Victor Finkelstein, First Vice President

Debbie Bass, VICE PRESIDENT

Amy Kane, vice president

Stefanie Benson-Hebberd, Secretary

Larry Myer, immediate past president

Emily Albano
Jack Garfinkle

Joel Krichiver
Doug Polsky
Clifton Rope

Nina Shik
jeri Swinton

RABBI MARK H. LEVIN, FOUNDING RABBI & Rabbi Emeritus

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.

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Sara Glass, Director of the Weiner Religious School

Sara Nicole Glass has always been deeply rooted in community and communication. Born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, she began her journey at the heart of Beth Torah and continued to foster her passion for communication and Jewish education throughout her career.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from the University of Kansas in 2008, Sara embarked on her professional path at Beth Torah as the Communications Associate. She moved to San Francisco in 2015 where she honed her skills over five years managing communications at Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon, CA. Her dedication and commitment led her to transition into the role of Assistant Director of Education at Kol Shofar where she further deepened her impact on Jewish educational programming.

Sara’s journey then took her to the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF), where she excelled as the Rentals and Private Events Manager, bringing her organizational prowess and community spirit to every event and gathering. Most recently, Sara has brought her diverse skill set to Congregation Sherith Israel, serving as the Education Program Administrator. In this role, she has overseen school enrollments, spearheaded educational programming, managed marketing initiatives, coordinated rentals, and orchestrated meaningful community events, all while passionately fostering connections within the congregation.

Throughout her career, Sara has exemplified a steadfast commitment to enhancing community life through effective communication, education, and event management. Her journey continues to evolve, driven by a deep-rooted passion for building vibrant and inclusive Jewish communities wherever she goes.

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!