Mazel tov to Temple Israel’s 2026 confirmands (L to R): Beau Kleinholt, Jonah Halasz, Hillary Katchman, Jonah Dritz, and Matteo Chaiten.

Four stalwart Temple Israel staffers retire this summer. Executive Director Suzanne Shaw completes 22 years of service at the end of June. Also retiring in June are 12-year employee Annette Stogdill, the temple’s receptionist, and Marketing and Communications Manager Jodi Phares, at the temple since 2023 following nearly 20 years with the Jewish Federation. Administrative Assistant Ellen Finke-McCarthy, a 15-year employee, retires in July.

John Hunter began his work as Temple Israel’s new executive director in May. An Air Force veteran, John received a dual master’s degree in emergency and disaster management as well as homeland security from American Military University. He served as Crime Free Multi-Housing coordinator of the Colorado Springs Police Department, and with Dayton’s St. Vincent de Paul Society as manager of safety and security, director of shelter ministries, and most recently as chief of operations.

The American Heart Association honored Dr. Gary Fishbein at the Dayton Heart Ball in May for his work as an interventional cardiologist and researcher with Premier Health.

Martin Foster, copresident of Economy Linen & Towel Service, has been named to the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton Board of Directors.

Ohio Friends of the Israel Defense Forces has named Kobi Sigler director of its Southern Ohio Chapter, overseeing Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Ohio FIDF was founded in 1981 by Holocaust survivors. It supports the well-being of IDF soldiers, veterans, and their families. A native of Akko, Israel, Sigler started in the IDF as a combat engineering soldier. He completed his service as a reserve brigade officer. Sigler has served as Hebrew and Judaic coordinator at Akiva Academy in Youngstown.

The International Peace Museum presented Dayton Holocaust Resource Center’s founder and director, Renate Frydman, with its 2026 Miami Valley Peace Maker Award for “transforming remembrance into action, educating generations about the Holocaust while inspiring individuals to stand up for dignity, justice, and peace.”

The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area presented Lion Group with its Excellence in Philanthropy Award. LION matches 50% of United Way workplace campaign employee donations. Accepting the award for the family-owned business was Andy Schwartz, corporate counsel and chief procurement officer. Andy’s brother, Steve Schwartz, is LION’s CEO.

Pastrami & rye on the fly

It was up, up, and oy vey when All The Best Delicatessen made its first takeout delivery via drone, thanks to a Dexa autonomy delivery aircraft, June 2. Just in time for lunch, the drone set a takeout box with a pastrami sandwich at the home of Jon Klein, about a mile southwest of the Washington Township deli.

Shown here after sandwich liftoff are (from R) Beth Flippo with her parents, Igal and Gloria Sharret, who came from New Jersey for the demo, and All The Best owner Lee Schear.

Send your Mazel Tov announcements to mweiss@jfgd.net.

To read the complete July 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.