WRJ is home to a hardworking and creative professional staff who oversee marketing and communications, events and leadership, philanthropy, programs, and affiliate services for sisterhoods & Districts and the organization as a whole. This diverse team has a variety of responsibilities and interests that help make the organization a success.
Executive
Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch is the Executive Director of Women of Reform Judaism, a role she has held since July 2023.
Previously, Hirsch was the rabbi of Temple Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield, MA. She was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. In recognition of her academic and leadership achievements, she was honored as a Wexner Graduate Fellow, a Tisch Fellow, and a WRJ Scholar during her rabbinic studies. She completed her undergraduate education at Brown University with a degree in Environmental Studies.
She was the founding co-chair of RAC Massachusetts, a statewide synagogue-based community organizing project of Reform Judaism, and she serves on the National Council of Jewish Women’s Rabbis for Repro Rabbinic Advisory Council. She was a key faith leader in the 2020 campaign to pass the ROE Act, safeguarding reproductive rights and abortion access in Massachusetts.
Hirsch writes frequently on social justice, spiritual practice, and trends in Jewish life, with recent chapters included in The Social Justice Torah Commentary (CCAR Press, 2021) and Prophetic Voices: Renewing and Reimagining Haftarah (CCAR Press, 2023). Her writing can be found at www.lizpghirsch.com.
Rabbi Hirsch lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch, and their two children.
Elizabeth (Liz) Rosenblum, Assistant Director (lrosenblum@wrj.org, 212-650-4056), oversees daily office operations. Liz served as WRJ's Manager of Development and Special Projects (2012-2017). After stints as the Director of Adult Life at the Rockland JCC and Development Director at Ben Porat Yosef Day School, she found that she just could not stay away from her WRJ sisters'. Liz belongs to Temple Beth Shalom in New City, NY, where she lives with her husband, Greg, sons Charlie and Henry, and dog, Dexter.
Administration & Operations
Joshua Freedman, Administrative Assistant (jfreedman@wrj.org. 212.650.4095) holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Montclair State University and a master's degree in Publishing from Pace University. He is an avid enthusiast of reading, Broadway shows, and games of all varieties.
Bayley Swain, Senior Administrative Assistant (bswain@wrj.org, 212.650.4065), holds a bachelor’s degree in European History from Smith College and a master’s degree in Religion & Ethics from Yale. She is enormously fond of strong coffee, public radio, and almost anything written by Grace Paley.
Engagement
Heather Lorgeree, Director of Engagement (hlorgeree@wrj.org, 212.650.4063), handles support for all potential, new, and current affiliates and serves as the staff liaison for the WRJ Districts. Heather is an active member of Kol Dorot in Oradell, NJ, where she was proud to be honored as a WRJ Unsung Heroine and, most recently, a Woman of Valor. Heather enjoys baking cakes and making ice cream and is also an avid Chicago sports fan; she supports all of the teams, but the White Sox are her favorite.
Rena Crawford, Engagement Associate (rcrawford@wrj.org, 212-650-4060) - is responsible for uplifting many of WRJ's programs and engaging with individual WRJ members. She oversees Lillith Salons, Or Ami Awards, Chai Mitzvah, and any other online programs. Rena holds a Masters of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management with HUC’s Zelikow School. She and her husband live in Vermont, where she loves frequenting farmers markets, reading new fiction releases, doing yoga, and trying out new recipes.
Marketing & Communications/Social Justice
Gracie Cohen (she/her) Marketing & Communications Associate (gcohen@wrj.org, 212-650-4059) Gracie Cohen is the Marketing and Communications Associate at WRJ. Previously, she served in various programmatic and administrative roles in non-profits and government contractors throughout DC. Prior to WRJ, she facilitated technical trainings in affordable housing as a Project Coordinator at FirstPic. Gracie is passionate about Jewish communal service, as well. At B’nai B’rith International, Center for Senior Services, she supported program development, edited the quarterly newsletter, and managed the department website as the Senior Program Associate. Gracie lives in Washington, DC, and holds a BA in English Literature from Seattle University and a BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Portland State University.
Events & Board Leadership
Amanda Feldman, Director of Events & Leadership (afeldman@wrj.org, 212.650.4054), oversees planning and logistics for the WRJ Fried Women's Conference as well as all other conferences and committee meetings. She also is the staff liaison to the WRJ Board of Directors, working on all Board meetings, trainings, and webinars; nominations; onboarding; and other leadership-related content. A lover of travel, Amanda enjoys being able to attend WRJ events in different locations. She is an avid reader and cook who loves spending time with friends and family, a fan of the New York Rangers, and a member of the Garden City Jewish Center Sisterhood in Garden City, NY (with her mom).
Talia Shapiro Blank - Program Associate (tshapiroblank@wrj.org, 212-650-4045), supports WRJ events, programming, advocacy, and partnerships with our lay leaders. Prior to WRJ, Talia worked in volunteer management, where she trained and supported volunteers. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Talia now lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband, Josh, and two dogs, Joe and Maisey. Talia is passionate about mental health and is a counselor on the Suicide Prevention Crisis Line. She enjoys dancing, cooking, traveling, and going to concerts.
Philanthropy
Shari Schulner, Director of Philanthropy (sschulner@wrj.org, 212-650-4072), oversees the organization’s fundraising efforts, including the YES Fund and Annual Campaign. She has a Master's degree in Childhood Special Education from Hunter College and a BA in English, Literature, and Rhetoric from SUNY Binghamton. Previous to WRJ, she worked in development serving low-income youth and their families. She loves yoga, exploring new neighborhoods, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. She grew up in Rockland County and now lives in Queens with her husband, Ethan.
Rachel Gebeloff, Philanthropy Associate (rgebeloff@wrj.org, 212-650-4074), supports the organization's fundraising efforts as part of the Philanthropy team. Rachel graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in Music with minors in Business, Hospitality and a specialization in Music Entrepreneurship. Rachel's professional and volunteer work has centered around arts and education accessibility for underserved populations. Prior to WRJ, Rachel worked in various administrative, operations, and philanthropic roles. During her time at FSU, Rachel served as President of Tau Beta Sigma, founded a benefit concert for title one music programs, and established multiple community engagement programs. Currently, she lives in Florida, where she enjoys playing clarinet, thrifting, coffee shops, and spending time with her cat, Venus.