Staff Biographies
Executive Director
Michelle Strassberg
(she/her)
Michelle joined the Oheb team in December 2022, after working for 10 years as Director of Operations at Glen Rock Jewish Center. She oversees the day-to-day operations at Oheb, with the goal of making it a place where everyone feels comfortable and appreciated (like Cheers!). She loves the warmth of our congregation and the commitment and dedication our members bring to the community.
Michelle studied English Literature at SUNY Binghamton, earned a master’s in library science at Pratt Institute, and worked for several years as a college reference librarian. She is mom to two young adults and one sweet Beagle mix named Olive, a frequent attendee at folk music concerts, loves to cook and do the Sunday crossword.
Her door is always open, and she extends an invitation for anyone to drop in to share conversation and tea.
Education Director
Gavin Hirsch
(he/him)
Gavin has been working at Oheb Shalom since 2018 when he began serving as the Director of the best religious school around. He loves to help students find their connection to Jewish life! In his free time he thinks about going on grand adventures, but usually finds himself at home with his wife Beth and sons Elliot and Isaac, and that is usually better anyway.
Director, Universal Pre-K and Mickey Fried Preschool
Cara Bruen
(she/her)
Cara has been working in the field of childhood education since 2015 and has held positions as Lead Teacher, Director of Teen Programming, and as Director of a Tutoring Center. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Environmental Affairs-Management from Indiana University and a Master’s Degree in Early Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Cara is here to support her staff and to inspire learning and nourish our preschoolers’ growth and development.
Assistant Director, Mickey Fried Preschool
Margaret Popowsky
(she/her)
Margaret has been working at Mickey Fried Preschool since 2017. A former Social Worker, Margaret was inspired to lend a hand at the growing program after her own daughter graduated from the 4s Class. She loves being able to support Sloane in both the logistical and the socio-emotional aspects of our preschool program. Margaret lives in Maplewood with her husband and two daughters.
Youth Director
Beth Hendler
(she/her)
Beth joined the Oheb Shalom community in 2019 as both the Youth Coordinator for Post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah teens, and as the Administrative Assistant to the Zeman Hebrew School. Her positivity, enthusiasm, and energy bring originality and youthfulness to the Oheb community. When not at Oheb Shalom, Beth can be found in the gym promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness goals as a Certified Personal Trainer of adults, teens, and children.
Administrative Assistant
Johanna Kluger
(she/her)
Johanna has been Oheb Shalom’s Administrative Assistant since June 2013, in which she supports the staff, clergy, congregants, as well as the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and various committees. Prior to that, Johanna worked at the National Museum of American Jewish History. She has a Master’s Degree in Jewish Communal Service and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Gratz College.
Membership & Community Engagement
Rachel Klein
(she/her)
Rachel joined the staff at Oheb Shalom in February 2022. She has been involved in the Jewish community for many years as both a committed volunteer and a professional. Born in Israel and raised in the US, she has a deep passion for Israel. She holds a Bachelors degree from Boston University and describes herself as a true “people person”. Outside of work, she is busy chauffeuring her 3 kids around and strives to get a daily sweat in – whether it’s boxing, dancing, skiing or running.
Librarian
Aileen Grossberg
(she/her)
Aileen has degrees from Brown, Yale and Rutgers Universities. She began her career as a teacher of Latin and English. After changing careers, Aileen worked for many years as a children’s and reference librarian in public and school libraries. She is active in the Association of Jewish Libraries and reviews books for the Essex County Association of School Librarians.
Maintenance
Richard Benjamin
(he/him)
Richard has been at Oheb Shalom for more than thirty years, maintaining and repairing the building to make sure it stays in great shape for all our congregants.
Facilities Manager
Geb Mindesel
(he/him)
Geb has been working at Oheb Shalom since 2006. He is a graduate of Essex County College with a degree in general science. He received a certificate of completion in full stack web development (MERN) from Evangadi in 2024. He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.