Our Ministry Leaders

Rabbi Barney Kasdan

Rabbi Barney Kasdan, born and raised in Southern California, has been a believer in Yeshua since 1971 and is the founding Rabbi of Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue since 1981. He holds degrees from Biola University (BA History), Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.) and completed one year of graduate studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Rabbi Kasdan is ordained through Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) and has served the denomination in various capacities including as its President from 1998-2002 and 2022 to present. He has written numerous articles and books on Messianic Judaism and the Jewish background of the New Testament. He is a frequent speaker at various venues both locally in Southern California and internationally.

Rome Remigio

Elder/Zakeyn

Rome Remigio, born in Italy and a native of New Jersy, has been a believer in Yeshua since he first visited Kehilat Ariel in 1984. He has been an Elder in KA since 1991, where he has held several positions at KA prior to being an Elder including as Treasurer, Men’s Club Coordinator and Board Member. Currently, he is a leader with the Shabbat morning Parashah discussion His heart is for mentoring men and he hosts a men’s weekly early morning prayer group. Rome served in the US Navy from 1977 to 1986. Elder Rome and his wife Deborah (also a Messianic Jew) reside in San Diego and have three grown children.

FRANK ROSAS

Elder/Zakeyn

Frank Rosas was born in the Jewish neighborhood of Boyle Heights and has been involved in Messianic Judaism since 1979. Over the years, Frank and his wife Marianne have led numerous Torah study groups and Havurot. They have been involved is several messianic synagogues in the West as well as assisting in planting several groups in Mexico and Latin America.

ELLIOT KLAYMAN

Elder/Zakeyn

Rabbi Elliot Klayman is a past president of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and is the current Executive Director of Messianic Literature Outreach, also editing its publication, The Messianic Outreach. He directs the Messianic Jewish Theological School of Jewish Studies, and teaches in that Institute as well as in a number of other messianic schools and forums. Rabbi Elliot sits on Jewish Voice Ministry International’s Board of Directors and several other messianic Boards. Elliot taught Business Law for over 30 years at The Ohio State University. He and his wife Joyce (also a Jewish believer) live in San Diego.

TOVIK LIBERMAN

Elder/Zakeyn

Tovik Liberman is a sabra (native-born Israeli) who served in the IDF in both the 6-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). He worked in the hotel industry for many years and has always been very involved in the local Jewish communities. He has been involved in numerous Boards over the years and also as a synagogue President for a Reform shul. After a long search, Tovik came to the faith of Yeshua as the Messiah in 2004 and has participated at Kehilat Ariel since that time. Tovik is married to Colleen and together they serve in our synagogue.

MARCO MARTINEZ

Elder/Zakeyn

Marco Martinez was born in Colombia where he served as a medical doctor.  He has been involved in Messianic ministry for over 26 years and has served in a number of capacities at KA including as a Board Member, one of the Shamashim, in the music ministry, as well as overseas ministries.  Marco is married to his wife, Mauxi Rodriguez, and they live in San Diego with their 3 daughters and many pets.

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Yrena Niewald, Brendan Boshell, Chris Castaneda, Mauxi Rodriguez, Ilya Dyakov

Shamashim (Servants)

These men and women are recognized as leaders who serve our synagogue community:

Eric Kragenbrink
Joanne Kragenbrink
Colleen Liberman
Marco Martinez
Mauxi Martinez
Eddie Niewald
Yrena Niewald
Deborah Remigio

 

Staff Chaplains

LTJG James Burling, USNR (CCPO)
ENS Jacob Landers, USNR (CCPO)

Committee Coordinators

Children’s Education: Rebbetzin Liz Kasdan
Community Engagement: Sharon Lynn
Dance: Mauxi Martinez
Facilities: Jim Scarborough
International: Jeanette Conacher
Music: Eric & Joanne Kragenbrink
Office: Jacob Landers
Oneg: Elva Mendez
Prayer: Lyndia Lewis
Security: Mark Hill
Technology: Ilya Dyakov
Translation: Jeanette Haas
Treasurer: Mariana Bay
Ushers/Greeters: Lorane Mason
Youth Director: Daniela Cochell

KA Interns:
Daniela Cochell, Avishai Savarese, Adriana Landers, Chris Castaneda, Eric Kragenbrink, Mike Hammer, Priscilla Castro, Andrew Gallegos, David Ramirez, David Lima, Ishraq Ali, David Block, Lida Hill, Sarah Martinez