Board of Directors

Temple Board Members 5785-5786 (2025-2026)

Officers:

President – Adam Arzt president@bethtorah.org

Vice President – Gary Holman gary.holman@templebethtorah.org

Treasurer – Liora Stone Liora.stone@bethtorah.org

Recording Secretary – Naomi Price naomi.price@templebethtorah.org

Department Directors:

Director of Congregational Growth

Director of Education – Elissa Washburn

Director of Operations – Adam Miller   amiller-tbt@comcast.net

Director of Religious Life – Charli Bernstein

Director of Programs – Jess Neipris

Members at Large:

Member-at-Large/Past President – Chris Brumbach Chris.brumbach@bethtorah.org

Member-at-Large – Laura Garelick laura.garelick@templebethtorah.org

Member-at-Large – Jon Neipris

Member-at-Large – Mary Ann Oppenheimer

Adam Arzt, Holliston – President 

I have lived here in Holliston for almost 20 years, along with my wife Nancy.  My path to membership at TBT has been somewhat indirect.  After a religiously observant upbringing in Baldwin, NY (my family history includes several generations of rabbis on both sides), I became somewhat of a lapsed Jew after college, not belonging to a synagogue as I had “more important” demands on my time.  About 10 years ago Nancy and I decided that it was time to rejoin a synagogue.  After one try at a different congregation, in 2017 we gave TBT a try.

From the beginning, we felt welcomed and appreciated; those feelings have only multiplied since then.  For me personally it also meant a return to (semi) regular attendance at services, an invitation to serve on the Religious Life Committee, and ultimately an invitation to join the Board this July.

I value being a part of this community which has been stellar in offering support at times of loss and challenge, sharing in the celebration of simchas and triumphs, and providing many opportunities for social and intellectual interaction through numerous continuing education and entertainment programs.  It will be an honor for me to serve on the board and help bring our congregation’s future goals to fruition.

Charli Bernstein, Milford – Director of Religious Life

My name is Charli (Charlene) Bernstein.  I have been a part of Temple Beth Torah for 34 years and a member of the Ritual Religious Life Committee since early 2000, serving as Committee Chair for the last 6 years.

I am a single parent of my 32 year old daughter Natalya Elise who grew up at TBT, having her baby naming and Bat Mitzvah there.   We are excitedly planning her wedding to her fiancee George Borisovskiy on July 13th, 2024.

As we do not have family locally, the Temple community has become our family and we cherish those relationships.  Natalya met her best friend in Hebrew school and they continue to support each other thru life’s ups and downs.  The Temple community  has been there during the difficult times as well as the celebrations.

Ritual is a wonderful committee, working together with the Rabbi and supporting her in services and planning.  We work with B’nai Mitzvah families to insure their special day is a caring, supportive simcha. We support families in times of challenge and during a loss.   Building community, being supportive and welcoming everyone is essential to building a strong Temple congregation.   TBT is my home away from home.

Chris Brumbach, Holliston – Past President

I have been a member of TBT off and on since 1991.  My late husband, Bill Wechsler and I were active volunteers while our children were enrolled in the Religious School.  I am completing my first year as President of the Board at TBT, following three years on the Board as Chair of Tikkun Olam and Director of Community Life (Becoming Director of Programs this year.)  I am looking forward to bringing more opportunities for continued connection, fun and spiritual growth for our members.  My adult children are Mike and Steve, and I am blessed with three grandchildren, Lucy, Benny and Ellis.   In my pre-retirement years I worked in school districts as a Student Services Director and teacher.   Spare time hobbies? Watercolor painting, gardening and hiking the trails behind my house.

Gary Holman, Holliston – Vice President

I’ve been a temple member since 1998 when we moved to Holliston. My wife Marcia is a past president, and many times board member. I have 2 children, Ariel and Matthew. I just retired after 42 years at MGH as a perfusionist (cardiac). I was the brotherhood president for many years. I enjoy gardening, reading, watching sports, and sitting in the sun. 

Adam Miller, Hopedale – Director of Operations

I have been a member of TBT since 2010 and on the Board of Directors since 2017, serving first as Finance Chair and currently as Operations Director, which includes being the Finance Chair and Facilities Chair.   I am the Manager of Capital Project Engineering for Aspen Aerogels and my current role is designing a new manufacturing plant in Georgia to supply cutting-edge insulation to the EV Battery market.  My wife Rhonda is a 2nd Grade teacher in the Worcester Public Schools.  We have 3 boys who have all been through TBT Religious School from Kitah Gan through Bar Mitzvah.  Joshua will be entering his Junior year at WPI in the fall, while Avery and Matthew are both in High School.  I am an avid sports fan that enjoys traveling and supporting my kids in their various activities.

Jessica Neipris, Milford –  Director of Programs

I live in Milford with my husband Jon, our son Sam, and “Dog-ter” Dollie. I have been a member of TBT since July 2023 although I’ve been active in the Jewish community all my life.  I look forward to being on the Board and working with committees to put on some great events in the coming year.  I am passionate about promo and work in sales for a promotional products distributor out of Quincy.  Currently, I am also on the Board of Directors for my industry regional association (NEPPA – the New England Promotional Products Association).  My hobbies include cooking,

Jon Neipris, Milford – Member-at-Large

I live in Milford with my wife Jessica, our son Sam, and golden doodle named Dollie. I have been a member of the TBT since 2023. I am really excited to join the board and get involved in the community.  I work in finance as an advisory operations’ principal for an investment company.  I work in finance as an advisory operations principal for an investment company.  My hobbies include traveling, watching New England sports, and spending time with family.

Mary Ann Oppenheimer, Franklin – Member-at-Large

My late husband, Michael Fishbein, and I became members of TBT in 2015, having moved to Franklin the year before. I was elected to the Board in 2016-2017, after working on a By-laws review process.  I am proud to have served TBT in several capacities, Chairing two more By-laws review committees, a Search committee, the Fundraising committee, Co-chairing TBT Reads and most recently as Treasurer.

My extended family is scattered from New Hampshire to Denver.  I have two wonderful children, Todd and Yvette, three beautiful granddaughters, Carley, Madison and Allison, and one precious great granddaughter, Quinn.  Prior to retirement in 2014, I had a long career in financial services and not-for-profit management and fundraising.  I am an active volunteer for Milford Regional Medical Center and Chair of my Condominium Board of Trustees.  I also have a fun and challenging part-time job at Dean College, as an Academic Coach, working with students during the fall and spring semesters. For leisure I enjoy time with friends and family, reading, cooking and walking.

Naomi Price, Medway – Recording Secretary

“On the Board again!” (As sung by Willie Nelson ). I became a member of Congregation Agudath Achim in Medway when I moved here in 1987 and was co-president there when CAA merged into TBT back around April 2002. I had been a single parent for many years when, in October of 2002, I married Stephen Price. Steve is an atheist, and we have enjoyed a wonderful mixed marriage since then.

Steve is a retired graphic designer, and I have just retired from being a conference director at Informa Markets planning the education for their large engineering events. Before that, I was a managing editor on the company’s engineering publication EE Times. Steve and I are now very happily settling into the surprisingly busy pace of retired life, and I’m looking forward to spending more time gardening, reading, and traveling. We are on the board of directors for the Rising Phoenix Game Con, which is quickly approaching it’s 5th year bringing tabletop games to the Milford Doubletree, and I am also on the Medway Library board of trustees. I have two adult children: Ben is a mechanical engineer and is currently living in Dublin, Ireland. Hannah is a program manager in biotech and lives locally.

It is wonderful to be part of the vibrant TBT community and I particularly enjoy Rabbi Mimi’s adult ed courses and our Sisterhood activities. I have served as recording secretary on both the TBT and Sisterhood boards over the years. Life comes full circle in many ways and I am pleased to serve as recording secretary again!

Liora Stone, Holliston –  Treasurer

I have been a member of TBT since 1996, and my parents were members before me.  My two adult children (Sarah and Jeffrey) both attended TBT Religious School from Aleph through Confirmation, and I was recently blessed with my first grandchild (Oliver).  Over the years, I’ve held different positions on the Board of Directors and on various committees – most recently on Strategic Planning, COVID Reopening, By-Laws, Board Member-at-Large, and Director of Congregational Growth.

After 35 years in business, my husband and I recently sold our metal manufacturing company and are now settling into retirement …for now.  I’m also a former Emergency Dept Registered Nurse, and I greatly enjoy annually volunteering on the medical team at the Boston Marathon.

Elissa Washburn, Holliston – Director of Education

I have been a member since childhood (with a young adult break!).  I am joining the Board as the Education Chair and am looking forward to making deeper connections with friends through the Temple.  I have four children, Rowan (9), Daven (7), Eliana (4) and Kelan (1).  I have previously served on the Education Committee and Co-chaired it for a while.  I currently teach the Tots and Parents class (ages 1-5) once monthly Sunday mornings.