Administrative & Programming

Bart Pachino, Executive Director

Prior to joining the VBS professional staff, Bart had an extensive career in law, real estate and education. As a volunteer, Bart has served as a member of the boards of directors of VBS Temple and the VBS Harold M. Schulweis Day School. His wife Linda is a counselor in the VBS Counseling Center and their sons attended the VBS Day School. Bart has been intimately involved in the Building Committee and the development of the proposed Master Plan for the renovation of the Temple and schools. In his adult spare time, Bart has coached dozens of youth sports teams at Encino Little League, Balboa Park and at AYSO. He is an avid reader and golfer. He and Linda reside in Encino.

Eileen Aroesti, Director of Development & Congregant Relations

After more than a dozen years, Eileen Aroesti, Valley Beth Shaloms’ first  Director of Development, is the longest sitting synagogue Director of Development in Los Angeles and within the Pacific  Southwest Region.  Originally hired to create the VBS Endowment, which is emulated throughout the country, she has now created, developed and implemented the annual campaign, planned giving and oversees the yearly gala, special campaigns, a large majority of community development and all fundraising that takes place within VBS proper. Eileen volunteers with JCPSC and is an avid theatre and film buff.  Her office is often the gathering place for VBS volunteers.  She encourages you to call or come in and discover the many opportunities available to participate at VBS..

Gregg Orloff, Assistant Executive Director

As I begin my ninth year at VBS as Assistant Executive Director, I oversee the daily functions of the synagogue as well as being the synagogue’s Director of Membership. I enjoy helping members wherever it is needed and I am always available to answer everyone’s inquires. VBS is my home.

Elana Rimmon Zimmerman- Program Director

Hi! I am Elana Rimmon Zimmerman and have been on staff since May 2000. I have a Masters Degree in Jewish Education and have previously worked for the United Jewish Appeal, Los Angeles Jewish Federation, American Jewish University and the People’s Court. At VBS, we work hard to create innovative, welcoming, educational and fun programs. Please join us.

Randi Simenhoff- Chesed Connection Coordinator

I have been an active member of Valley Beth Shalom for over 20 years. Since 2005, I have the privilege of placing VBS members in volunteer positions, enabling them to help people, animals and/or the environment. I have the responsibility for making the Chesed Connection diverse and exciting by keeping abreast of social action concerns and helping B’nai Mitzvah find meaningful projects.

Susan Rubin - Caring Connection Coordinator

I've been working at Valley Beth Shalom for nearly three years and think I have the best job in the world.  I work with members of the congregation who are in need of some extra community support, whether recovering from an illness, celebrating a birth, or mourning a loved one.  We have a team of incredible volunteers who find it deeply rewarding to be available to their fellow VBS members. 

Eric Weisser- Communications Director

I’ve been working here at VBS since November of 2009 and am responsible for the synagogue website, Graphic Design, Social Networking and general Communications activities. If you have questions regarding any of these areas or have suggestions for how we can better spread the word about the wonderful happenings here at VBS, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Janet Djalilmand- Senior Administrative Specialist

I have the pleasure of working at Valley Beth Shalom since January 2002. I am the assistant to Rabbi Ed Feinstein and I am the lead support person on the rabbinic floor at VBS, that includes coordinating life cycle events and the pulpit schedule for our Shabbat services.  I am also responsible for the weekly newsletter/Shabbaton and many types of Graphic Design support.

Myra Miller- Administrative Executive Assistant

I found my second home here at VBS in March, 1995. I am here for whoever & whatever including facilities reservations, memorial plaques, simcha tiles, and membership.

Rhonda Slater- Clergy Assistant

I have been at Valley Beth Shalom for five years as the assistant to Rabbis Hoffman and Farkas, Cantors Fox and Baron along with Elana Zimmerman, our Program Director.  I am also the coordinator of New Membership, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program, Hazak, and Havurah.

Wendy Perlmutter- Receptionist

I have been the receptionist (The Voice of VBS) for the past 4 years.  I really enjoy the interaction that I have with our members and potential new members.  I grew up at Valley Beth Shalom, going to Hebrew School here and being very involved in USY and working in the Youth Department in the 1980’s.  Now my children are doing the same.

 Michael Berkovich- Mail Room

Accounting Department

Janice Berlin- Controller

I have been the Controller at VBS for nine years.  I enjoy working in the Jewish community; I was the Controller at the Los Angeles Hillel Council for 25 years prior to coming here.  The accounting office is here to work with you.  If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Dianne Goldstein- Bookkeeper

I have been working the Accounting department for over 9 years.  If you have any questions regarding your bill, please feel free to contact me.

Early Childhood Center

Michele Warner- ECC Director

My love for children brought me to VBS and 30 years later I am still here.  My heart and my door are open to all.

Rita Orenstein- Infant-Toddler Program Director

I have the wonderful opportunity to support families to encourage their children ages birth to preschool to develop self-esteem and a love of Judaism.

Claire Berger- Communications Specialist

Marilyn Shapiro- Office Manager

After fifteen years at VBS, I still enjoy meeting and greeting all our ECC families.

Etz Chaim Learning Center

Rabbi Paul Steinberg- Associate Rabbi & Senior Educator

As the synagogue Senior Educator, I oversee the various educational programs of the ECC (Early Childhood Center), ECLC (Religious School), Family Education, and B'nai Mitzvah Education.  I also serve in typical rabbinic roles, such as leading services, counseling, and lifecycle events

Keri Loventhal ECLC Associate Director

Prior to joning the ECLC staff, Keri was the Director of Education at Mishkon Tephilo and worked previously at Stephen S. Wise.  Keri graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.  She later earned her Masters of Arts in Jewish Education from the University of Judaism (now known as the American Jewish University) along with a second bachelors degree in Hebrew Literature. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and two daughters, Skye and Peyton.  Additionally Keri enjoys Pilates and reading!  She is excited to be a new member of the Etz Chaim team!

Tina Donay- Registrar & Business Manager

I have been helping build the ECLC for over 5 years. I am also an active volunteer at VBS where my family has been members for 18 years. I am a proud graduate of Melton adult school and I am devoted to the youth of our community.

Lisa Clumeck- Administrative Specialist

I have been working with the VBS Etz Chaim Learning Center for 12 years. You also may have seen me on stage at some of the VBS productions during Shabbat and Purim.  I currently teach in the new innovative D'rakhim program for 6th and 7th grade in ECLC.  I love working with VBS and being a part of the community!

Susan North Gilboa- OurSpace Director

I have been working at Valley Beth Shalom for the past 26 years creating spaces for families with children and young adults with special needs. I have shared my knowledge and love of Israeli dance, culture and history with the VBS community since 1992. As members of VBS, Rami and I raised Talia and Aviv in this community, and now as "empty nesters" we continue to participate in synagogue life at VBS. My hope is to continue creating spaces in our community, for people with special needs and that we all continue to dance together, bringing a special part of Israel's culture to our lives.

Youth Department

Lev Metz- Director of Informal Education & Youth Programming

I graduated in 2008 from Hebrew Union College with degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service. I have lived and traveled extensively around Israel, spending time exploring my  roots in Belarus. During the 2010/11 year, I studied at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem along with my wife Sara.

Library

Helene Gersuk- Synagogue Librarian

I have been at work in my space for twenty-eight years. Prior to this delightful position as librarian, I served four years in the day school as a teacher instructing fifth grade students. My husband jack and I have been members of Valley Beth Shalom since 1967, and it is with great pride and honor that we serve our outstanding community. Please join me on the lower level of the main building and introduce yourself to me.

Susan Rosner- Technical Librarian/Educator

I have been a member of Valley Beth Shalom for 31years and I have been employed by Valley Beth Shalom for more than 23 years.    I had the honor of cataloguing the Schulweis Institute Library Books and to work as a cataloguer, researcher and fundraiser in the Sheila Sporn Library.  I enjoy reading books, and helping patrons find books to read or research topics of interest.

Wedding Coordinator

Tobey Kaplan- Wedding Coordinator & Starlite Catering Bookkeeper

I have been working at Starlite for the past 4 years and added the job of the wedding coordinator for VBS in August of 2008. I love helping members of the community celebrate the simchas of life. My older daughter had her bat mitzvah here and I am enjoying the fact that my younger daughter’s Hebrew is better than mine. My whole family enjoys the feeling of community here.