Rabbi Aryeh Richter serves as the Assistant Rabbi of SOTC. Rabbi Richter received his semicha from HaRav Yitzchok Berkovits of the Jerusalem Kollel in Yerushalayim. He previously studied at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, NJ as well as Yeshivas Kodshim in Eretz Yisroel and RJJ in Edison, NJ.
Rabbi Richter teaches Chumash, Gemara, and Halacha at Beth Tfiloh High School and is a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice.
Rabbi Richter and his wife Chana are the proud parents of six beautiful children.
Shani Topper
Shani Topper is a Baltimore native with a degree in Accounting and Management from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively in the nonprofit sector, serving in a variety of leadership, operational, and administrative roles within educational and kiruv organizations.
Shani has a passion for building meaningful community engagement through innovative programs, strategic initiatives, and organizational development. Her experience spans program planning, financial management, communications, operations, and community outreach, with a focus on creating impactful experiences that strengthen individuals and communities.
Prior to joining Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, Shani taught both Judaic and General Studies to middle school students for several years, bringing her love of education and relationship-building into the classroom. Today, Shani combines her background in education, nonprofit leadership, and organizational management to help advance the mission of Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim and foster a vibrant, connected kehilla.
Rena Steinberg
Jon Kaplan
For more than 22 years, Suburban Orthodox Congregation has been my spiritual home, and I have been honored to serve our community in a variety of volunteer roles. Since 2020, I have served as Operations Manager, overseeing the synagogue’s day-to-day operations, including facility maintenance, repairs, contractor coordination, janitorial services, and the overall care of our building.
In addition to my work at the shul, I own and operate The Wandering Chef, a catering company that has proudly served our community for the past 16 years. Through both roles, I have the privilege of combining my passion for hospitality, creativity, and community service.
My wife and I have been married for 25 years, and we have been blessed to raise our three wonderful children – Ethan, who recently married Kayla Frohlich, Shana, and Talia – in the Suburban Orthodox family. It is a true privilege to be part of this community, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to helping our shul continue to grow, strengthen, and thrive for many years to come.
Moshe “Didi” Rand
Didi moved to the United States three years ago as part of his wife’s educational shlichut from Israel. Following the events of October 7, he returned to Israel for three rounds of IDF reserve duty. The son of parents who made aliyah from Passaic, New Jersey in the 1970s, Moshe (Didi) brings with him a strong connection to both Israeli and American communities. He combines meaningful leadership experience with strong interpersonal skills and is deeply committed to community, responsibility, and service.
Neshama Cenker
Neshama grew up in Baltimore and has lived across the street from SOTC forever. She was once a kid in the SOTC youth groups, and then a group leader, and now for the last several years the Youth Director. Neshama also works as a teacher in the public school system. She recently got married to Baruch Cenker and together they are “new members.” Baruch grew up in Atlanta, GA but has been living in Baltimore for the last few years. He works as the maintenance manager at 7 Mile Market, so many people may recognize him. They are very excited to be a part of SOTC together as a newly married couple!
Elly Rutstein
Elly has had the honor of being a part of the Suburban family for the past 17 years. He led the boys youth group from 2009-2011 and took the opportunity to lead our incredible boys again when we moved into our new shul. Davening, learning and growing with the boys of Torahs Chaim Jr has been a really wonderful experience. Elly grew up in West Hartford Connecticut and spent time in Yeshiva in Far Rockaway, NY and Waterbury, CT. His wife Riki, runs Accessible Therapy providing Occupational and physical therapy at home to seniors in our community.