Rabbi Michael Boino became Beth El Temple’s fourteenth rabbi in July 2026. A full biography will be coming soon!
Rabbi Boino can be reached at rabbimb@bethelhbg.org, or by calling the synagogue office at 717-232-0556.
Bill Walter came on board as Executive Director in 2017. A long-time lay leader at his Synagogue in York PA, Bill has served as Vice President, treasurer, trustee, and chair of several committees. He believes there is sacred work in even the mundane details of the facility, the finances, and ensuring things run smoothly. It is about building a strong inner core of beliefs and convictions that guide one’s priorities, and influence what one says and does. This work is about caring for others and honoring oneself.
Prior to joining Beth El Temple’s staff, Bill spent eighteen years as the Director of Program Operations at The York Jewish Committee Center, where he developed his love and dedicated his life to serve the Jewish Community. Throughout his eighteen years in the Jewish Community Center he has achieved dynamic results in leadership development, fundraising, strategic vision, operations and community outreach.
Bill resides in York with his wife, Erica, and their two teenage boys Benjamin and Samuel.
Bill believes there are no problems that can’t be solved. When you have a problem and are not sure where to turn, his door is always open. His passion is solving problems! Bill is also happy to help you wherever you may be on your Jewish journey. You can reach him at 717-232-0556, or bill@bethelhbg.org.
Mandy Cheskis became the Gesher Director of Lifelong Learning in July 2021. She has several decades of successful experience in Jewish education and in March of 2025 was recognized with the Conservative Jewish Educator award from the Jewish Educators Assembly. She is a Gesher Religious School teacher and parent, a Bar and Bat Mitzvah tutor at both Beth El and Chisuk Emuna, and a past director of Chisuk Emuna’s Religious School. In all of these roles — and many others — Mandy’s warmth, creativity and dedication bring out the best from all those with whom she works. We look forward to working with Mandy and building upon the solid foundation of our Gesher Religious School and joint adult education program.
Meg Shoeman became Beth El Temple’s first Jewish Outreach Coordinator in October 2023. She is excited to work with our existing members to deepen their engagement with the synagogue, serve as a friendly point of contact for visitors, and also connect with and represent Beth El in the larger Jewish and Central Pennsylvania communities.
Meg lives in Harrisburg with her sweet Corgi and rather rambunctious Shiba Inu. In addition to her role at Beth El, she also works as a healthcare chaplain, helping patients and families of various faith traditions and life orientations to access their own spiritual resources and resilience as they navigate injury, trauma, disease, death and grief. She enjoys learning stories, singing, spending time with friends, and walking along the river with her dogs. She originally came to Beth El by way of the Rabbi’s Introduction to Judaism class, where she learned a lot and was warmly welcomed to the synagogue community.
Meg can be reached at mshoeman@bethelhbg.org, or by calling the synagogue office at 717-232-0556.
Amy Guilmette became the new Office Manager at Beth El Temple in August of 2024 and is looking forward to getting to know everyone and becoming part of the Beth El family.
Prior to coming to Beth El, Amy worked at The Silver Academy for 15 years as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. Over those years she gained extensive knowledge of Jewish customs, traditions and holidays and developed a love for the Harrisburg Jewish community.
Amy grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a degree in communication. Amy currently lives in Middletown, PA with her husband, Jeff, son, Conor and rabbit, Kai. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
You can reach Amy at amy@bethelhbg.org or by calling the synagogue office at 717-232-0556.