March 25, 2024

Dear Congregants,

We are pleased to announce that Julianna Johnston Senturia has been selected to be the first Executive Director of Congregation Mishkan Or.


Senior Rabbi Rob Nosanchuk called Julianna a visionary, creative leader who exemplifies Jewish values: “Her commitment to Reform Judaism shines through her work in the Cleveland community and her leadership of key temple initiatives. Her guidance and strong commitment to our shared future will serve us well as we start our new congregation."


Julianna will bring more than 25 years of non-profit and Jewish communal life experience to this new role. She has served as Executive Director of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple since August, 2022, and previously was Executive Director of the Heights Schools Foundation, which supports the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School System.


“The selection of our first Executive Director is a major milestone in the work that we are doing to bring our new congregation to fruition. The role will require someone with the type of passion, dedication and experience that Julianna has,” said Beth Dery, president of The Temple-Tifereth Israel.


Since our congregations voted to merge on March 6, work has been ongoing to establish the operational structure, budget and staff; and branding for Mishkan Or. We are also working to ensure that the legacies of both congregations will be well represented in our future home. 


"Julianna has been an invaluable part of the Fairmount Temple community for many years, serving in numerous roles. This combination of experience working not only as Executive Director, but as a teacher and a leader focused on lifelong engagement with our community, makes her an ideal choice to lead our new congregation,” said Michele Krantz, president of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple.


“As we become one congregation, I look forward to working with all of you to create a more vibrant community, carry forward our legacies and reimagine Jewish life,” said Julianna Johnston Senturia. “I am grateful for this opportunity to lead at this special time.”


Please join us in congratulating Julianna Johnston Senturia on her new role. We would also like to recognize and thank Augie Napoli who has been serving as the interim Executive Director for The Temple-Tifereth Israel for the last year. We are most appreciative of his cooperation during the exploration process and wish him well in his future endeavors.


As we move forward, we will continue to share updates on our progress and the work we are doing to officially become Congregation Mishkan Or on July 1.

Michele Krantz,

President, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Beth Dery,

President, The Temple-Tiferth Isael

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