A 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 Sholom of Waco, and most recently Temple Beth Tikvah in the Clear Lake Area.
In 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.
Rabbi Stander is married to Margot Beth Tritsch Stander; they are proud parents of one child.
“Drop-In” Schedule for Rabbi Stander
Rabbi Stander would love for you to “drop-in” during the week! The rabbi will be available for visits at CBE on Wednesdays (9:00-11:00) and Fridays (9:00-11:00) when Preschool is in session. It’s always best to call ahead (281-499-5066), just in case the rabbi has been called away for a pastoral visit, an emergency meeting, et al. But in general, Rabbi Stander will be available Wednesdays and Fridays to greet visitors on a “first-come/first-served” basis!
Cantor Ralph Katz
Cantor Ralph Katz, a native of New York, is the son of a cantor.
He has been with Congregation Beth El since its creation in 1982.
He serves as cantor for Shabbat, B'nai Mitzvah, the High Holidays and festivals.
The cantor conducts services when Rabbi Stander is not present.
Cantor Katz is active in local musical productions at the Jewish Community Center of Houston.
He has been the leading baritone for the Houston Gilbert & Sullivan Society for more than twenty years.
Cantor Katz is married to Carol Katz; they are proud parents of four children and proud grandparents of four.
Jodi Buck, Director of Education and Youth
Jodi Buck, a native Houstonian, graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Elementary Education.
She has held a variety of positions within Jewish programming and education as a Children's Program Coordinator at the Jewish Community Center, Assistant Director of Education at Congregation Beth Israel, and the Education Director at Congregation Jewish Community North in Spring, Texas.
In between the varied jobs in Jewish education, Jodi also taught in public and private schools and worked in Israel at the Jewish Agency and the Israel Association for Community Centers.
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 Oneg Shabbat 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. Gorel grew up in Laredo, Texas and received a 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 Mrs. Schwartz with the daily operations of the Preschool.
Mrs. Gorel is married to Lance Gorel; they are the proud parents of two girls.
Executive Officers
President -- Bill Stern
1st VP -- Bill Asnes
2nd VP -- Harry Himmelstein
3rd VP -- Ellen Polansky
Secretary -- Michael Bersin
Treasurer -- Marianne Einav
Member at large -- Andy Gratz
Member at large -- Marty Pedowicz
Committee Contacts
Sisterhood -- Andrea Croft
Brotherhood -- Stan Poscovsky
Senior Group -- Darrell Caraway
BEFTY Advisor -- Murray Adelstein
BEFTY President -- Justin Garfield
Administration -- Sandy Lessig
Facilities -- Henry Fackeldey
Finance -- Martha Raskin
FSC -- Barry Finberg
Fundraising -- Mikele Simoneaux
Membership -- Amy Merkin
Religious School -- Carrie Garfield
Ritual -- Pat Rose
Preschool -- Jennifer Berko, Sara Metro
Webmaster -- Tracy Weiss
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