Meet JCAM's Staff Members

JCAM is proud of its hard-working staff of professionals. The day-to-day work of managing more than 100 cemeteries calls for skill, expertise, patience and dedication - and that describes our staff. Stan Kaplan, one of JCAM's founders, and long-time staff member Miriam Drukman, have been with the organization for more than 25 years! Judith Caplan's commitment to JCAM has continued to make an impact since 1998. Lisa Berenson, our Director of Educational Programming and Development, has been affiliated with JCAM since 2002. We are also proud of our newly appointed Director of Field Supervision Barry Ostrow who has been affiliated with JCAM since 2004, and our very capable part-time bookkepper Ellen Schreiber.

Stan Kaplan,
Executive Director

Stan is both a seasoned business executive as well as an accomplished fundraiser for non-profit organizations in Massachusetts and elsewhere. He brings fifteen (15) years of extensive cemetery management experience to JCAM having served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer from 1983-2000. He is also the Founder of the Beit Olam Cemetery in Wayland, Massachusetts that began servicing the diverse Metro-West Jewish community since 1999. Stan is the proud recipient of the 1998 The Charlotte Bloomberg Award. "For outstanding innovative service and resourcefulness in developing a program that brings a special vitality to the Jewish community." He is also the recipient of the 2000 Synagogue Council of Massachusetts, Ka’l Israel Award: “For outstanding service in strengthening our community and promoting the unity of the Jewish People. Stan resides in Sudbury Massachusetts with his wife Diane, and is the father of two very special daughters, Heather and Emily.

 

 

Miriam Drukman,
Director of Administration

The JCAM office is Miriam's realm as she oversees each and every detail of cemetery management. Miriam's years of experience are invaluable as she guides the process of grave sale purchases, manages individual cemetery records and maps, oversees the growing database of burial records, monitors contracts, accounts payable and receivable, and issues. She guides JCAM through its yearly calendar, approaching the seasonal issues and events with skill and confidence. Miriam's extensive knowledge of both the Jewish community and of Jewish tradition make her a valuable resource for families, funeral directors and co-workers.

 

 

 

Judith Caplan,
Director of Records & Documentation

Judith represented The Synagogue Council on the JCAM Board and has worked at JCAM since September 1998. Judith is generally the friendly voice that answers our telephone. She works with funeral directors on interment authorizations and with vendors on the issuance of monument permits. Judith also fields cemetery complaints and acts as liaison for caretakers, vendors, and monument dealers. Judith is also the person to contact if you are planning or scheduling an unveiling. Genealogical searches are her specialty and she gets inquiries from around the world. Fortunately for JCAM, Judith is also extremely capable of taking on special projects as needed. Her knowledge of and her affiliation within the synagogue community add to her many assets and talents.

 

 

 

Lisa Berenson,
Director of Educational Programming & Development

Lisa came to JCAM with more than 25 years of expertise in a variety of business environments. Her presentation skills and ability in designing unique programming opportunities regarding Jewish cemetery education has made her a valuable asset to the JCAM Charitable Foundation. She has been educating and enlightening the community since 2006 on the importance of maintaining the historical significance of Jewish cemeteries in Massachusetts. Via JCAM's successful education module, "Cemeteries Are For The Living," Lisa has presented hundreds of tours at various Jewish cemeteries in Massachusetts. Lisa's creative ability in writing and her organizational skills have made her instrumental in the coordination and dissemination of many of JCAM's publications and materials to raise awareness and support of the JCAM Charitable Foundation. Lisa also serves as Project Coordinator for the Mystic River Jewish Communities Project and is responsible for various fundraising efforts and new program strategies. Additionally, she is also responsible for the production of JCAM’s Guide to Jewish Cemeteries; acting as liaison between various printers, graphic design firms, and the local community. Lisa is proud of the work of JCAM and is excited to be integral part of our team.

 

 

Barry Ostrow,
Director of Field Supervision

Barry came to JCAM with over 30 years of solid business management experience. He has worked in the field of real estate, retail accounting, property management, and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Barry's expertise in planning and executing restoration programs makes him an invaluable team member. Barry's main position at JCAM is performing cost analysis and research for restoration work, as well as serving as liaison between contractors, vendors and service providers for JCAM; bringing in the highest quality services at the most competitive price. He also performs budget review and tracking, and creating computerized drawings/grave location maps for new sections of existing cemeteries. We are privileged to have Barry on our team!

 

 

 

Cantor Alan M. Kritz,
Assistant Director of Field Services

Cantor Alan Kritz brings to JCAM a broad level of expertise in non-profit management and logistics. His previous careers in the fields of Jewish education, administration and as a Cantor make him a valuable new addition to the JCAM team. Cantor Kritz works closely with our Director of Field Supervision, ensuring the daily operation of JCAM's more than 100 Jewish cemeteries. He also contributes to many varied JCAM projects including streamlining our online, searchable database and is actively involved in developing a digital mapping capability of active JCAM cemeteries. His deep sense of community offers the sensitivity and care needed when assisting families with grave purchase and selection. He lives in Sharon with his wife Lisa, is the proud father of two children and the adoring Saba of his granddaughter, Izzabel. Cantor Kritz passionately views his association with JCAM as a mitzvah. We are delighted to have him as an important part of our team.

 

 

 

Ellen Schreiber,
Bookkeeper

Ellen is our very capable and friendly part-time bookkeeper. Ellen has extensive experience in all aspects of bookkeeping and we are happy to welcome her to our team.