TvO’s Board is comprised of the Executive Committee (co-presidents, co-vice presidents, treasurer, scribe, past president), and the liaisons from the Committees of the Congregation (Finance, Building & Grounds, Communications, Welcoming, and Jewish Education), and our Mission-Focused Committees (Spirit, Community, Justice).
Board members are responsible for setting policy and long-range planning for the synagogue and overseeing its health and welfare. They also oversee activities and property of the congregation.
We welcome people who are interested in sharing and developing their commitment, skills and experience. If you would like to a more active role in synagogue leadership, please contact the President.
Martha Armstrong has been a member of TVO for about 20 years. She is involved with the Bereavement Support Group, the Eden Initiative restoring our land, our choir Azameira, and the Building & Grounds committee. Martha was an architect early in her career and then worked in economic development here in Tompkins County for over 20 years. Post-retirement, she is a burial coordinator at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve and loves this heart-centered work. Martha and her partner Lois Levitan live with their son Teo. Their daughter Katya lives in the Hudson Valley with her partner and two adorable children.
Mitch Grossman has been a member of TVO since 2021. As a co-Vice President, he has been a member of the Finance committee, focusing on fund-raising activities and implementing the Wild Apricot membership website. Prior to moving to Ithaca, Mitch lived in Metuchen, NJ, where he was a member of Temple Emanu-El of Edison for 30 years, including more than 10 years as a Board member and four as its Treasurer. Mitch worked in the publishing industry for 43 years. He has a BA from Colgate University and an MBA from New York University. Mitch has 3 adult children, all of whom went to college in Ithaca. He lives on the west side of the lake with his partner, Ginger Trow.
Our 2024-2026 Board
Executive Committee
Co-Presidents: Martha Armstrong and Mitch Grossman
Co-Vice Presidents: Open
Past President: Laurie Willick
Scribe: Suzanne Aigen
Treasurer: Peter Burford
Liaisons from Committees of the Congregation
Building and Grounds: Martha Armstrong
Communication: Sue Merkel
Finance: Doug Stayman
Jewish Education: Drew Margolin
Welcoming & Membership: Open
Liaisons from Mission-Focused Committees
Spirit: Anne Brous (Avodah Committee)
Community: Susan Fast (Caring Committee)
Justice: open
At-Large Board Members
Eric Maroney
Jeff Bercuvitz
Nomi Talmi
Committees of the Congregation
Building and Grounds Committee
Communications Committee
Finance Committee
Jewish Education Committee
Welcoming Committee
Mission-Focused Committees & Working Groups
Avodah Committee
Bereavement Support Group
Caring Circle
Enrichment Program Group
Social Action Groups
For more information on the focus of each committee and how to get involved, please see the COMMUNITY section of this website.