Leadership & Staff
Our Rabbi Julia Margolis in Residence
Rabbi Julia Margolis, who was born in Moscow, USSR, was raised in Israel as the daughter of her role model mother, Rabbi Elena.
At the age of 12, Rabbi Julia’s family made Aliyah to Israel, where she completed high school and served as an educational officer in the army (IDF). In 2000, after her release from the IDF, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Ben Gurion University in Jewish History, Islam, and Art. Rabbi then went on to complete her Masters’ degree in Jewish Studies. She was raised in a family with deep roots in the Reform movement – her mother was the first Russian-speaking female Rabbi in Israel.
Rabbi Julia was ordained by the Abraham Geiger College, Germany. She has worked in the Reform movement in Israel and has represented the Reform movement all over the world. Her involvement with the Reform movement in South Africa began in 2009, working in different synagogues and officiating at life cycle events in different parts of Africa until she opened her own Progressive Synagogue, Beit Luria, in which she followed her dreams. Rabbi Margolis served as the South African Association of Progressive Rabbis (SAAPR) Chairperson and Co-Chair of the South African Centre for Religious Equality and Diversity (SACRED).
Rabbi Margolis is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. She lives in St. Thomas with her two wonderful daughters, Emily and Victoria, and was married to her late husband, Greg Z”L. She is excited to reinvigorate the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas.
Our Staff
Stella Minion
Administrator, Life Cycle Event Coordinator
After living in St. Thomas for 8 years, Stella is now working remotely, as she moved to Columbia, Maryland with her husband of over 40 years, 2 years ago. Family is a very important part of her life and now she lives close to 2 of her 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Although her primary responsibilities originally consisted of correspondence and communication, her role has greatly expanded. She became the Life Cycle Events coordinator, helping families with all aspects of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding planning and Renewal of Vows, answering questions and making the families feel comfortable, supported and welcome. Stella then stepped into editing and producing the High Holy Day Book of Remembrance, and organizing our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, which includes selecting one high school senior from each of the high schools in St. Thomas and St. John as recipients of a special scholarship from the Synagogue.
In the summer of 2018, in recognition of what she was already doing, and at the recommendation of the rabbi, the Board of Trustees asked Stella to step into a professional staff role as Administrator of the Congregation. Still continuing with her other duties, she now also oversees the day-to-day operations of the Synagogue and supervises the other members of the staff.
Daron Angol
Building and Grounds Custodian
Daron Angol is a recent addition to our sanctuary’s team, in the position of Building and Ground Custodian. With experience from other key locations on the island, we know our sanctuary is in good hands and will continue to be well cared for.
Michelle Barnes
Administrative Assistant
Michelle Barnes joined the Hebrew Congregation in April 2021 as an Administrative Assistant, providing comprehensive support in both administrative and financial functions. Her responsibilities include managing payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely payment of employees, and maintaining compliance with tax regulations.
Michelle is proficient in handling correspondence, drafting documents, and maintaining organized filing systems. Overall, Michelle is dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of payroll and tax processes, contributing to the overall success of the Synagogue.
Neisha Christopher
Gift Shop Manager
Neisha has served in both the sales/marketing and educational fields. After ten and a half years of living in Queens, New York, she relocated back home to St. Thomas during the summer of 2021. She continued teaching for a little over a year and decided to return to the world of sales/marketing. Neisha is very passionate about providing top-tier service to each guest to ensure their enjoyment of the optimal experience. Everyone who enters the gift shop is greeted with a warm welcome, a brief description of the gifts, and details on what they symbolize.
Our Board of Trustees:
- President – Marilyn Blackhall
- Vice President – Carol Rich
- Treasurer – Lou Minion
- Secretary – Penny Feuerzeig
- Immediate Past President – Dorothy Isaacs
- Trustees – Nancy Borowick, Alan Friedman, Liza Margolis, Donald Pomeranz, Barbara Pomerantz, Trudie Prior, Peter Rosen
- Congregational Staff – Rabbi: Julia Margolis, Administrator: Stella Minion, Admin Assistant: Michelle Barnes, Custodian: Doron Angol, Gift Shop Manager: Neisha Christopher
Past Presidents of the Congregations
(from 1966):
Dorothy Isaacs
Jeffrey Silverman
Donald Pomeranz
Carol Moore
Greg Ebenholz
Penny Feuerzeig
Helen M. Goldman
Katina E. Coulianos
Trudie Prior
Jeannette Allis Bastian
Donald Pomeranz
Andrea Weibel
Marilyn Blackhall
Ben Posner
Monroe R Abrams
Sidney S Hertz
Ralph M. Paiewonsky
Norman Scherman
Hey Roth
David Puritz
David Rosen
Morris F. DeCastro