We want everyone to get to know the fabulous Temple Jeremiah staff even better. With this goal in mind, we have created #TakeoverTuesday where a staff person will take over the temple’s Facebook page every Tuesday! They’ll post about what they’ve been up to, what they do at Temple Jeremiah, and give you a little glimpse into their lives.

This week we get to know Dina Bauwens, Member Engagement Director, even better.

“I’m so excited to be Temple Jeremiah’s second #TakeoverTuesday poster. I handle Member Engagement for the temple so we might have crossed paths if you joined in the last three years, participated in a social event such as our Shabbat 360 dinner or summer BBQ, or even our Sunday in the Park(ing Lot) drive through a few weeks ago.

I joined the Temple Jeremiah staff three years ago when my husband, Randy, and I moved to the area from California. You also might have seen our son, Raydon, at Tot Shabbat or Bim Bam Baby, unless Rabbi Cohen commandeered him first!”

“The program I’m missing the most these days is a tie between Shabbat at the Beach and Tot Shabbat. I love the summer tradition of bringing in Shabbat along the beautiful lake shore, singing as the waves rolled in, and look forward to bringing it back next year. Whereas Tot Shabbat was my monthly opportunity to bring my now 19 month old to Temple Jeremiah. He loved all the tunes as well as clutching our little toy Torahs.”

“I have worked primarily for the Jewish community since I was a CIT at the JCC day camp where I grew up. Prior to Temple Jeremiah, I have been a Hillel Program Director, Community Manager for the Jewish Federation in San Francisco, and Development Manager for the JCC in Palo Alto, CA. This past December I received my Executive Master’s Degree in Jewish Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership the same weekend I celebrated Raydon’s first birthday. I’ve been privileged to visit Israel with the Federation, Hillel, and youth groups several times and can’t wait to go again.”

This photo is of me and my family in Italy as we awaited our opportunity to come to America.

“When not working or quarantining, we love to travel. One of our favorite destinations is a little-known town in southern Mexico called Huatulco.”

“I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and emigrated to America in 1989 (thanks in large part to the American Jewish community efforts to “Let our people go.”) Russian food is what I always crave if I’m feeling under the weather or just really tired. It’s been so fun to introduce the Russian language and traditions to Raydon already.”

Tune in to our Facebook page next Tuesday to meet Temple Jeremiah’s next staff #TakeoverTuesday!