Sahar Oz, Executive Director
Sahar (he/him) had been our Director of Education since July 2012 and was promoted to Executive Director in June 2020. He works closely with our clergy, staff, Board of Directors, and committees, and oversees synagogue operations. Sahar has spent 23 years in the Jewish arts, culture, and education arenas and earned an M.A. in Jewish Education and Administration from Gratz College and a B.A. in International Media from Penn State. Before joining our staff, he was Development Director and Program Director at the Gershman Y, Judaic Programming Director at the Katz JCC, a Branch Director for Gratz College’s Jewish Community High School, and Coordinator of Teen Education and Israel Trips at Rochester’s Jewish Federation.
A native of Rishon LeZion, Israel, Sahar has spent most of his life in the US and loves living in Queen Village with his wife and son. In addition to his family, Judaism, and education, Sahar’s other passions include cycling, languages, world affairs, travel, and music – he is a “retired” DJ and was a published music critic. Sahar believes that making Jewish memories is at the heart of Jewish life and learning, and he invites all of our congregants and guests to come together and make wonderful new Jewish memories at Society Hill Synagogue!
Contact Sahar
Leanne Bendetti, Office Administrator
Born and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Leanne (she/her) has been living in Philadelphia since 2003 and currently resides in South Philly. Leanne earned her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Villanova University. She previously worked for West Chester University’s Bookstore as Assistant Textbook Manager and for Barnes & Noble as a lead bookseller and events coordinator before joining our synagogue staff in 2009. Leanne is married and has a daughter.
Contact Leanne
LilyFish Gomberg, Communications Manager
Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, LilyFish Gomberg (she/they) now calls Philadelphia home. In her spare time, you might find her painting, hanging out with friends, davening, or singing Taylor Swift to her shower head. LilyFish earned a B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies with minors in Sexuality and Queer Studies and History from Brandeis University. This fall, she’ll begin the Master of Jewish Education program at Hebrew College while continuing rabbinical studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and continuing her role as our synagogue’s Communications Manager. LilyFish has designed joyful, justice-centered learning experiences at Vanderbilt Hillel, Keshet, the Jewish Community Day School of Boston, Camp Havaya, and Eden Village Camp, and also on social media as @gayyfilte.fish. Grounded in Reconstructionist values and shaped by her experiences as a queer, neurodivergent Jew, LilyFish brings creativity, inclusivity, and excitement to every classroom, service, and community project.
Rhonda Bello, Staff Accountant
A lifelong South Jersey resident, Rhonda (she/her) earned her B.S. in Accounting from Rutgers University. She is an independent finance consultant to several Center City organizations and previously served as Controller at Joseph Rothbard & Co. for 10 years. Rhonda also worked for Campbell Soup Company in the Controllers and Audit Department. Rhonda and Sam have been married for 29 years, and their daughters, Jessica and Michelle, attended college in central Pennsylvania. Rhonda’s community involvement has included Girl Scouts, bowling, PTA, theatre groups, and church organizations.
Kenyatte Burton, Custodial Supervisor
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Kenyatte (he/him) had been part of our custodial team for three years when he was promoted to Custodial Supervisor in October 2021. Kenyatte earned his B.A. in Human Services from Chestnut Hill College and his Associate’s Degree from Harcum College. He is a sports fan with a particular passion for basketball. Outside of his work at the synagogue, Kenyatte is the Director of Basketball Operations at Belmont Academy Charter School. He is married and has four children.
Chris Norris
Custodian
Chris (he/him) is a native Philadelphian who loves sports, especially football. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves grilling and cooking in the summertime. Chris’ favorite food is chicken – fried, baked, barbecued – he loves it all.
Christian Collazo
Custodian
Chris (he/him) was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and joined our staff in the fall of 2023. Chris loves his job, and in his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, and most importantly, he loves to spend time with family and friends.
