Chevrah Kadisha Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chevrah Kadisha has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, and governance.

Dedicated to comprehensive community welfare, Chevrah Kadisha provides essential healthcare, financial assistance, and social support to ensure no member of the Jewish community faces hardship alone while fostering a culture of active volunteerism.

Leadership Roles at Chevrah Kadisha

  • Chief Executive Officer - Saul Tomson
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Jacques Simmons
  • Board of Governors - Richard Friedland
  • Board of Governors - Brenda Lasersohn
  • Board of Governors - Mark Uria
  • Board of Governors - Lawrie Brozin
  • Board of Governors - Sean Melnick
  • Board of Governors - Lawrence Barnett
  • Board of Governors - Dionne Hirschowitz
  • Saul Tomson - Chief Executive Officer

    Saul Tomson, the Chief Executive Officer at Chevrah Kadisha, directs the overarching strategic vision for this community welfare organization. Overseeing the delivery of funeral services, healthcare, and mental health support, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization meets the needs of the Jewish community across South Africa. Tomson manages the operational alignment of various social and educational programs, driving efficiency to support the 1 in 5 individuals relying on these services. By coordinating with the Board of Governors, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial and ethical integrity of the institution. Saul Tomson actively promotes community engagement through donations and volunteering initiatives to sustain long-term impact. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of service delivery metrics to guarantee that no community member remains unsupported. Ultimately, Tomson secures the future of these vital welfare services through disciplined management and compassionate outreach.

    Jacques Simmons - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Jacques Simmons, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Chevrah Kadisha, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire organization. Overseeing complex budgetary requirements for healthcare, financial assistance, and funeral services, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital remains available for those in need. Simmons architects robust financial reporting systems to maintain transparency for donors and stakeholders. By analyzing economic trends within the South African welfare sector, the Group Chief Financial Officer optimizes funding strategies to support the organization's expansive social programs. Jacques Simmons collaborates with executive leadership to align fiscal goals with the mission of providing essential community support. This role involves rigorous oversight of operational costs to maximize the reach of every donation. Through precise financial planning, Simmons guarantees the sustainability of the organization's diverse service offerings, ensuring that the community receives consistent, high-quality care without interruption.

    Richard Friedland - Board of Governors

    Richard Friedland, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance for the organization's welfare initiatives. Focusing on the governance of healthcare and social support services, the Board of Governors ensures that the institution adheres to its mission of serving the Jewish community. Friedland evaluates the effectiveness of current programs, including financial assistance and mental health support, to drive continuous improvement. By participating in critical decision-making processes, the Board of Governors shapes the long-term policy framework for the organization. Richard Friedland monitors the impact of these services on the broader community, ensuring that resources reach those most in need. This leadership position involves balancing ethical considerations with operational realities to maintain the organization's reputation. Through diligent review of organizational performance, Friedland supports the expansion of essential services, reinforcing the commitment to leave no community member behind in the face of adversity.

    Brenda Lasersohn - Board of Governors

    Brenda Lasersohn, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, contributes to the strategic direction and policy development of this welfare organization. Overseeing the alignment of educational and social services, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization addresses the evolving needs of the Jewish community. Lasersohn evaluates the efficacy of community outreach programs, focusing on the delivery of mental health support and financial aid. By engaging with other board members, the Board of Governors establishes priorities that enhance the organization's ability to provide essential services. Brenda Lasersohn monitors the integration of volunteer efforts and donor contributions to ensure maximum social impact. This role requires a deep understanding of the organization's historical mission and its current operational challenges. Through active participation in governance, Lasersohn drives initiatives that strengthen the community safety net, ensuring that the organization remains a reliable source of support for those facing significant life difficulties.

    Mark Uria - Board of Governors

    Mark Uria, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, provides essential oversight for the organization's diverse welfare and healthcare operations. Focusing on the sustainability of funeral and unveiling services, the Board of Governors ensures that these sensitive functions meet the highest standards of care and dignity. Uria reviews operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service delivery. By collaborating with the executive team, the Board of Governors helps define the strategic path for expanding social and educational support across the region. Mark Uria assesses the financial and social impact of various programs to ensure alignment with the organization's core mission. This leadership role involves navigating complex community needs while maintaining the integrity of the institution's resources. Through consistent evaluation and strategic planning, Uria supports the organization's goal of providing comprehensive assistance, ensuring that every member of the community receives the necessary care and attention during challenging times.

    Lawrie Brozin - Board of Governors

    Lawrie Brozin, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, directs governance efforts to ensure the organization effectively serves the Jewish community. Focusing on the expansion of healthcare and mental health support, the Board of Governors evaluates the impact of these services on the population. Brozin participates in the development of policies that govern financial assistance and social welfare programs. By providing strategic oversight, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the 1 in 5 people relying on its support. Lawrie Brozin monitors the effectiveness of community involvement initiatives, including volunteering and career opportunities. This role requires a commitment to the organization's long-term stability and its ability to provide essential services. Through rigorous governance and strategic planning, Brozin helps maintain the organization's position as a pillar of community welfare, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to support those in need.

    Sean Melnick - Board of Governors

    Sean Melnick, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, contributes to the strategic oversight of the organization's welfare and social service programs. Focusing on the financial health and operational efficiency of the institution, the Board of Governors ensures that resources are allocated to maximize community impact. Melnick evaluates the performance of healthcare and funeral services to maintain high standards of care. By engaging in board-level discussions, the Board of Governors shapes the future direction of the organization's educational and social initiatives. Sean Melnick monitors the effectiveness of community outreach and donor engagement strategies to ensure sustainable growth. This leadership role involves balancing the immediate needs of the community with the long-term goals of the organization. Through active participation in governance, Melnick supports the mission of providing comprehensive support, ensuring that the organization continues to serve as a vital resource for the Jewish community in South Africa.

    Lawrence Barnett - Board of Governors

    Lawrence Barnett, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, provides strategic guidance to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of community welfare. Focusing on the governance of social and educational services, the Board of Governors evaluates the impact of these programs on the community. Barnett participates in the oversight of financial assistance and mental health support initiatives to ensure they meet the needs of the population. By collaborating with other board members, the Board of Governors establishes policies that promote transparency and operational excellence. Lawrence Barnett monitors the effectiveness of community involvement and volunteer programs to sustain the organization's reach. This role requires a deep commitment to the organization's values and its role in supporting the Jewish community. Through diligent governance and strategic planning, Barnett helps ensure that the organization remains a reliable source of support, providing essential services to those who need them most.

    Dionne Hirschowitz - Board of Governors

    Dionne Hirschowitz, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, contributes to the strategic oversight and governance of the organization's welfare services. Focusing on the delivery of healthcare and social support, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization remains dedicated to its mission. Hirschowitz evaluates the performance of funeral and unveiling services to maintain the highest standards of dignity and care. By participating in board-level decision-making, the Board of Governors helps shape the future of the organization's community programs. Dionne Hirschowitz monitors the effectiveness of financial assistance and educational initiatives to ensure they reach those in need. This leadership role involves balancing the diverse needs of the community with the organization's operational capabilities. Through active participation in governance, Hirschowitz supports the mission of providing comprehensive assistance, ensuring that the organization continues to serve as a vital resource for the Jewish community in South Africa.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Chevrah Kadisha Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Chevrah Kadisha?
    Chevrah Kadisha is led by Saul Tomson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jacques Simmons (Group Chief Financial Officer) and Richard Friedland (Board of Governors).
    Who is part of Chevrah Kadisha’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chevrah Kadisha includes leaders such as Saul Tomson (Chief Executive Officer), Jacques Simmons (Group Chief Financial Officer), Richard Friedland (Board of Governors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chevrah Kadisha have?
    Chevrah Kadisha has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Chevrah Kadisha’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Chevrah Kadisha includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Board of Governors, Board of Governors, Board of Governors.