Temple Shaaray Tefila Welcomes New Senior Leadership

Bedford Corners, NY –

Temple Shaaray Tefila is delighted to announce the appointment of several new senior staff including Executive Director Alli West, Early Childhood Center Director Patty Goldstick and Youth Engagement & Experiential Education Director Jessica Herrmann.

“This is a time of great change, opportunity and excitement,” said Temple President Karen Spiegel. “This team will build on our strengths and expand our horizons through their recognized leadership, deep knowledge of Judaism, innovative ideas and inclusive approach.”

Executive Director Alli West has been a staff member at Temple Shaaray Tefila for the past 11 years and was appointed Executive Director in July of 2019. Having worked in nearly every area of temple life, West has built close relationships with both the temple and broader Westchester community. Most recently, she was the Director of Next Generation Engagement, spearheading successful congregation-wide events and creating meaningful opportunities for all generations to connect with Jewish teachings and traditions. Prior to that, she was the temple’s Associate B’nai Mitzvah Director, enriching the lives of young learners and guiding families on their journey to this important milestone. In addition to serving on the Religious School faculty and as a Senior Youth Advisor, West was also a Cantorial Soloist, singing at Shabbat and B'nai Mitzvah services as well as at Caramoor during High Holidays. She also served as the Director of Programming for the Westchester Youth Alliance for seven years and led the temple’s Interfaith Family Initiative. West is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Early Childhood Center Director Patty Goldstick has more than 25 years of Jewish education experience. Prior to coming to Temple Shaary Tefila in July of 2019, she was Director of the Temple Israel Center Nursery School in White Plains. She also ran Kulanu, a supplemental Hebrew High School in Stamford, CT and has worked as a Special Educator in dozens of Nursery schools throughout Westchester and the Bronx, helping children with special needs reach their goals. Goldstick is a founding member and former Executive Director of Congregation Tehillah in Riverdale, NY. She was also instrumental in the revitalization of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in Manhattan where she served as the Director of Family & Youth Activities and then as Director of Programming & Volunteers. Goldstick has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from the Bank Street College of Education.

Youth Engagement & Experiential Education Director Jessica Herrmann came to Temple Shaaray Tefila in August of 2019 from Washington, DC., where she was a resident of Moishe House hosting several events a month to cultivate community among Jewish young professionals. She also implemented experiential education methodology into Temple Micah's educational programs. Prior to that, she worked in Philadelphia where she spent two years with Repair the World, building community, facilitating social educational events and implementing service projects. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Dickinson College, Herrmann graduated from George Washington University with a Master's in Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts.

“Our new senior team will help strengthen the Jewish identities of our youth and families,” Spiegel said. “Educational innovation and social action are central to Temple Shaaray Tefila’s priorities and we are confident that this team will continue to reinforce and broaden our dynamic programming.”

Temple Shaaray Tefila, located in Bedford Corners in Northern Westchester, is a Reform synagogue with a traditional spirit and has a thriving Early Childhood Center and K-12 Religious School. Temple Shaaray Tefila serves more than 650 families in Bedford, Mount Kisco, Katonah, Chappaqua, Somers, Armonk and surrounding communities.