Rabbi Steven L. Silver

Rabbi Silver was born in Boston and raised in Anaheim, California. He is a product of Temple Beth Emet, then under the spiritual leadership of the late Rabbi Aaron J. Tofield and Cantor Phillip Modell. He graduated from UCLA in 1974 with a BA in Ancient Near Eastern History. He then went on to graduate study in Jewish history and is a credentialed teacher. He received his Masters in Hebrew Letters in 1982, and was ordained Rabbi by the Hebrew Union College -Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, Ohio in 1984. He was assistant Rabbi at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, Texas for three years, and came to Temple Menorah in 1987. Rabbi Silver is the father of three children, Jesse, Lena and Talya, all of whom are currently university students active in Hillel and teaching in their local synagogues.

Rabbi Silver has brought great growth in membership, expansion of educational offerings and services, and a vision of a totally involved congregation serving the spiritual needs of Jews in our South Bay Community. His Hevrat Torah class will celebrate its 20th year of continuous Torah study and dialogue in the Fall of 2007. He has also instituted a weekly Shabbat morning service which will celebrate its 18th anniversary.

Over the years, under Rabbi Silver’s guidance, the focus of the congregation has been on Jewish education in all its permutations. Tuvia has grown to be the largest Jewish pre-school in the South Bay; the Day Camp, also the largest Jewish Day Camp in the South Bay, has delivered informal Jewish identity for over 10 years; the Religious School has the highest Bureau of Jewish Education accredidation, and adults enjoy classes and seminars in all aspects of Jewish cultural tradition.

Temple Menorah is truly the “education synagogue”.

Email: rabbi@templemenorah.org

Cantor Didi Thomas

Didi Thomas has a wealth of experience as a Jewish Music Professional serving Congregations in Texas and Los Angeles for the last 12 years as Substitute Cantor, Cantorial Soloist, Youth Music Director, Youth Choir Director, Song Leader, and as Music Specialist for Temple Pre-school , Religious School , Jewish Day School and BBYO. She has served Congregations ranging in size from 150 members to 2700. 

Didi comes to Temple Menorah from Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles , where she served as Substitute Cantor, B'nei Mitzvah Tutor, Educator and Music Specialist, as well as Music Specialist for Kadima Hebrew Academy . 

Didi has sung in choir with renowned Jewish Composer Simon Sargon, and has appeared as guest vocalist at many Jewish Community and Federation events, Interfaith events, Conservative Synagogues, and in Israel . 

She has also served as a member of Partnership 2000 working with Jewish Educators in Acco , Israel and was instrumental in creating a combined youth choir event with Jewish Youth from Israel and America .

In addition to Temple Isaiah , Didi has worked as substitute Cantor for Temple Israel of Hollywood and Wilshire Boulevard Temple , serving WBT as well for High Holy Day Services and Temple Aliyah. 

Didi has a Bachelor's Degree in Jewish Studies with High Honors from Gratz College in Philadelphia , and has mentored privately with Cantors Nate Lam at Stephen S. Wise Temple , Perryne Anker, Evan Kent at Hebrew Union College and Hazzan Jeremy Lipton at Temple Beth Am.

Didi has a Certificate in Chaplaincy training through Zale Lipshy Hospital in Dallas Texas , and is also a published poet and composer of Jewish music for young children with songs featured in the Religious/Day School Collection – Manginot II.   
Didi is a Member of the Orff-Schulwerk Association for Music Educators and the Women Cantors' Network.

Didi, as a former professional actress and singer, has membership in the Screen Actor's Guild, American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, and Actor's Equity Association. Prior to her work in Jewish Synagogue life Didi worked in all mediums of film, television and theater, with training from the Beverly Hills Playhouse and USC.

Didi has 2 children; Alissa and Zack. ~ All are thrilled to be a part of the Temple Menorah Family.

Didi brings warmth and light to the Temple Menorah community and is devoted to building the future with music and ruach (spirit) for all to share ~ in all facets of our Congregational life.

Email: cantor@templemenorah.org