Lay Leadership

Officers and Board of Trustees

Gail Weinstein

President: Gail Weinstein, 860-521-7601, 860-930-9310 cell, moc.loanull@171wjg
Vice Presidents:  Elysa Graber Lipperman, Ira Henowitz, Dr. Sheila Silverman,
Treasurer: Joanne M. Pasternack
Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Laura Berlin
Secretary: Lisa Levy
Assistant Secretary:  Sharone Kornman
Chair of the Board: Alan S. Parker
Honorary Chair of the Board: Dr. Seymour Melnick

The Board of Trustees, consisting of twenty-seven members, generally meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to members of the congregation. Please check with the synagogue office for any changes to the regular schedule.

Arms of the Synagogue

Brotherhood
Minyonaires
Sisterhood

Committees

Adult Education
Identifies interest and needs for adult education programs/activities in order to develop and implement programs in conjunction with the professional staff.
CONTACT Tom Fromson, (860) 236-1275

Art
Determines artwork to be hung at the synagogue and ensures that artwork, plaques, and other items are hung properly.
CONTACT Gail Weinstein, (860) 236-1275

Board of Education
Works with our Director of Education to oversee the operation of the Religious School.
CONTACT Becky Azia, (860) 236-1275

Biblical Garden
Re-creates flower, tree and shrub combinations that are mentioned in the Torah and other Biblical texts.
CONTACT Ellen Kaplan Weingold, (860) 236-1275

B’yadeynu (Social Justice)
Promotes causes of social justice, helps those in need, and reaches out to local and national communities.
CONTACT Risa Davidson, (860) 236-1275

Caring
Provides comfort and support to our Emanuel community in times of need and joy.
CONTACT Linda Asmar, (860) 236-1275

Cemetery
Works in conjunction with the Executive Director to oversee the sale and maintenance of cemetery plots and administrative issues related to the running of the cemetery in conjunction with the Executive Director.
CONTACT Jeremy Weingast, (860) 236-1275g

Chevra Kadisha (“Holy Society”)
Sees to it that the bodies of Jews are prepared for burial according to Halakha (Jewish law) and protected from desecration until burial.
CONTACT Faith Helene, (860) 236-1275

Dues and Assessments
Works in conjunction with the Executive Director to adjust dues and make financial considerations for congregants.
CONTACT Sydney Elkin, (860) 236-1275

Endowment Committee
Sets investment policy for Endowment Funds, oversees investments working with a professional financial planner, and promotes new funds and planned giving.
CONTACT Jeffrey Renert, (860) 236-1275

Finance
Formulates and provides oversight of the budget during the year and has responsibility for approving major expenses prior to Board of Trustees’ approval.
CONTACT Amy Dembo, (860) 236-1275

Fundraising
Plans and executes all events designed to raise additional funds for the synagogue.
CONTACT TBD

Gabbai (Torah Service Assistant)
Appoints, trains, and assigns congregants to be gabbayim who help with the Torah services and coordinate bimah protocol (e.g., handing out aliyot).
CONTACT Joe Bacher, (860) 236-1275

Israel Solidarity
Part of the B’yadeynu Committee, this group addresses the crisis in Israel through education, advocacy, and support.
CONTACT Risa Davidson, (860) 236-1275

House Committee
Works in conjunction with the Executive Director to oversee improvements and maintenance of the physical plant.
CONTACT Howard Smith, (860) 236-1275

Membership
Works to increase membership, monitor membership satisfaction, and review lapsed or cancelled memberships.
CONTACT Monica Gold, (860) 236-1275

Music
Helps Hazzan Cohn to plan musical events, including publicity and format.
CONTACT Joan Glazier, Regina Miller, (860) 236-1275

Ritual
Composed of congregants and advised by our rabbi and cantor, this committee establishes and maintains the religious standards of The Emanuel Synagogue and promotes the practice of living as a Conservative Jew.
CONTACT Don Miller, (860) 236-1275

Scholarship
Gathers requests for scholarships for USY programs and camp programs and determines amounts to be awarded.
CONTACT Jay Smith, (860) 233-2774

Usher
Recruits, trains, and assigns congregants to be of assistance during Shabbat and holiday services.
CONTACT Joanne Pasternack, (860) 236-1275

Website
Advises the Board of Trustees on the development of the synagogue’s website, its web strategy, and its information technology needs.
CONTACT  Francene Weingast, (860) 523-7778, ten.tsacmocnull@gwinarf