Executive Board Bios

Barry Birnbaum, President grew up in Oceanside. He and his wife Rona moved to Merrick in 1998 and joined Ohav Sholom. Barry served four years as financial secretary before becoming treasurer. Barry is director of financial process at Thomson Financial.

Jeffrey Hauser, Executive V.P.,was raised in Suffolk County, where his family were leaders of the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station, and within United Synagogue in various capacities. Jeff attended the Hebrew Academy of Suffolk County for elementary school, and as a teenager, served on the Long Island Ma'alot NCSY regional board as well as on NSJC's USY chapter board. Jeff received a BS in Mathematics from SUNY Stony Brook, where he served as President of the Hillel student board in 1981-82, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Rauch Industries, Inc. in New York, and is a faculty member in the Finance department of CUNY's School of Professional Studies. Jeff, and his wife Phyllis, a Physical Therapist, moved from Long Beach to Merrick in late 1997 and joined Ohav soon after. They have three children who grew up at Ohav, Danielle, Bryan, and Mia. Jeff has chaired Ohav's Budget Committee since 2004 and has served on the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees in various capacities since 2000.

Kenny Duftler, V.P. Ritual & Education, grew up in Merrick and is a second-generation member. Kenny and his wife, Fay, moved back to Merrick seven years ago. He served as trustee before becoming our Ritual Vice-President. Kenny works as a Litigation Consultant.

David Hauser, V.P. of Fundraising, is responsible for overseeing our fundraising events such as Bingo, Kol Nidre, and the Journal dinner.  David has been a member of Ohav since 2003 and has been on the Board of Trustees for 4 years.  David has been on the Journal committee and has delivered interesting dvar torahs during the all night learning on Shavuos on topics integrating math and science with Judaism.   Professionally, David is the Chief Analytical Officer of a management consulting company, Symphony Marketing Solutions and is on the faculty of Adelphi and CUNY teaching mathematically oriented business courses.  David is married to Robin, our kiddush chairperson, and they have 2 sons Ian and Logan.

Gary Friedman, V.P. of Social Activities is a Brooklynite who is proud of it. He is married to a wonderful wife, Arlene. They will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary this May. They have three beautiful girls, Briana, Samantha, and Jessica (Tikvah). They moved to Merrick in the summer of 2001. They joined Ohav in 2002, and was greeted with a warm family reception. Gary has been involved with Ohavim, Men's club and has served as the VP of Social Activities since July 2009. Gary has been on the Board of trustees since 2008. He loves Ohav and enjoys all the friendships he made there. Gary is an Optician and loves what he does. He has helped many of our Congregants to see better. Just ask and he can help you too.

Daron Rubensohn, Treasurer was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He and his wife Sarah moved to Merrick in 2003 and are currently raising two daughters (Hannah age 7 and Alana age 3).  Daron served on the Ohav Sholom Board of Trustees since 2007 and as Treasurer since July 2009.  Daron is a Manager in the Financial instruments, Securitization and Real Estate (FSRE) Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

Ira Balsam, Financial Secretary grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Merrick with his wife, Sheri, 12 years ago. They joined Ohav Sholom in 2000. Ira coordinates the annual golf outing, a major fundraiser. Sheri is the current Sisterhood membership Co-chairperson.

Michael Wajnrach, Recording Secretary has lived in Merrick since 2004, moving from Wantagh. Prior to joining the executive board he served on the Board of Trustees. He has a wonderful family including his wife, Shosh, and their three children, Corey 16, Mia 13, and Ariel 10. He is a Pediatric Endocrinologist, working at Pfizer

Jordon Smith, Corresponding Secretary previously served on the Board of Trustees. She is also a co-chair of the Membership Committee. Mrs. Smith grew up on Long Island and moved to Merrick with her husband and daughter in 2008. She is a litigation associate at the Manhattan law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. She also serves on the executive board of Hofstra University's Gray Wig Alumni Association.