Our Clergy

Rabbi Ron Koas
“I believe that the main role of a rabbi is to teach; education is the key for building a strong and vibrant Jewish community”
Rabbi Ron Koas became the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth El, Norfolk, VA in July 2021. Raised in Israel, Rabbi Koas served as a Captain in the Israeli Defense Forces and studied at the prestigious Beit Tzvi Theatre Academy before deciding to enter the field of education. He received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Levinsky Teachers College and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He received his Rabbinic ordination from the Rabbinical Academy.

Arthur Ruberg, Rabbi Emeritus.
Rabbi Arthur Ruberg became Beth El’s rabbi in 1988. He is a graduate of Haverford College in suburban Philadelphia as well as the Jewish Theological Seminary where he received a master’s degree in Jewish studies and rabbinic ordination in 1974. He was named Beth El’s Rabbi Emeritus in 2011.
Prior to coming to Norfolk, Rabbi Ruberg served congregations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as associate rabbi and religious education director. He also directed Camp Ramah in the Poconos, one of the youth leadership summer camps associated with Conservative Judaism.
Beth El Board of Directors
(2022-2024)
Deborah (Deb) Bernstein Segaloff was born and raised in the Meadowbrook Terrace neighborhood of Norfolk, nicknamed Little Israel in the 1970s and 80s. As a young child, she attended the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater on Thompkins Lane and was active in many Jewish youth organizations. Deb has worked as a Jewish professional and lay leader for over 25 years, including past president of the Hebrew Academy and past chairman of the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Deb also served on the Council of Human Rights for the Commonwealth of Virginia for 2 terms. Deb enjoys her family—daughters Sabine and Emma and her husband Peter, as well as painting, cooking, walking, reading, and her involvement with Beth El. She values and appreciates the warmth and caring of the Beth El community.
Our Staff

Pamela Gladstone
Executive Director

Sandra Toporek
Administrative Assistant

Noelle Wright
Administrative Assistant

Mario Cuffee
Maintenance/Catering Supervisor

Dave Donahue
Maintenance/Catering