Get to Know Some of BJ’s New Staff
Anina Dassa: Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow and Hebrew Coordinator
She/Her
What are you most excited about in your new position?
I’m excited to get to know the community members and learn from their wisdom!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
In the moments before making a decision, if you can, take a few deep breaths.
What’s the most unexpected part of your life or work experience that you think will help you with your new position?
Working at Starbucks on the UWS has definitely helped me with my Hebrew (I served a lot of Israeli customers).
What’s the most unique aspect of working for a synagogue/Jewish community in NYC?
I can go from work to a Broadway show!
Which person in history would you like to have as your doubles partner in tennis?
Hilma Af Klint—I want to talk to her, but we would be a terrible tennis team.
What’s your favorite word/phrase in Hebrew?
(To Facebook someone) לפסבק
If there were a Broadway musical about your life, what would it be called?
Sacred Strokes
Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?
Crunchy.
Sinead Carucci: Executive Program Administrator
She/her
What are you most excited about in your new position?
I enjoy the dynamic aspects of program planning and the opportunity to collaborate with an incredible team. Additionally, learning from my team members has added an extra layer of excitement to my role.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A mentor of mine told me to cherish the wisdom that mistakes are inevitable, especially in new roles. Rather than perceiving them as flaws or failures, embrace them as valuable learning opportunities.
What’s the most unexpected part of your life or work experience that you think will help you with your new position?
As a mother to an almost two-year-old named Leonardo, I’ve learned invaluable lessons in adaptability, patience, and the willingness to embrace new experiences. These qualities, instilled by my son, will undoubtedly contribute to my success in this new role.
What’s the most unique aspect of working for a synagogue/Jewish community in NYC?
The unparalleled sense of community is the standout aspect. It fosters a unique and supportive environment that sets working at BJ apart.
Which person in history would you like to have as your doubles partner in tennis?
Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s “Pirate Queen” from the early 1500s, would be my ideal doubles partner. Her prowess with a sword suggests a talent that could easily transfer to wielding a tennis racket.
What’s your favorite word/phrase in Hebrew?
It’s שלום (Shalom). I like how it can be used as a part of a greeting and also means “peace.”
If there were a Broadway musical about your life, what would it be called?
“Vibrant Visions on the Verrazano: A Staten Island Serenade”
Crunchy or creamy peanut butter?
Undoubtedly crunchy peanut butter. One of my fondest childhood memories involves my grandmother preparing me a peanut butter sandwich with Smucker’s All Natural Crunch Peanut Butter after school, creating a nostalgic connection.