Executive Director

Harvey comes to Or Zarua after having served as Executive Director of Temple Har Shalom in Warren, New Jersey, for the past 6 years and after a successful 30+ year career in sales, marketing and general business management.

He has been responsible for budgets in excess of 25 million dollars and has managed as many as 250 people with such "household name" companies as International Playtex, Max Factor and Faberge.

Harvey holds degrees in Economics (B.A., Queens College) and Education (M.S. Ed., St. John's University), as well as certifications in Forecasting & Budgeting and Strategic Planning (SPAR Institute).

After having successfully passed several examinations in synagogue management, including Personnel and Facilities Management, Finance & Budgeting, Temple Governance, Temple Membership & Public Relations, Hebrew Literacy, Reform Jewish Customs and Practices and the History of Reform Judaism, Harvey was recently awarded his "F.T.A." credentials as a Fellow in Temple Administration by NATA, The National Association for Temple Administration (his professional peer organization), The CCAR (The Central Conference of American Rabbis) and the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism). His final requirement was the successful submission of an original thesis on "Synagogue Consolidations & Mergers and the role of the Synagogue Administrator."

He brings not only a wealth of corporate experience to Or Zarua, but also has served his own Conservative synagogue (Temple Beth Ahm, Aberdeen) in virtually every 'lay leader' capacity, including nearly 9-1/2 years as its Chairman of the Board.

In conclusion, Harvey feels it's "beshert" that he work in synagogue life as his maternal grandmother was a founder and only honorary president of Jamaica Jewish Center (Jamaica, NY) back in the early 1900's. It's only fitting, therefore, that he follows in her footsteps and he looks forward to a long and successful association with Congregation Or Zarua.