Wisdom Council

Ma'alot's Wisdom Council is a compass that keeps our community focused on our unique blend of nature, music, and Jewish wisdom. Through their expertise, the Council advises Ma’alot staff and helps shape our strategic vision, ensuring that we create innovative programs that reflect our mission, vision, and values.

Jerome “Jerry” Tolochko (Treasurer)

Jerry believes in ‘doing Jewish’ inclusively, musically, and (weather-permitting) outdoors. Jerry leads financial services for Uber’s logistics business Uber Freight, and in previous lives he ran a luxury leather goods business and worked as a defense contractor. Born and raised in Atlanta, Jerry lives in the Old Fourth Ward with his wife and three kids. Ask Jerry about living in Colombia and going backpacking with small children.

Samantha Berinsky

As a young professional herself, Samantha is inspired by Ma’alot’s mission to provide an accessible community for young adults, young families and all seeking new and meaningful ways to connect to their Judaism. Engaging young adults is a daily task for Samantha, who serves as the City Director of Repair the World Atlanta, providing opportunities for Jewish community members to connect through service and learning. She has been a Jewish professional for the past eight years, having most recently served in the synagogue sector - she is eager to find new and innovative ways to make community accessible for all! When she isn’t busy “repairing the world”, you can find her exploring Decatur or outside somewhere - whether it is the Beltline, hiking, or a roadtrip.

Alexis Cohen

Alexis finds that her soul most awakens through music, in nature, and in deep conversation.  Ma’alot does just that. Professionally, Alexis is a serial entrepreneur and innovator - applying those skills to start up social enterprises, corporate innovation, local nonprofit boards, and philanthropy. She lives on a homestead in north Decatur with her husband, 2 kids, dog, chickens, and all the plants you can imagine (inside and outside).  In her free time, Alexis enjoys painting, hiking, traveling, singing, and reading.

Andrew Stein

If Judaism is a structure by which we are bound to one another, then Andrew feels elevated by the Ma'alot connective tissue of music, nature, and authentic meaning-making. His day job as CEO of 1Unit is to help hospitals improve frontline nurse and physician teamwork, and he's advised 100s of organizations in the private, public, and non-profit sectors for more than 15 years. An Atlanta native, he lives in Inman Park with his wife, 2 kids, and an ever-growing board game collection. He enjoys cocktails, meditation, and travel -- sometimes all at once.

Rebecca Stapel-Wax

Rebecca feels drawn to the Ma'alot mix of practical and spiritual Judaism that she finds in the haimish (warm) community and creative programming.

A Licensed Professional Counselor, Rebecca Stapel-Wax serves as the executive director of Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SOJOURN), part of an 18-year journey advocating for LGBTQ+ communities in the south.

Born in Brookline, MA, Rebecca has lived in Atlanta with her wife for 30 years. They have two teen sons, and all of their pets are named after Greek myths. She enjoys hiking and loading dishwashers just right. Her superpower is being able to drive almost any automobile.