As Executive Director, I am responsible for the overall day-to-day management of BAI’s administrative and financial affairs.
From the moment I stepped into BAI, I felt the warmth and inclusivity of this community, and it immediately felt like home. I am honored to work in partnership with the amazing people of BAI to make our community thrive.
I previously worked as a synagogue consultant in the Reconstructionist Movement, advising congregations across North America on the day-to-day challenges of running a Jewish community.
I live in West Philly with my wife, Nomi, and children, Eyal, Nadav and Noa. Originally from Atlanta, I am proud to be raising third-generation Philly Jews—Go Birds! I was ordained as a Rabbi by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2019, but please feel free to just call me “Micah”.
You can reach me at executivedirector@bethamisrael.org.
Liat Rosov (she/her)
Education Director
As Education Director, I bring a passion about Jewish education being engaging and accessible for learners of all ages, and believe that Jewish education is a pathway to connection, identity, and growth.
Before this role, I served as the Director of Jewish Student Life at Hillel at Temple University, where I supervised student leadership, facilitated Jewish learning fellowships and implemented wellness programs designed to foster a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from Temple University and am currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. I live in East Falls with my partner, Jonathan, and our cat, Stevie. Outside of work, you can find me at a coffee shop with a book in hand.
I’m excited to continue to build community here at BAI!
You can reach me at education@bethamisrael.org.
Amber Phelps (she/her)
Membership Engagement Coordinator and Office Assistant
As Membership Engagement Coordinator, I focus on building relationships among BAI members, engaging prospective members, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. As such, I’m excited to be blending my passion for connecting and collaborating with people and supporting this vibrant, values-driven community.
Originally from the Buckeye State, I’ve called Philly home since 1997. Over the years, I’ve worked across nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith communities in roles ranging from hiring and fundraising to program development and administrative leadership.
I’m a proud mom to Bri and Jaden, partner to the wonderful Rafael, and housemate to our moody but lovable cat, Celine—and our adopted, adorable Dalmatian, Sunny, who keeps life playful and full of joy. I’m passionate about social justice, obsessed with flowers, always up for a hike or craft project, and love spending time in nature.
Let’s connect—I’d love to hear your story.
You can reach me at office@bethamisrael.org.
Ellen Feist (she/her)
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
As the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, I am responsible for developing the BAI emails you receive, updating the website and events calendar, social media engagement, and digital and print graphics. This position perfectly blends my professional marketing experience with my passion for Jewish community.
I spent 12 years as the Director of Marketing and PR at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA, managing all aspects of advertising, promotions, media relations, sponsor relations, and digital media. I also have experience in theater, entertainment, and other nonprofit marketing and communications.
Passionate about Jewish community, I am an active volunteer at my own synagogue, Congregation Kol Ami in Cherry Hill, NJ. I live in Cherry Hill, NJ with my husband, Michael, two children, Samara and Ethan, and rescue dog, Sandy.
I work remotely but hope to see you at BAI soon.
You can reach me at marketing@bethamisrael.org.
Gael Levin-Simon (she/her)
BAI Tots Coordinator
“BAI Tots creates a space where friendships grow and relationships deepen between children, parents, grandparents, and staff. The joy of hearing a four-year old say, ‘I should have brought my walking stick!’ or seeing photos of home projects inspired by our programs reflects the lasting impact of these experiences.”
I’m an educator, parent coach, and nature-craft lover. My first career was an educational content developer in children’s media. After more than 20 years, I decided I’d rather create programming for kids and parents that was hands-on, local, playful, and sustainable. This led me to Jewish early childhood programming that is so beshert (meant to be) because one of my favorite things to do is connect creatively with kids and families around Jewish values. I truly enjoy the BAI community and look forward to meeting you if we haven’t already!
Rabbi Aya Baron (she/her)
Curriculum Developer
As curriculum developer for Shorashim (grades K-7), I draft curriculum, train staff, and collaborate with BAI’s team to help Shorashim thrive. It has been a joy to share my experience teaching, directing, and authoring curriculum for nature-based Jewish youth programs at BAI since 2022.
Outside of my time at BAI, I am a scholar, educator, and ritualist, offering earth-based Jewish programs, educational consultation, life-cycle ritual, and spiritual mentorship. I was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2024. I have served congregations as scholar-in-residence and student Rabbi, co-authored earth-based practice guides with Shamir Collective, and worked as a program director at Wilderness Torah. While in school, I participated in the Wexner Graduate Fellowship. My most recent publication is Expanding the Field: A DIY Rosh Hashanah Companion (Ayin Press, 2025), for which I am a coauthor. I hold an M.A. in Jewish Studies from the Graduate Theological Union focusing on feminist and folkloric interpretations of rabbinic literature.
I live in West Philadelphia on Lenni-Lenape land, where I delight in family life, crafting, and watching the sunset from the roof.
Laura Roeder (she/her)
Financial Operations
As the accounting and bookkeeping lead, I focus on keeping our financial operations running smoothly, from payroll and member billing to reporting and strategic financial support. I love bringing organization, clarity, and efficiency to the numbers so that our executive and finance teams can focus on the community and its members.
A Fordham University graduate in Finance & Marketing, I began my career in New York City through the Bank Operations Training Program and went on to own businesses in Toronto, ON, Billerica, MA, and now Philadelphia, spanning stock photography, film, and broadcast equipment manufacturing. I’ve been part of the Beth Am Israel community since 2011, and I also run a bookkeeping and accounting consulting business, helping other organizations thrive through sound financial management.
I’m a delighted mom to three wonderful children—Anna (recently engaged!), Malcolm, and Libby—and the devoted parent of two rescue dogs, Puck and Diesel. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cooking, knitting, and crocheting, sewing, and have recently taken up golf.
You can reach me at bookkeeper@bethamisrael.org.
Angel Minchala (he/him)
Facilities Technician
As the BAI facilities technician, I’m responsible for keeping our building clean and in good working order. I manage the setup and cleanup for meetings and events and make sure we have all the supplies we need to keep the community running. Please let me know if you need anything.