Central Synagogue

When we gather together for a sacred purpose, we endure.

About Central

Our Staff


Livia D. Thompson, FTA

Livia D. Thompson, FTA
Senior Director

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A graduate of Columbia University’s School of General Studies and Columbia University Law School, Livia Thompson worked for many years in the non-profit sector both at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Lawyers Alliance for New York before joining Central Synagogue as executive director in 1993.

In this role, now called senior director, Livia oversees all of Central Synagogue’s daily operations. She became a Fellow of Temple Administration (FTA) in 2006. Livia has written numerous articles for the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA) Journal, ADL publications and Lawyers Alliance resource books. She has also spoken extensively at various workshops and conventions. Livia is currently an officer of NATA where she serves on numerous committees including having spent six years on the Reform Pension Board. She is also a member of the CCAR’s Finance Committee. Livia lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her husband and three daughters.

All Staff Profiles

Livia D. Thompson, FTA

Livia D. Thompson, FTA
Senior Director

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Caren  Keller

Caren Keller
Assistant Director

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Daniel A. Nadelmann

Daniel A. Nadelmann
Director of Development

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Yonni Wattenmaker, RJE

Yonni Wattenmaker, RJE
Director of Lifelong Learning

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Susan Alpert, M.S., SAS/SDA

Susan Alpert, M.S., SAS/SDA
Director of Early Childhood Education

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Ann  Obsatz, M.Ed.

Ann Obsatz, M.Ed.
Associate Director of Early Childhood Education

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Danielle Freni

Danielle Freni
Director of Communication

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Jeff Goldberg

Jeff Goldberg
Director of Finance

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Beth Woloff

Beth Woloff
Director of Operations and Events

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Glen  Barnstable

Glen Barnstable
Director of Facilities

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Steve  Weingord

Steve Weingord
Events Manager

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Rabbi Marion Lev-Cohen

Rabbi Marion Lev-Cohen
Director of Adult Education and Engagement

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