Clergy & Staff
Rabbi Benjamin’s Office Hours*
Mon: Rabbi’s Day off
Tues: 11:00 – 3:30
Weds: 11:00 – 3:30
Thurs: 2:00 -6:00
Fri: 11:00 – 3:00
Or schedule an appointment at:
617-698-3394
or by email
Rabbi, Dr. Alfred H. Benjamin הרב אפרים צבי בן משה ראובן ויחד פריידע בנימין
Rabbi Fred Benjamin or RabbiB, as we call him, received his ordination at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1987. Two years of Rabbinical School were spent at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University. His undergraduate studies were at The Ohio State University where he earned a BS in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development. His first pulpit was in Cherry Hill, NJ as Assistant and then Associate to Rabbi Al Lewis, Zichrono Livracha. (See Mitch Albom’s book, “Have a Little Faith”) He and his family then made Aliyah moving to Jerusalem where he worked as a tour guide, leader of archaeological digs and Division Head for Young Judea’s College Year Course. We are so proud that in May, 2015, RabbiB was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by The Seminary. While RabbiB has brought a lot of innovation and creativity into our religious services, as a rabbi ordained by The Seminary, we embrace our choice to have a spiritual leader who both adheres to core understandings of traditional observance and identity, and at the same time welcomes each and every person with love, respect and dignity.
RabbiB joined our Congregational community in 2006, and from day one has shared with us an infectious joy of Jewish life and culture. He brought with him extensive experience in Jewish camping, formal and informal education, a deep knowledge of the Land of Israel and Jewish History, a love of Jewish music, Torah learning, Tradition, and the values Judaism brings into the world and into our lives. One of his favorite sayings is, “No school, no shul” and so it is no wonder that he plays a major role as educator and program planner in our Religious School. His study of Christian theology and respect for people of all faiths has helped him form strong bonds in the wider community including serving as a leader in the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association. RabbiB also has a close working relationship with the leadership of the Milton Public School system, advising them on issues of concern to the Jewish community and all who seek to advance the values of diversity and mutual respect.
Rabbi Benjamin has two adult children, Yael and Noah, and now Micah, born on September 2, 2014, the newest blessing in his and his wife Alison’s life. RabbiB is an avid sportsman playing softball in the summer and ice-hockey year round. He also enjoys tennis, Scrabble and taking bike trips….the most recent when he and Alison toured Spain.
Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz (they/she), served Temple Hillel B'nai Torah in West Roxbury, MA, as the Interim Rabbi from July 17, 2023 to July 31, 2024, helping the community transition from their beloved previous rabbi.
Rabbi Noyo grew up in southern New Hampshire, where they fell in love with Judaism. She first got involved with Jewish text study during her time at Goucher College. They attended Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Newton, MA, graduating with a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and rabbinic ordination in 2020.
Making Judaism more radically inclusive and accessible is one of Rabbi Noyo's passions. She is currently freelancing and booking weddings, b mitzvahs, and other life cycle events for Jews and non-Jews across New England. She just launched her website TheRabbiNoyo.com.
Rabbi Noyo lives in Newton, MA, with their partner Ari, where they dream of having a bearded dragon someday.
Joshua Blumenthal joined Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills in June 2024 as Executive Director, bringing 20 years' experience in leadership and management of Jewish and non-Jewish nonprofits and operations.
He has served as Executive Director of three synagogues in the Boston area, with major success moving those synagogues into more professionally-run organizations while maintaining close and warm relations with congregants. Most notably, he has introduced or broadened the use of infrastructure and systems, particularly ShulCloud, the computer software that drives the invisible and back-office work of the synagogue to help those synagogues run more efficiently, professionally, and with financial responsibility.
Prior to this career in synagogue administration, Josh worked for Hillel International as an internal consultant helping campus Hillels strengthen their organizational infrastructures, volunteer and professional leadership, and fiscal and programmatic efficiencies. He then moved down south as Executive Director of the statewide system of North Carolina Hillel, serving some dozen campuses and 2,000+ students. He is equally proud of leading, with Hillel and with other trip organizers, some 20 Birthright trips to Israel and other leadership trips for USY and 92Y.
Josh holds an M.Ed. from UMass Amherst, where he worked as a Research Assistant in the Office of the Chancellor, and an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, where he sat on the Board of Trustees. He has also served as a founding board member of the nonprofit arm of Theater Delta, a theater for social change; and as Treasurer of Ambassador Michael Oren's US-based Israel: The Second Century, advancing a vision of Israel at its 100th birthday in 2048.
Office Institutional Memory
Arlene Klotz and Harriet Pollard met at the Corporate Headquarters of Dunkin' Donuts more than 30 years ago and quickly became friends. Arlene, Manager of Records, and Harriet, Tax Department Coordinator, worked closely. In 2003, Dunkin’ Donuts had a major reorganization, and it was time to change careers.
Arlene thought she was going to retire and volunteer her time at the Temple and for other charitable organizations. Harriet went to work as an on-call teachers’ aid in the Randolph Public School System.
One day when Arlene was at the Temple to help set up for a Shabbat Dinner, the secretary, who was very ill, was not in and everyone was worried because they didn’t know who was attending the dinner. Arlene sat down at the computer to help. She won herself a job that day. Not wanting to work full time, Arlene called to see if Harriet would job share with her, and the two work friends were reunited at work.
Now both retired, Harriet's and Arlene's institutional memories remain invaluable. Moreover, we are deeply grateful that Arlene continues to volunteer on specific office tasks as well as serve as "Rosh" Head of the Kitchen Team, preparing delicious kosher luncheons for each Shabbat morning kiddush and monthly Friday night dinners.
We were blessed to employ Candice Privott, first alongside Harriet and Arlene, and then on her own as our first full-time administrator. Candice learned and ably oversaw all office and facility functions for some three years before finding her dream job in her area of interest. We feel fortunate to still consider her part of the family.
Susan Repetta, Custodian
We are fortunate that Susan Repetta, who serves as our able custodian, keeps our building intact, safe, stocked, and most of all, clean and tidy. We deeply appreciate the care and pride she takes in her work.
Vendors & Volunteers
Beyond Susan and our staff, it takes a village to maintain a facility. We thank our many vendors and volunteers who not only keep our building functional but who maintain it as a warm, cozy, and caring community.