The people who power Or Hadash.

Our Team

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    Rabbi Lauren Henderson

    RABBI

    Rabbi Lauren Henderson is our spiritual leader. Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 2016, she is rooted in tradition and guided by a visionary spirit. Demonstrating a profound commitment to creating a home for Jewish connection and authenticity, R’ Lauren nurtures the divine spark within each person. She invites congregants to explore Jewish practices by incorporating meditation and contemplative music during worship. Her warm and inclusive approach fosters an environment where everyone can bring their whole selves.

    During services, Rabbi Lauren regularly facilitates discussions, embraces diverse perspectives, and empowers members to connect Judaism's ancient wisdom with the realities of their own lives. She often invites congregants to take a deep breath and set an intention to tap into their own spiritual exploration. ’ Lauren and her husband, Joel Dworkin, have two sons, Rafi and Amit. A southerner who originally hails from Spartanburg, SC, she enjoys running even when it's completely humid out, discussing her and your favorite books and podcasts, and baking (and eating) all the chocolate.

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    Amy Cooper Robertson

    PHD, DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING & MUSIC

    Amy comes to us with over 15 years of experience teaching and building Jewish education programs across the lifecycle. She began her career in academia, spending her 20s immersed in Jewish texts and language study at Harvard Divinity School and later at Emory, where she earned a PhD in Religion/Hebrew Bible. Her dissertation focused on the description of the mishkan in Exodus, looking at its unusually repetitive and formal writing style through the lens of ritual. Here in Atlanta and in Cambridge, MA, Amy has taught Tanakh, Judaism, Biblical Hebrew, and critical thinking and writing to undergraduates and graduate students.

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    Jason Parker

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Jason is an Atlanta, Georgia native, and currently serves as the Executive Director at Or Hadash. Jason, his wife Jennifer, son Benjamin (18), and daughter Sidney (15) have been members of Or Hadash for over 15 years. He began his career in the world of Jewish education as a Regional Director for Young Judaea, and later pursued a 20 year journey in professional sports and entertainment with the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Arena, NHL, NBA, Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. In his spare time, he watches his son play hockey, mercilessly teases his daughter, and takes long walks on the beach with his wife.

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    Angela Habeeb-Ajao

    Bookkeeper

    Angela is our longest tenured team member. She is ready to assist you with your synagogue Shulcloud accounts, payments and transactions.

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    Fran Redisch

    Office Operations Coordinator

    Fran knows everyone, and we mean everyone, Jewish in Atlanta. She is your first stop for assistance for all questions and concerns.

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    Santos & Carlos

    Environmental Services

    Carlos and Santos keep this place clean, running, well-stocked and ready for any occasion.

2025-2026 Or Hadash Board

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    Gabriela Siegel

    PRESIDENT

    My people: my husband, Morris, our kids Naomi, Coby, and Noa, our extended family from around the United States and the world, and our Atlanta Mishpachah.

    My Passions: I love feeding people, both from my kitchen and from the Or hadash kitchen. You'll often find me hiking, traveling and exploring the outdoors, here in Atlanta and on our adventures. I'm especially drawn to visiting Jewish communities around the world and seeing how similar they often are to ours at Or Hadash, though not one really rivals our warm greetings, jovial chatter and love of melody.

    I am recently retired and remain deeply committed to reproductive health and independence. I'm currently serving on the board of The Red Tent Fund. When I’m not volunteering for Or Hadash or attending services and programs, you’ll find me doing yoga, volunteering at the Latin American Association food pantry or tutoring reading in Dekalb County schools.


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    John Levy

    TREASURER

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    Steven Wertheim

    IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

    Member since: Founding member

    My People: My wife, my 3 daughters and son- in-laws, and my 6 grandchildren

    My Passions: Love Friday night services, biking trips, playing golf, working out and being with my grandkids

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    Gail Duner

    VICE PRESIDENT

    COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

    Member since: 2004

    My People: My husband Bruce, my children Alex and Emily; and my chosen Atlanta mishpacha

    My Passions: Building and strengthening our Or Hadash community; tennis, hiking, cooking and beach sunsets

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    Sheila Dalmat

    VICE PRESIDENT

    STRATEGIC PLANNNING

    Member Since: 2003

    My People: Friday Kabbalat Shabbat, Evening Book Club, Torah in the Woods (simple participant), 60+ crowd (but love the intergenerational community -- would love to expand my circles).

    My family: Michael, Alexis, Zach, Jolene and Avery live in Atlanta, Darin, Ronit, Amari and Nisa live in Seattle. My brother and his family in Houston and my sister and her family in DC area.

    My Passions: Community, innovation, mentoring/coaching, education, economic development

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    Jess Ginburg

    VICE PRESIDENT

    MEMBERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT

    Member Since first members in 2011, short break from 2014-2018, 2018 +

    My people - Husband: Jonathan, - Kiddos: Ezra (10), Dov (6), @or Hadash: All other Ginburgs

    My Passions: I'm passionate about community, and starting to rebuild my own after years heads-down focusing on kids & work. Kids and work still exist, of course (thank God), but I've found myself wanting to give more of myself outside the walls I spend my 9-5 and family life surrounded by.

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    Miriam Salpeter

    SECRETARY

    OR NASHIM LIASON

    Members since 2021

    My people: Our three sons (two young adults and one teen) and my husband.

    My Passions: Enjoying the beautiful singing at Or Hadash, meeting many new friends in this warm and welcoming community and participating in Or Nashim, our women's group. I also love to talk about social media marketing and politics and I'm active in our public school.

  • Bill Schultz

    BOARD MEMBER

    VISION AND STRATEGY

    Member since 2014

    My People are definitely my family - My wife Rachel and sons Josh (and his wife Anna) and Daniel; and daughter Rebecca (and her husband Max and kids Benjamin and Elizabeth, who both attend Epstein).  And my dad just turned 97!

    Passions - I like solving problems and fixing broken businesses, which has led us to move houses 19 times and to have had the opportunity to live all over the world, and join synagogues in London, Delhi and the Philippines!   Personally, I love to read and learn; and still love travel and discovering new places (Mendoza in Argentina is in the plans for our 40th wedding anniversary in December). 

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    Kobelah Svensen Bennah

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since: 2022

    Who are your people: The Tribe

    Your Passions: Dancing, singing, light guitar, and being outdoors—especially warm nights and cozy mornings. I love the many ways we connect at Or Hadash, from services, Zamru, and Kiddush Club to AJMC, sci-fi book club, being on the board, men’s club, and the monthly crafting group. Generally, if you gather a couple of Or Hadashniks, I’m happy to join in.


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    Susan Blum

    BOARD MEMBER

    ENGAGEMENT

    Member since 2008

    My people: My husband Henry, 2 sons Jonah and Adam, and dog Harper

    My passions: Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies; working out; walking Harper; traveling; and Or Hadash's haimish community

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    Melinda Burke-Burdham

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since: 2003

    My People: My family: Paul, Evan, and Kris. The MH Moms

    My passions Coffee, knitting, helping to make spaces where everyone feels welcome.

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    Shiel Edlin

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since: Founding member

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    Jeff Feldstein

    BOARD MEMBER

    ISRAEL COORDINATOR

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    Paul Kaufman

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since - 2005

    My People - Who are your people?  Who would get that label in your life? Meryl Kaufman (wife), Rachel Kaufman (Daughter), Sarah Kaufman (daughter) Isaac Kaufman (son), Jacob Shippel (son-in-law), Sandra Kaufman (mom), Jennifer Hickman (sister), Andy Hickman (brother-in-law), Julie Perlson (cousin), Freida Sokol (Aunt), Larry Rubin (brother from another mother, i.e., friend); many others depending on how broad you want me to be....

    My Passions - Two parts to this...first, Or Hadash passions - the why or what behind you engaging with Or Hadash.  I appreciate being asked to participate again on the Board. I deeply care about the health of the congregation and want to see Or Hadash thrive for many years to come. The second, your broader life passions: Family time, Being a good husband, Being a good father, Being a good son, Being a good friend, Being a good doctor, Retina medicine and surgery, Pickleball, Creative writing, Travelling, Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Enjoying time with people, Being healthy, Inner peace, Tikkun Ha Nefesh, Tikkun Olam, World peace

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    Shari Magnus

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since - June 2020

    My People: My husband Eric, our kids Aidan and Layla, and our beagles Alvin and Zoom

    My Passions: I love Or Hadash' focus on community, spirituality and learning.  I love making jewelry and mosaics, yoga and learning.

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    Elaine Miller

    BOARD MEMBER

    VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

    Member since 2004

    My people: Aaron, Sarah, and Esther

    My passions: volunteering at my kids' schools and COH (member of Education Committee and MH Snack Mom long before joining the Board!); walking for exercise; reading; feeding people (see MH Snack Mom above; helping friends bake for simchas; SSUMC and ACFB)

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    Carol Buchalter Mittel

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since 2006

    My People: My husband (Michael), our children and grandchildren, and our large extended family across the country.

    My Passions:  Being with family and friends, playing bridge, swimming, and trying to understand our world and make it a better place.

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    Sharon Rosenfeld

    BOARD MEMBER

    Member since: Founding member

    My People: My husband Jed, and children Hanna, Adam and Michelle.

     My Passions: Love the Or Hadash for its caring, supportive and creative community. Outside of Or Hadash I am committed to Ramah Darom, my greyhounds, travelling and family.

Founding Rabbis

Rabbis Analia Bortz & Mario Karpuj

FOUNDING RABBIS EMERITI

Rabbis Analia and Mario made aliyah and moved to Jerusalem in July, 2020 after serving nearly 18 years as the spiritual leaders of their Sandy Springs community. The Argentinian born couple came from Chile to Atlanta's Ahavath Achim (AA) Synagogue in 2000 to continue their rabbinical passion of being the spiritual leaders of a congregation. The couple, who have been married for over 30 years, founded Congregation Or Hadash in 2003 with a small group of devoted followers in order to create a new Jewish light in the Atlanta community.