Beth Allen
I am pleased to have been nominated by the MLRT Board of Trustees to join the Executive Committee. I served two previous terms on the Board, including one as Recording Secretary. I also had the privilege of co-chairing the Tikkun Olam Network with my dear friend Liz Stoller for many years. Before that, I was co-chair of the ECE parents’ committee and, earlier, led the preschool social action committee with Liz.
In short, I have enjoyed being part of MLRT and taking on many roles since my husband and I moved here and joined in 2001. All three of our daughters became B’not Mitzvah here, and we are looking forward to our youngest’s Confirmation this spring.
Victoria Blisard
I started my journey with MLRT in preschool at age two, continuing through 12th grade. I celebrated significant milestones, such as my Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation, at MLRT. In my early twenties, I even worked at a summer camp and spent a few years teaching in the 8th and 9th grade retreats.
My parents’ active involvement in the synagogue greatly shaped my understanding of the importance of membership and community engagement. This strong connection brought me back to the area, and when I had children, I naturally enrolled them in Religious School. My twin boys are now in third grade, and my daughter is in first grade. We enjoy attending family services each month and taking part in holiday events. My 9-5 job is in insurance marketing. I enjoy walking and could talk for hours about recent books I’ve read. I look forward to contributing to MLRT in this new role.
Kerry Heppen
I joined MLRT in 2006. Along with my husband, Dave, we have two children, Sarah and Josh. Sarah and Josh are both graduates of MLRT ECE and Religious School, celebrated becoming a Bat/Bar Mitzvah at MLRT, and attended Camp Harlam.
I have actively participated in the synagogue, holding various positions. I am a member of both the Sisterhood and Mixed Choirs. I am deeply involved with the Tikkun Olam Network and always participate in the congregational MLK Day of Service. I have served on several music committees, including our recent Music Director Search Committee, the Curtis Concert, and the Andy Heller send-off celebration. I also served on the Sisterhood Board as the VP of Advancement of Judaism. I am a social worker who loves singing, practicing yoga, and cats.
Hayley Ornstein
I currently serve on the MLRT Board of Trustees as Recording Secretary.
I am in my fourth year as chair of the Committee for Religious School Parents, which engages families in Jewish education and strengthens connections within the MLRT community. As I step into the role of Vice President, I look forward to continuing the work already underway, staying connected across our congregation, and supporting our Temple leadership in meeting the evolving needs of our Temple.
Troy Podell
My involvement with MLRT has taken many forms. I taught 5th and 7th grades in our MLRT Religious School from 2013 until 2019.
Our oldest daughter and son both attended the ECE and are enthusiastic participants in the Religious School and proud Junior Jammers. Our youngest daughter is currently a happy student in our ECE. Professionally, I work as an educational administrator in the Downingtown Area School District, overseeing multiple curriculum areas and organizational functions.
Seth Ruderman
My wife Dana and I joined MLRT when we moved to the Main Line in 2017. I am a mutual fund attorney at Vanguard.
We have two children who both became Bar/Bat Mitzvah at MLRT, were active members of the community, and served as madrichim during their time at Tribe. I have been part of the MLRT men’s basketball league for seven years. We are forever grateful to Rabbi Kleinman, who was literally the first person we met when we moved to the Main Line, for welcoming us and helping us feel at home.
Liz Stoller
I, along with my husband, Jason, and our sons, Jake and Kyle, became part of the Main Line Reform Temple family in 2013.
We began our involvement when the boys started in preschool, and that was the platform that initiated my involvement. Since then, I have served on the Board of Trustees, was Co-President of Sisterhood, and have been engaged with nearly every facet of the congregation’s life. In 2022, a friend and I started a non-profit called Lower Merion Cares. The group’s goal is to help residents with clothing and other basic needs for their social and emotional well-being.
Jared Weiner
Our family joined MLRT in 2019. My wife, Carey, was first introduced to MLRT through the Mommy & Me program, and our children later graduated from the Early Childhood Education program.
Our daughters are currently enrolled in the Religious School, and we are all active members of the MLRT community. Professionally, I have a background in finance and serve as Managing Director on Pathstone’s Investment Research team, where I lead the Chief Investment Office.
