Our Staff
JOSH LASTER
Executive Director
Josh Laster joined Congregation Beth El in October 2015. Josh has been working in the Jewish community since 1999 with a focus on Jewish communal service, youth work, education and programming. Prior to joining Beth El, Josh served as the Executive Director of Beth Chaim in Princeton Junction, NJ and at Ohev Shalom in Wallingford, Pennsylvania.
Before beginning his career as a synagogue executive director, Josh worked in IT sales with a focus on communications and software specific applications, as a full time Jewish youth professional and as an elementary school teacher. He served as the Waterfront Director at URJ Camp Harlam for six years and is an active member of the Camp Harlam Council. He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University in May of 1997.
Josh attributes his love of working within the Jewish community to a few sources. The first is his father’s role as a Temple Administrator for 14 years. His father was the Executive Director at Temple Sinai in Washington D.C. The second is Josh’s years spent as the Waterfront Director at URJ Camp Harlam. Camp Harlam holds a special place in his heart, because his parents met there in 1967, while his dad was also the Waterfront Director. And the third is the twelve years spent in part-time and full-time youth work at various congregations in the Philadelphia area.
Josh is married to Erica. They have two beautiful children, Isabella and Masyn.
Contact: Email Josh or call 856.675.1166 x405
RABBI NOGAH MARSHALL
Educational Director
Rabbi Nogah Marshall is thrilled to be part of the Beth El community. The eldest of five children born to a rabbinic family with a father, brother and sister-in-law all rabbis, the synagogue has always been a home away from home. Prior to her arrival to Congregation Beth El, she served as the Educational Director at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, PA for 10 years and before that, as the Rabbi and Director of Education at Temple Emanu-El in Palm Beach, FL. Rabbi Marshall created and coordinated exciting programs, including a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony for adults with special needs for which she received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the JFCS of West Palm Beach as well as numerous Solomon Schechter Awards.
Rabbi Marshall has focused her work on children, families, and special needs individuals. She specializes in creative curriculum development, family & adult education, and building a passionate, inclusive, nurturing Jewish community. Her educational philosophy centers on experiential education coupled with religious observance, “One of my goals is to create a love of Judaism in my students so that they want to learn and incorporate it in their daily lives. This can be done by creating a solid foundation and a strong sense of community. It’s not just about education, but about community.”
Rabbi Marshall received her Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, and was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Hebrew Letters. While attending Brandeis University, Rabbi Marshall was a member of the swim team, violinist in the Orchestra, as well as a member of the traveling Israeli dance troupe, B’yachad. She loves to travel and has a strong passion and love for the State of Israel. And one of her hidden talents is juggling!
Rabbi Marshall, her husband Scott and their children Karni, Eyden, Austin and Jaclyn are thrilled to be a part of the Beth El family.
Contact: Email Rabbi Marshall or call 856.675.1166 x419
AYELET MITTELMAN
Early Childhood Center Director
Ayelet was lucky enough to spend her childhood moving around Israel and California before settling in Long Island, NY. She graduated from Pratt Institute where she dabbled in as many art mediums as she could fit into a semester! Ayelet comes to the ECC with more than 20 years of management, administrative and healthcare experience. Ayelet and her husband, Matt, are proud parents of ECC graduate, Maya, and their newest addition Sadie is one of the happy students in our ECC.
Ayelet has always had a love of her Jewish and Israeli roots. When you stop by to visit you will find Hamsas adorning her walls, as a constant reminder of her family in Israel. Being first brought into the ECC as a parent, Ayelet had a unique perspective on then joining as a staff member. The ECC is her second home, and the teachers, Clergy and staff are her second family. Being the director of the ECC is a labor of love. You will not find a bigger cheerleader for the ECC!! Ayelet loves to paint and build things with her daughters, and to play dress up and go on adventures with them. When Ayelet has a few moments to herself, she can be found reading a good book, painting, making jewelry, or watching 80’s movies. Ayelet also really loves Nutella.
Ayelet loves visitors, and as a typical Jewish mommy, will likely offer you some food. Come on by and say hello!
Contact: Email Ayelet or call 856.675.1166 x420
MARISSA KIMMEL
Engagement Director
Marissa is excited to be a part of the Beth El community! Growing up in Voorhees but spending the past 9 years in Pennsylvania, it was time for Marissa to come home to South Jersey. She is excited to bring her love of Judaism, synagogues, and community to Congregation Beth El.
Prior to joining Beth El, Marissa was the Director of Membership & Programming at Temple Sholom in Broomall, a Reform congregation in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, since 2015. Before a career in Jewish Communal Service/synagogues, Marissa was an elementary school teacher in Philadelphia and Deptford. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and K-6 Teaching Certification.
Joining Marissa are her husband Dave, daughter Violet (4), and son Dawson (2). Both kids are attending the ECC and thrilled to be here making new friends! Please stop by her office and introduce yourself where you can always find chocolate and Diet Coke! When Marissa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, trying new restaurants, or catching up on the latest show or movie.
Contact: Email Marissa or call 856.675.1166 x418
ALICIA DROZEN
Events & Programs Director
Alicia grew up in South Jersey and graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration, Marketing & Communications from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
Alicia has worked in non-profit organizations her entire career including as the Traveling Educational Consultant for Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, the Program Manager of Middle Schools for Best Buddies Connecticut and the Events Manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. Prior to moving back to NJ, Alicia was the Program Director at Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles for 6 years where she oversaw all of the planning, programming, marketing, events, and committees of the adult and family programming department. Alicia has been at Beth El since 2018 and served as our Marketing & Communications Manager for 3.5 years and Youth Director for 5 years prior to moving into the events and programs role.
Alicia’s favorite thing to do is travel, especially with her two kids!
Contact: Email Alicia or call 856.675.1166 x441
STACY MANNING
Controller
Stacy Manning joined Congregation Beth El in July 2019. Prior to joining Beth El, Stacy worked at Congregation Beth Chaim as the accounting manager and brings to Beth El nineteen years of synagogue accounting experience. She is excited and looking forward to being a part of the Beth El family.
Stacy was born in Brooklyn, NY. When she was 7, her family relocated to East Windsor, NJ, where she grew up. Stacy is married to Ken and has two sons, Nicholas and Bradley, who keep her very active. Stacy’s greatest enjoyment in life is being a mom! When she isn’t running from the hockey rink to the soccer field, she likes spending time working out, reading, relaxing and enjoying time with her family and friends.
Contact: Email Stacy or call 856.675.1166 x403
LAURA BRUZZESE-COSCIA
Account Manager
Laura came to Beth El in 1991 as a temp, where she worked with Yaffa Fuchs in the Religious School. It didn’t take long to find out it was a good fit. Laura worked with the Religious School for several years then left as she and her husband Dominic moved to the shore area for his job. Another job related move brought her back to the area and back to Beth El in 1997 just as our beautiful “new” Voorhees building was being built. Construction had begun, the plans for the new ECC were underway and she got to be a part of it! The next several years were great, Laura loved her position and her son, Joseph, attended ECC. Sadly, her husband of over 20 years became ill and passed away, but with the love and support of her mom, family, friends and her Beth El family, she was able to slowly piece life back together.
In 2002 Laura began working in our Accounting Department where she has been ever since. She says that there is never a day that she wakes up and doesn’t want to come to work. “I love the people I work with and feels blessed and thankful every day!”
In 2007 Laura was remarried to a wonderful man by the name of Tony. Since then, her son Nick has married his amazing wife Jess and had a beautiful little angel, Lia with another baby on the way in October! Her son, Joseph, is currently working at our ECC where he attended so many years ago.
Contact: Email Laura or call 856.675.1166 x404
CLAUDIA STERNBERG
Marketing & Communications Manager
Claudia was born and raised in Mexico City, where she studied Industrial and Graphic Design. Her professional career began in advertising in Miami, FL. Before joining Beth El in April 2023, she held the position of Art & Communications Director for 9 years at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, where she produced a wide range of print and digital projects. She is grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the clergy and department heads and is experienced in all aspects of marketing and communications for synagogue events, holiday celebrations and fundraisers.
Claudia is married to Craig and they have two sons, Benny and Robbie. She loves art and painting, walking her dogs and spending time outdoors enjoying nature.
Contact: Email Claudia or call 856.675.1166 x427
MARSHA FLAGER
Executive Assistant
Marsha Flager came to Beth El in October, 2021. Marsha worked for 4 ½ years as the Executive Assistant for the Consul General of Israel in Philadelphia. When the Consulate closed in August, 2016, she went on to work for Israel Bonds in Philadelphia as an Administrative Assistant.
Marsha grew up at another Congregation Beth El in Levittown, now Yardley, PA, a synagogue that her parents helped found in 1952. When she’s not working, Marsha can be found doing needlepoint and knitting or crocheting. She even sewed face masks at the beginning of the pandemic, which she donated to an assisted care facility. Marsha is the mother of 3 children and the Bubbe to 6 grandchildren. Her greatest joy is being silly with her grandchildren. Oh yes…Marsha has 4 grand-dogs, as well.
Stop at the office to say hello the next time you’re in the building!
Contact: Email Marsha or call 856.675.1166 x406
ALYSSA GROSS
Clergy Executive Assistant & Lifecycle Coordinator
VALERIE GROSS
Educational Administrative Assistant
Valerie grew up in Harrisburg, PA. After graduating from Ohio University, she moved to Philadelphia, where she was a paralegal for a law firm. She brings 30 years of office experience with her. She is excited to be working at Beth El.
After marrying Larry, Valerie was excited to relocate to South Jersey, where her husband grew up. Joining Beth El shortly after moving to Voorhees, they raised their son, Seth and twin daughters, Alyssa and Hannah. Valerie has celebrated many simchas at Beth El, including her Aufruf, the girls’ baby naming, her childrens’ Bar Mitzvah, B’not Mitzvah, and Confirmations. Her husband’s family have been long time members of Beth El, going back to the Camden days.
She enjoys traveling and going to plays, concerts and museums. She loves spending time with her family and friends and trying out new restaurants with her husband.
Contact: Email Valerie or call 856.675.1166 x408
CARRIE LUK
Accounts Payable Coordinator
Carrie Luk joined Congregation Beth El in May 2021 and brings 15 years of Accounts Payable/Bookkeeping experience from the paper product industry. She is excited to be part of the Beth El family.
Carrie was born in Hong Kong and her family immigrated to Philadelphia when she was 10. She is married to Derek and has 2 sons, Justin and Kevin. Carrie enjoys watching sports, going to movies with her family, and spending her weekend going out to dinner with her friends. She also loves to travel, her favorite vacation spot is Venice, Italy.
Contact: Email Carrie or call 856.675.1166 x402
SHIRLEY YAFFA
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant
Shirley graduated from Camden High School and attended Temple University. Her previous work experience included Administrative Assistant to the South Jersey Regional Director of BBYO, substitute teaching and office manager of S. Yaffa’s Sons.
Beth El has been an important part of Shirley’s life for many years, beginning with her marriage to her late husband, Jerry, z”l, by the late Rabbi Harry B. Kellman, They were about to celebrate 50 years of marriage when he passed in 2005. Beth El was there for her then, and still is.
Their three children, Joel, Stuart and Michele were confirmed at Beth El and Michele & Stuart were married there. She is the proud grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren (so far). You can find her each day at her desk meeting and greeting parents, children and congregants. Her responsibilities include life cycle contributions, Yahrzeit notices, assisting with the Yizkor Book, directing phone calls, etc., etc.
She loves Beth El and looks forward to coming to work each day sharing her smile and positive attitude.
Contact: Email Shirley or call 856.675.1166 x401
CHEF SHAVIT MOSHE
Catering Director
Shavit Moshe is a seasoned chef with over 25 years’ experience in the food service and catering industry. Having been raised and professionally trained in Israel, he has a flair for middle eastern food and traditional Jewish cuisine, while also being able to produce a wide variety of local and international fare. Shavit comes to his craft with creativity and expertise giving old favorites new life. His experience ranges from catering small, family based meals to large events including weddings and b’nai mitzvah. Prior to joining the Beth El team, Shavit held the position of Chef Manager for a fast-paced breakfast and lunch account located within an educational setting. There he planned menus and theme-based days with the input of students and teachers. Shavit enjoys meeting everyone in our community and bringing us high quality food services turning meals into experiences.
Contact: Email Shavit or call 856.675.1166
MARLON McELVEEN
Facilities Director
Marlon first came to Beth El as an employee of Mac’s Janitorial Services (now Mac’s Facility Solutions) in 2009. Although Marlon has been a part of the Beth El family since that time, he officially joined the Beth El team as our Facilities Director in November 2023. Marlon oversees our team of cleaning staff from Mac’s, and he supervises the cleaning, set-up and maintenance needs of all aspects of our building.
Beth El has played a very important role in Marlon’s life as he was inspired by our community to convert to Judaism in 2018. Marlon spends his free time working out, and he is also a poet, artist (drawing and graphic design), he loves to cook, and he is an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints. He is the proud father of two children, Aaliyah and Zion.
Contact: Email Marlon or call 856.675.1166