Volunteers of the Year 2025
Their stories are inspirational
Adat Shalom Synagogue
We proudly honor Marshall Dayan as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year. As board president, Marshall has led with dedication, revitalizing committees and strengthening our community. A longtime chair of the ritual committee, he is a steady presence at Shabbat services and Sunday minyan, often serving as gabbai and leading Shacharit during the High Holy Days. Now retired, he is teaching fifth grade in our religious school, inspiring the next generation. Marshall’s commitment, humility, and deep love for our community embody the best of Adat Shalom. We are grateful for his service and are honored to recognize him as our Volunteer of the Year.
Beth El Congregation of the South Hills
Linda Kleinhans works quietly behind the scenes in ways that touch Beth El’s most senior congregants. She reaches out to members in need of friendship with regular phone calls through the acts of loving kindness committee. Through sisterhood, Linda also plans social activities for Beth El members who live at Concordia of the South Hills. Her work has led to close friendships with those around her. Linda can often be found helping others with shopping, transportation to medical appointments, and in-person visits. Beth El is strengthened by the gift of Linda’s time and talent that she willingly shares.
Beth Samuel Jewish Center
Our Volunteer of the Year is Kenneth T. Frankenbery. When Ken and his wife joined Beth Samuel in 2019, he immediately jumped in with both feet, from helping with building and grounds to leading our security committee. After becoming a Saturday morning regular, Ken converted to Judaism in 2023 and became a bar mitzvah shortly thereafter. He attends and volunteers for nearly every event. Ken retired three years ago after serving over 36 years with the Air Force. Instead of stepping back, he took on the mantle of president in July. Ken has truly become an integral part of Beth Samuel!
The Branch
We proudly recognize Dr. Lorrie E. Rabin. A respected psychologist and community leader, Lorrie is dedicated to mental health advocacy and disability inclusion, which is vital to the people we serve. As a past president and member of the Jewish Residential Foundation board, Lorrie helped guide the organization through significant growth, program expansion, and rebranding. Lorrie continues to champion the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse, and support living programs and Jewish education efforts that serve more than 200 individuals and families. Lorrie’s clinical expertise, understanding of lived experience, and leadership have been invaluable to The Branch, where we are “Taking Inclusion to New Heights.” Thank you, Lorrie!
Chabad Jewish Center of Cranberry
Ever since we met Yossi Rozenthal three years ago, he’s been a regular at Chabad of Cranberry. But Yossi doesn’t just attend. Yossi helps! Whether it’s building our sukkah, assembling the menorah at Cranberry’s municipal building, or delivering shmurah matzah, Yossi is always there, with a smile! Yossi also assists other community members in their time of need. We at Chabad of Cranberry truly appreciate his dedication, and May G-d bless him with the fulfillment of all his heart’s desires for the good!
Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville
Zale Levine is a shining force within Chabad of Monroeville. Always ready to help, he brings unwavering kindness, a warm smile, and a sense of humor that lifts every room. Zale never waits to be asked, he jumps in, makes others feel valued, and constantly looks for ways to bring more volunteers into the “crew” circle. His spirit of inclusion and genuine kindness strengthen our community every single day. We are grateful and proud to honor him as our Volunteer of the Year.
Chabad House on Campus – Pittsburgh
Officer Justin Reck of the University of Pittsburgh Police Department has become an invaluable presence for Chabad on Campus–Pittsburgh. With unwavering dedication, Justin devotes his time and attention to checking in on Jewish students each day, ensuring they feel calm, safe, supported and cared for. His sensitivity to the unique needs of our students and his proactive awareness of campus dynamics make him an extraordinary ally. As a trusted liaison with the University, Justin consistently advocates for Jewish students by keeping us informed about campus events and helping us understand how those events may affect our community. His partnership strengthens our mission, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication and care he brings to our community.
Dr. Mark Grenadier is the true definition of a “mensch,” giving of himself with a generosity of spirit that touches every corner of Chabad. Whether he’s painting, repairing, or upgrading our new building at 1700 Bower Hill Road, or stepping up to sponsor an event or our weekly BLT (Bagels, Lox, and Tefillin), Mark treats Chabad with the same care and pride that he gives to his own home. A familiar face at services, he, along with his wife, Sheila — a past Volunteer of the Year — have brought countless moments of comfort to community members in hospitals and senior facilities. With deep gratitude, we are proud to honor Dr. Mark Grenadier as our Volunteer of the Year.
Chabad Young Professionals of Pittsburgh
Dr. Moshe Yaghoubian is a pillar of our community and the devoted co-gabbai of the CYP shul. His warm energy and friendly presence make everyone feel instantly welcome. Moshe brings thoughtful ideas that help shape our programs and a sincere, steady reliability that keeps everything running smoothly. Whether greeting people at the door, supporting services, or pitching in behind the scenes, he shows up with heart and humility. His creativity, kindness, and commitment strengthen CYP Pittsburgh in countless ways. Our community is brighter, warmer, and more connected because of him.
Classrooms without Borders
Sandy Rosen is an invaluable member of Classrooms Without Borders, generously giving her time to serve on committees, contribute thoughtful ideas, and strengthen our mission. Her steadfast commitment supports not only our team but communities in Pittsburgh and beyond. As a member of our annual dinner committee, she attends to every detail, so our honorees feel celebrated, and guests are inspired by our work to open minds and hearts. She has connected CWB with partners in Pittsburgh and Arizona, ensured our full inclusion in the 2023 Violins of Hope programming, and continually brings us new opportunities. She is a true friend who wants CWB to thrive.
Community Day School
Lisa Zeidner Marcus is an extraordinary leader whose dedication and generosity have made a profound impact of the CDS school community. A devoted CDS parent for many years, Lisa has a daughter in eighth grade and a son who graduated and now attends Shady Side Academy. As a valued member of our board of trustees and the chair of our development committee, she brings vision, passion and a steadfast commitment to strengthening CDS for today’s students and future generations. Her tireless efforts and unwavering belief in our mission inspire all around her.
Congregation Beth Shalom
A Beth Shalom member since childhood, Robin Halpern embraces every volunteer opportunity to support her community and engage in Jewish life. Robin is always willing to lend a hand stuffing mailers, putting together Purim bags, being on the Havurah Committee, or helping in the kitchen to prepare breakfast for morning minyan. She is a devoted and active member of sisterhood, serving as the corresponding secretary, ensuring that messages of support and kindness reach those in need. From the synagogue’s kitchen to committee meetings, from organizing to supporting, she embodies the true spirit of volunteerism—finding joy in being needed and making a difference wherever she can.
Congregation Bet Tikvah
Kaitlyn Nuebel began volunteering for Bet Tikvah by playing the guitar for lay leaders who wanted accompaniment. While we still get to enjoy her musical skills at services, the work she does behind the scenes has grown to encompass so much more. By setting up equipment for every service and managing our tech employees and volunteers, she enables us to include those attending virtually. Her sense of humor brings much laughter to administrative meetings. Recently she has started taking on even more responsibilities, helping us navigate social media and coordinating other musical volunteers.
Congregation Dor Hadash
Jim Silver has played a vital role as a volunteer at Congregation Dor Hadash for almost a decade, serving at times as treasurer and finance committee member. He shepherded our finances through the difficult time after the 2018 synagogue attack and its impact on our congregation. Additionally, Jim stepped up to work with the four refugee families our congregation has sponsored. He became a trusted guide, helping them navigate state and federal benefits and taxes and ways to protect their financial information. While his efforts are not usually out front, his contributions have been integral to the life and vitality of Dor Hadash.
Congregation Kether Torah
Approximately eight years ago, Dina Capland noticed that the Kether Torah Shul was growing in numbers including families with children of all ages.Without much fanfare, Dina started coordinating women and girls to supervise and lead the children. Over the years, she has created a safe and warm environment with toys, Jewish books and other educational materials. You can see her in action every Shabbos and during the holidays praying, playing and directing the children in a positive manner.
Friendship Circle
For nearly 20 years, Michael Supowitz has been a cornerstone of the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh. As a Friendship Fellow for the past eight years, he has shown unwavering dedication — restocking supplies, creating visual schedules, greeting community members and assisting with event setup. He also blows the shofar every year at Rosh Hashanah. Michael donates his photography to our Friends All Around Silent Auction and leads a Walk4Friendship team. He knows every staff member by name and genuinely makes everyone feel valued and welcomed. While balancing his job at Bunny Bakes, he never misses a volunteer shift at the Friendship Circle. His commitment, warmth, and reliability make him truly exceptional — our circle wouldn’t be complete without him!
Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh
We are proud to recognize Jim Silver as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Even before joining the board in 2023, Jim jumped right in to plan and problem solve with the new staff and bookkeeper to revamp the organization’s financial operations and move them online. Jim generously shares his expertise as a retired financial professional and former small business owner to support the organization’s growth in any way he can. When Jim isn’t working closely with staff and the board to provide financial stability and advance opportunities for people in our community, he is likely volunteering with Congregation Dor Hadash or spending time with his wife, Beth, and their family.
Hillel Academy
There is nothing Tzvi Friedman won’t do for Hillel Academy. From late-night airport runs, to photographing our events, to coaching the elementary school robotics team, to joining our daily Tefillah minyanim, to chaperoning trips to Washington, D.C. and New York, Tzvi is always ready to help. While Tzvi might jokingly claim that his “real” claim to fame is that his wife, Brittney, is our elementary school principal, in many ways the opposite is true. We rely on Tzvi every day to support so many of our programs, and his constant dedication is an essential part of our school community.
Hillel Jewish University Center
The Edward and Rose Berman Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh congratulates exceptional student leader volunteers Liv Shaw (Pitt student board president), Julius Arolovich (CMU student board president last year and co-president this year) and Dan Lehavi (CMU student board co-president). They have spent a significant amount of time as Hillel JUC ambassadors —engaging with other Jewish students, parents of Jewish students and university administrators. They have spent countless hours leading their boards and planning amazing events so that Jewish college students could have Jewish experiences and a Jewish community. And they have done all of this while balancing rigorous academic schedules. Their dedication and efforts on behalf of Jewish students on their respective campuses have been remarkable, and we are grateful for their service.
Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh
Michelle Ultmann is one of the newest members of the Holocaust Center’s generations speakers’ bureau (children and grandchildren who share their families’ stories). She has already made a valuable impact. Just in 2025, her first year as a speaker, she reached nearly 700 students and adults across Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties. Michelle shares her mother’s story as a Kindertransport survivor with wisdom and clarity, engaging audiences from middle school students and up. We are proud to recognize Michelle for her dedication to the Holocaust Center and our mission.
Jewish Association on Aging
As a JAA board member emeritus, Enid Miller has given the Jewish Association on Aging countless hours of her community wisdom, problem solving skills and rational thinking, helping us through transitions, growth and change. Most recently, she has added a new “job” to her volunteer resume: a Mollie’s Meals driver and deliverer. This dynamic individual understands the vitality and far-reaching potential of the JAA on so many levels. Thank you, Enid, for your multi-faceted involvement. We are enriched by your participation!
Jewish Assistance Fund
Alan Gordon generously shares his time, leadership, vision and love of community with the Jewish Assistance Fund as a cherished volunteer. In his many roles over the years, he has been a devoted grantor, vice president and board member. We honor, celebrate, and appreciate his unwavering commitment to JAF. We count on him as we help the community navigate financial challenges and provide direct financial assistance weekly throughout the year. Alan has helped JAF increase economic security for so many in our Jewish community.
Jewish Cemetery & Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh
We are proud to recognize Bob Katzen as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Bob’s dedication, wisdom, and deep commitment to Jewish communal life embody the very essence of service and leadership. As a longtime member of the JCBA board of directors and our board secretary for the past three years, Bob has devoted countless hours and boundless passion to our mission — helping guide JCBA’s development, strengthen our operations, and move the organization forward with purpose and vision. Bob’s leadership, compassion and commitment continue to inspire all of us at JCBA. Thank you, Bob, for all you do — for your time, your wisdom and your unwavering dedication to preserving Jewish heritage in Pittsburgh.
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Amy Mallinger, a Squirrel Hill native and lifelong Tree of Life congregant, embodies the JCC’s mission and goals in her commitment and action against hatred. On Oct. 27, 2018, Amy’s grandmother, Rose Mallinger, was killed and her aunt, Andrea Wedner, was injured in the synagogue attack. As Amy healed, she realized the importance of speaking to students, so she helped form the REACH Speakers Bureau through the 10/27 Healing Partnership. Amy’s hope is that conversations about her grandmother, antisemitism and Judaism will help the high school students she engages with to enter adulthood carrying messages of acceptance, community and a commitment to take action against hatred of any kind.
Jewish Family and Community Services
Addison Hammond has been a dedicated and compassionate volunteer since June, 2024, while she was still in high school, making a meaningful impact across many areas of our work. From completing client satisfaction surveys to preparing welcoming hotel rooms for refugees, she’s shown that even small acts of service can create lasting change. Addison believes that “even the smallest bit of help is useful,” a mindset that has guided her through tasks like data entry, food deliveries and administrative support. Addison’s adaptability, warmth, and deep respect for others make her an invaluable part of our team. Her commitment to service and belief in opportunity for all truly embody the spirit of Volunteer of the Year.
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Jane Rollman is the Federation’s 2025 Gerald S. Ostrow Volunteer of the Year. Jane is an exemplary volunteer who is passionate about the worldwide Jewish community. She serves as an officer on the Federation board of directors and as a member of the planning and impact committee. Jane served on the national young leadership cabinet and chaired the Young Adult Division, Women’s Division, and the Strategic Planning Committee. Pittsburgh is incredibly lucky to have a volunteer like Jane. We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and enthusiasm she brings to the Federation!
Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Michael Ginsberg, JD, brings to the Jewish Healthcare Foundation a rare blend of legal acumen, mentorship and visionary leadership. A longtime advocate for education, equity and service, Michael has dedicated his career to guiding others by training lawyers worldwide and leading civic organizations. As JHF’s board chair, he inspires collaboration and strategic innovation, championing initiatives in patient safety, care for older adults, and workforce development. Michael’s steady leadership, generosity of spirit and commitment to empowering others embody the Foundation’s mission. JHF is deeply grateful for his contributions and his enduring vision for a healthier, more equitable future.
Kesher Pittsburgh
We are proud to nominate Alia Rapport as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her exceptional work with KesherKIDS. As a high school volunteer, Alia consistently shares her warmth, patience and care, forming genuine connections and supporting both younger students and teachers with encouragement and respect. Her dedication shows in the thoughtful attention she gives to each student and in her willingness to help wherever needed. Our community is deeply blessed and grateful for Alia’s kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness.
National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh
Suzanne Schreiber has been a loyal and faithful volunteer with the NCJW Pittsburgh Children’s Room in the courts for many years. Suzanne truly “gets” human behaviors, especially children. If a child needs a nap, Suzanne can sense it and is our go-to person to help that child fall asleep and get needed rest. Suzanne is always willing to step up and give us an extra day if we need her. Suzanne’s consistent, empathetic attitude has been a true benefit to the children who have experienced things children should never have to witness. We are beyond grateful for Suzanne’s dedication to supporting NCJW Pittsburgh in caring for children and families.
Our Giving Kitchen
From the earliest days of Our Giving Kitchen, Debby Eisner has been a constant source of warmth, energy and dedication. Debby embodies the heart of OGK by showing up, jumping right in and quietly making everything run more smoothly. She not only gets things done with incredible reliability, but she supports others around her with a calm, can-do spirit that lifts the whole room. Debby is also one of our greatest advocates in the community, proudly sharing OGK with her friends and family, and bringing new people into the kitchen to experience the joy of giving. Her commitment and enthusiasm have been essential in helping OGK grow, and we are honored to recognize her as Volunteer of the Year.
Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle
Anyone who knows Maureen Kelly Busis will not be surprised to learn that she also gives generously of her time and talents to the Chronicle. Maureen collated and edited this Volunteers of the Year section as she has done in previous years. She is an auxiliary editor for the paper, sometimes informally in noticing errors and sometimes formally, as when she was with us at midnight in our offices putting to bed our first edition after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018. Most weeks she shleps to make the bulk delivery of papers to the three JAA residential facilities. And, in a pinch, she has even helped with ad sales.
Rodef Shalom Congregation
We are honored to recognize Sabina Rosenfeld as our Volunteer of the Year. As a dedicated member of our community outreach and social action committee, Sabina coordinates and volunteers for numerous social action projects that extend beyond our congregation in support of our wider community. She successfully leads our annual diaper drive benefiting the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, helps organize our fall sock drive, which provides local homeless shelters with their most requested item, and volunteers with ongoing initiatives in partnership with JFCS. Sabina, thank you for the lasting impact you continue to make on our community!
StandWithUs
Sandy Rosen is a beloved pillar of the Pittsburgh community whose dedication to the StandWithUs mission is unwavering. She is consistently the first to volunteer at every opportunity, and that “never say no” attitude is just who she is. Sandy doesn’t just show up; she puts her professional business expertise and respected community connections to use, ensuring our mission has a real, concrete impact. From successfully building the bridge between Violins of Hope and our Holocaust Education Center, to sitting on every planning committee, she is tirelessly dedicated. Her passion is unmatched, and she absolutely deserves this Volunteer of the Year honor.
Temple Emanuel of South Hills
Temple Emanuel of South Hills proudly recognizes Howard Friedman as our volunteer of the year. As a member of our Temple Emanuel Retirees in Mitzvah Service (TERMS) group, Howard regularly volunteers to assist with food drive deliveries, set up events, and tend to Temple Emanuel’s gardens. Outside of TERMS projects, Howard also delivers sandwiches to the Washington City Mission for Temple’s monthly Team Sandwich program and even volunteered for last summer’s Maccabi Games! Within our Temple Emanuel community, Howard volunteers to greet at Shabbat evening services and organize yahrzeit plaques weekly to illuminate the names of those we are remembering. No matter what the project is, Howard can always be counted on to lend a helping hand. We are so thankful he is part of our community and we are proud to honor him with this recognition.
Temple Ohav Shalom
Brian Kline has been a dedicated member of Temple Ohav Shalom since 1992. Over the years, he has taken on numerous leadership roles, including president of the men’s club, member-at-large on the board, and, for the past six years, vice president of operations. Known for his steady presence and deep commitment to the congregation, Brian is also an active participant in the men’s club, and a Mason affiliated with Corinthian Lodge in the North Hills. A Penn State graduate with a B.S. in administration of justice, he brings decades of professional experience and a spirit of service to the life of the temple.
Temple Sinai
We are happy to honor Reesa Rosenthal! Her warmth, dedication and joyful spirit shine through everything she does for our community. Reesa is a regular greeter at Shabbat and b’nei mitzvah services, always ready with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. Each month, she cooks and serves meals at East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM), showing care and kindness to our neighbors in need. She also serves as a Shiva Ambassador, offering compassion and comfort to congregants during difficult times. When Purim comes around, Reesa jumps right in — volunteering at the Purim Carnival and performing in the Purim Shpiel.
The Tree of Life
Andrew Stewart has been a steadfast community leader in his commitment to rebuilding the Tree of Life. As a dedicated member of our board of directors, executive committee and construction committee, he has generously lent his expertise to help move construction forward on our beautifully redesigned, community-centered building, which will begin in 2026. In the meantime, Andrew led the effort to build new offices for our staff, ensuring our work has a home as we await the permanent building’s completion. We are deeply grateful for his time, wisdom and the unwavering generosity he brings to our mission.
Yeshiva Schools
Two decades ago, Yosef Hashimi and his wife Tamar moved their family to join Pittsburgh’s Chabad community and to send their six children to Yeshiva Schools. Ever since, Yosef has selflessly given of himself to benefit the Squirrel Hill community. In addition to coaching dozens of baseball and softball teams in Squirrel Hill Baseball, Yosef has served tirelessly on Yeshiva’s board of directors since 2020 and as Yeshiva’s treasurer since 2022. Yosef has spent countless hours bringing wisdom and reason to the board’s decisions, improving Yeshiva’s fiscal discipline and financial forecasting, and displaying a special knack for resolving tough challenges. His contributions benefit Yeshiva beyond measure. PJC
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