Ellyn Becker Kaufman makes her way to us from Portsmouth/Norfolk, Virginia via Northern Virginia. Ms. Becker was an active member of USY which lead her to Israel as a youth. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, and then David Yellin Teachers College in Jerusalem. After completing certification at the teachers college, Ellyn went to Hebrew University of Jerusalem, majoring in Sociology and Economics.

Ellyn is the mother of 2, Avi Michael Elfersy (married to Kathie, living in Northern Virginia) and Mindy Elfersy, her pride and joy. She taught at the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater in Virginia Beach for 12 years, and was the Principal of Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk for 3 years.

She became the Director of Education for Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria for approximately a decade then served as Program Director for the congregation, at Washington Hebrew Congregation in D.C.

Ellyn's dedication to Jewish Education prompted her to pursue the position of Director of Education at Temple Beth Shalom in 2002. A thoroughly satisfying change, as her relocation ultimately resulted in her meeting her husband, Martin Kaufman. Mrs. Kaufman brings 33 years of experience in Jewish Education to TBS and is delighted to call Annapolis her home.