Professional Staff

Rabbi Shalom J. Lewis

Rabbi Shalom J. Lewis demonstrates his commitment to the idea of the Rabbi as a teacher and friend. He believes that inspiration comes through personal enthusiasm and involvement. From the gentle way he encourages each member to learn and to grow, he has touched many. Rabbi Lewis' religious services are a stimulating, uplifting blend of the past and present. Whether on the bima or in his office, he generates a caring warmth.

A graduate of Temple University, Rabbi Lewis was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He also holds graduate degrees in education and Judaica. His warmth and enthusiasm are contagious!

Email Rabbi Lewis - ravlewis@mindspring.com

Rabbi Paul D. Kerbel

Rabbi Paul D. Kerbel joins us from Congregation Beth Israel in Glendale, Wisconsin. Rabbi Kerbel served as the associate Rabbi of B'nai Jeshurun Congregation in Cleveland, Ohio, and as the Rabbi of Nevey Shalom Congregation in Bowie, Maryland.

Ordained as a Rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1985, Rabbi Kerbel received the prestigious Isaac M. Wolfson Award for service to the Seminary. In addition to his ordination, he earned a Master's Degree in Jewish Studies, and is a graduate of the Joint Program between Columbia University and JTS, majoring in sociology and Jewish history.

He invites everyone to share their comments, concerns, or questions with him. His door is always open.

Email Rabbi Kerbel - ravkerbel@etzchaim.net

Allan H. Glazerman - Executive Director

Allan H. Glazerman provides the day-to-day management of the fiscal, physical, and administrative affairs of the synagogue. Ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the synagogue, Allan is committed to fostering an environment that provides meaningful religious, educational, cultural, and social action experiences for all members of the congregation.

Allan received his B.A. from The City College of New York, his M.A. from Syracuse University and his M.B.A. from Kennesaw State University. Prior to joining the Etz Chaim family, he served as Executive Director of the Fair Lawn Jewish Center, Fair Lawn, N. J.

Allan and his able staff will be happy to answer your questions and arrange a tour of our facility.

Email Allan H. Glazerman - glaze@etzchaim.net

Nancy Seifert Gorod - Education Director

Nancy Seifert Gorod brings twenty years of experience in Jewish Education to Congregation Etz Chaim. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from Tufts University. Her experience ranges from educating preschoolers to educating adults. She has worked in both the formal and informal education realms as a day school teacher, religious school teacher, family educator, youth director, program director, retreat and workshop coordinator, and administrator of a teacher education program.

Her most recent position was as a Judaic Studies teacher at the Epstein School in the Sha'ar program, a program designed for students in second through fifth grades with language-based and/or academic learning difficulties. Nancy resides in East Cobb with her husband Randy, her children Natan and Ilana, and her dog and cat, Cousy and Boutros.

Email Nancy Seifert Gorod - Nancy@etzchaim.net

Debbie Deutsch - Pre-school Director, Membership Coordinator

Debbie Deutsch received her B.S. in Special Education from Florida State University and her M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision from George Mason University. After enjoying a fourteen-year career as an educator, Debbie became our Preschool Director in 1995. Here at Etz Chaim she has created a warm and caring environment in which children progress at their own pace in a hands-on developmental program.

Debbie hails from Bowie, Maryland and has the unique distinction of being one of our three-generational families at Etz Chaim. She is the ideal person to initiate our children into Judaism and its wonders.

Email Debbie Deutsch - Debbie@etzchaim.net

Abbie Burk - Youth Director

Abbie Burk supervises the Youth Department.This encompasses USY (grades 9-12), Kadima (grades 6-8), and Junior Kadima (grades 3-5). Her commitment and enthusiasm for working in the Jewish community has been established with her past involvement in the Las Vegas Jewish community, where she was Youth Director for North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) for 5 years and for USY for 1 year, taught religious school and adult education for 9 years, and was Program Director for one year.

Abbie's goal is to create an environment for the youth of Etz Chaim rich in leadership and meaningful Jewish experiences that will last a lifetime.

Email Abbie Burk - Abbie@etzchaim.net

Office Staff

Estelle Spritzer
estelle@etzchaim.net
Voice of Chaim, General Information

Ellen Feldser
ellen@etzchaim.net
Bookkeeper

Shari Wessler
shari@etzchaim.net
Accounts payable, webmaster, flyers, events

Sally Ledbetter
sally@etzchaim.net
Announcements, life-cycle events, flyers, room reservations, general information