Julie Buckner
Julie Buckner is a Dayton, OH native (Temple Israel). Upon her graduation from the University of Michigan she settled in West Bloomfield, MI, (another Temple Israel), where she raised her children and worked as a motivational speaker for Weight Watchers.  In 2010, she and her husband, Dave, moved to Cincinnati, OH (Isaac M. Wise Temple) where she spent time being a docent for the Center for Holocaust and Humanities Education, as well as sitting on the boards of the American Jewish Committee and Wise Temple, along with being  Director of the Josh E. Levine Foundation. After moving full time to West Palm Beach in 2017, Julie and Dave immediately joined Temple Judea. Since then, she became a Bat Mitzvah for the second time, is in TJ’s adult confirmation class and renewed her wedding vows in a Jewish ceremony. Julie is involved with Insight through Education and serves on TJ’s Interfaith Task Force. She is the president of the Temple Judea Sisterhood and is honored to be a Temple Judea Board member.
 
Louise Casper
Louise Casper grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland where she graduated from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, spending her final semester in Israel with her high school graduating class.  After graduating from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Science in Business from Johns Hopkins University, Louise worked for the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC for 14 years as the Director of Administrative Operations overseeing 28 outpatient physical rehabilitation centers.    In 2003, Louise and her husband, Dennis, relocated to Wellington, Florida and in 2008 became the owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage in Coral Springs. In 2015, Louise, Dennis, their one daughter Emily (18) along with her parents, Elinor and Barry Schimel, joined Temple Judea.
 
Brynne Ellis
Brynne Ellis grew up in Scarsdale, New York where she sat on the board of the youth group of Westchester Reform Temple throughout high school. During her college years at Tulane University, she continued her involvement in Jewish philanthropies by serving on the Board of Tulane's Hillel as the Student Liaison. After moving to Palm Beach Gardens in 2009 with her husband, Elliot, Brynne participated in the inaugural class of the Emerging Leadership Program of the Jewish Federation of the Palm Beaches. Through ELP, Brynne learned about and came to love the local Jewish community. She enjoys serving on Temple Judea's board and continuing the incredible work that the founders of the temple started so many years ago - an open and loving Jewish community. In addition to her Jewish community involvement, Brynne is also involved at The Benjamin School, currently serving as the President of the Benjamin Parent's Association.  In 2021, Brynne founded To the Moon and Back Gifts - a personalized gifting business.  Brynne lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband, Elliot, and their two children, Hudson (12) and Sienna (9).
 
Sheree Friedlander
Sheree Friedlander moved here from Beachwood, Ohio by way of Andover, Mass. and has  been a member of Temple Judea almost from the day she arrived here 39 years ago with her husband Cary and children Adam and Elyce. Sheree has been a professional educator both in Ohio and Palm Beach County throughout her entire life - having worked in every aspect of both Jewish and Secular education. She earned her RJE, an International Reform Jewish Educator Certification, while working as an AP to a Community Hebrew High School and then became the Upper School Principal of a large Sunday School having earned a variety of educational awards. Upon moving to PBG, Rabbi Levine promptly recruited her to become Temple Judea’s Director of Education which she did for almost 20 wonderful years until her youngest went off to college and she needed more time to be available to her family. Sheree went on to work in a variety of educational programs utilizing her Math and Science degrees, but her personal highlights include teaching at the Judaica High School Institute & Kesher programs, serving on The Superintendent’s Committee for the Gifted, working as an Adjunct at Palm Beach State College & recently retiring from The Benjamin School for which she represented them as a Northern Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year. Sheree is still tutoring for The Benjamin School’s Learning Lab as well as volunteering at TBS and for the PBG Medical Center Auxiliary. She is a member of TJ’s Caring Community, Sisterhood Board, Mitzvah Corp, and became an Adult Bat Mitzvah with a wonderful class!  Some of her favorite pastimes include the beach, long walks, book clubs, mahj and TJ’s outdoor Shabbat Services. Her children, Adam and Elyce, grew up in Temple Judea and Rabbi Joel Levine not only presided at their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but married them both as well! L’Dor V’Dor - from one generation to the loving next - Rabbi Yaron named her grandchildren. Sheree is both humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to serve on TJ’s Board and be included in such a vibrant community, for “together we can all choose to make a real difference!”
 
Ruth Gonzalez
Ruth Abrams Gonzalez was born and grew up in Harrisburg, PA. She earned a BA from Finch College in New York City and an MA in elementary education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Leaving New York to teach outside of Washington, DC, she eventually moved back to the Harrisburg area to teach and be near family.  Changing careers, Ruth went into the retail business, and owned a haberdashery for several years.  After meeting and marrying her beloved Roberto, the couple moved to Florida in the early 1990’s, where she spent quite a few years working as a real estate agent. Ruth joined Temple Judea in 2005 where she became active quickly. Joining Sisterhood, Ruth served as President for 2 years.  After joining the Board, she was appointed membership chair. Together with Rabbi Levine and Rabbi Yaron, Ruth hosted successful meet and greets at restaurants and members’ homes to talk to potential members about life at Temple Judea. Now co-chair of the Caring Committee, she understands how little things like phone calls to the sick and soup and bagels can make everyone feel a little better. 
In addition to her involvement with Temple Judea, Ruth has tutored at Jupiter Elementary School and El Sol, and she has been delivering meals for the Kind Kitchen in Palm Beach Gardens every Thursday for over two years. She has also been involved with the Hispanic community living near her, since the beginning of the Pandemic, taking food, school supplies and toys to several families, and meeting beautiful, smart, and loving children who live in less than desirable conditions. 
Through her incredible Cuban American husband, Ruth is lucky to have 2 grown, fantastic children, who followed Ruth and Bob to Florida decades ago, and blessed them with 4 outstanding and beloved grandchildren. Ruth is honored to be asked to serve on the Board of Temple Judea for a second time and looks forward to helping in every way possible. 

Jason Haselkorn
​Jason Haselkorn has been a member of Temple Judea since 2005 and a Board of Trustee’s member since 2013.    Jason is a graduate of New York Law School, and he moved to Palm Beach County, Florida after passing the New York and New Jersey bar exams.  He has practiced law in Palm Beach County, Florida since 1995.  He was a Senior Partner with a large law firm specializing in handling Securities arbitration and investment litigation matters.  In 2018, he left that law firm to start his own nationwide securities arbitration and investment litigation firm with offices in Juno Beach, FL, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Arizona.  Jason was elected to the Juno Beach Town Council in March 2014 and he has served three consecutive terms since, including 6 years as Mayor (from March 2016-March 2022).  Jason and his wife Catherine are proud residents of Juno Beach for 18 years and they are raising two daughters (Rachel age 23 and Sydney age 20).  
 
Alesia Hoy
Alesia Hoy is a long-time member of Temple Judea.  She was born in Monticello, New York, and raised in Miami.  After graduating from Smith College, she earned a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Miami. She practiced law at Kimbrell and Hamann in Miami and at Shutts and Bowen in West Palm Beach.  Her husband John is a retired Florida Circuit Judge.  Alesia stepped away from the law for ten years to raise her children, Alex and Logan.  Eventually, she changed careers and taught middle school math at Meyer Academy and later at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, where she ended her career as the head of the middle school.  Alex and Logan attended Temple Judea’s preschool, then Meyer Academy, and became b’nai mitzvah at Temple Judea.  Alesia was a member of either the Board of Trustees or the Executive Board of Temple Judea from 1992 through 1999. She served terms as secretary and treasurer of the temple.  She chaired many Passover Seders, Purim carnivals, and various fundraising activities.  Alesia also served on the Meyer Academy Board of Directors or the Executive Board from 1996 through 2004.  At Meyer, she chaired Hanukkah dinners, Purim carnivals, book fairs, staff appreciation weeks, and co-chaired the 25th anniversary auction honoring Sydelle and Arthur Meyer.  Alesia and John are enjoying their retirement by traveling throughout the United States.
 
Karen Karmazin
Karen Karmazin was raised in Queens NY and attained her BA and graduate studies in Fine Arts at Queens College. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut and Doctorate in Education at the University of Buffalo. Karen’s teaching career spanned the education of normally achieving and special needs students in suburban and urban districts. She served as an elementary school principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and as clinical assistant professor at the University of Buffalo where she taught graduate classes in literacy, assessment, and instruction. Before retiring, she served as the School and Community Liaison at the University of Buffalo, taught seminars at the Teacher Education Institute and authored publications in the field of bullying prevention. As a lifelong member of Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo NY she served on the advisory committee for education and as religious school coordinator for students with special needs. Additionally, she served on the Western NY board for Arts in Education. Since retiring in 2014 she established residency in Jupiter FL and remains active in volunteering as a literacy tutor, with TJ social action activities, and as a board member of Temple Judea and the Artists of Palm Beach County. She considers TJ to be her center for life-long learning while not visiting her extended family of eleven grandchildren.

Benjamin Levine

Ben Levine lives in Juno Beach and has been a member of Temple Judea since 2015. He previously lived in Syracuse, New York. Ben received his undergraduate degree in business administration and economics from Syracuse University and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He served as an Assistant Attorney General for New York State before entering private practice, concentrating in trusts, estates, elder law and associated tax and litigation matters. He served for 23 years on his local Board of Education and served the Syracuse Jewish community with multiple terms on the Boards of Trustees of Temple Society of Concord (now Temple Concord), the Jewish Home of Central New York (now Menorah Park), the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York and the Central New York Jewish Cemetery Association. Ben and his late wife, Susan, have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He is honored to serve on the Board of Temple Judea and to contribute his collaborative style to further the important missions of the Temple.

Keith Paulus
Keith Paulus along with his wife Melanie and daughters Cassie and Jordan have been long-time members of Temple Judea. In 2007, Keith became an adult Bar Mitzvah.  Keith has served as a Board member, Vice President, Religious School liaison as well as his current position as Treasurer and President-Elect.  Keith is the Chair of Temple Judea’s Finance Committee.
 
Rosalee Savel
Rosalee and her husband Bob have been married since 1959.  The two grew up as neighbors in Winthrop Massachusetts.  After serving in the US Public Health Service on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Chinle, Arizona for two exciting years they made the big move to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1962.  They  owned and operated Tequesta Pharmacy in Tequesta, Florida for over twenty years  before retiring. Rosalee and Bob have been blessed with amazing children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Savel’s are founding members of Temple Judea. Rosalee has served many positions on the board and as well as two terms as president.  Rosalee’s hobbies include needlepoint, traveling, exercising and various  other crafts.   Rosalee is honored to be serving on the Temple Judea Board for another term.
 
Lee Seelig

Lee Seelig, a native Floridian born in Miami and raised in the Tampa Bay area, has deep roots in the Sunshine State. His family's legacy includes being founding members of Kol Ami in North Tampa. Lee pursued his education at Mercer University in Macon, GA, before embarking on a career journey that led him to the heart of Florida's media landscape. Starting at the local PBS station, WXEL, in Palm Beach County, Lee honed his skills before joining the engineering team at WPBF, the ABC affiliate in Palm Beach Gardens, in 2000. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lee's personal life is equally enriching. He tied the knot with another Florida native, Ms. Rebecca Szmukler, and together they have two children, Benjamin (16) and Molly (14), both of whom celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah at Temple Judea. Lee is deeply involved in community endeavors, having previously co-chaired the Highballs and Hibiscus event for Jupiter Medical Center and serving as a Luminary for Jupiter Lighthouse. His commitment to his roots and community shines brightly through his varied roles and contributions.

 

Donna Sheynfeld
Donna Sheynfeld is a NY native, who moved to Palm Beach Gardens in 2021 with her husband Tal and their 3 children: Emmi (9), Arielle (8) and Luca (5). She is an early-childhood expert with over 19 years of experience and a diverse background, including positions at The Dalton School, Harlem Children’s Zone, and as an Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood Mathematics at Hunter College in NY. She is the founder of the educational company, Little Learners NYC. Donna was an active member of the NYC chapter of the ADL and was the PA president at the JCC Manhattan. She is eager to have a more active role at Temple Judea. In her free time, Donna enjoys playing tennis and spending outdoor time with her family and friends.

Marjorie Lesser Wallen
​Marjorie Lesser  Wallen has been a member of Temple Judea since the Lesser family joined in 1983 after their move from Rockland County, New York to Palm Beach County.  Over the past 40 years, her commitment to strengthening Temple Judea’s place in the community has been steadfast.  Serving on the Temple Board of Trustees in its early days, she steered the fundraising team in building its first permanent home on Chillingworth Drive and has remained supportive in all ways possible as she embarked upon her professional career in school administration for the Palm Beach County School District.  In addition to her membership in Sisterhood, she has also served as a region president and on  the National Board of Women’s American ORT and is a lifetime member of Hadassah.   Our Temple Judea family has shared in the lifecycle events of the Lesser family with the bar mitzvahs of sons Craig and Jason, the marriage of Craig to Renee, the naming of granddaughter Ava and the loss of her beloved husband Daniel.  Rabbi Yaron officiated at her 2014 marriage to fellow congregant, Howard Wallen. Marjorie has served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees as the Recording Secretary. She has been the High Holy Day Coordinator for the past 7 years, really enjoys participating in the social action and outreach programs offered by the temple, is a Past President of Temple Judea's Sisterhood and was the 2021 recipient of Temple Judea's prestigious Shofar Award.
 
Karen Wanuck

Karen was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She earned  an RN degree from Beth Israel Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and continued to work at Beth Israel Hospital in pediatrics. After taking some time off to start a family, Karen transitioned  into medical office administration working at a Radiology Center and then later her husband’s Urology practice. Also, along with a partner she  owned a retail gift shop and event/party planning company. Karen moved to Palm Beach Gardens in 1974 and along with her husband Stuart, raised 3 wonderful children and are blessed with 8 grandchildren all living in Florida.  Karen became active in volunteer work, which always involved a Synagogue as well as other Jewish groups and Nationwide organizations including JDRF.

Karen and her husband were one of ten families to found Temple Beth David in Palm Beach Gardens in 1975 and served on the temple and sisterhood boards in various positions for many years. They became members of Temple Judea 1 ½ years ago. Karen quickly became involved with different volunteer opportunities as well as presently serving on the sisterhood board. Karen enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, playing mahjong, working out, trips to North Carolina and adventures with husband, Stuart. She is honored to serve on the temple board and eager  to contribute to the impactful work Temple Judea does both in her own  life and the broader community.

Donald Wolk
Donald Wolk was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Economics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  Donald served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserves and as the President and CEO of Goodway Group of Companies – a national company specializing in digital marketing, lithography, digital printing, fulfillment, and distribution.  Donald is a founder of Temple Beth Tikvah in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania. He has also served as  Board Member and Trustee of Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, PA.  Donald and his wife, Susan, moved to Florida as full-time residents of Jupiter in 2012.  Together they have three children, six grandchildren, and four great – grandchildren.