Meet the Board of Directors

Ellen Silverman has been engaged in the Jewish community for over 30 years. Throughout this time, she has actively participated in various organizations, including Jewish Family Services, the Pico Union Project, University Women at American Jewish University, and her synagogue, Adat Ari El. At the synagogue, she has held the roles of Sisterhood and synagogue president.

Ellen's involvement with the Jewish Federation has been extensive. She has served as the Valley Alliance Women’s Philanthropy Chair and Campaign Co-Chair. Currently, she holds positions on both the Federation Board of Trustees and its Campaign Cabinet. Moreover, she generously contributes as a mentor in the Community Leadership Institute program.

Spanning a career of over 35 years in academia and the nonprofit sector, Marla Eglash Abraham continues her non-profit consulting work and was most recently the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Western Regional Director for the ten-state region including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

She was Director of Development at American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles and immediately prior was Senior Vice President, Endowment Planning and Strategic Philanthropy at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles following 15 years at Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles Campus as both the Interim Director and Associate Director at HUC’s Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management.

She received an Honorary Doctorate in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, a Master of Social Work in Community Organization, Planning and Administration from University of Southern California; and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Linguistics from University of California, Los Angeles.

Abraham is a published author in addition to facilitator and consultant for numerous National and local organizations. She and her husband Michael of 38 years, met through UCLA Hillel, and have raised three amazing daughters.

Suzy Bookbinder is a seasoned fundraising executive and advancement strategist with more than 35 years of experience helping educational and nonprofit organizations achieve

transformational growth. Throughout her career, she has helped raise more than $500 million through annual, capital, endowment, and legacy campaigns. Suzy partners with nonprofit leaders and boards to strengthen fundraising programs, cultivate major donors, and build high-performing advancement teams. Known for her collaborative leadership style and strategic approach to philanthropy, she helps organizations develop the people, systems, and relationships needed to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and long-term success.

My wife Karen and I have been married for 36 years and have lived in Tarzana the whole time. We have two married children, Lauren and Matthew who both live in Woodland Hills. Lauren is a middle school special education teacher in Agoura and is married to Spencer Ruskin a real estate agent. Seven months ago, Lauren and Spencer blessed us with our first grandchild, Sydney. Our son Matthew is a veterinarian in Sherman Oaks and is married to Shayna a nurse, who (god willing) will bless us with our second grandchild in early March.

Professionally, I am a CPA and have been with Miller Kaplan for more than 36 years. My area of expertise is employee benefit plans and serve clients from Alaska to Maryland. I have spoken at more than 25 conferences on a very exciting topic – how current audit and accounting standards affect employee benefit plans and have also provided expert testimony regarding employee benefit plans matters.

Since October 7, it is clear Jewish college students have struggled against a torrent of antisemitism and anti-Israel activism on campuses. Joining the Board will help me support Jewish college students in the San Fernando Valley, letting them know there is a community of proud Jews who want to show them how and encourage them to become leaders in the Jewish community.

Lauren Judelson is an attorney with over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Currently, she serves as the Manager of Business Affairs at Meta and previously worked as Legal Counsel - North America Products & Publishing at Electronic Arts. Her expertise in managing legal aspects within the entertainment industry contributes to her understanding of the complexities involved in strategic decision-making. In addition to her professional achievements, Lauren holds a JD from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles, where she served as the President of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society and the Executive Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review. She also obtained her BA in Theater, Film, and Television from UCLA. During her time at UCLA, she held leadership positions such as the Vice President of the Jewish sorority Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi and the Standards of Excellence Chair.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lauren actively engages in her community. Currently, she is involved in the Community Leadership Institute with the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, completing her board residency with ETTA Los Angeles. Lauren also served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader in Beverly Hills for several years and dedicated over 15 years as an active volunteer and fundraiser for JDRF. Lauren's passion for Jewish community building and dedication to service drives her desire to join the Hillel 818 board. She strongly believes in the importance of creating a space for Jewish life on campus, having attended numerous Hillel events and services during her undergraduate years.

Kathi Mangel was born and raised in the West San Fernando Valley. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in Spanish and Linguistics and spent her professional life working in retail for The Broadway and Nordstrom department stores, both in merchandising and human resources. After the birth of her third daughter, she ended her career in retail and began her life as a volunteer. She served as PTA president, Girl Scout Leader, Band Booster President and in several positions on the board of Temple Etz Chaim. Between 2007 and 2012, she owned and operated three weight management franchises in the Los Angeles area.

Kathi is the immediate former Board Chair of the board of Hillel 818 and has been a member of that board for the past 5 years. She also sits on the board of Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. She is a member of SOAR, supporting the Jewish Home and a member of AIPAC.

Jack Mayer received his BA, MA, and Ph.D. from New York University and is trained professionally as a European historian. He has held Jewish Federation executive roles in St. Paul, MN, Hartford, CT, and in Los Angeles, CA as the Director of the Valley Region and Valley Alliance of the LA Jewish Federation. He also spent several years working at the Council of Jewish Federations (CJF) in New York City as the National Assistant Director of Leadership Development and was the Director of the Hebrew Union College School of Jewish Communal Service, working with 5 graduating classes.

Mayer helped establish an independent JCC at the Milken Campus in West Hills. He then served as Associate Director of Development for the Salvation Army of Southern California, and most recently as the West Coast Director for the Israeli humanitarian medical program Save a Child’s Heart based at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel.

Mayer is retired and, alongside his wife (and retired CSUN professor), Ellen, is an enthusiastic international traveler and sailor. He has two married children and four grandchildren.

Karmi Monsher has been active in the Los Angeles Jewish community for many years, primarily through involvement with the Jewish Federation. Karmi has taken on various roles, including Valley Alliance General Campaign Co-Chair, Major Gifts Co-Chair, Women’s Campaign Chair, and Women’s Philanthropy President. Currently, Karmi serves as the King David Society Co-Chair and is also a member of the PK-12 committee of the Jewish Federation.

Additionally, Karmi takes pride in her position on the board of Hillel 818 and her active engagement with her synagogue, Adat Ari El. She also holds a role on the Executive Committee of Camp Ramah. In the past, Karmi worked as the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator for Camp Ramah in California, contributing to the establishment of a robust and thriving Jewish future.

Karmi is happily married to Harold Monsher, and they are blessed with two wonderful sons, Jesse and Jaime.

Kaela grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Northridge in 2023 as an incoming junior at CSUN where she graduated summa cum laude with a BA degree in Narrative Television Production. At CSUN, Kaela became heavily involved with Hillel 818, which ignited her passion for working within the Jewish community. At Hillel she held positions as a Student President, Grapevine Fellow, Adamah on Campus Chapter Leader, Development Intern, and Shabbat Service Leader.

Currently, Kaela works as the front desk administrator and office manager at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino. In her spare time, Kaela likes to play the guitar, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.

As a former Hillel 818 student leader, Kaela believes that she is uniquely qualified to bring a student voice and perspective to the board of directors in the fulfilment of Hillel 818’s mission and goals of creating student connections; fostering commitment to Jewish life, learning, and connection to Israel; and training the next generation of Jewish leaders. Kaela views serving on Hillel 818’s board of directors as a privileged opportunity to work with Jewish professionals to develop her governance and non-profit management skills in continued service to Hillel 818, which gave so much to her and to the extended Jewish community that she cares so deeply about.

Laura Ozer was raised in a family committed to Jewish philanthropy and has been involved in community service for as long as she can remember. Her involvement began within the realm of education, both during her own time in school and that of her children.

It is her honor to serve on the Board of Hillel 818 and to work to support a strong Jewish life on college campuses. Now an empty nester, Laura is stepping up her personal commitment by working on several other boards within the Jewish community. These include Sylvia Weiss Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation, AJU’s University Women, Save a Child’s Heart, The Executives of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, and the Pico Union Project.

She is the proud mother of two wonderful sons, who she considers to be her crowning achievement.

Stephen Rischall is an accomplished leader with a profound commitment to community development and financial well-being. Holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Finance and Financial Management Services from California State University, Northridge, he graduated with Honors in Finance during 2007-2009.

As the Chairman of the Board at the San Fernando Valley Junior Chamber from January 2011 to December 2016, Stephen orchestrated initiatives that empowered emerging leaders aged 21-40, fostering enduring professional relationships and enriching the local community.

From January 2012 to December 2018, Stephen's role as YALA Board Co-Chair at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles showcased his dedication to civil rights and social action. Instrumental in supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring the Jewish community's continuity, he led YALA in providing a platform for young professionals to thrive through social, professional, volunteer, and leadership programs.

Stephen contributed significantly as the 25 to 5 Chapter Treasurer at City of Hope between January 2015 and December 2016. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in raising crucial funds for selected research projects, furthering City of Hope's groundbreaking work in cancer, diabetes, and disease research and treatment.

Today, Stephen Rischall's impact continues as an award-winning CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Navalign Wealth Partners. With a steadfast commitment to his clients' financial prosperity, he specializes in comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and wealth transfer strategies. Featured in prestigious publications including the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and InvestmentNews, Stephen offers tailored solutions that prioritize clients' best interests, embodying the highest fiduciary standards.

Sandor E. Samuels is currently an adjunct professor in Business Law at California State University, Northridge. He also teaches Employment Discrimination Law at Loyola Law School. In November 2010, Samuels was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, after having served on its Board of Directors for almost 16 years, and served in that position until August 2014.

Samuels spent more than 35 years in the financial services industry, including 18 years as the Chief Legal Officer of Countrywide Financial Corporation and as the general counsel of Bank of America’s Home Loans and Insurance division. In 2006, Samuels was named as one of the top 25 lawyers in the San Fernando Valley, California; in 2005, he was named Outstanding Corporate Counsel of the Year by the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Corporate Law Department Section; and in 2004, he received the Luis Lainer Founder’s Award from Bet Tzedek Legal Services.

Samuels currently serves on the Boards the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Hillel 818, Adat Ari El synagogue, the National Council of the American Israel Political Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the AIPAC Valley Executive Committee, and on the Presidents’ Council of Bet Tzedek. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Los Angeles Special Needs Trust and the Chair of the AIPAC Los Angeles Pro-Israel Network. Previously, Samuels served on the Boards of the American Jewish University, the Los Angeles Urban League and the Constitutional Rights Foundation. He also served as Chairman of the Legal Issues Committee of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.

Samuels attended Princeton University where he earned an A.B. degree, summa cum laude, in Near Eastern Studies and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1973, Samuels spent the summer studying Arabic at the American University in Cairo. He attended UCLA School of Law where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. Following law school, Samuels clerked for Federal District Court Judge Irving Hill in the Central District of California and then joined the law firm of Munger, Tolles & Olsen.

Lara Tochner was born and raised in Los Angeles. She earned a BA from Tulane University and received a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from LSU Medical Center. Lara is a speech-language pathologist and has worked with both children and adults in medical and school settings for the past 30 years. She is currently in private practice.

An active parent volunteer, she has served on the parent-teacher and charter boards of her children’s schools, acting as the school governing council’s parent representative and chairing fundraising initiatives. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and volunteered on the Education Committee and as part of the Caring Community at Temple Judea, where her family has been active members for the past 21 years.

Lara and her husband are the proud parents of a son and daughter who currently attend UCLA and UC Berkeley. Lara is immensely grateful for her own children’s involvement in their school’s respective Hillel chapters and recognizes the invaluable opportunities and sense of community that Hillel provides to Jewish students. This has inspired her desire to join the board of Hillel 818, and she hopes to contribute to its vitally important work in supporting Jewish students.

I am a mom, attorney, past temple president, and chocaholic who grew up in the San Fernando Valley. My husband, Ted Cohen, and I have 2 boys. Yonah is in his second year of college at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  Asher is a senior at Palisades Charter High School and currently experiencing the joy of the college application process. I have been a lawyer for over 30 years, focusing my practice on representing employees in civil rights and other employment related litigation. 

For the past more than 15 years, I have devoted a substantial amount of time to volunteer work at Leo Baeck Temple.  My husband and I joined Leo Baeck Temple in 2005 when our older son, Yonah, was one-year old.  My involvement in temple leadership began as a room parent in the Early Childhood Center when my boys were students there.  Over time, I became more involved.

Outside of work and volunteer activities, I enjoy hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, spending quality time with family and friends, cheering on the Dodgers, and playing Wordle and other online word games.  I have also recently begun learning to play Mah Jong, in preparation for becoming an empty nester next year.

Lisa is a Co-Founder and Partner at Beverly Hills Private Wealth, where she brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to advising individuals and families across generations. With a deep interest in behavioral finance, Lisa is passionate about understanding what motivates investors, enabling her to better anticipate client needs and align their financial strategies with their personal values and long-term goals. Her beliefs in strategic planning and the emotional drivers of financial decisions led her to earn the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation in 2020, integrating technical expertise with a human-centered approach to advising. She is also a committed advocate for empowering women in finance, hosting educational seminars that address the distinct financial challenges and opportunities women face at different life stages.

 Lisa is a proud graduate of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ 2024/2025 Community Leadership Institute (CLI), an elite program designed to cultivate the next generation of lay leaders and philanthropists nationwide.  She also shares her love of music and formal vocal training by regularly singing at Stephen Wise Temple. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the prestigious Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Kainoa, and their inspiring blind rescue dog, Poppy. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler and lover of classical music, theatre, art, and world history.

Steven Windmueller assumes the distinguished role of Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk Emeritus Professor of Jewish Communal Studies at the Jack H. Skirball Campus of HUC-JIR in Los Angeles. Before joining Hebrew Union College, Dr. Windmueller contributed to the American Jewish Committee's staff from 1969 to 1972. He then led the Albany (NY) Jewish Federation from 1973 to 1985, followed by directing the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee) of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation from 1985 to 1995.

With a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, Professor Windmueller is an author of four books and a plethora of articles. His research shines a light on Jewish communal trends, anti-Semitism, and Jewish political behavior. Currently, he's immersed in editing a forthcoming volume for the Casden Institute of USC, titled “Donald Trump’s Impact on American Jews,” set to be unveiled in the summer of 2021.

Gerald L. Zack is a seasoned attorney with almost four decades of experience in business transactions, real estate law, and secured collections. Based in Los Angeles, he operates his own firm, The Law Offices of Gerald L. Zack.

Gerald earned his BS/BA from the University of Southern California in 1970, followed by an MPH from UCLA in 1972. He later received his JD from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law in 1986, where he would go on to serve on the Board of Trustees. Admitted to the California State Bar in 1986, Gerald is also licensed to practice before the U.S.District Court for the Central District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Beyond his legal practice, Gerald has served as a Judge Pro Tern for the Los Angeles Superior Court, offering his expertise to support the judicial system. He is deeply committed to community service, having volunteered with Hillel at UCLA and USC, Jewish Free Loans, K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Defense), Public Counsel, the nation's largest pro bona law firm, as well as other charitable endeavors.

Gerald lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife Caroline and enjoys spending time with their three sons and six grandchildren. In his free time, he loves to travel and play golf. He has also been an active member of Stephen Wise Temple for almost fifty years, reflecting his strong connection to faith and community.