YA native of Syracuse, New York, a product of both Conservative and Reform Judaism, Rabbi Stander is a graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton, active in Hillel and earning a B.A. in Judaic Studies in 1992. In 2001, he earned a certificate in Basic Mediation from the Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution at the University of Texas in Austin.Rabbi Stander has served several congregations. In Texas he has served Temple Rodef Shalom of Waco,and most recently Temple Beth Tikvah in the Clear Lake Area.
YIn 2007 he became the Rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Missouri City, Texas. As spiritual leader of the congregation, he offers guidance through worship and ritual, teaching and counseling. He also represents the congregation in the community.
YRabbi Stander is married to Margot Beth Tritsch Stander. They are proud parents of one child.
Cantor Ralph Katz
YCantor Katz, a native of New York, is the son of a cantor. He has been with Congregation Beth El since its beginning in 1982. He serves as cantor for Shabbat, B’nei Mitzvah, and holy days. He conducts services when Rabbi Stander is not present.
YCantor Katz is active in local musical productions at the Jewish Community Center of Houston, and has been the leading baritone for the Houston Gilbert & Sullivan Society for more than twenty years.
YCantor Katz is married to Carol Katz; they are proud parents of four children and proud grandparents of four.
Steven C. Daum, Director of Education
YMr. Daum, a native Houstonian, received his undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Hebrew from the University of Texas, and his Master of Arts in Jewish Education from the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Mr. Daum received his Reform Jewish Educator (R.J.E.) certification from the National Association of Temple Educators in 1995. Mr. Daumbegan his employment with Congregation Beth El in 1998.He is responsible for the operation and programming of the Religious School.
YMr. Daum is married to Suzie Daum; they are the proud parents of two children.
Debbie Schwartz, Congregation Beth El Preschool Director
Mrs. Schwartz, a native Houstonian, received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas.
She taught Preschool for 25 years before joining the staff at Beth El.
Mrs. Schwartz is married to David Schwartz, and they are the proud parents of one son.
Anne Rance, Business Director
Mrs. Rance is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and has been the Business Director for Congregation Beth El since 1996.
She has her associate degree in Business from CE School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska.
She is responsible for assuring that the temple functions smoothly, as well as assisting the Rabbi, Education Director, Preschool Director, temple lay leadership and committees.
She also handles accounts payable/receivable.
Mrs. Rance is married to Byron Rance, and they are proud parents of one daughter.
Lili Liebgold-Stern, Special Events Coordinator/Office Assistant
Ms. Liebgold-Stern, a native Houstonian, has been the Special Events Coordinator for Congregation Beth El since 2000.
Along with making sure that the OnegShabbat is prepared, she coordinates the food and set ups for all special events.
She also doubles as CBE’s office assistant Monday through Friday.
Ms. Liebgold received her degree in Business from the University of Texas.
Ms. Liebgold-Stern is the proud parent of three sons.
Marilyn Gorel, Preschool Assistant
Mrs. Gorelgrew up in Laredo, Texasand receiveda degree in Business from the University of Texas.
She has been with the Preschool since 1994.
She has worked previously as a Preschool Teacher; currently, she assists the Mrs. Schwartz with the daily operations of the Preschool.
Mrs. Gorel is married to Lance Gorel; they are the proudparents of two girls.
