our staff
Executive Director
Linda Griffler
Linda has been the Executive Director of Oheb Shalom since 2006. A native of Long Island, she earned her MSW from New York University. As a leader in the field of aging, Linda has worked in the nonprofit and health care industries for over 20 years.
Director, Mickey Fried Preschool
Sloane Goldstein
Sloane has overseen the renowned Mickey Fried Preschool since 2016. She has her Bachelors degree from American University in Education and her Masters from Hofstra University in Early Childhood. Sloane uses the knowledge she has gained from her educational background and previous preschool experience to help mentor and nurture the children, faculty and parents at Mickey Fried.
EDUCATION Director
Gavin Hirsch
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 son Elliot and that is usually better anyway.
Administrative
Assistant
Johanna Kluger
Johanna has been the 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.
Bookkeeper
Diane Apter
Diane has been the bookkeeper of Oheb Shalom since 2011. A native of Newark NJ she graduated from Vailsburg High School and attended Upsala College. Diane has worked as a bookkeeper for over 50 years.
Communications & Marketing Manager
Erica Farber
Erica joined the Oheb Shalom Community in the Summer of 2021. Erica is an experienced graphic designer, and has a passion for marketing, interpersonal communication, hospitality, and Judaism. She has her Bachelors Degree from Ithaca College in Communications, Management, & Design, and is currently getting her Masters at the School of Visual Arts in Branding. When she's not at Oheb, she loves to sing, draw, and is nutrition focused.
Librarian
Aileen Grossberg
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.
Youth Coordinator
Beth Hendler
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.
assistant, Mickey Fried Preschool
Margaret Popowsky
Margaret has been working as Sloane's assistant 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.
Maintenance
Richard Benjamin
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.
maintenance
Geb Mindesel
Geb has been working at Oheb Shalom since 2006. He is a graduate of Essex County College with a degree in general science. He is married and has one daughter.
