Joel Berger
Executive Director
Joel has been in Jewish communal work in South and Central Florida for 30 years. Joel completed his tenure as CEO of the Rosen JCC in Orlando and before joining the JCC, Berger was the Executive Director at Temple Israel of Greater Miami where he served for three years. Previously, he served six years as Executive Director of Beth David Congregation in Miami, where he led the synagogue’s successful 2012 centennial campaign. Previously, he was Executive Director of University of Miami Hillel in Coral Gables, and earlier served as youth, camp and Executive Director at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus in Aventura.
Berger has done non-profit consulting work with Pisgah Consulting out of Atlanta, Georgia and Joel was also a founding member of The Collective, a consortium of over 300 non-profits in the Orlando Area. Joel has served two years as the President of the Florida Association of Synagogue and Temple Administration, which offers its professional members networking, education and training activities.
Joel is a guest speaker on a wide variety of industry topics. Adept at managing multiple projects, leading cross-functional teams, and driving program success across functions. Strong relationship building, decision-making, communications and problem solving capabilities. Excellent knowledge in areas of security and employee benefits.
Joel was recently elected to the board of NAASE, the North American Association of Synagogue Executives serving a two year term. He was also recognized for over 18 years of service as an Executive Director in the Conservative Movement.
An alumnus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Berger holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance and a BS in Management/Management Information Decision Systems.
Joel is married to Gloria Gorman Berger, and together they have two children, Stephanie and Lauren, and he looks forward to being a part of The Jewish Center for many years to come.
Ellen Pristach
Interim Director of Congregational Learning
Ellen has been a dedicated and tireless volunteer whose generosity of spirit has strengthened our Jewish Center in countless ways. She has been an integral member of the Kiddush Krew since its inception, helping prepare and organize our weekly Kiddush lunches, and has faithfully volunteered for community mailings, stuffing envelopes for High Holiday communications and other congregational needs. She is also a familiar face during Purim, helping pack Shalach Manot bags for our community. Her leadership and commitment extend well beyond volunteer projects. She has served on numerous committees, including co-chairing the Cantor Search Committee, participating in two Education Director Search Committees, the Preschool Director Search Committee, the Mid-Term Nominating Committee, the School Committee, and the Chavurat Chesed Committee, where she helped support social action initiatives and congregants in need. In addition, she has assisted with tabulating McCaffrey’s receipts to support synagogue fundraising efforts and coordinated the Great Minds Salon program, enriching the intellectual and cultural life of our congregation.
Whether working behind the scenes or taking on leadership roles, Ellen consistently gives her time, talents, and energy with dedication, kindness, and humility. Her unwavering commitment to our synagogue community exemplifies the very best of congregational life, making her a most deserving recipient of our Congregant of the Year honor.
Cynthia Richman
Community Life Coordinator
Cynthia was born and raised in New York City, Brooklyn, Staten Island and then moved to Manhattan where she began her married life.
Cynthia moved to West Windsor, NJ to raise her children, Alex and Samantha.
Cynthia has been with TJC in many roles, beginning as nursery parent in 1998. She began teaching in the nursery school in 2004 until 2015 and then on to working in the religious school office. She also teaches our youngest learners in the Ganon class. Being affiliated with TJC has greatly enhanced Cynthia’s Jewish experiences for which she is grateful.
Cynthia loves spending time with her family and friends. Enjoys traveling, dancing, concerts, Broadway shows, cooking and entertaining. She is an avid tennis player with a new hobby, pickleball. She lives with her husband, Tom and furry daughter Jessie.
Stephanie Berger
Marketing and Communications Manager
Stephanie Berger is a dynamic performer and Marketing and Communications Manager with a strong background in digital engagement, visual design, and community outreach. Known for her creative problem-solving and organizational skills, she brings experience from roles in nonprofit, education, and performance arts settings.
Custodial Staff
Nikita Agyei
James Itomo