Who We Are

Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama board members are volunteers who commit to two-year terms, attendance at regular meetings, and spearheading of special events and projects of interest to the community. They set goals for the organization, maintain budgets, and often serve as representatives of local Jewish organizations. They volunteer in many capacities, as described in our bylaws.

Want to make a difference in the North Alabama Jewish community? Apply to join the board!

JFHNA Board of Directors (Feb 2023 – December 2024)

Executive Committee

  • President: open
  • Vice President: open
  • Treasurer: open
  • Recording Secretary: open
  • Corresponding Secretary: open

Board Members

  • Phil Abroms
  • Michelle Banks
  • Martin Freeman
  • Scott Godchaux
  • Mariah Jonas
  • Shoshana Rosenthal
  • Lou Weiner
  • John Buhler (Associate)
  • Pastor Bob Somerville (Associate)
  • Website Administrator – Jennifer Nelson

Ex-Officio Board Members / Community Relations Committee

  • Rabbi Moshe Cohen (Chabad of Huntsville)
  • Rabbi Stephen Listfield (Etz Chayim)
  • Rabbi PJ Schwartz (Temple B’nai Sholom)

Congregational Presidents

  • Deanna Scott (Temple B’nai Sholom)
  • Lynne Edmondson (Etz Chayim)

Past JFHNA Presidents

We thank the following past presidents for their support of the Huntsville and North Alabama Jewish community through service to this Federation. A * indicates a board member emeritus who has served with distinction and is currently involved in regular meetings and activities of the JFHNA.

  • Arlene Averbuch*
  • Richard Brooks
  • Dr. William Goldberg*
  • Margaret Anne Goldsmith*
  • Edgar Gollop, OBM
  • Laura King*
  • Paul Kunitz
  • Michelle Lapidus
  • Jeff Lindy
  • Tobias Mendelson
  • Pam Rhodes
  • Joel Weinbaum*

Current Established Committees

  • Executive – Oversees governance issues
  • United Jewish Fund – Conducts annual campaign and solicits pledges
  • Budget and Allocations – Studies the merits of proposed activities and prospective beneficiaries, and allocates funding
  • Cultural and Recreational – Plans and arranges for the cultural, recreational and educational advancement of the Jewish community and fosters cooperation between entities
  • Social Welfare – Receives, investigates, and renders such services as may be deemed necessary in connection with requests for assistance made by individuals or families in the community related to financial distress, care of the aged, child welfare problems, and other personal emergencies
  • Community Relations Committee – Includes the Rabbis of all Jewish congregations.
  • Finance Committee – In charge of investment, sale, and reinvestment of assets, also conducts periodic audits of accounts.