Professional Staff

Rabbi David E. Ostrich 

Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Rabbi David E. Ostrich received his education at Northwestern University and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. During his forty years in the rabbinate, he has specialized in small congregations, serving in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Savannah, Georgia, Pensacola, Florida, and now in State College. He brings to our congregation a wealth of experience in spiritual development, teaching, programming, youth work, and social justice. Rabbi Ostrich is the editor/compiler of two of our congregation's prayer books, Siddur B'rit Shalom and Machzor Ki Anitani, and our congregational Haggadah. He is a frequent instructor for OLLI (the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Penn State) and was for many years a Lecturer in Jewish Studies at Penn State.

If you would like to learn more about Judaism or about Congregation Brit Shalom, or if you would like to do some work on your own personal spiritual quest, please contact Rabbi Ostrich at rabbiostrich@britshalomstatecollege.org or at (814) 238-4611.

Marjorie Stromberg Miller

Marjorie Miller is Director of Religious Education and Youth Engagement at Congregation Brit Shalom. Previously she was a second and third grade Jewish studies teacher at Congregation Brit Shalom. She also currently works at Spring Creek Elementary School as a paraprofessional and reading teacher.

Prior, Marjorie worked for five years as a writer and editor in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State. Before that, she held many writing and journalism jobs in various capacities.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in News Editorial Journalism, and a minor in English from West Virginia University. While attending West Virginia University, Marjorie taught both Sunday and Hebrew school at the local synagogue, and held the position of Vice President of Hillel.

Marjorie, her husband Sean and daughter Adele live in State College, and are members of the congregation. They have enjoyed attending Tot Shabbat, and now attend Youth Shabbat. Adele is a rising first grader in Sunday school at Congregation Brit Shalom, and at Ferguson Township Elementary School. The Millers enjoy hiking, cycling, and hosting friends for Shabbat dinners and other Jewish holidays and events.

Michelle Davis

That smiling face and helpful spirit that greets visitors at the main office of Congregation Brit Shalom belong to Michelle Davis. As office manager, she provides administrative assistance to our Rabbi, staff, and Board of Directors as well as facilities support for educational, religious and social activities.  

Born and raised in Bellefonte, Michelle was previously employed in retail management, and studied nursing assistance at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology. She enjoys reading, the outdoors and, most of all, spending time with her daughters and her grandson. 

Reflecting on her more than a decade at Congregation Brit Shalom Michelle feels— “It is my home away from home, so blessed to be in such a positive and loving working environment.”

Volunteer Leaders

Todah Rabbah

Thanks to Tamar London of London Wolfe Photography for our website's fine photos. Appreciation also to congregation members who provided their personal photos.