Who are we?

Staff

Chief Executive Officer, Di Engelander
A member of the congregation since 1984. Di’s twin daughters were B’nei Mitzvah at NSTE in 1992. Having been the foundation science teacher at Masada College High School in 1982, Di travelled through the ranks to become College Principal in 1996. Di joined the staff of NSTE as General Manager in 2002 and brings to the Temple her skills in organisation and people management as well as her knowledge of the North Shore Jewish community. She was appointed CEO in 2006.
 

Robyn Baden - Receptionist
 
Before taking up my position as part-time job-share receptionist for the Temple admin office I worked in the Jewish community for many years. One notable effort was sixteen years at Masada College. My skills are in communicating and developing office processes. I¹m also an experienced computer programmer, PA and OH&S qualified. In my spare time I¹ve mothered
three outstanding children and hopefully contributed to their success in their respective professions.
 
My history with NSTE is forty years long. Our family have been members for that period. In that time we have known four Rabbis, Max Joseph (the foundation president) who was a guest at our wedding which was celebrated in the Temple hall of the same name. Subsequently all three children were Bar/Batmitzvah at the temple. We worshipped in the original shule, were there at the opening of the present sanctuary and over the years have
experienced a number of changes to the service.
 
My husband, Harvey and I love to travel. My passion is exotic cooking and I have been able to amass a huge library of cookbooks from around the world. My husband loves good food maybe that¹s why we have stayed married for forty years plus.
 
 
Jane Diamond - Accounts Clerk
 
I, along with my husband, Michael, daughters Robbie and Elise became members about five years ago. My role in the office is to process the accounts which includes all fee payments and banking. I enjoy working in the office and also participating in the many activities that are available for our community. Elise is currently attending H&R School and is working her way towards her Bat Mitzvah in 2011!
 
Working in the office has given me a great opportunity to further meet members of our community. I also, with Janet, have a green thumb and enjoy pottering in the veggie garden and creating a small area for potted plants.
I enjoy having an interest and taking care of the gardens of our shul.
 
 
 
Janet Granek - Director of Youth and Young Adults

I first became aware of this lovely community when I was a Netzer leader. I have been working at NSTE for a year and a half as director of Shore Thing, our young adult group and Kesher Lanoar, the post B’nei Mitzvah program. I live with my husband, Jonathan, and our magical flying carpet. I grew up in Cape Town and later went to Killara High School.

(Janet is on maternity leave until the end of the year. Her place is being filled in a part time capacity by Janis Seftel. Janis grew up in our congregation, attended Killara High School and has been active in our Jewish community through her outstanding commitment and kleadership in the Betar Zionist Youth Movement. Most recently Janis was chosen to participte in a Jewish Board of Deputiues and State Zionist Council educational program in Israel and will complete her BA in English at Macquarie this semester.)
 
 
 

Pauline Lazarus - Assistant to Rabbi Robuck and Administrator of the B'Mitzvah program
 
I have been working at the North Shore Temple Emanuel for six years. I began as Administrator for the Hebrew and Religion School and now I am Rabbi Robuck's assistant and administrator for the B'Mitzvah program. I also have some administrative duties in the office mostly connected to religious services.
 
I immigrated to Australia from England at the end of 2000. I am married to Nigel and we have 2 sons, Josh who, in January 2007, celebrated his Bar mitzvah at NSTE and Reuben who is in year 6 of our Religion school.



Michelle Merret
 
 
 

Galy O'Connor - Membership Relationship Manager
 
Galy was born in Israel, raised in Sydney¹s eastern suburbs and spent many years working in senior positions in marketing and sales in the IT industry in Israel, Europe and Asia. A year ago Galy decided to change from the business world to the welfare sector and began studies at TAFE in Community Studies.
 
She is enthusiastic about joining the staff at NSTE and working with the community to grow our membership through discussing with potential members the ways in which they and their families will benefit from being part of our vibrant community. Hers is a very important role in building community and meeting people¹s spiritual, educational, social and communal needs.
 
Galy will be working part-time and much of her time will initially be spent meeting with and talking to existing members to learn about our community, its activities and what benefits it offers, or might offer in the future, to our members. She will also be seeking to identify Jews in our neighbourhoods who are not affiliated to a synagogue and to whom we might offer the
benefits of belonging to an welcoming, egalitarian, Progressive Jewish congregation. Please be forthcoming in your discussions if she contacts you. Galy will then make contact with potential members seeking to encourage them to join our ranks.
 
If you would like to speak with her please call the office and we will arrange for her to contact you.
Membership Relations
50s ad 60s group
Israeli Picnic

 
 
Sarona Perez - Receptionist
 
I joined the NSTE office team in August 2007. I jobshare the reception desk (and all its pens and papers) with Robyn Baden. I work alternating Wednesdays and most Thursdays and Fridays.
 
I grew up in the Eastern suburbs, made aliyah to Israel in 1993, studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, worked at the Israeli Ministry for the Environment, married Erik, had two children, and returned to Australia in late 2002. I speak three languages fluently (English, French and Hebrew), so feel free to use whichever you feel most comfortable with.