MEET US
Enos Wisniewski
Head Custodian
For over a decade, Debbie Vinocur has been the driving force behind Congregation Beth Tikvah’s daily operations, creating a warm, inclusive environment where community thrives.
Her leadership has helped shape Beth Tikvah into a vibrant, welcoming congregation where every member feels supported and seen. From coordinating meaningful events to leading initiatives that enhance safety, security, and sustainability, Debbie ensures the synagogue runs smoothly and remains a space of beauty and accessibility.
Beyond Beth Tikvah, Debbie has been deeply involved in the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA), serving as Co-Chair of the 2018 national conference, a member of both the Ethics and Engagement Committees, and an Onboarding Coach for new professionals. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the NATA Service to Community Award in 2019.
She is also a graduate of the Worthington Citizens Academy and served on the Columbus Jewish Historical Society Board from 2012 to 2022.
Known for her collaborative spirit, Debbie strengthens the vital connection between clergy, temple officers, the Board of Trustees, and committees. Under her guidance, Beth Tikvah continues to flourish as a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where every voice matters. Her ongoing dedication makes a lasting impact both within the congregation and in the wider community.
Morissa R. Freiberg, RJE has served as Director of Education & Lifelong Learning at Congregation Beth Tikvah since 2012.
She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and earned a bachelor’s degree in Ethnomusicology and a Certificate in Judaic Studies from Ohio University, and a master’s degree in Judaic Studies and Jewish Education from the Laura & Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies. Before joining the staff at Congregation Beth Tikvah, Morissa wore many hats in the field of Jewish Education, and has been a Youth Director, Hebrew teacher, and Judaic studies instructor with various age groups. Morissa served as a Peer Engagement Intern at Hillel of Ohio University, where she also was extremely active as a ritual musician.
As a cellist and ethnomusicologist, she enjoys exploring the connections between Judaism and the power of music as a learning and teaching tool. Morissa holds a class “A” teacher certification from the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, and she is a certified RJE (Reform Jewish Educator) by the International Reform Jewish Educators Title Granting Commission. She is dedicated to inclusion of all learners in her programming. Morissa has completed professional development surrounding anti-bias education.
Deeply committed to tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) and experiential education, Morissa served as a staff member for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Mitzvah Corps, traveling in the summer of 2018 to Costa Rica with a group of 20 teens to do service learning through a Jewish lens.
As a certified meditation, pranayama, and yoga nidra teacher, Morissa enjoys integrating these spiritual and multi-sensory modalities into her Jewish practice. In 2018, she began a mediation group at Congregation Beth Tikvah which gives individuals the tools to bring meditation, breath, mindfulness, and inner peace into their lives — all from a Jewish lens.
Morissa is committed to guiding her students and community in building positive Jewish identities and strengthening individual connections to Judaism through creative and meaningful experiences for all ages.
Hannah brings her lifelong connection to Congregation Beth Tikvah into her role as the Marketing and Communications
Specialist.
A proud 2024 alumna of Ohio University with degrees in Journalism and Marketing, Hannah’s journey with
Beth Tikvah began at birth, when she was named at the
congregation and continued through the Sunday School and served on the Youth Group board. This deep-rooted connection inspired her to return to the community she loves and contribute her creativity and expertise.
In her role, Hannah oversees all aspects of Beth Tikvah’s
communications, including the monthly Tikvah Topics
magazine, social media, weekly e-blasts, and the congregation’s website. She crafts content that informs, engages, and inspires members.
Hannah ensures that every piece of communication reflects the warmth and vibrancy of Beth Tikvah.
Everett brings a wealth of experience and dedication to
managing the Temple’s finances, working closely with our Executive Director and the Board Treasurer.
He ensures membership payments, payroll, and other financial processes run smoothly, supporting the sacred partnership that binds our community.
In 2020, Everett returned to his hometown of Columbus after two decades in Jacksonville, FL, where he honed his skills as a church bookkeeper and inspired students as a business instructor at a local college.
His career is also shaped by a proud history of service in both the Army and the Navy, where he exemplified discipline and commitment.
Now back in the city he loves, Everett combines his financial
expertise and deep sense of service to support our community’s spiritual and operational growth.
Rhonda works as the Administrative Assistant to the
Executive Director and Rabbi.
She moved to Columbus from Pittsburgh to spend time with her family and was fortunate to find a second family at Beth Tikvah. Her background includes a bachelor’s degree in business and a paralegal certificate.
She worked with lawyers starting as a secretary and then was promoted to paralegal for 20+ years. She then worked with
Trauma Orthopedic Surgeons as a Surgical Scheduler for elective surgery for 26 years.
Now retired, she enjoys being the face of Beth Tikvah as she is the first person you’ll see when you walk through our doors! Rhonda supports the smooth functioning of daily operations and provides essential assistance to both the clergy and administrative staff.
Julie oversees all things musical at Beth Tikvah. As a former music educator, a former board-certified music therapist, and a longtime Jewish camp music specialist and educator, she draws upon her past experiences to create innovative Jewish music programming and worship. She leads a wide range of groups including the Shironim adult choir, the Shir Chadash teen ensemble, and the Shabbat Neshama service musicians. She also directs music programming for the Beth Tikvah religious school and serves as the piano accompanist for all our services.
As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Alisa has a lifelong interest in Jewish history and culture. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Judaic Studies from The Ohio State University, she dedicated herself to serving the Jewish community in various professional roles over the past three decades. Her work has consistently reflected her deep passion for Jewish education and her desire to inspire others.
At Beth Tikvah, Alisa plays an integral role in our community. She actively supports religious school programming, ensuring meaningful and engaging learning experiences for students. She also plans and helps execute family activities that bring members of all ages together, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Additionally, Alisa collaborates closely with Rabbi Rick Kellner on Holocaust education initiatives, helping to keep the memory of the past alive while promoting awareness and understanding.
Debbie joined the Beth Tikvah music team in 2015.
She taught choir and band in the public schools for 20 years.
She currently is a private music teacher for flute, voice and piano and is the choir director at Temple Beth Shalom.
In addition to being a cantorial soloist, you can find her in a
classroom tutoring Hebrew and mentoring B’nei Mitzvah students.
John is a long-time member of Beth Tikvah who lends his voice to enhance our worship experience.
He retired from teaching as a full-time professor for Otterbein University’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
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