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Welcome to Temple Avodah

Phyllis Pellman - Education Director

Phyllis Pellman was born and raised in Brooklyn.  She is the daughter of two Holocaust survivors; her mother was a hidden child in France and her father’s family escaped from Poland to Siberia.  As a child, she spent many summers in Israel with her grandparents who had made Aliyah after the war. Her time in Israel instilled a deep love for the country and Jewish culture. The stories she heard from her parents and grandparents laid the foundation for her desire to help at-risk and marginalized populations.  Phyllis went on to earn a Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania.  She worked as a psychiatric social worker for many years at Queens Hospital.                                                 

Raising her three daughters with her husband Elliot, Phyllis became involved in many Jewish communal organizations, leading her to receive a certificate in Jewish Family Education.  She served as the Family Educator at South Huntington Jewish Center for 18 years and as the principal of Temple Israel of South Merrick.

Phyllis loves to travel, read mystery novels and listen to Brazilian music.  She recently became a grandmother and her grandson Harrison is her new favorite extracurricular activity.

You can reach Phyllis by phone at 516-766-6809, ext 200, or email the office by clicking here.

Andrea Cassidy - Bookkeeper/Office Manager

Andrea grew up in Richmond Hill,  and attended Queens College. She has over 15years of synagogue experience here in Oceanside.

Andrea is responsible for the important task of bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and any financial matters required. She is adept at balancing both the books and the needs of Temple Members and potential members, and at keeping the confidentiality of all those involved. 

At the ring of the doorbell, or  telephone, she welcomes all who have inquiries with a smile on her face. She enjoys meeting and getting to know our members.

Andrea currently resides in Franklin Square with her husband, Steve, 3 children, Stefani, a Speech Language Pathologist, Tara, Administrator to the Dean of Education, Adelphi University, and Kevin, a graduate student in Criminal Justice.              

They love animals, currently sharing their home with 2 dogs and 3 cats!

Contact Andrea at 516-766-6809 ext. 2 or via email by clicking here.

Jill Burns - Temple Administrator

Jill was raised in Bellmore. She is a graduate of SUNY Albany and Hofstra University and worked in the Merrick School District as an elementary school teacher for ten years. Jill and her husband Jim have two children, Samantha a registered nurse and Jake a software developer. Jill is an animal lover with one dog and two cats!

Jill has worked in Synagogues since 2007 in many different capacities. She is thrilled to be a part of Temple Avodah's office staff, in such a warm and inviting community.

Jill's mission at Temple Avodah is simple- to keep everyone organized, arrange for locations and set ups of events, work on an endless stream of special projects, tend to the needs of our congregants and support Rabbi Shai.

Jill can be reached by calling the Temple office at 516-766-6809 ext. 1 or via email by clicking here.

 

 

 

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784