Clergy & Staff | Temple Beth Sholom

Rabbi

Rabbi Doug Sagal

Rabbi Doug Sagal was born and raised in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. He attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, where he received a BA in History. Rabbi Doug was ordained a Rabbi at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem and New York City. He has an advanced degree in theology from Yale Divinity School where he won the annual award for the finest sermon preached in the famed Battell Chapel, and wrote his graduate thesis on the relationship between Jewish Midrash and African American preaching traditions.

After several years of additional study in advanced Judaic texts he was named a senior scholar of the Shalom Hartman Institute of Jerusalem. He has lived in Israel and has spent considerable time there since ordination. He has served congregations in Connecticut, Chicago, and New Jersey and is proud to now serve Temple Beth Sholom. He is a past president of the New Jersey-West Hudson region of Reform Rabbis.

He has three grown children Michal, Kyra and Coby and resides in New Jersey with his partner, Wendy Van Besien, an executive coach for C-suite leaders and teams around the country. He is the author of a forthcoming book titled "The God of Second Chances" to be published in 2026 by Paulist Press. He enjoys opera and theater and the occasional magic trick and has trained for many years as an amateur boxer.

Cantor

Cantor Anna Zhar

Cantor Anna’s journey began a long way from New City – back in the former USSR, where, at the age of five, she was already sitting at a piano bench in music school. By ten, she found her true love: singing in the choir. It wasn’t long before she was studying at the Tchaikovsky Music Academy in Moscow, soaking in a world of sound and harmony.

But Anna’s story was never just about music – it was about people. In 1991, her family immigrated to Israel, where she graduated with honors from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem. She performed with some of Israel’s most outstanding choirs and even brought music into places of healing, doing music therapy at Yad Sarah.

In Israel, Anna also discovered the Reform Movement, and something clicked: music could be more than art – it could be a sacred community. It could be Judaism, with a melody. That realization changed her life.

Together with her husband, Gary, Anna came to the U.S. She earned a Master’s in Choral Conducting from San Francisco State University and was subsequently ordained at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Since then, she has served congregations in Connecticut, Newburgh, and, most recently, right here in New City since 2012.

She has this gift for seeing people. She’ll notice a hidden talent you didn’t even know you had, nudge you to use it, and suddenly – there you are – part of the music, part of the leadership, part of the family. She makes people feel special, needed, and entirely at home.

In 2016, she launched an Israeli Exchange Program that connected our families with students from the Yoana Jabotinsky Boarding School. It wasn’t just a trip – it was laughter, friendship, shared meals, and memories that still echo in both communities.

Her proudest ensemble is her own family: Gary and their four children – Daniel, Avital, Roni, and Ariel.

Cantor Anna is a musician with the soul of a teacher, a Cantor with the heart of a community builder, and a friend who makes every voice feel like it belongs in the song. Her music, spirit, and contagious smile is at the very heart and soul of Temple Beth Sholom.

President

Tobi Mathios

It is a true honor to serve as President of Temple Beth Sholom, a community that has been a central part of my life for so many years. I have watched my children grow up here to become connected, Jewish adults. Given the exciting energy and renewed sense of purpose I see across our congregation, I feel that now is a particularly perfect and opportune time to take on this leadership role. My long-standing commitment to this community extends beyond our sanctuary. When I'm not engaged with temple life, you'll often find me on the tennis court, tending to my garden,taking walks with my dog, Henry, or just enjoying time with my family. Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving in various capacities here, whether chairing committees, creating new programs or accompanying our amazing cantor with my flute. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the dedication of our members, staff, and clergy, and for the vital role that TBS plays in both our Jewish life and the broader community.

Religious School Director

Shanna Straut

Shanna began her journey at Temple Beth Sholom in 2015 as a 5th grade religious school teacher. Since 2021, she has led the religious school and teen program, stepping into the role of Education Director in June 2023. She holds a Master's degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Bachelor's degree from Binghamton University. A Rockland County native, Shanna attended Jewish day school locally and spent many memorable summers at Camp Ramah, experiences that helped shape her love of Jewish community and learning. Shanna is passionate about bringing Jewish life to the next generation. She strives to create joyful, meaningful learning experiences that help students build lasting connections to their heritage and community. Shanna lives in Rockland County with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog. When Shanna is not facilitating top-notch Jewish learning, you can find her hiking, baking, crocheting, or most likely collapsed on the couch after a long day.

Executive Director

Valentina Katsnelson

Valentina was born and raised in Minsk, Belarus. She immigrated to the United States in 2005 and joined the Temple Beth Sholom Community as an Administrative Assistant in 2007 drawn to the opportunity to support a place that felt both welcoming and meaningful. Over the years Valentina became known for understanding the needs of the community, finding creative solutions and approaching every challenge with a calm, steady presence. Valentina was never afraid of taking on new responsibilities, strengthening relationships and helping to shape the systems that keep the community thriving. She eventually took the role of an Executive Director of TBS. Valentina is devoted to partnering with temple members, clergy, Board and staff to provide meaningful experiences that continue to distinguish our synagogue.