Martha Rowley, Office Secretary
Martha is a life-long member of Shaarai Shomayim and began her adult involvement by serving in a number of Sisterhood positions including recording secretary, treasurer, and vice-president. “I absolutely refused to become president. I understand it’s a really tough job!” she confesses. Her professional status evolved when (school principal) Rosanne Selfon noted that since she was hanging around Religious School a lot, she may as well be working! So Martha became Religious School administrator, Bulletin editor, and part-time office assistant for 10 years; the full-time secretary job was offered to her when the previous secretary retired 8 years ago.
Martha is grateful for the strong Religious School education she received here as a child and is proud of Shaarai’s long history, and the continuity of following both her parents and grandparents as an involved Temple member.
Daughters Alanna and Hannah and husband Jamie have all been active in Temple life from time to time as well. Both girls became B’not Mitzvah here, and Jamie, formerly a Religious School teacher, has been known to help fold Bulletins for mailing and flip picnic burgers on occasion.
Genna Woodward, Office Assistant
Since joining membership in 2003, Genna has steadily increased her involvement in Temple life and leadership. While studying for conversion, she interviewed for the office assistant position that she currently holds. Genna comes from a background of customer service, sales and corporate conflict resolution. She enjoys working with the Rabbi and Martha and is known to rarely leave work at her scheduled time. She loves being involved and connected to her Temple family. Genna views her becoming an adult Bat Mitzvah as one of the highlights of her Jewish experience.
Genna first became active in Chavrai Zamir, the adult Torah study group and Sisterhood. She then became involved with committee work which has included Adult Jewish Growth and Ritual committees and went on to chair our Caring Community Committee and co-chair our Congregational Life Committee. Genna became a member of the Sisterhood board and is currently serving as Sisterhood President. Since being President, she has given up most of her committee work so that she can continue to have time to pursue her other Temple passions which include teaching in the Religious School as a Torah/Tanakh specialist, tutoring all of Shaarai’s B’nai Mitzvah students and occasionally filling in as a cantorial soloist when needed for Shabbat services.
Son John and husband John are also active participants at Shaarai. Both have also converted to Judaism. Son John has become a Bar Mitzvah and is active as a Hebrew aide and as a member of SSTY. Husband John is a member of the Adult Jewish Growth Committee and Brotherhood. The Woodward family is also a pilot family in the Legacy Heritage Project.
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