Maria Samiljan

Maria most recently co-chaired the host committee of the USCJ 2020 Judaism Biennial convention in Boston. She also serves on the USCJ Northeast district council.

Maria is a lifelong devoted member of Congregation Shirat Hayam (CSH) in Swampscott, Massachusetts. She currently serves on the congregation’s Interfaith Leadership Task Force, aimed at examining issues and recommending change to achieve radical hospitality, Shir Lanu, inclusion, and equality for a secure future for CSH. Maria has also served as a Shir Chesed Team Leader for the congregation.

Maria is a lifelong active member, past president, and lifetime board member of the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore (JCCNS). At JCCNS, Maria established the Bernice and Joseph Samiljan Memorial Fund, which sponsors the annual Bernice and Joseph Samiljan Service Day, intended to bring family and community members together to perform Tikkun Olam (such as preparing Hanukkah gift bags for local Holocaust survivors), combining the efforts of the JCCNS and Jewish Children and Family Services (JF&CS). Maria has served on the North Shore Advisory Council of JF&CS, is an active leader for JF&CS’s Schechter Holocaust Services, organizing a monthly Cafe Hakalah gathering for Holocaust survivors.

Professionally, Maria co-owned and operated a family business; a four-store chain of photography stores north of Boston. Marias oversite included daily operations, management support, office staff supervision, purchasing, marketing, advertising, and strategic planning. During her career, Maria also served on a national Kodak retailers advisory board.

Maria and her husband, Alan Lensky, live in Marblehead, Massachusetts where they raised three amazing daughters.

Staff

Vjollca Citozi

Greg Yellin