The president of Beth Haverim Shir Shalom is Lauren Theodore
Lauren Theodore and her husband, Jonathan, joined Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in 2010 to meet Jewish neighbors, enroll their 4-year-old daughter, Annabel, in Jewish early childhood education, and establish roots in the local Jewish community. Since then, BHSS has become a significant part of the family’s life together and individually. Some of Lauren’s most special BHSS experiences have been as a student in our Family School program, attending the BHSS Congregational Retreat annually, and celebrating Jewish lifecycle events and holidays, including Shabbat.
For Lauren, BHSS is about building relationships and making an impact. It’s where everyone brings their unique gifts and belongs as their authentic self. Whatever your interests and passions, BHSS is committed to helping you pursue your personal Jewish journey and discover greater meaning, purpose, and joy.
Growing up in a congregation similar to BHSS, attending a Jewish summer camp, and participating in a teen exchange program in Israel were formative experiences for Lauren. She loves that Reform Judaism encourages making informed choices about how to interpret ancient practices, making them relevant and helpful to our lives today.
Through her involvement with BHSS, she seeks to help bridge the past and future of Jewish life, education, tradition, and culture. She is proud that BHSS pursues tikkun olam, repairing the world, as a central imperative.
Professionally, Lauren is also focused on Jewish communal life as a communications strategist for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. She previously worked at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC).
Lauren believes deeply that being Jewish in community is something we cannot take for granted. At a time when standing proud as a Jewish people has never been more critical, Lauren is honored to serve as president and hopes that everyone connects to BHSS through volunteering, socializing, prayer, learning, food, holiday observance, and other pathways.
Lauren is grateful for every community member and the exceptional clergy, musical, and professional teams that bring strength to BHSS. She wants to connect with you on a personal level. Please reach out to discuss ideas, ask questions, or just say hello!
Read Lauren’s latest bulletin article here
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2026-2027
WORSHIP
Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman
Rosh Shirah, Brian Gelfand
Jane Koch, Choir Director/Musician
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Executive Director, Iris Greenberg
Director of Education, Rebecca McVeigh
Religious School Assistant, Laura Miller
Dir. of Youth Programming, Samantha Spencer
OFFICERS
President, Lauren Theodore
Past President, Linda Ellman Schwartz
Vice President, Field Brussel
Vice President, Ronni Seif
Vice President, Larry Palant
Treasurer, Harvey Weinberg
Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Silver
Secretary, Donna Kotz
TRUSTEES
Trustee, Garret Bedrin
Trustee, Janis Bernstein Schwartz
Trustee, Vida Mylson
Trustee, Cheryl Franklin
Trustee, Jann Reissman
Trustee, Igan Katan
COMMITTEE CHAIRS & AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
Building & Grounds, Harris Reinstein Caring, Audrey Flynn Caring, Laura Miller Education, Ronni Seif Endowment, Harvey Weinberg Library, Lynn Zall Library, Lisa Lamster Membership, Michelle Gilbert Membership, Jana DeFrino Membership, Lisa Lamster Social Action, Lisa Estrin Brotherhood, Jonathan Theodore Sisterhood, Stacey Coyne Michelle Mitzvah Group Chair, Sean Levin Michelle Mitzvah Group, Soup Kitchen, Steve Simon