larry myer, PRESIDENT

Jeffrey Ross, First Vice President

Miccole Bowen, VICE PRESIDENT

Howard Pitler, vice president

Doug Polsky, treasurer

Bobby Young, Secretary

Scott franklin, immediate past president

Lauren Aaronson

Debbie Bass

Vic Finkelstein

Joel Krichiver

Scott Latman

Nina Shik

KEn Simpson

RABBI MARK LEVIN, FOUNDING RABBI

Rabbi Mark H. Levin is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Graduated in 1971 from Boston University, magna cum laude with distinction in religion, Rabbi Levin received his Master of Arts in Hebrew letters from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in 1974, his Certificate in Jewish Communal Studies in 1974 (Los Angeles), and was ordained in 1976 (Cincinnati). Most recently, Rabbi Levin completed his Doctorate of Hebrew Letters through HUC-JIR in New York in May, 2001, and his honorary Doctor of Divinity in 2001 in Cincinnati. He has been the congregational Pulpit Rabbi for Congregation Beth Torah since its inception in 1988 up until his retirement from this position in June 2014. In July 2014 he accepted the position of Beth Torah’s Founding Rabbi. Rabbi Levin is the father of three children and grandfather of two grandchildren. He is married to the former Kacy Childs-Winston, the mother of Kyle and Seth Winston. Rabbi Levin serves on several local boards and writes religion columns for the Kansas City Star, and answers questions for the “Ask the Rabbi” service of the Union of Reform Judaism.

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Damien Timms, Executive Director

Damien Timms is excited to join the Beth Torah Family. Damien's career began eclectically in the theatre as a professional ballet dancer. During this time, Damien volunteered with many Non-Profits and when ballet injuries became too much, he transitioned into health promotion and education in the Community Sector. for the bulk of the '90's. In 1999, Damien decided to try to work to live, and not the other way around, and moved into Administration full time. Damien loved the people-facing opportunities this has offered.  Damien has held positions of general administration, financial administration, finance, project management, EA/PA, Team Administrator and more. These positions were based in a variety of sectors including Aviation, Government, the Corporate Sector, the Automotive industry, and Small Business. Damien and Patrick, for a time, owned a small business operating a cafe/bakery in New Zealand. Damien and Patrick have two fur babies - Baxter and Bronson. They will go to work with Damien, and you are welcome to come and meet the furry members of the family. Damien loves Star Trek (and Wars), adores the Ballet and the Symphony, loves good food and wine, likes to walk to work off the good food and wine, is a mystery fan, enjoys a good book, and loves the opportunity to meet new people and see new sights of a city.  

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Lezlie Zucker, Director of Music

Lezlie has been writing, performing, and leading music for most of her life. For the past decade she has been part of the local Jewish music community, helping to lead JFS’ Gathering for Spiritual Peace and Wholeness, participating in the Boogie-to-Broadway choral fundraiser, and singing at various programs throughout the Kansas City metro. Lezlie has worked closely with the Beth Torah staff since shortly after joining the congregation, and has been an integral part of the Beth Torah worship team for almost ten years. She was back-up worship leader for Linda Sweenie; acted as part of the interim team under Judith Evnen; and filled several roles for Emily Tummons, including worship leader back-up, worship team member, choir director, and religious school substitute. Lezlie also had a hand in our Yom Kippur creative afternoon service, first participating as a soloist, then leading, and eventually creating a new iteration of the program. During the recent rabbinical transition period, Lezlie also served as the congregation’s Program Coordinator. She is happy to be back as an official part of the Beth Torah Staff. When not working for the congregation, Lezlie writes music, books, musicals, and plays (which she sometimes directs). Her music has been produced by a local record label and published by Transcontinental Music Publications. Her plays continue to be produced both locally and nationwide. Lezlie is married to Dave Zucker, who has probably made you laugh at least once.

Morgan Fasbinder, Director of Youth & Young Adult Education

Congregation Beth Torah is my home away from home. As the Kansas City Jewish Federation’s 2020 Educator of the Year and a long-time active member of Congregation Beth Torah, I am passionate about keeping my CBT community and Judaism strong and thriving. A graduate of the Weiner Religious School where I served as a Madricha and taught Sunday school for many years. I was confirmed at Congregation Beth Torah and founded a CBT holiday cookie drive for first responders. I served as a youth advisor for NFTY, and JYG and served on the Board of Directors. As a bilingual educator, I taught in a Title I school in the Turner School District. I graduated from MNU with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education. In my free time, you will catch me spending time with friends and family. I have 2 dogs named Gabby and Sadie which I consider to be my fur children. I love to cook and bake, paint, and travel. I LOVE MY COFFEE! My goal is to bring my spirit and energy to the Weiner Religious School drawing our learners closer to Judaism and the Beth Torah community. I want to create an environment that starts them on a lifelong journey and leads them to pass on their love of Judaism to the next generation. I am excited to create a safe, engaging, creative, and fun learning environment that will meet each learner's and their families' needs. By building strong enduring relationships with students, families, and staff, we can create a thriving religious school that positions Congregation Beth Torah for this generation to carry us into the future.

Barbara Kitt, Bookkeeper

Barbara Kitt joined the Beth Torah staff in July of 2008; however her connection to the synagogue began in 1996 when her oldest daughter started Sunday School. Barb is the Beth Torah bookkeeper, and as such is very involved in the day to day financial life of the synagogue. Barb, her husband Jeffrey, and their two daughters, Alexa and Sydney have been actively involved in many aspects of life at Beth Torah.

Sharon Altman, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sharon has held a part time position with Beth Torah since 1995. She is responsible for donations and yahrzeits as well as assisting staff members as needed. She also has been involved in the congregation’s Golf Tournaments and Directory Fundraising efforts. Sharon and her husband have two grown children. They have been members of Beth Torah since 1991. 

Alex Mead, Administrative Assistant

Hello, my name is Alex Mead and I just started working at Beth Torah as the new Administrative Assistant. I’m from Overland Park and have previously worked at the Jewish Community Center. Some things to know about me... I am a huge Kansas City sports fan (Go Royals!), I graduated with a degree in kinesiology from Kansas State University, and I love to draw and read. My favorite book series/movie franchise is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. That's just a little bit about me, and I cannot wait to share more when we connect over the phone or at Beth Torah!