Rabbi Geri Newburge
Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Geri Newburge was ordained as a rabbi from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, OH. She is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). Rabbi Newburge is currently the senior rabbi at Main Line Reform Temple. Previously, she served as the Associate Rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Over the years, Rabbi Newburge has spent time in leadership roles with the Delaware Valley Area Reform Rabbis and the Central Conference of American Rabbis. During her tenure as rabbi, she has focused her efforts on pastoral care, building connections with youth, interfaith relationships, social action, and crafting meaningful worship experiences. She is honored to be included in the national Rabbinic Advisory Board for StandWithUs and the Jewish National Fund-USA Rabbis For Israel Advisory Committee. Rabbi Newburge grew up in South Florida, graduated from the University of Miami (Go Canes!) with a B.A. in Religious Studies and received a M.A. in Religion from the Claremont School of Theology.
Rabbi Newburge is married to Rabbi Eric Goldberg, Rabbi Educator at Congregation Shir Ami in Newtown, PA, and they are proud parents of their son, Jay.
Cantor Faryn Rudnick
Cantor
Prior to joining the MLRT family, Cantor Rudnick served as cantor at Temple Beth-El in Northbrook, IL, where she began her cantorial career after her ordination from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College in NYC in 2013. Cantor Rudnick is passionate about creating community, specifically for those with disabilities. In 2015, Cantor Rudnick was the co-recipient of the Chicago Federation’s Annual Samuel A. Goldsmith Award for her work in the field of inclusion. She represents the American Conference of Cantors on the Jewish Disabilities Network, and works with many organizations nationally to make the Jewish community a community of belonging for all people.
Cantor Rudnick holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Miami University (OH), and received her first master’s degree in Music Education from Montclair State University. Prior to Cantorial School, Cantor Rudnick was a tenured teacher in the Oakland Public School District in NJ. She is married to Jack Rudnick and they are the proud parents of Hannah and George.
Rabbi Eric Mollo
Associate Rabbi
Rabbi Eric Mollo was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, OH. He is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), co-chair of RAC-PA, and serves on the Executive Board of the Greater Philadelphia Board of Rabbis. Rabbi Mollo is currently the associate rabbi at Main Line Reform Temple. He previously served as Rabbi of Temple Chayai Shalom, Tree of Life Congregation, and Temple B’nai B’rith.
Throughout his career, Rabbi Mollo has worked with local and state representatives to provide a voice to the most vulnerable and worked alongside fellow clergy and activists to build bridges across religious, racial, and socio-economic boundaries.
Rabbi Mollo lives in Newtown Square with his wife, Rabbi Carolan Glatstein, their daughters, Izzie and Rosie, and his mother, Holly Mollo.
Rabbi Kevin Kleinman
Associate Rabbi, Director of Education
Rabbi Kleinman was ordained by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 2009 and served as the Associate Rabbi for Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA before beginning his tenure at MLRT in 2016. As a teenager, he was the NFTY-MAR regional president and attended and worked at URJ Camp Harlam where he continues to serve on the faculty. These experiences shaped his desire to help families create meaningful, spirited, Jewish life at home as well as in the synagogue.
Rabbi Kleinman graduated cum laude from Brandeis University in 2002 with a B.A. in Sociology. He then worked as a Jewish Environmental Educator at the Teva Learning Center in Falls Village, CT where he met his wife and life partner Chana Rothman, a renowned Jewish musician. He and Chana are avid outdoor enthusiasts and passionate about working toward building a more sustainable and just world, guided by Jewish values. They live in Mount Airy, Philadelphia with their three children Izzy, Yarden, and Misha, who are an active part of the MLRT ECE and Religious School communities.
Lynne Balaban
Executive Director
A Philadelphia native, Lynne holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s Degree from Gratz College. Lynne has a breadth of program development and management experience coupled with a passion for Jewish education. She supports and believes in the importance of building a strong community, dedicating ourselves to Tikkun Olam, and helping others become connected and engaged in ways that they find meaningful. She is dedicated to nurturing productive relationships with our board, staff and congregants.
As an active member of NAASE (the North American Association of Synagogue Executives), she currently serves on their Executive Board as Vice President and is co-chairing their 2026 conference. She is looking forward to the opportunity to get more involved with NATA (National Association of Temple Administrators). Since her return to the area three years ago, she has also been involved with DVASA (Delaware Valley Association of Synagogue Administrators), serves on the Philadelphia Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Board and is a member of the Development Committee for Hillel at the University of Delaware. She and her husband Michael live in Wynnewood with their two dogs and have three (albeit not fully off the payroll) grown children.
Ross M. Levy
Director of Youth Engagement
Ross M. Levy came to MLRT in 2012 to reinvigorate our Youth programming. In addition, Ross is our Music Director for the ECE and Religious School. Ross has a background in Jewish education, web design, marketing, and music. He came to MLRT from Progressive Business Publications and the Satell Teen Fellowship for Leadership & Social Activism. Ross also spent six years working for the Jewish Community High School at Gratz College.
Ross has been a force on the Jewish music scene, playing for congregations, camps, and youth groups around the country. Ross has performed hundreds of shows, including performances at NFTY National Convention, URJ Regional Biennial Conventions, and CAJE Conferences. Ross was even crowned the winner of the Jewish American Idol competition at CAJE 34 in Vermont. Ross’ music has been featured on four National Jewish music compilations and can be heard daily on JewishRockRadio.com. Check out his music HERE! Ross lives in Elkins Park with his wife, Cantor Amy Levy, and his two beautiful daughters, Aria and Yakira.
Mihaela Schwartz
Early Childhood Education Director
Mihaela received both masters in Science of Education, Childhood Education, and Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education in NYC. As a life-long learner, Mihaela earned her Ph.D. in History and Museum Education in 2009. Currently, she is enrolled in a doctorate program that focuses on Curriculum and Instruction.
Mihaela has served as a classroom teacher in general or special education for many years. For the last ten years, she served as a school director or administrator for different private schools or early childhood centers in NYC and Bala Cynwyd, PA. Her educational philosophy aligns with a progressive approach to education which proudly provides students, educators, and communities with a foundation for transforming our world in big and small ways. Social justice, advocacy, and building an inclusive society are at the core of her work.
Mihaela enjoys spending time with her family and proudly serves as a sous chef for her husband, cooking new food and make each culinary moment a real adventure.
Learn more about the great leaders of MLRT below.
Administrative & Office Staff
Andy Heller
Music Director
Davida Chornock
Director of Marketing & Communications
Jojuan Johnson
Facilities Manager
Controller
Eileen Roberts
Receptionist
Melissa Friedman
ECE Assistant Director
Gabby Siegel
Front Office
Leslie Guerin
ECE Office Administrator
Laurie SIlverman
Office Manager
David Greim
Facilities Director
Michelle Wilson
Bookkeeper
Maintenance Department
Robert “Buggsy” Buggs
David Jones
Steve Lanier