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Our Staff

Rabbi Educator Dana Henry-Berntson

Rabbi Educator
Dana Henry Berntson

A recently ordained Rabbi as well as a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist for over 20 years, Dana Berntson received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University where she double majored in East Asian studies and religious studies. Her master’s degree in Oriental Medicine is from Southwest Acupuncture College, and most recently she received her rabbinical ordination  through the Jewish Spiritual Leadership Institute. Originally from Connecticut, Dana has lived in Idaho for more than two decades, where she has been deeply involved in the Wood River Jewish Community through volunteerism, board service, and most recently as the Religious Education Program Director. Dana lives in Hailey, Idaho and is happiest when connecting with our youth or out enjoying our endless trails.

Administrative Director
Eryn Alvey

My parents are founding members of Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, CA and that is where I established my Jewish roots. I attended Sunday school every Sunday from ages five to eleven. Continued with Hebrew school for the next two years in preparation for my Bat Mitzvah. And then I was given the choice to continue my education, which I did through Hebrew High. Ultimately, I had a Confirmation ceremony at age sixteen that led me on a once-in-lifetime experience to go to Israel for six weeks with two hundred, sixteen years olds (G-D bless those chaperones).

I moved to the Wood River Valley in September of 2021. Like many, I came to visit almost two decades ago and fell in love with this beautiful place and thought to myself, ‘this would be a great place to raise a family.’ Little did I know that is exactly what would happen. My daughter, Maya, is my compass in every sense of the word. She is the reason I am here and challenges me everyday to be better than yesterday.


When I am not working, I love to hike, snowshoe, long distance run, and dance. I also sing a little. You may have seen me in Liberty Theater’s production of ‘Chicago.’ I am also on the Board of Directors for the Hailey based theater company. I am an avid fan of Bay Area pro sports (Warriors, 49ers, and Giants).


When I think of being a Jew it is a way of life, rooted in family, ritual, tradition, learning and community. In a world where society is so eager to place fellow humans into categories, I often wondered, where do I fit in? And what I’ve learned in my time on this earth is that I don’t want to be somewhere where I merely ‘fit in,’ I want to be somewhere I belong. Thank you to the Wood River Jewish Community for being a safe place for me to land and grow.

Wed, December 4 2024 3 Kislev 5785