Executive Director Ellen Bob joined the staff of Etz Chayim in February, 2011.  A native of Minnesota, but a graduate of Los Altos High, she has spent most of her life living on the Peninsula.  You may recognize her from bob and bob fine Jewish gifts, crafts and books where she chatted with customers, recommended books, gave advice about bar and bat mitzvahs, wedding and baby namings and pretty much everything else, while running a business with her mother for 27 years.  She has also worked in community journalism, web-copy writing, retail consulting and summer camp development.

She holds a double degree from Brandeis University in Linguistics and Near Eastern and Judaic studies.  Ellen is happy to bring everything she has ever learned to her position here where she enjoys helping members create the congregation and celebrations they desire.  Contact Ellen for information about any of our programs, activities, membership, donation opportunities or random advice at 650-813-9094 x206 or execdirector@etzchayim.org.

Education Director Melissa Rogoway has worked in the field of Jewish education for 24 years, 16 of them as a school principal. She holds a master's degree in education and a bachelor's of literature in Hebrew Letters from the University of Judaism.

Melissa has always been interested in making learning fun while maintaining high academic standards. She often visits the children in school with her guitar to share music, and regularly leads hands-on art activities with families. Melissa is happy to speak with parents about their child to help strengthen the family/school partnership.  Reach her at 650-813-9094 X 214 or educationdirector@EtzChayim.org.