parnas

noun

1. An administrator of a Jewish community, especially a synagogue.

   “1790, The Constitution and Bylaws of Congregation Shearith Israel, New York, printed in 1959, Jacob Rader Marcus, American Jewry: Documents from the Eighteenth Century The parnassim and associate elders shall have full power to frame and propose all the institutions and ordinances for the well governing and discipline of this congregation.”

   “Although the duties of the parnas and the Sheik al-Yehud were quite distinct, in fact, both offices were often invested in the same person.”