President
Jessie Pressman
Jessie (she/her) and her partner, Ryan, moved to Washington Heights in 2017 from the Upper West Side. Their decision was solidified by bumping into an old friend and FTJC member, Naomi Skop-Richter, who told them there was a shul here they would love. She was right. Jessie, Ryan and their two children, Spencer and Jacob have found a home at Fort Tryon Jewish Center. It is a welcoming community with an active and diverse membership, both in demographics as well as observance - something they value highly. Jessie has been known to lead children’s services and has served on the board since 2019. She became Secretary in 2020 and is honored to serve as FTJC’s current president. When not focusing on shul, Jessie can be found playing with her kids at the playground, with her nose in a book, or working in a marketing and operations role for BSL Concepts and People + Practice, LLC.
Past Presidents
Seth Guthartz, Past President
Seth is a native New Yorker and joined FTJC in 2010 with his wife Sarah. Sarah and Seth love the FTJC community, as do their children Jonah (11) and Stella (7). FTJC is a special place for them, and it is the perfect community where their entire family can grow as people and as Jews. Seth was drawn in by the familiar and fresh feel that FTJC has, and loves the lay led services and variety those leaders bring. Seth served as the co-chair of the Ritual Committee for 5 years, led the Rabbi Search Committee and redesigned the website. He became Secretary in 2014, and then President in 2017. When not in shul, Seth works for the New York City Department of Health as the Director of the Office of Emergency Planning and Operations.
Jordan Kolar, Past President
Jordan and his wife Ilana have been members of FTJC since moving to Washington Heights in 2009. Jordan and Ilana feel blessed to be raising their three sons - Noam (7), Ori (3) and Edan (1) - in such a supportive and engaging Jewish community. Jordan was struck upon joining FTJC by the warm and welcoming nature of the community and has worked to maintain and support those qualities, including serving as chair of the Membership Committee before becoming Vice President in 2014 and then President in 2015.
David Libchaber, Past President
Born and raised in Paris, France. David came to the United States when he was 17 years old. A graduate of the University of Chicago, he holds an MBA from Columbia University. He has lived in Washington Heights with his wife and three children since 2002. Before becoming president he served on the executive committee as treasurer for two years and on the board of trustees for three years. He is currently an associate broker with the Corcoran Group.
Jack Murad, Past President
Born and raised in Washington Heights. Former public middle school teacher and administrator. Now, a consultant to three DOE principals. Officer of FTJC for the past 15 years. Treasurer of the Friends of Fort Tryon Trust and former treasurer of the Washington Heights Ecumenical Food Pantry. Married to Ella and father to sons, Joshua and Alex. He and Ella have five grandchildren, enjoy travelling, hiking, yoga and ballroom dancing. He is a loyal fan of New York sports teams and is very pleased to be a member of the FTJC community.
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