Staff and Clergy

Rabbi Glenn Ettman

Rabbi Glenn Ettman brings heart, humanity and hope to everything he does. As the sole rabbi of Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill, PA, he leads a dynamic multi-generational congregation described best as “a family of friends.” With a deep belief in the power of sacred relationships, Rabbi Ettman sees Judaism as a living tradition that helps people make sense of their lives, from moments of profound joy to seasons of struggle and change. His goal is to help bring a Jewish connection and meaning to life.

Cantor Jordan Franzel

Cantor Jordan S. Franzel has served Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill, PA, since July of 2002. He received his Master's of Sacred Music from HUC–JIR – Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music and was ordained as a Cantor in 1996. In 2021, Cantor Franzel received an honorary doctorate in music from HUC.

Rebecca Slavin-Phillips, Ph.D., Executive Director

Rebecca Slavin-Phillips comes to Or Ami with over a decade of experience in synagogue administration, having served in both executive director and educational director roles across the spectrum of denominations in the Philadelphia region. She brings to the community a unique blend of warmth, energy and professionalism along with a deep commitment to relational values-driven congregational life.

A scholar and seasoned administrator, Rebecca holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Non-profit Management. Her doctoral research focused on Orthodox Jewish women, reflecting her lifelong engagement with the diversity and richness of the Jewish experience.

Rebecca, her husband Jake and their two elementary-age boys reside in Blue Bell, and they are looking forward to becoming a part of the Or Ami family.

Stefanie Bock, Education Director

Stefanie Bock has been a dedicated part of the Or Ami community for the past 18 years, serving as our Education Director. Before joining Or Ami, Stefanie taught Hebrew school for many years at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am, the synagogue where she grew up and first discovered her love for Jewish education.

A native of Huntingdon Valley, Stefanie is a graduate of Lower Moreland High School. She went on to earn her degree in elementary education from Penn State University and later completed a master’s degree in reading at Arcadia University. She also became a certified religious school teacher through the I.M. Wise Program at Gratz College.

In addition to her role at Or Ami, Stefanie is a reading specialist in the Garnet Valley School District, where she has worked for over 20 years, supporting students and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Stefanie lives in Lafayette Hill with her husband Lloyd and their two sons, Logan and Spencer. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, watching sports and cheering on her sons at their soccer games.

Carrie Matez, Office Manager and Program Director

Carrie has been at Congregation Or Ami since May of 2024. She is the friendly voice you hear first when calling Or Ami and is always happy to help, whether you have questions about an upcoming b’nai mitzvah, the High Holy Days or programs to attend. She brings years of experience planning programs for a wide range of groups, from Hadassah moms and tots to Hillel students, senior citizens and the broader Jewish communities of Bucks County and Northeast Philly. She is a proud mom to Alex (31) and Michael (27). When she’s not at Or Ami, you will likely find her biking or walking along the Schuylkill River Trail or enjoying live classic rock around town.

Early Childhood Education Center

Michelle L. Ruder
Director of Early Childhood Education Center
p. (610) 828-9066 x400
e. micheller@or-ami.org

Carly Shaw, ECE Administrative Assistant

Carly began working at Or Ami over 20 years ago. Before taking the Administrative Assistant position, she had been a teacher at the ECE Center for 14 years, working with various age groups. Carly loved getting to know so many students throughout the years. Carly attended Kutztown University, majoring in Elementary Education, and each year takes continuing education trainings and courses.

Carly currently resides in Lafayette Hill with her son and twin daughters, all of whom are ECE Center alumni and are currently enrolled in the Or Ami Religious School. She grew up at Or Ami and also attended their Religious School. She loves having my children be part of the Or Ami family!

Rabbi Seymour Prystowsky, PH.D. z"l
RABBI EMERITUS

After serving two years as a Chaplain (Captain) in the U.S. Army, Rabbi Prystowsky came to Congregation Or Ami in Lafayette Hill in 1963 where he served as the spiritual leader for 38 years until his retirement in 2001. He served as the rabbi emeritus and had a limited practice as a marital and family therapist for both congregants and non-congregants.