Member Spotlights

Each week, Society Hill Synagogue spotlights one of our marvelous members on social media and in our eNews!
All of our Member Spotlights are linked here, in reverse chronological order of when they were posted (i.e., the newest spotlights will appear at the top of the page). Each spotlight includes links to view the full post on Instagram and Facebook. To view previous Member Spotlights dating back to 2024, click here.
If you’re looking for our Playschool Family Features, they are here.
Do you want to be our next member spotlight? Please email our Manager of Community Engagement and Communications, Alexis Rosen.
This week’s Member Spotlight are Anne Weiss and Michael Livingston!
They joined Society Hill Synagogue in 2025 and have quickly become Shabbat regulars, enjoying opportunities to get involved through Coolanu, Rosh Hodesh, and our adult education programming. They were drawn to Society Hill Synagogue because of its welcoming and diverse community, as well as the many opportunities to participate in Torah reading and Israel programming. These experiences helped them feel that Society Hill Synagogue was the right fit for them, and we’re so grateful that they chose to be part of our community.
Learn more about why Ann and Michael love Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
 
This week’s Member Spotlight is Arielle Lechner!
Arielle and her family joined Society Hill Synagogue in 2025 and enjoy participating in our Young Families Shabbat group.
Arielle shares “We really love Society Hill Synagogue! Our daughter recently had her baby naming ceremony here, and it was such a special and meaningful experience. We feel that Society Hill Synagogue offers so much of what we value — religion and spirituality, family, community, education, and opportunities for important conversations that matter in today’s world.”
Learn more about why Arielle loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Marilyn Weisberg Deutsch!
Marilyn has been a member of Society Hill Synagogue since 2024. She is a psychologist and, in her free time, volunteers as a hospital clown. 
Marilyn’s favorite program is the Triple Chai (54+) group, whose interesting and diverse programming, trips, and activities provide opportunities for education, fun, camaraderie, and spirituality. Marilyn especially appreciates the wide age range of the group — welcoming members ages 54 and up, rather than being limited to retirees in their 70s and beyond.
Learn more about why Marilyn loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Chris Stearns!
Chris has been a member of Society Hill Synagogue since 2014. He is a Hebrew School parent, the spouse of a board member, and an attorney. Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys collecting, restoring, and racing vintage Saabs. He also spent 11 years personally restoring his home, a circa 1810 rowhouse in Society Hill.
When asked about his favorite Society Hill Synagogue memory, Chris shared that it is difficult to choose just one, but he especially enjoys “programs that bring people together through music and food. I love the challah-making classes, where there is something deeply special about learning a tradition hands-on, sharing stories over dough, and leaving with warm bread and a fuller heart.”
Chris also fondly remembers our Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion chamber music concert in October 2025 as an unforgettable experience. “The artistry filled the room and reflected how beautifully Society Hill Synagogue weaves culture, tradition, and community into every program.”
Learn more about why Chris loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Mindy Fingerman!
Mindy and her family have been members of Society Hill Synagogue since 2023. Sam, her 17-month-old son, loves the Young Families Shabbat service, an amazing program that the family looks forward to each month. 
Outside of Society Hill Synagogue, Mindy and her husband volunteer with a local dog rescue and have welcomed more than 40 dogs into their home over the past four years!
Mindy is always looking to connect and meet new people, so if you see her, please say hello! Learn more about why Mindy loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Beverly Michaels!
Since joining Society Hill Synagogue in 2008, Beverly has been an active and engaged member through her involvement as a Shabbat regular, Adult Education aficionado, and Hebrew School graduate grandparent. Beverly volunteers with Kosher Meals on Wheels, where she delivers meals to Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors and connects with them in their native language.
We are grateful for Beverly’s dedication, kindness, and continued involvement, and we’re so glad she is part of the Society Hill Synagogue community. Learn more about why Beverly loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Nella Bloom!
Nella has been a valued member of the Society Hill Synagogue community since 2016. Over the years, she has stayed connected through her involvement as a Hebrew School Parent, Board member and our Synagogue Solicitor, and Executive Committee member. Outside of the synagogue, Nella is a business law attorney. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling to other cities and comparing them to Philadelphia.
For Nella and her family, Society Hill Synagogue feels like the right fit. As she shared, “It’s informal, welcoming, and truly open to everyone who comes through its doors.” We are thankful that Nella and her family have found a home at Society Hill Synagogue and grateful for the leadership, care, and dedication she brings to our community.
Learn more about why Nella loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Alex Seldin!
Alex shares, “The first reason we chose Society Hill Synagogue was because it was so close to our new home, but over time we’ve come to appreciate how special it is — not only as a place for worship and reflection, but also as a warm and supportive community.
In addition, I have been so impressed and inspired by the leadership of Rabbi Kamesar, Cantor Jessi, and Sahar Oz and the many other staff and community volunteers who are so committed to Society Hill Synagogue.“
Mazal tov, Alex, on joining the Society Hill Synagogue Board! We’re grateful for your leadership and excited to have you help guide our community. 
Learn more about why Alex loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Ana Atach!
This week’s Member Spotlight is Ana Atach! Ana and her family joined Society Hill Synagogue in 2022. She is an educational consultant and language coach. Ana is a new Board member, a Hebrew School parent, a Shabbat regular, and serves on the Israel Connections Subcommittee. She previously served on the Hebrew School Committee and the Coolanu Committee. 
A Mizrahi Jew born and raised in Argentina, Ana loves rock climbing! She says, “one of my favorite memories is leyning Torah for the first time at Society Hill Synagogue. More recently, I had the opportunity to read the Haftarah for the first time to celebrate a milestone birthday. It’s great to be in community with you all!” 
Learn more about why Ana loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.
This week’s Member Spotlight is Debbie Stewart!
This week‘s Member Spotlight is Debbie Stewart. Debbie joined Society Hill Synagogue in 2006 and has been a cornerstone of our community ever since — serving as a Synagogue President and lending her time and energy to the Inclusion, Membership, and Hesed Committees, as well as Social Action initiatives including food insecurity work, POWER, and volunteering at Vare-Washington Elementary School.
She says: “Joy. Jewish values in action. Community. You really can be the Jew you want to be and be part of an amazing community at Society Hill Synagogue. The opportunities to engage in synagogue life are endless and enriching. The friendships I have made here are deep, lasting, and forever growing. This place has given me a sense of belonging, enriched my spirituality, and offers ongoing opportunities for learning and giving back.” We’re so glad you found your second home here, Debbie!
Learn more about why Debbie loves Society Hill Synagogue on Facebook or Instagram.