SENIOR STAFF
Yaffa Finley
Education and Worship Associate
I was born and raised in Israel, nurtured by the rich traditions of my Jewish heritage. After pursuing higher education, I gained invaluable life experience living and working in a kibbutz, fostering a deep connection to community. Upon arriving in the US, I completed a Pilates teacher training program, allowing me to expand my skills and guide myself and others towards a healthier lifestyle.
Now an integral part of the Shir Shalom community in Sonoma, I first served as a Hebrew School teacher, and have since taken on more responsibilities. Today, I assist in running our Hebrew School operation, teach the Adult B'nai Mitzvah program, and serve as the Rabbi's assistant. I am honored to be part of the spiritual life of our wonderful congregation.
Education and Worship Associate
I was born and raised in Israel, nurtured by the rich traditions of my Jewish heritage. After pursuing higher education, I gained invaluable life experience living and working in a kibbutz, fostering a deep connection to community. Upon arriving in the US, I completed a Pilates teacher training program, allowing me to expand my skills and guide myself and others towards a healthier lifestyle.
Now an integral part of the Shir Shalom community in Sonoma, I first served as a Hebrew School teacher, and have since taken on more responsibilities. Today, I assist in running our Hebrew School operation, teach the Adult B'nai Mitzvah program, and serve as the Rabbi's assistant. I am honored to be part of the spiritual life of our wonderful congregation.
Reb Neal Attinson
Para-Rabbinic Fellow and Assistant to the Rabbi
Though my early Jewish education came through the Reform movement, I became Bar Mitzvah at a Boston-area Conservative shul in 1975. Rebelling against a not-very-good Hebrew School experience, I spent the next 20 years wandering through various other spiritual traditions before finding my way back to Judaism. In mid-1998, Ann and I moved to Sonoma when the Sonoma Index-Tribune hired me as a reporter. That was also the year we discovered and joined Shir Shalom, and in 2000, I completed Reform's Para-Rabbinic Fellows program, which helped inform my ongoing Jewish quest toward greater communal service. Since then, I’ve been leading (and now co-facilitating) Shabbat-morning Torah study, teaching in our Hebrew school, tutoring B’Mitzvah candidates, and leading worship services as needed. Additionally, I co-facilitate our Wednesday-morning Rabbinic Text study. My other passions include writing, amateur astronomy, cats, cooking, science fiction and fantasy, and Ann, my companion since 1987.
Para-Rabbinic Fellow and Assistant to the Rabbi
Though my early Jewish education came through the Reform movement, I became Bar Mitzvah at a Boston-area Conservative shul in 1975. Rebelling against a not-very-good Hebrew School experience, I spent the next 20 years wandering through various other spiritual traditions before finding my way back to Judaism. In mid-1998, Ann and I moved to Sonoma when the Sonoma Index-Tribune hired me as a reporter. That was also the year we discovered and joined Shir Shalom, and in 2000, I completed Reform's Para-Rabbinic Fellows program, which helped inform my ongoing Jewish quest toward greater communal service. Since then, I’ve been leading (and now co-facilitating) Shabbat-morning Torah study, teaching in our Hebrew school, tutoring B’Mitzvah candidates, and leading worship services as needed. Additionally, I co-facilitate our Wednesday-morning Rabbinic Text study. My other passions include writing, amateur astronomy, cats, cooking, science fiction and fantasy, and Ann, my companion since 1987.
STAFF
Tricia Ladouceur
Office Administrator
Tricia works in the office and oversees the day-to-day operation of the synagogue office, providing administrative and clerical support to the rabbi, Board of Directors, committees, and members. Tricia is your main point of contact for questions.
Office Administrator
Tricia works in the office and oversees the day-to-day operation of the synagogue office, providing administrative and clerical support to the rabbi, Board of Directors, committees, and members. Tricia is your main point of contact for questions.
Sally Brian
Bookkeeper / Accounting
Sally handles finances for the synagogue including payments and donations from members and contributors. She also prepares billing, invoicing, payroll, and taxes.
Bookkeeper / Accounting
Sally handles finances for the synagogue including payments and donations from members and contributors. She also prepares billing, invoicing, payroll, and taxes.
Susan Sandeen
Accounting Assistant
Susan assists our bookkeeper in receiving the mail and inputting financials into the database.
Accounting Assistant
Susan assists our bookkeeper in receiving the mail and inputting financials into the database.
Edwin Porcayo
Communications Coordinator
Edwin works with our committees, the board, and the rabbi to enhance communications within the congregation as well as outreach to the external community through the newsletter and website.
Communications Coordinator
Edwin works with our committees, the board, and the rabbi to enhance communications within the congregation as well as outreach to the external community through the newsletter and website.
Eladio Olvera
Property Support
Eladio supports the congregation through set-up and cleanup of services and special events as well as maintenance as needed.
Property Support
Eladio supports the congregation through set-up and cleanup of services and special events as well as maintenance as needed.
