About Us

Rabbi Ari Goldstein has served as Rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom since 2007. Born in Baltimore and raised in New Orleans—a place he still proudly calls home—he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and was ordained in 1997 by Hebrew Union College. Before joining Temple Beth Shalom in 2004, he served congregations in Glencoe, Illinois, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A gifted teacher, inspiring speaker, and passionate Zionist, Rabbi Goldstein’s sermons have appeared in national compilations, and he contributed an essay to Sacred Journeys: Ecumenical Perspectives on Spiritual Care. He continues to bring warmth, scholarship, and a deep commitment to Jewish life and learning to the Temple Beth Shalom community.

Anna E. Greenberg founded JFedA-C's predecessor, the United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County, in the 1980s, shaping its community impact. Her vision laid the foundation for the organization’s ongoing impact in the community.  After her husband's Navy retirement, she returned to Annapolis, where she was born and raised, dedicating over forty years to local service. As a professional volunteer, Anna has led and enhanced various organizations at all levels, serving on notable local, \national, and international boards such as Hadassah, St. John’s College, and the Eli Wiesel Holocaust Sub-committee. She also helped preserve Annapolis’s character through her significant and tireless work with the Historic Annapolis movement.

Howard Salob has been president of Congregation Kol Shalom for the past 18 years. In addition to his presidency, he serves as a lay leader, Bar Mitzvah tutor, and member of the religious committee. He is devoted to making Kol Shalom an integral part of the greater Annapolis community. A practicing general dentist since 1970, Howard also served as the team dentist for the Washington Capitals, Washington Bullets/Wizards, and Washington Mystics for 30 years. He and his wife, Judy, reside in Severna Park and have been members of Congregation Kol Shalom for 41 years.

Jack J. Schmerling has served on the Board of Governors of Congregation Kneseth Israel for more than 41 years, where he is Executive Vice President and Chair of the Finance Committee. A Founding Family of Aleph Bet Jewish Day School, Jack has long been dedicated to strengthening Jewish education and community life. He also served 11 years on the Board of the Brain Injury Association of Maryland. A U.S. Army veteran, Jack was a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC) from 1974 to 1978. After his military service, he practiced law for 38 years and now serves as Of Counsel to Zirkin & Schmerling Law.

Rabbi Joshua Shorr has been in public service for more than 20 years, working in government, academia, chaplaincy, and interim congregational leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Rutgers University, a master’s in international relations from the London School of Economics, and a Ph.D. in international psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a published dissertation on PTSD in Nigeria. He also completed chaplaincy training, including coursework accredited by the University of Maryland, and earned a certificate in executive leadership from the Naval Postgraduate School. Rabbi Shorr received semicha from a well-recognized program in Haifa, Israel, after many years of yeshiva study, and continues his lifelong journey of learning in both Jewish and secular fields.

Since 1974, Laura Sutton has been a champion for women’s leadership, equality, and safety through her work with Jewish Women International (formerly B’nai B’rith Women). She has held multiple national and regional leadership roles, including JWI National Vice President and Chair of B’nai B’rith Women’s South Atlantic Region. Laura also served on the steering committee for JWI’s Women to Watch awards and co-chaired the organization’s 1994 gala event honoring First Lady Hillary Clinton. In Anne Arundel County, she is a dedicated member of the Community Yom HaShoah Observance Committee, helping preserve Holocaust remembrance and education.

Professionally, Laura served as Associate Director of Student Health at St. John’s College in Annapolis from 1996 to 2014. A lifelong member of Congregation Kneseth Israel, she currently serves as Vice President of its Sisterhood.

Rabbi Steve Weisman joined the Temple Solel family in August, 2000. He came there after serving as the spiritual leader of congregations in Fairfield County, CT, and Fredericksburg, VA. Rabbi Weisman has made his reputation in several areas, including working with the National Federation of Temple Youth, establishing programs of outreach to college students and young adults, teaching Torah and prayer book study classes to all ages, and working in outreach and interfaith relations.

His Jewish journey has been about finding the places that fit. Growing up, URJ Camps, to NFTY youth groups, and College Hillel open the door to finding others of like mind and values. Temple Solel is the first synagogue he belonged to as an adult that also fit. From day one, the community demonstrated authentic caring about him and his family which in turn created the safe space for raising their children and continued Jewish learning and exploration. Michael is humbled by the support of the community in serving as President - Temple Solel just turned 60 - and he is excited to be part of the next chapter of the Congregations story.