Rabbi - Rabbi Arnold M. Fertig, MPA, DD

Arnold Fertig has served as the Rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom since 1998.  Prior to that, he served congregations in Gadsden, Alabama; Concord, New Hampshire; and Binghamton, New York on a full time basis from 1977-1990.  During its formative years, he also helped, on a part time basis, to lead Temple Etz Chaim in Franklin, MA.

Arnie holds a Masters in Hebrew Letters degree from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he was ordained in 1977.  In addition, he earned the Masters of Public Administration degree from the JFK School of Government at Harvard University in 1991.  There, he focused his studies on the Leadership and Management of Non-profit Organizations.

His service to the Jewish world extends beyond the pulpit, and has included roles as the New England Regional Director of B’nai B’rith, and National Director of Development for the American Physicians Fellowship for Medicine in Israel. 

In 2002 he was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, from HUC-JIR in recognition of his twenty five years of service to the American Jewish community.  Throughout his rabbinate, he has actively worked for tikkun olam – mending the world’s imperfections through a commitment to addressing issues of social injustice, whether in the United States, the former Soviet Union, or the Middle East.

Arnie is a member of the Melrose Clergy Association, and participates in the community- wide Interfaith Thanksgiving Service each year. He is involved in a wide variety of activities at Temple Beth Shalom, including support for our Shalom School, work with each of our B’nai Mitzvah students in preparation for their service, and on the Temple’s Capital Campaign and Building Design committees.  He and his wife Gail are often found at Temple social events, such as our Jazz concerts, Bruppers, or Sunday “get to know you” brunches.

He invites your comments and questions at any time, and can be reached at: rabbi@tbsma.org.

Cantorial Soloist - Beth Purcell

I am proud to serve TBS as Cantorial Soloist (since 1999 at the High Holy Days). I taught 6/7th grade in the TBS Shalom School in 2005/2006.  Previously I served as Cantorial Soloist at  Temple Etz Chaim in Franklin, MA. I’m a member of the Women Cantors’ Network. 

I began my training with Rivka Isachar, an Israeli-American cantor, who was then at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, MA where I sang in the choir. Since then I’ve free-lanced at various synagogues and held the two permanent positions listed above. I get great satisfaction from teaching melodies to the congregation and to our occasional choir. When we are all singing together, it is the best feeling in the world.

I also have a background in musical theatre, playing leading roles in community and regional theatre  and singing with a pianist at various venues. I have studied voice (soprano) with Merrill Shea in Brookline, MA and other teachers over the years.

I currently work at the Newton Free Library as Public Relations and Programming Director. I received my B.A. in English from George Washington University, Washington, DC, in 1979.

Beth Purcell

Education Director - Andrea Katz

As Education Director of the Shalom School I have the pleasure and privilege of developing and implementing a curriculum that will help our students understand and appreciate their Jewish heritage. My work in Jewish education over the past several years has allowed me the ability to become familiar with a variety of creative textbooks and instructional resources.
    
My Bachelor’s Degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University was strengthened with Elementary Teaching Certification. I began a career in Jewish education  began with a teaching position at Cohen Hillel Academy, a Jewish community day school on the North Shore and a supplementary Religious School teaching position at Temple Beth El in Swampscott, Massachusetts.

A Master’s Degree in Jewish Communal Service at Brandeis University’s Hornstein Program of Jewish Communal Service was completed in 1994 during my leadership of the Brandeis Jewish Education Program, a Sunday morning Religious School.
    
A few educational trips to Israel including a semester of Junior Year Abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem led to a strong love for the Jewish State and a desire to impart this feeling to my students in the classroom. My enjoyment of Israeli music and appreciation of the Hebrew language as a Biblical and modern form of communication have inspired me to integrate Israel and Hebrew into the classroom through various methods.

Building comfort with Hebrew and pride in our religion are two goals that I have kept in mind in planning my own lessons in the Grade Five classroom that I teach. The challenge to motivate the desire to learn and engage students in enjoyable activities is always on my mind as a teaching Education Director.

Andrea Katz