Michelle Cole graduated from the University of Kansas and then moved to Overland Park, and is currently the Director of Marketing for Panera Bread of Kansas. Michelle and Eric Cole have two children, Logan and Zachary, and they love being involved with their kids’ schools and with Beth Torah. She enjoys reading, relaxing, shopping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Ellen, her husband Roger, and their two sons have been members of Beth Torah since 1998.  Ellen and Roger are not Kansas City natives and were looking for a congregation where they would quickly feel part of the community.  They found that at Beth Torah.  When she's not volunteering, Ellen works as a social worker/trainer for two employee assistance programs.

Judith Benson Judith Evnen Benson, joined Beth Torah in 2002, with her family; husband Doug, son Sam, and daughter Emma. The warm, welcoming, socially-forward congregation engaged them, as well as the inclusiveness for inter-married families. Judith is an MSW (social worker), and has had a varied work life, including child protection, clinical psychotherapeutic practice, and personal coaching. Her drive towards Beth Torah leadership is fueled by a legacy of family synagogue leadership, and her love and commitment to the Beth Torah community. 

Linda joined Beth Torah upon moving to the Kansas City area from NY almost 15 years ago. It was a good timeto start her six-year-old son in religious school, and a good place to meet people.  Linda's son is now a senior in college, and Beth Torah members are among Linda's best friends.  She has been active in the YAEC Committee, Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction, and currently leads the CCO (Communities Creating Opportunities) initiative at CBT.  This is her second year on the Board.  Linda is also the  Director of Marketing at Payless ShoeSource, and yes, she commutes to Topeka almost every day.

Gregg Herman and his wife, Miki, are a team dedicated to family, community and careers (Miki is in education and Gregg is in business). Congregation Beth Torah has been part of their lives for many years. After the birth of their daughter Sophia in 2007, they have come to appreciate Beth Torah even more. Coming to Beth Torah reminds the Hermans to slow down, spend time with family and friends, and to focus on what’s important to the family.

Edis and her husband, Sid, have a sense and passion for Jewish life and have shared that with heir daughters and spouses.  Being Jewish is about being a part of a greater community.  Edis has served on the national boards of NFTY, Hillel, ADL and Jewish Women International (JWI); in addition she is the past president of District Seven JWI, Sisterhood of Congregation Emanuel (Houston, TX) and served on the boards of San Jacinto Girl Scouts Council, UGA and many terns on Congregational Emanuel.  Professional, she retured as the Direct of Fund Development for the SJGS and as a Loaned Executive to Exxon and Shell oil companies.    Since joining Congregation Beth Torah, Edis has been involved in the Chili Cook-Off, Mitzvah Day, Women of Beth Torah, and has served two terms on the Board of Directors. 

Sue and Herb and have been members of Beth Torah for over 10 years. They have three generations at Beth Torah, Adam and Amie their son and daughter in law, and Jackson and Jonathan, their grandsons.

Jim Reicher and his wife Elizabeth have been CBT members since 1999.  They live in Raymore with their two boys, William and Samuel and their two wire-haired dachshunds, Challah and Tasha.  A native of Kansas City, Jim is a software engineer and a tax advisor with H & R Block.  He’s active in Scouting and is a licensed amateur radio operator.

Lainie Decker is originally from Florida and has been a Kansas City resident for over 13 years. Her husband, Jim Decker, and she have two sons – Isaac (9) and Gabriel (5). After having practiced environmental and energy law for over a decade, Lainie switched to a career in marketing. She currently works at Barkley and am pursuing a Masters degree in Marketing Communications at the University of Kansas. Her professional pursuits meld into her personal interests, which include community activism, creative writing, vegetarian cooking, and being outside.

Kelly Somberg has been a member of Beth Torah for 15 years.  She is married to Dan Somberg and they have two children, Zach (16) and Lindsay (14).  Kelly is a Social Worker (MSW) by training but currently spends her time as a community volunteer. She is a Jew by choice and finds Beth Torah to be a warm, spiritual home where her family has found a place to pray, study, and build community.

Samantha Hammontree and husband Quentin have two children Braxton (10) and Mackenzie (7).  Beth Torah holds a very special place as the Weiner Religious School is named after the loving memory of Samantha’s brother, Brad Weiner.  The personal connections felt with other families and the staff of CBT is what keeps her engaged as an active congregant.  Given all of her life cycle events have been performed by Rabbi Mark Levine including her Bat Mitzvah, Wedding and Naming of her children – it is only natural to feel as though CBT is an extension of home!   In addition to serving on the Junior League, ACS Flamin’ Hotties Board, Prairie Star Elementary PTO, CBT Chili Cook-off Auction Committee and Chairing the 25th Anniversary of CBT in 2013, Samantha works full time running her family import business.  She mostly enjoys traveling, reading, and cheering in the audience during her children’s sporting events!

David Spizman and his wife Karen Loggia have two young boys, Shaefer born February 2009 and Elliot born July 2011.  As Beth Torah members with no family in town, they appreciate the community connections that arise via the synagogue.  David works for a business alliance of children’s hospitals and Karen has a strategic marketing background.

Susan Kivett and her husband, Jeff, have a son, Jordan 17 1/2, daughter Rachel 14 & son Gabriel 8 1/2.  They love dogs and have 3 of their own.   The Kivetts have been members of Beth Torah for five years.  It was important to Jeff & Susan that their children receive a strong Jewish Education and feel that Beth Torah has the best in the city.  They wanted a congregation that supported social justice efforts and found it at Beth Torah.  Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Currently, she teaches Pilates and fitness classes to seniors.  She also has an in-home pet-sitting business.

Bonnie Swade has been a member of Beth Torah for the past twenty years.  She is past president of Women of Beth Torah and is currently on the Adult Education Committee.  Bonnie was in education for forty years thirty as a teacher and ten as a school counselor. She and her husband Mickey are involved in community service projects and have started SASS-MoKan (Suicide Awareness Survivor Support) and facilitate a support group for those who have experienced a loss of a loved one by suicide.