Melissa Cohne

Religious School Director

Melissa Cohne received her teaching credential in 1999 from CSUN. Since then, she has taught in Burbank Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, and Simi Unified School District. Over the years, she has also taught Religious School at both Reform and Conservative synagogues. She and her husband moved to Simi Valley in 2020 with their three children.

Melissa believes in making strong, positive connections with students and families.

Jenna Hicks-Thomas

Religious School Teacher

Jenna Hicks-Thomas recently joined the temple in 2023. She has taken an interest in the Religious School because she enjoys working with children.  She has 2 girls, Zephyr and Ember, who were also instantly drawn to the religious school and enjoy helping/learning each Sunday. 

Meridith Shaw Patera

Director Emerita of Jewish Education

Meridith Shaw Patera has been involved in Jewish education since 1969, following her junior year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. A native of Long Island, NY, she received a BA in Political Science with a certificate in Middle Eastern Studies, and an MAT in Social Sciences and Hebrew from the State University of New York at Binghamton. She has also done extensive coursework in Jewish education and administration. Meridith has taught all ages, from preschool through adulthood, in public, Jewish day, and congregational schools across the country. She called New York, Florida, and Texas home before settling in California, where she has been with CBE Religious School since 1988. In 1992, she became School Administrator. As of 2022, Meridith will continue to teach Judaica High and tutor students preparing for their B'nai Mitzvah, as well as providing her guidance and wisdom as Director Emerita.

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Meridith is the author of two books, Kings and Things: 20 Plays for Jewish Kids, and Skits and Shpiels,14 Plays for Grades 4 to 9, as well as several plays for adults. She has also written the book and lyrics for a number of Hanukkah musicals for both kids and adults, which she produces and directs annually at CBE's Hanukkah party. Hilarity inevitably ensues.

Meridith has three sons, Bennett, Sam, and Max. She finally got two of them out of her house in Moorpark in 2018. The other one is still hanging around, nagging her about watering the plants, and generally driving her nuts. She is, of course, extremely proud of all of them.

Rabbi Jason Rosner

Rabbi Rosner brings a rich tapestry of rabbinic experience, innovative leadership, and heartfelt pastoral care to this next chapter in B’nai Emet’s spiritual journey. Rabbi Rosner’s rabbinate is animated by curiosity, community, and creativity. His sermons and programs fuse traditional Jewish texts with contemporary issues, humor, and moral reflection, on topics ranging from climate justice to antisemitism, Jewish identity to fast fashion. He believes in making ritual spaces engaging and accessible, whether by launching a children’s “Knights of the Afikoman” seder game or delivering sermon teasers online to spark deeper connection.

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Ordained by Hebrew Union College in 2015 and holding degrees from the University of St. Andrews and CSU Long Beach, Rabbi Rosner has served congregations across California, the UK, and the military chaplaincy. He is also the Executive Director of the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din, overseeing Reform, Conservative, Reconstrucitonist, Transdenominational, and Postdenominational Conversions for much of Southern California.

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Known for his approachability, strategic thinking, and warmth, Rabbi Rosner is also a seasoned fundraiser, educator, and pastoral presence. His leadership has guided communities through times of transition, grief, and growth.

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Together with his wife Noémie and their young son Sacha, Rabbi Rosner is proud to be part of Congregation B'nai Emet.

Kimberly Fuentes

Foods and Crafts Specialist

Suzanne Mahler

Music Teacher