaus, Temple Solel’s president, embodies the next generation of lay leadership. From NFTY youth programs to raising his family at Temple Solel, his Jewish journey is a testament to belonging and growth. His excitement for the congregation’s “next chapter” mirrors the Federation’s own sense of renewal.

Jewish Women International: Advocacy and Empowerment

Representing Jewish Women International (JWI) are two extraordinary leaders: Ellen K. Baron and Laura Sutton. Ellen has been a member of JWI’s Tradition Chapter since 1975, leading programs that combat domestic violence and uplift women and girls. Her decades of work as an adoption specialist for the State of Maryland and Jewish Social Service Agency reflect her lifelong mission to support families and foster compassion.

Laura Sutton, a JWI national vice president and former regional chair, has spent five decades advancing women’s equality and leadership. Her professional career at St. John’s College and her service on Holocaust remembrance committees show how she blends advocacy with education and remembrance.

Hadassah: Service and Legacy

June Cohen and Anna E. Greenberg represent Hadassah, one of the world’s most respected Jewish women’s organizations. June Cohen, president of the Annapolis Chapter of Hadassah, has led programs on antisemitism, health, and education — and has worked tirelessly to ensure Holocaust remembrance through the Yom HaShoah Observance Committee. Professionally, she served as a section chief at the Maryland State Department of Education, specializing in special education and health services.

Anna E. Greenberg, who founded JFedA-C’s predecessor — the United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County — is a visionary whose dedication helped shape the very foundation of organized Jewish life here. Her decades of leadership across Hadassah, St. John’s College, and Historic Annapolis continue to inspire a new generation of civic and Jewish leaders.

Jewish War Veterans of the USA: Service and Sacrifice

Representing the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Arnold J. Abraham brings a deep sense of duty and devotion. A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and former senior federal executive, Arnold has served his country across multiple agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Like his wife, son, and son-in-law — all fellow JWV life members — he personifies the Jewish commitment to both faith and service. JFedA-C’s president is also a leader in JWV.

The Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake is more than a new organization — it’s a powerful partnership rooted in heritage and hope. Together, this remarkable board will help ensure that Jewish life in our region not only endures but flourishes — vibrant, inclusive, and united.
As we say in Hebrew, hazak, hazak, v’nithazek — may we go from strength to strength.