Learn about what makes us…us!  Meet the Rabbi and leadership team, see who’s on our Board of Directors, and find out what a Reconstructionist Synagogue really is! 

Meet Our Leadership:

The Leadership at Temple Bnai Israel is made up of a group of passionate and committed members of our congregation. They all have a common goal of making our synagogue a diverse and welcoming place where people come to pray, and a true hub for community life.  We invite you to learn more about our Board Members and Committee Chairs listed below:

President: Hillary Stern

I am the new President at Temple B’nai Israel. I previously wore another hat as the Program Committee chairperson.  My intention is to help create an inclusive, safe and engaging community during my term.

Immediate Past President: Anne Willenborg

I am presently the Immediate Past President on the Board of Directors.  I had the honor of being Temple president from June 2018-2020.  Prior to being President, I was chair of the Tikkun Olam Committee and remain a member of the committee.  When I first joined our congregation, I was a member of the Religious School Board.  Most importantly, I am grateful to be part of this caring, continually reconstructing community.  

Treasurer: Doreen Simonsen

I am the Treasurer of Temple Bnai Israel. I have been a member of the synagogue for over 20 years and my 2 daughters were Bat Mitzvah’d here.  I was drawn to Temple Bnai Israel because of its warm and welcoming community. I am also a member of the Tikum Olum committee and I am particularly proud of our social justice work.  I am so happy to be part of this unique community. 

Mishkan / Building & Operations: Jim Baber

I am a long time board member and in charge of building and operations. I have also served as the President of the temple.

Kesher / Secretary & Communications / Endowment: Sheila Amdur

I am active in human rights and interfaith work, and the Temple has been integral to these initiatives in our broader community. For me, the Temple is my communal Jewish home. I once moved to West Hartford for a “richer” Jewish experience, but I moved back because the “wealth” of Jewish community was right here.

Avodah / Religious Life / Ritual & Beautification: Judith Stein

I have been a member of Temple Bnai Israel for over 40 years. My daughters were Bat Mitzvah at the Temple and I have been an engaged member for decades. I am a past president of the Temple and am currently a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Temple’s Ritual Committee. I cherish the Temple Bnai Israel community and share opportunities for learning and journeys to spiritual awareness and social action.

Board Liaison for Tikkun Olam Committee: Merle Potchinsky

I am beyond proud to represent the Tikkum Olam Committee. We are involved in social justice projects and are always looking for ideas to help the community we live in. In the last few months, we rallied in Hartford against large banks and voiced our opinions regarding divesting from fossil fuels. And locally, we volunteer at the WAIM Community Garden.

Youth & Family Liaison: Gideon Hartman

I’m an Israeli-born member of Bnai Israel Temple Board, a faculty member in the Department of Anthropology, Old World Archaeology, a resident of Mansfield, and a dedicated family person with a partner, two kids, and a newly-added dog.

I like to learn something new every day, do plenty of sports, and drink green tea.

Brit / Community & Membership: Ellie Shane

My position on the Temple Board is Brit/membership and community.

I have been a part of the greater Willimantic Jewish Community since childhood and I’m proud to serve on this board.

It’s a pleasure to welcome new members and to care for all existing members. I hope to inspire new members so that they can participate in this wonderful temple.

Members At Large:

 Scott DeShong

I joined Temple Bnai Israel's Mussar study group in 2014, and my wife Anne Flammang and I became Temple members in 2017. I have worked mostly on the library, cultural and intellectual programming, and the recruitment of leaders for services when the rabbi is away. I joined the Board of Directors in 2019. 

Committee Chairs:

Beautification and Ritual: Judy Stein

I have been a member of Temple Bnai Israel for over 40 years. My daughters were Bat Mitzvah at the Temple and I have been an engaged member for decades. I am a past president of the Temple and am currently a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Temple’s Ritual Committee.  I cherish the Temple Bnai Israel community and share opportunities for learning and journeys to spiritual awareness and social action.

Caring: Fran Jaffe and Ellie Shane

We all encounter moments in our lives when we could use a little extra help, whether that is navigating an illness or celebrating a milestone in life. The Caring Committee provides an outpouring of caring and empathy to members and is dedicated to providing support in times of need.  This committee helps with a wide range of community needs, including assistance with transportation; phone calls; visits to homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or nursing homes; emergency meals; arrangements for meals of consolation and Shiva; and other short-term assistance as needed. Do you or someone you know need assistance?  Contact us here!

Cemetery: Ken Dardick

I have been a member of Temple Bnai Israel for over 30 years. I am the Chair of the Temple Bnai Israel Cemetery and a member of Chevra Kadisha.

Tikkun Olam & Social Action: Merle Potchinsky

I serve as Chair of our Tikkun Olam (Repair the World/Social Justice) Committee at TBI.  Our work currently centers on three areas: 1) Refugees : advocating for and educating about the plight of millions of people globally, trying to ensure their entry into the US, and supporting families being resettled in our area; and 2) Climate Change : advocating for policies to protect our rapidly changing environment and those most vulnerable to these adverse changes.  We are also exploring community organizing as a tool to make change in our own community; and 3) Supporting local organizations that serve our neediest neighbors, including Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, Covenant Soup Kitchen, and Windham Region No Freeze Project.

Hochberg Holocaust Education and Human Rights: Carol Kraus

I've been a long time member of Temple Bnai Israel since the late 1980's. I had my Bat Mitzvah in January 1960 at Temple Beth El, Norwalk CT.—the first female to have that honor!

I have been an elementary/kindergarten teacher in Windham Public Schools for 34 years. I have the pleasure of serving as a member of the Temple's Tikkum Olam (caring committee), Chair of Hochberg Committee for Holocaust and Human Rights Education, and a past WAIM delegate. I consider myself a Service Leader, a member of the Windham Area Interfaith Working Group, as well as a founding member of the Daughter of Abraham book discussion group.

Fundraising & Development: Sheila Amdur

The Fundraising and Development Committee oversees several on-going initiatives: the Bnaifactor campaign for those who are able to give $1000 or more above their dues, donations for Yiskor at the High Holidays, and a special giving of Chai to welcome the New Year. 

We also have begun to seek advertisers for our media, and are eager to have people who can help find advertisers. We invite those who are interested in helping with special fundraising events or activities, and we especially welcome your ideas.  Past successful events have included a biannual auction, raffles, a Shaboo tribute concert, Chili cook-offs, craft fairs, and many other fun programs for us to get together and at the same time help raise money to support the Temple's budget.  Come and join us!

Endowment:

The Temple's Endowment was established in 1984, and over the years has received many generous bequests.  The Endowment Fund helps support the operating costs and the capital needs of the Temple.  If you wish to make a bequest or donation, please contact the Temple at office@templebnaiisrael.org.

Library: Rochelle Marcus

I have lived and taught eighth-grade English in Mansfield, Connecticut since 2003. I have worked collaboratively with members of the library committee to increase circulation, diversify offerings and activities, and update the catalog and resources.

 Chevra Kadisha: Fran Jaffe & Ken Dardick

After a Jew dies, a burial society, the Chevra Kadisha (literally, “holy society”) prepares the body for interment. This process, called Taharah (purification), involves the ritual cleansing and subsequent dressing of the body, by men for males and by women for females, in preparation for burial. This requires training in the traditions and prescribed methods involved in traditional Jewish burials. This is a very personal and meaningful mitzvah we perform to support our fellow members.

We welcome anyone interested in joining us in this sacred work. Contact Fran Jaffe or Ken Dardick, Co-Chairs, or Rav Jeremy.

Finance: Doreen Simonsen

I am the Treasurer of Temple Bnai Israel.  The Finance Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board about Budgets and other financial matters. 

Security: Ishay Stein

The Security Committee is committed to finding the balance between being welcoming and being safe. We strive to find ways that enhance security at our Temple, especially in light of recent tragic events across the country.

Our Security Plan calls for increased focus in four areas:

  • Assigning personnel dedicated to LEADING security.

  • Defining clear emergency procedures and protocols.

  • Investing in hardware solutions (a.k.a “target hardening”).

  • Investing in software-based / electronic solutions.

To reach out to any of our Board Members or Committee Chairs, 

kindly email us at office@templebnaiisrael.org