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Our Staff

Our Staff

Brian Fox, Executive Director 

Brian is originally from Virginia and worked in the hotel and hospitality industry for 25 years before bringing his generous nature and varied skill set to the Beth Jacob community. He likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, engage in fitness, and take advantage of the beautiful outdoors we have here in the Bay Area.

Melanie Marcus - Gan Mah Tov Preschool Director

Melanie comes to us with a deep love for and commitment to both Beth Jacob and the Oakland Jewish community. She served as Admissions Director at Oakland Hebrew Day School (OHDS) for 10 years and previously worked at the Jewish Federation as a Senior Development Associate. Most recently, she has been a leader in the Piedmont community, focusing on Israel advocacy and education.

Melanie has a long and heartfelt history with our preschool. Not only are her three children proud graduates of Gan Mah Tov, but she also served as president of the Gan Board Committee for six years. Melanie is dedicated to maintaining the Gan’s heimish, warm, and loving atmosphere, and is committed to ensuring its continued growth and success.

Ilana Bauman Waxman – Manhiga Kehilatit (Director of Community Engagement)

Ilana Bauman Waxman is joining our community as Manhiga Kehilatit, bringing a rich and diverse background in Jewish education and community leadership. Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Ilana made Aliyah two years ago and is going on Shlichut (service) to Oakland with her husband, Noam. She holds degrees in Biology, Jewish Studies, Social Work, and Education, and is eager to apply her interdisciplinary training to foster meaningful connections and Jewish experiences within our community.

Noam Waxman – Shaliach Kehilati (Community Builder)
Noam Waxman joins our team as Shaliach Kehilati (Community Builder), with a special focus on engaging and inspiring our middle school students. Raised in Israel, Noam studied at Yeshivat Yerucham and proudly served as a paratrooper in the IDF. He holds a degree in Economics and Philosophy and currently works as an economist and financial analyst. We are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Oakland and to our growing team of dedicated educators.

Rabbi Shua Brick, Resident Scholar 

Originally from West Hempstead New York, Shua is a Wexner Graduate Fellow who received Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshiva University, where he went for high school and undergrad, as well as pursued a dual masters in Jewish Philosophy and Jewish Education. In love with experiential education and summer camp, he has been upper staff in Camps Dora Golding, Ya’alozu, I.O., Stone, Wildrose, and Nageela, always looking for new and exciting challenges. Previously the Rabbinic Intern at the Jewish Center of Manhattan, and writer for the Office of the President of YU, Shua served as our Director of Family Learning from 2020-2025 before beginning his current role as Resident Scholar.

Austin Blair, Facilities Manager

We are delighted to introduce Austin Blair, our new Facilities Manager, to the Beth Jacob community. Austin has seven years of experience working as a handyman throughout the East Bay. Outside of work, Austin is an avid hockey player who also enjoys hiking, camping and spending time at the beach with his dogs. 

Adira Aufhauser, Accounting & Systems Administrator

Adira moved to the Bay Area in 2006 from Mevaseret Zion in Jerusalem, Israel, and she has been with Beth Jacob since February 2017. She currently lives in Portland with her family.  Adira has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Humanities, and Theater Studies, as well as a Master of Law degree. Her Jewish education includes a Judaism seminar in Arachim, Israel, and Jewish Studies for Women at Neve Yerushalayim, Israel. Adira’s passions include art and painting, floral design, gardening and hiking. What she likes most about working at Beth Jacob is that she can combine work with spirituality and that she is able to be a part of the Beth Jacob community.    

Kathy Hollander, Home of Peace Cemetery Administrator

Kathy Hollander is celebrating her 20th year working for Beth Jacob. She worked first in the Beth Jacob office and became the Administrator of Home of Peace Cemetery in 2005. Kathy loves ensuring that everyone receives the kosher and dignified burial they deserve. She also is grateful to have the opportunity to help families pre-plan their burial needs so that families are spared from making complex decisions during a highly emotional time. In addition to her work for Home of Peace, Kathy also volunteers by giving massages to hospice patients and their caregivers a few times each week.

Sat, June 14 2025 18 Sivan 5785