Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation — which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year — recently released a timeline for the impending departure of its longtime clergy, as well as the announcement of new staff members to the leadership team.
The largest Modern Orthodox congregation in the nation, Beth Tfiloh has a membership of more than 1,200 families and individuals. The synagogue was founded in 1921 in the Forest Park community, and its first spiritual leader was Rabbi Dr. Samuel Rosenblatt, a noted Jewish scholar and son of the internationally celebrated Cantor Joseph “Yossele” Rosenblatt.
On Sept. 1, Dan Silien became Beth Tfiloh’s new director of synagogue operations. He succeeds Eve Steinberg, who will oversee the centennial year planning committee.
Silien previously served as executive director of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, a large Reform synagogue. He is a graduate of the New York University School of Law and American University with a degree in international studies. He has worked in the fields of law, technology, business, management and public relations.
Talia Jordan is Beth Tfiloh’s new director of programming and engagement. She succeeds for Cherie Brownstein, director of youth and synagogue programming, who is now the centennial experience director.
Most recently, Jordan served as director of Hillel of Northern New Jersey, where she oversaw Jewish life at five colleges. Jordan studied religion and Judaic studies at Williams College in Massachusetts. This fall, she will graduate from the Jewish Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Jewish educational leadership.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented new professionals into our Beth Tfiloh community and look forward to watching their innovative ideas enhance our shul and school,” said Beth Tfiloh’s Rabbi Chai Posner. “This centennial year is an extraordinary milestone for our BT family and as we enter into it, we are grateful for all we’ve been able to experience together and excited for all that is yet to come.”
Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg — who came to Beth Tfiloh in May of 1978 — will transition into the role of rabbi-in-residence at the end of this year, and Rabbi Posner will become senior rabbi at an installation ceremony in early 2022. Rabbi Posner came to Beth Tfiloh as associate rabbi in 2010.
Also retiring in the next year will be Chazzan Avi Albrecht, who came to Beth Tfiloh 26 years ago. He will retire at the end of 2022, and a search committee has been formed to hire his successor.
Other members of Beth Tfiloh’s clergy team are Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev and Rabbi Chaim Wecker.
“Beth Tfiloh will always be home,” said Rabbi Wohlberg, “but it is time to transition into a role that allows me to enjoy my home life, my hobbies and my immediate family on a more regular basis, while at the same time continuing to remain connected and involved in the BT family.”
Two other additions to Beth Tfiloh this fall include Shani and Matan Shefler. The Sheflers, who are from the Israeli community of Efrat, are joining Beth Tfiloh as shlichim, or Israel emissaries, for the next two years.
For information about Beth Tfiloh’s centennial celebration, visit bethtfiloh.com/beth-tfiloh-centennial.
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