Who We Are
Our History
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.


