About

For almost two decades, Rabbi Raphael Leban’s warmth, wit and wisdom have made him a beloved teacher of Torah with a devoted following of students from across the Denver community. Originally from Virginia, Rabbi Leban learned Torah at the Mir Yeshiva in Israel and received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Z.N. Goldberg of the Jerusalem Beis Din. He is the author of Torah Today, a popular series of comments on the weekly parsha (portion). As managing director of The Jewish Experience, Rabbi Leban develops outreach and community programs, and co-shleps the organization to greatness along with Rabbi Ahron Wasserman. Allegedly one of the world’s most extreme skiing rabbis, Rabbi Leban now prefers the quiet life with his wife Ita and their three children, perfecting his cholent recipe in the relative safety of their home. Right around dawn you can find him teaching the daily Daf Yomi Talmud class at Merkaz Torah.

As one with a charmed touch for empowering people, driving fundraising initiatives, and executing major organizational transformations, executives are quick to recognize the signature “pixie dust” left in Susan’s wake. Although it’s been many years, millions of donor dollars, and several executive leadership roles since those early days, her experience has emphasized the importance of the key she discovered early on— it is the magic of relationships that unlocks the connection between passion and action. This crucial discovery continues to serve as a foundational element guiding the journeys of organizational transformation she leads today.

Alex was born in the Soviet Union and moved to Chicago in the early 90s. After graduating from Loyola University Chicago, Alex worked his way up in the hospitality industry, and then marketing and sales in downtown Chicago. He moved to Colorado in 2014 to pursue his passion in the “for-impact” Jewish world. Alex joined The Jewish Experience in 2018 after many happy years as the Director of CSU Hillel. These days Alex is working to support our Rabbis, teachers, and staff to reconnect Jews with their culture, traditions, food, and more! Alex, his wife Rachael, and their boys Zusha and Amitai are thankful to be a part of The Jewish Experience family.

Deb Flomberg is a Colorado native and is proud to be a part of The Jewish Experience. She has been marketing in the non-profit sector for more than 15 years with a focus on design, video production and social media. In her spare time, Deb enjoys supporting local artists, live theatre and music and volunteers for several nonprofit organizations. 

Carley Brooks is an Event Project Manager at Susan Kramer Consulting. For the past year and a half she has worked closely with The Jewish Experience and Clean Speech Colorado in producing high quality events including fundraisers like The Jewish Experience’s Wine & Cheese as well as helping pivot to the virtual event space with Volume 2 of Clean Speech Colorado. Carley has a combined 10 years experience in both the nonprofit sector and event coordination. For a fun creative outlet, Carley also dabbles in selling Judaic inspired costume jewelry with Alef Bet by Paula. Carley and her husband, Dan, can often be found in their Denver area backyard playing with their three boys and dog.

Wendy Greenwald, founder and President of The SolutionPR, has built and run public relations operations for over 30 years. Wendy has served as Media Director for several successful local and national campaigns around the country.  Prior to forming her company, Wendy  served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Ron Wyden (D-OR), as well as his Director of Communications and Media.  Wendy worked as Director of Communications for National Strategies, Inc., a D.C.-based political consulting and lobbying firm. There she supervised and developed national media strategies for clients. Throughout her career, Wendy has created solid relationships with the business, trade, and consumer press – relationships based on her reputation for sound news judgment and a proven track record of bringing only the most newsworthy events, issues, and companies to editors’ and reporters’ attention.