Chevrah Kadisha Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to community welfare, Chevrah Kadisha provides essential healthcare, funeral services, and financial support to ensure no member of the Jewish community remains unsupported in South Africa.

Leadership Roles at Chevrah Kadisha

  • Chief Executive Officer - Saul Tomson
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Jacques Simmons
  • Board of Governors - Brenda Lasersohn
  • Board of Governors - Lawrence Barnett
  • Board of Governors - Mark Uria
  • Board of Governors - Sean Melnick
  • Board of Governors - Richard Friedland
  • Board of Governors - Dionne Hirschowitz
  • Board of Governors - Lawrie Brozin
  • 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 social and educational services to maintain the mission of supporting 1 in 5 community members. By coordinating with the Board of Governors, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term sustainability and resource allocation. This leadership role involves expanding community engagement through donations and volunteering initiatives. Saul Tomson maintains high standards of service delivery while optimizing internal processes to maximize the impact of financial assistance programs. Through consistent focus on welfare outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of these vital community services.

    Jacques Simmons - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Jacques Simmons, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Chevrah Kadisha, manages the fiscal health and resource distribution for the organization. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and audit compliance, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds remain available for essential healthcare, funeral services, and social support programs. Simmons monitors the economic stability of the organization to guarantee that no member of the Jewish community faces neglect. By collaborating with the executive team, the Group Chief Financial Officer architects financial strategies that support sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Jacques Simmons evaluates investment opportunities and donation management to bolster the financial foundation of the organization. This role requires rigorous oversight of all monetary assets to maintain transparency and accountability. Through precise financial management, the Group Chief Financial Officer enables the continued provision of critical welfare services across the South African region.

    Brenda Lasersohn - Board of Governors

    Brenda Lasersohn, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance for the organization. Overseeing the governance framework, the Board of Governors ensures that all welfare activities align with the core mission of supporting the Jewish community. Lasersohn participates in critical decision-making processes regarding healthcare, mental health support, and funeral services. By evaluating organizational performance, the Board of Governors maintains accountability and ethical standards across all departments. Brenda Lasersohn contributes to the development of long-term policies that address the evolving needs of the community. This leadership role involves reviewing financial reports and operational outcomes to ensure the effective use of resources. Through active participation in board meetings, the Board of Governors shapes the future direction of the organization. Lasersohn supports the expansion of social and educational services to reach more individuals in need throughout South Africa.

    Lawrence Barnett - Board of Governors

    Lawrence Barnett, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, focuses on the expansion of community outreach and social welfare initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of educational services with community requirements, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the Jewish population. Barnett evaluates the effectiveness of mental health support programs and financial assistance schemes. By providing strategic direction, the Board of Governors facilitates the growth of volunteer networks and career opportunities. Lawrence Barnett monitors the impact of these services to ensure that the organization fulfills its commitment to the community. This role involves assessing the operational scale of welfare programs to optimize service delivery. Through rigorous oversight, the Board of Governors maintains the integrity of the organization. Barnett drives initiatives that foster community involvement and secure the necessary support for those relying on these essential services.

    Mark Uria - Board of Governors

    Mark Uria, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, directs the strategic focus on healthcare infrastructure and service accessibility. Overseeing the quality of medical and mental health support, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization provides high-standard care to the Jewish community. Uria reviews operational metrics to identify areas for improvement in service delivery. By participating in governance, the Board of Governors supports the implementation of policies that enhance the efficiency of funeral and unveiling services. Mark Uria contributes to the long-term planning of welfare programs to ensure sustainability. This leadership role involves analyzing the impact of social services on the community and adjusting strategies accordingly. Through diligent oversight, the Board of Governors maintains the reputation and effectiveness of the organization. Uria fosters collaboration between departments to ensure that all welfare initiatives meet the needs of the community across South Africa.

    Sean Melnick - Board of Governors

    Sean Melnick, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, manages the strategic oversight of financial assistance programs and resource allocation. Overseeing the distribution of aid, the Board of Governors ensures that financial support reaches those most in need within the Jewish community. Melnick evaluates the effectiveness of current welfare models and proposes adjustments to improve outcomes. By engaging with the executive team, the Board of Governors aligns organizational goals with the mission of community support. Sean Melnick reviews the financial health of the organization to ensure that all services remain funded and operational. This role involves monitoring the impact of social programs and ensuring compliance with governance standards. Through active participation in board activities, the Board of Governors shapes the strategic path of the organization. Melnick drives initiatives that increase community involvement and support the long-term viability of these essential services.

    Richard Friedland - Board of Governors

    Richard Friedland, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, provides expertise in healthcare management and organizational strategy. Overseeing the integration of medical services with broader welfare goals, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization delivers comprehensive support to the Jewish community. Friedland evaluates the performance of healthcare programs and identifies opportunities for service enhancement. By contributing to governance, the Board of Governors maintains the quality and accessibility of essential services. Richard Friedland participates in the development of policies that guide the organization's response to community needs. This leadership role involves reviewing operational data to ensure that resources are utilized effectively. Through strategic oversight, the Board of Governors supports the mission of providing care to 1 in 5 community members. Friedland drives initiatives that strengthen the organization's capacity to deliver high-quality healthcare and social support across South Africa.

    Dionne Hirschowitz - Board of Governors

    Dionne Hirschowitz, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, focuses on the development of social and educational services to support the Jewish community. Overseeing the implementation of community-based programs, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization addresses the diverse needs of the population. Hirschowitz evaluates the impact of educational initiatives and social support systems. By participating in governance, the Board of Governors facilitates the growth of volunteer engagement and community participation. Dionne Hirschowitz contributes to the strategic planning process to ensure that the organization remains relevant and effective. This role involves monitoring the delivery of funeral and unveiling services to maintain high standards of care. Through diligent oversight, the Board of Governors supports the mission of the organization. Hirschowitz drives initiatives that foster community connection and ensure that essential services remain accessible to all members in need.

    Lawrie Brozin - Board of Governors

    Lawrie Brozin, the Board of Governors at Chevrah Kadisha, provides strategic oversight for the organization's operational and financial sustainability. Overseeing the alignment of resources with community welfare goals, the Board of Governors ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to the Jewish community. Brozin evaluates the effectiveness of financial assistance and social support programs. By participating in governance, the Board of Governors facilitates the development of policies that enhance service delivery. Lawrie Brozin contributes to the long-term planning of the organization to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the community. This leadership role involves reviewing operational performance and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Through active participation in board activities, the Board of Governors shapes the future of the organization. Brozin drives initiatives that increase community involvement and support the continued provision of essential services across 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 Brenda Lasersohn (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), Brenda Lasersohn (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.