Who We Are

Our History

Arizona Jewish Historical Society

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society (AZJHS) was established to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Jewish life in Arizona. It is housed in the historic 1922 building that once served as Phoenix’s first permanent synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel. Founded in 1920 by a small group of Jewish residents, the congregation grew alongside the city, hosting religious services, community events, and even holiday celebrations.

Over the decades, the building transitioned to serve Phoenix’s Chinese-American and Spanish-speaking Baptist communities before AZJHS acquired it in 2002. Since then, AZJHS has transformed the site into the Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, a vibrant place a vibrant center for education, culture, and remembrance. The Society maintains an extensive archive, offers genealogy research, and hosts exhibitions, lectures, film series, and Holocaust education programs. Through its diverse initiatives, AZJHS ensures that the stories, contributions, and experiences of Arizona’s Jewish communities continue to inspire future generations.

Our Leadership

Rick Naimark

chair

 Associate Vice President, Program Development Planning, Enterprise Planning | ASU

Dena Rosen Benjamin, JD

Vice Chair of Jewish Heritage and Culture

Attorney at Law | AZ Attorney General’s Office

Steve Hilton

Vice Chair of Holocaust Education

Chief Executive Officer | Meritage Homes

Susan Sacks, PhD

secretary

Director, Epidemiology, Ret. | Hoffmann-La Roche

Laura Weinflash

Treasurer

National Small Business Risk Manager, Ret. | JPMorgan Chase

Chuck Gealer

past chair

Program Manager, Ret. | Intel

BOARD MEMBERS

Howard Atlas

Executive Vice President, Ret. | Walgreens

Adena
Bernstein, JD

Assist. Attorney General | AZ Attorney General’s Office

Sheryl
Bronkesh

Exec. VP, Ret. | Newristics

Lawrence
Cutler, JD

Attorney at Law, Ret. | Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

Carly Figman Feinberg

Director of Community and Industry Relations | Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation

Emily Garber

Manager, Ret. | Bureau of Land Management

Abraham
James, III

Architect | ABJ3

Sarah Krahenbuhl

Senior Vice President, Community Engagement & Executive Director | Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation

Barbara Lewkowitz

Executive Director, Ret. | Nonprofit Sector

Donna
Reiner, PhD

Assistant Education Vice President | Audible Talkers

Ross Robb

Founder-Chairman | Caitlin Robb Foundation

Alan Schnaid

Chief Financial Officer | PetSmart

Our Team

Samantha Black

Office Manager

Nikky D’Anzi

Database & Membership Coordinator

Talli Dippold

President & CEO

Tony Fusco

Holocaust Education Director

Kim Klett

Director of Education

Adam Layman

Director of Operations

Greta Seidman

Director of Marketing and Communications

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

At Arizona Jewish Historical Society, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We believe that diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches our community and drives innovation, creativity, and meaningful progress.

We strive to create a workplace and culture that actively promotes equity and ensures fair opportunities for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or socioeconomic background. Our commitment to inclusion means we continuously listen, learn, and take meaningful action to remove barriers, challenge biases, and cultivate a sense of belonging for everyone.

Through intentional policies, education, and engagement, we seek to build a future where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique strengths to our shared success.

Together, we embrace diversity, champion equity, and celebrate inclusion as essential values that shape our mission and vision.