About us
One Big FamilY
An inclusive egalitarian congregation, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas (CBS-CS) strives to promote Jewish values - encouraging the religious, educational, and social growth of our members by offering a variety of interactive religious services, educational opportunities, and social events with the aim of strengthening the entire community and enriching the life of each member. CBS-CS works to engage and support people from all walks of Jewish life, regardless of knowledge or background. Members of the larger community are welcome to attend services and participate in the many educational, holiday and social events offered.
Mission Statement
CBS-CS is an egalitarian Conservative congregation affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. CBS-CS is dedicated to the active participation of its members in all areas of synagogue life. As an inclusive congregational family, we strive to promote Jewish values – encouraging the religious, educational, and social growth of our members.
Vision Statement
We meet people where they are - Ba’asher hu sham.
We value collaboration - Shutafut.
We see Jewish life as a blend of Tradition - Masoret and Innovation/Hidush.
We see a Sacred Covenant at the heart of the congregation’s life - Brit.
We cultivate a multiplicity of paths in Jewish life - Kol Netivoteha Shalom.
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The People
Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone
Our Rabbi
Andrew Pepperstone joined CBS-CS in July 2011. He received his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he also studied Jewish Education at the Davidson School of Jewish Education. He also holds a BA in Linguistics with a Minor in Hebrew Language from the University of California in San Diego.
After his ordination, Rabbi Pepperstone and his family moved to Louisville, KY, where his wife, Cantor Paula Pepperstone, was the first female cantor at Keneseth Israel Congregation. Rabbi Pepperstone directed the Louisville USY chapter, taught at and directed the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, served as the Assistant Rabbi for Youth and Education at Keneseth Israel Congregation, and worked on many other Jewish educational projects. In 2007-2008, Rabbi Pepperstone also served as the President of the Louisville Board of Rabbis and Cantors.
After six years in Louisville, the Pepperstone family moved to Beachwood, OH, where Rabbi Pepperstone served as the first Rabbi-in-Residence at the Gross Schechter Day School, teaching students ranging from first grade through middle school and their parents. During his time there, Rabbi Pepperstone was instrumental in beginning a Family Beit Midrash, where parents and children learned Torah together, and a monthly Poker and Parsha group.
In addition to learning and teaching Torah, Rabbi Pepperstone also has interests in language, all things Apple, the culinary arts, stand-up comedy, film, science fiction and fantasy, young adult literature, really good board games, the development of quality Jewish board games, and music.
He has also acquired over 2,300 followers on Twitter. If you look for @Rav_Pepperstone and follow him on Twitter, you will receive his regular Torah Tweets during the week.
Rabbi and Cantor Pepperstone have three children, Hadar, Aviyah, and Matan, and are delighted to belong to the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas family.
Melissa Harkavy
Program Director
Melissa Harkavy is the CBS-CS Program Director. As Program Director, Melissa is responsible for programs for members of all ages, and for working on synagogue-wide, intergenerational and holiday events. In addition, Melissa manages congregational communications. She also advises CBS-CS’s USY chapter (youth group for grades 9-12) and supervises our Moving Traditions program. She came to CBS-CS most recently from New Jersey.
Melissa brings training and experience in teaching and facilitating programs among children and young adults in both Jewish and collegiate settings. She gained extensive experience working with preschool age children at Camp Keshet at Young Israel of East Brunswick as well as East Brunswick Jewish Center, and worked with high school students as the assistant choreographer for the Young Judaea Israeli Dance Troupe. While attending Penn State and the University of Colorado, Melissa gained valuable experience as a teaching and research assistant. While teaching, she discovered her passion for education and working with young people.
She also has managed volunteers in a non-profit environment, as the Research Coordinator for Black Women’s Blueprint in Brooklyn. One of her prized accomplishments was representing the organization during negotiations with US Department of State for UNCERD (United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination).
The East Brunswick, NJ native holds a Hebrew High School Certificate from the East Brunswick Jewish Center and a Hadracha Leadership and Activism Institute Certificate from Camp Tel Yehudah-Young Judaea. She studied Geography and Africana Studies at Penn State and is finishing a MA in Geography and Development with a Certificate in College Teaching from the University of Colorado.
Through her studies, Melissa has worked in West Lake Tahoe – California, Brooklyn – NY, South Africa, and Tanzania. She enjoys dance and animal rescue. Currently, she is working with her adorable Maltipoo, Angel on the AKC Good Citizen Certificate.
Melissa is always happy to talk to you about your children and the programs at CBS-CS, and to help you and your family become engaged in all we have to offer. You can reach Melissa at director@cbscs.org or 315-701-2685.
Andrea Speer
Religious School Principal
Join US!
The value of membership in CBS-CS is the value of belonging to a Jewish community that provides its members with the level of engagement and support that each individual wants and needs. For many members, it is about friendship and activities with friends. For others, it is about access to religious services and a rabbi. Still, others value the Religious School programs and a place for their children to have enriched Jewish experiences with children their own age. Whatever your need, we strive to find a place for you.