Rabbi Peter Rigler began his service as Rabbi of Temple Sholom on July 1, 2009.

He is looking foward to engaging with members in all aspects of Jewish living including: worship services, through officiating at weddings, funerals, b'nai mitzvah ceremonies and baby namings, and teaching in the Religious School and Lifelong Learning program. Rabbi Rigler's interests include social justice, youth work, teaching and Israel. He is passionate about making the synagogue warm, fun and inviting.

Rabbi Rigler was ordained by the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 2002. He served previously for seven years as the Associate Rabbi at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA.  He worked as an intern during Rabbinical school at Reform Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, NY and also at Rodeph Sholom in New York City.

He is an active member of the URJ Camp Harlam Board, where he serves on the faculty for two weeks each summer. He is involved at the Broad Street Ministry homeless shelter and in many social action projects throughout Philadelphia. He is also a graduate of the Synagogue Transformation and Renewal Program, a two-year leadership training course.

His wife, Rabbi Stacy Rigler, is the Religious School Director at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA. They have three children: Maya, Nathan, and Eli. Rabbi Rigler loves running and ran in the New York Marathon in November, 2009.

Rabbi Rigler looks forward to meeting all members of Temple Sholom in person.

Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro was awarded a Masters of Sacred Music and Cantorial Investiture from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in May, 2003. Before serving Temple Sholom, she served Congregation Adas Emuno, Leonia, New Jersey, as both cantor and spiritual leader from 2003-2011. Originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, she graduated with a BA in English from Macalester College, Saint Paul, Minnesota, and then pursued further study at the Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies and Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut. During her academic career she was awarded various scholarships and prizes. Cantor Shapiro is the Vice President of Member Relations and External Partnerships of the American Conference of Cantors.

Cantor Shapiro has appeared in concert at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, Town Hall and Symphony Space, New York City; Beit Daniel, Tel Aviv, Israel and most recently with the American Conference of Cantors at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, Italy.

In addition to her work with the American Conference of Cantors, Cantor Shapiro is involved in interfaith dialogue through Sacred Heart University’s Center for Christian Jewish Understanding. Cantor Shapiro has been an invited guest lecturer at the Hebrew Union College, NYU’s Ireland House and Trinity College, Dublin.

Personal message:
As a cantor, I see myself as an emissary for Judaism and particularly Jewish Music. I strive to rise to the present needs of my community, while maintaining precious links to the past. My role within the congregational and larger community is founded upon trust, understanding and compassion. As a cantor I am able to reach out to young and old alike through song, prayer, learning, and shared experience. My work with interfaith organizations exemplifies my deep commitment to outreach. Most of our work as cantors is about communicating, whether it is through music, teaching, prayer, or helping a family through a crisis. I am an effective communicator who enjoys consensus building, creating bonds and making personal connections.

Cantor Patrice Kaplan joined our staff in 1983. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Temple University and received her cantorial certification from the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. Known as Cantor Patty, she is committed to nurturing a rich musical life for Temple Sholom in Broomall. Cantor Patty is dedicated to both the preservation of our Jewish musical heritage and the pursuit of new music that expresses an evolving Jewish consciousness. She continues to enliven and expand Temple Sholom's spiritual and musical growth. In the community, Cantor Patty has served as Chairperson of the Delaware Valley Reform Cantors’ Council and on the Executive Committee of the Women Cantors’ Network.

After 28 years of service, Cantor Patty retired and was named Cantor Emerita in June, 2011.

Cantor Patty’s husband, Jeffrey, is an active member of Brotherhood. They have two Midwest daughters: Sarah, who lives in Chicago, and Andrea, who lives in St. Louis. Cantor Patty is a vibrant and integral part of our Temple family.

As your Executive Director, I am thrilled to be a part of Temple Sholom. It is quite apparent that our community is vibrant, warm, welcoming and down to earth. What a wonderful place to experience our Judaism together.

Jewish communal service is my passion, and I have a particular love for Temples and Synagogues. This is truly the place where we can come together as a community. We build friendships, learn, celebrate and help one another, all in a way that is meaningful and comfortable for each of us.

Whether you are actively involved at Temple, or just come in a few times a year, please know that we are always here for you. It is my pleasure to help us run a welcoming and efficient Temple Sholom community. Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you. You may reach me at director@temple-sholom.org  or 610-356-5165 x103.

Sandy  Cohen joined the team at Temple Sholom in July of 2009. Born in Boston, Sandy grew up in central New Jersey. She went to Bates College in Maine where, through Hillel, she had her first taste of involvement in the Jewish Community beyond Sunday School and family functions. Sandy has an MA in cognitive sociology (how people perceive and structure their world). She spent over 20 years in market research. She specialized in designing, conducting and analyzing surveys which were used in litigation. During this time, Sandy also did a great deal of pro bono market research and consulting for various Jewish organizations. It was through volunteering that Sandy honed her talents and interest in community relations and creating community involvement.

Sandy lives in Wyncote with her husband, Herb, and 7 year old daughter, Victoria. In her free time Sandy is usually found hiking, tending her extensive gardens, reading a good book or organizing a community gathering of one type or another.

Lori Green has been involved in Jewish education for over 25 years, serving in Miami, FL; West Hartford, CT; and in the Philadelphia area. Entering her 12th year at Temple Sholom, Lori strives to foster in her students and their families a commitment to Jewish learning and doing. From partnering with the Leo Baeck School in Israel to her involvement with the Auerbach CAJE (Central Agency for Jewish Education),  and active membership in NATE (National Association of Temple Educators), Lori continues to bring creative and innovative ideas to engage Temple families in prayer, tikkun olam, love of Torah and commitment to Israel.

Liz Sussman received her B.S. in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT. She received her M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. She holds a Core Director?s Credential Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa and studied Hebrew Language with an Ulpan at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, Israel from 1975-1976. She is certified by the Private School Preschool Director PA Board and holds a Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools License as a Teacher, Nursery and Kindergarten.

Liz is the wife of Rabbi Lance Sussman at Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park and the mother of five grown children and two granddaughters. She accepted this fulltime position in order to "expand the school's enrollment, educate the children, provide resources to parents, instill a love for Judaism in a warm and nurturing environment and aid children in development and self-esteem."