About B'nai Israel

Rabbi Eric is our founding rabbi, serving the congregation since 1997. He gives great attention to his roles here as a teacher, pastor, speaker, and community leader. His interests and activities begin locally and extend beyond our community. He is Moderator of the Southbury Clergy Association and has been active in the Connecticut Community Foundation and CT ADL. He is an ADL Associate National Commissioner and a Board Member of “Amplify Israel." Rabbi Eric is also known locally as one of The Three Amigos, working with a Monsignor and Imam to extend interfaith understanding.  

 Rabbi Eric received a BA from Johns Hopkins University, Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and a Doctor of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, STM.

My parents were both in the arts, which gave me great exposure to theatre and music.  I studied music (piano and guitar), voice and dance for many years.  In 2009, I received my certification in choral conducting, from Sweet Adelines International, the worldwide women's barbershop harmony organization.  Allen and I moved to Connecticut in 2016 and joined B'nai Israel that year.  I have sung with Mahkela since then, learning the music under Linda's leadership and bonding with the choir members.  In the past six months, I have served as one of the music leaders, alongside Rabbi Polokoff, at Shabbat services.  The older I get, the more I realize how big a role music plays in my life.  I look forward to working with the choir and the congregation, as we lift our voices together in song.

Janessa Jameson is our Religious School Music Director.  In this role, Janessa participates in lifecycle events, and teaching our B’nai Israel Religious School students Jewish music.  Music has always been an important part of her life and she has been a musician since the second grade.  She plays multiple instruments, as well as singing with Makhela.  Janessa is a firm believer in fostering creativity and learning through music.  She lives with her husband, children, and pets in Sandy Hook, CT.  In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, reading, movies, and gaming.  She also enjoys outdoor activities, such as gardening, hiking and swimming, when weather allows.   

Lindsey Noble began engaging with our congregation and community far more recently, albeit also with great enthusiasm and commitment. Lindsey’s the current President of the LLC, which manages our shared campus with the Federation, as well as an active Choir member, Ritual Committee member,

Adult Education student, and participant in our Kulanu Initiative to Fight Antisemitism. It was Lindsey who first proposed and then helped to create our “Back to Brooklyn” Klezmer concert. Recently elected a Trustee, she is stepping down to take the Coordinator position. Lindsey’s background as a tour and booking manager helped her to develop strong organizational and technological skills. We plan for her to be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-1:30 PM. Do call or stop in and say hello.