Clergy and Executive Staff

Rabbi Aaron Schonbrun

Rabbi Aaron Schonbrun is one of the Rabbis of Congregation Beth David. In addition to his pulpit work, Aaron serves as the Rabbinic advisor to Yavneh Day School and is a member of the Saratoga Interfaith Ministerial Group. Aaron is also an alumnus of the STAR PEER program, an executive leadership program for early career Rabbis that is under the auspices of Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal (STAR).

Aaron grew up in San Diego and was very active in Camp Ramah and USY. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Psychology and Jewish/Near Eastern Studies. He was ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary in May 2004, at which time he also received a Masters Degree from the Seminary’s William Davidson School of Education. From 2002-2004 Aaron served as the student Rabbi of the Project Mishpacha program of Congregation Beth El in Baltimore, Maryland. From 2003-2004 Aaron worked as a chaplain at Roosevelt Hospital in New York.

Aaron’s wife, Jane-Rachel, works as the Adult Programs Manager at the Albert L. Schultz JCC in Palo Alto. Aaron and Jane-Rachel have three children – Aviva, Gavriel and Leora, who are an endless source of blessing and joy

Tanya Lorien

Tanya came to Beth David from the private sector with decades of volunteer experience as well as the same number of years in professional operations management and training. She spent years in the “start up” world where, as Director of Operations, she was responsible for the smooth running of multiple departments and anything that might crop up. This environment of many hats was an excellent foundation for synagogue life.

Barbara Biran

As Ritual Director Barbara has mastered her skills with Rabbi Pressman, Rabbi Schonbrun and with our former Hazzan, Melanie Fine.  Barbara tutors all of our B’nei Mitzvah students – adults as well as children.  Additionally Barbara teaches in the Religious School supervises the kitchen staff, manages the cemetery, the memorial wall and works with the Rabbis on Ritual related projects.

Iris Bendahan

Principal of our Religious School, had the experience of working and teaching in our school several years before becoming principal. Prior to coming to Beth David, she spent 9 years in Israel. Iris is passionate about Judaism and Jewish Education and infuses this passion into our Religious School. As a mother of 4 kids (all of whom attend/ed Beth David’s Religious School), it’s important to her to make sure the school is a safe and happy place for kids to embrace their Jewish heritage.

Lindsay Greensweig

Principal of our Hebrew High and Youth Group Coordinator Lindsay came to Beth David with a deep history of involvement with Jewish youth most recently she served for three years as the first Executive Director of Hillel of Silicon Valley, and then for two years as Director of Development of UC Berkeley Hillel. She became principal of Congregation Beth David Hebrew High eight years ago, where she has revitalized the curriculum, recruiting and nurturing dynamic teachers and initiating vibrant new programs. She currently also oversees all the Youth Group programs at Congregation Beth David.