Congregation Mishkan Or, a Beachwood-based Reform Jewish synagogue whose name means “dwelling place of light,” is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director. Mendelson will serve as the second Executive Director in the synagogue’s history.
Mendelson brings a wealth of over 20 years of relevant operations, outreach, and community engagement experience. She joined The Temple-Tifereth Israel in 2019 as Director of Operations and carried this role throughout the merger of The Temple-Tifereth Israel and Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in 2024, where she oversaw program operations, facilities and security management, and community partnerships for both synagogues.
In March 2026, Mendelson began serving as Interim Executive Director while maintaining her responsibilities as Director of Operations for Congregation Mishkan Or.
Before joining the staff at The Temple Tifereth-Israel, Mendelson served as Manager of Outreach and Community Engagement at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Case Western Reserve University.
“I am thrilled that Jennifer is joining us as our permanent Executive Director,” said Senior Rabbi Joshua Caruso. “Since Congregation Mishkan Or began, I’ve been deeply impressed by Jennifer’s leadership capabilities. She manages many staff members and programs with grace and aplomb and has truly shone as a leader since becoming Interim Executive Director. She has helped set the culture of Congregation Mishkan Or to be the warm and welcoming community that it is today. She has a long history of being a person of integrity and establishing trust among the staff, which is a testament to who she is. From Tikkun Olam to inclusivity and loving-kindness, she embodies all our values and is truly an integral member of the team we couldn’t imagine being without.”
“When it came to choosing the new Executive Director, we knew Jennifer was the best choice,” said Kevin Margolis, president of Congregation Mishkan Or’s Board of Directors. “Not only had we all seen Jennifer shine as Director of Operations, but when she stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, she truly proved from day one what type of leader she is. Jennifer is kind, thoughtful, operations-minded, and inclusive, and we are confident she will continue to steer the synagogue towards the future.”
“I am very excited to officially become the new Executive Director at Congregation Mishkan Or,” said Mendelson. “Ever since I joined The Temple-Tifereth Israel, I have loved working with a large and inviting congregation, a dedicated staff and clergy team, and a wise Board of Directors. I loved joining Congregation Mishkan Or as its first Director of Operations and look forward to helping the temple offer meaningful opportunities for Jewish spiritual, learning, and social experiences.”
Together, Rabbi Caruso, Margolis, and Mendelson are committed to leading the congregation with a shared vision for the years ahead.