Trustees and Staff

 

Trustees

Name

Affiliation

Rabbi Felipe Goodman
Chair

Jewish Theological Seminary

Rabbi Michael B. Greenbaum, Ed.D.
1st Vice Chair

Jewish Theological Seminary

Hazzan Abraham Lubin
2nd Vice Chair

Cantors Assembly

Rabbi Tracee Rosen
Secretary

Rabbinical Assembly

Stanley M. Hochhauser, CPA
Treasurer

United Synagogue

Rabbi Jacob M. Blumenthal

Rabbinical Assembly

Mr. Robert Greenwald

United Synagogue

Rabbi Joel H. Meyers

Rabbinical Assembly

Ms. Dana Sharon Winer

United Synagogue

Rabbi Melinda Zalma

Jewish Theological Seminary

   

 

Observers

Name

Affiliation

Dr. Edward Edelstein, CJE

Jewish Educators Assembly

Mr. David Rothenberg

North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE)

Staff

Mitchell J Smilowitz, CPA — Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Douglas Spangler — Director of Operations and Technology

Mrs. Fasia Jabar — Client Records Manager

Mr. Andrew Jabar — Communications/Client Services Senior Manager

Ms. Carmen Rubert — Executive Assistant

 

 

 

 

  
Rabbi Felipe Goodman

Chair

Rabbi Goodman is currently the Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas. Before joining Temple Beth Sholom in 1998, Rabbi Goodman served as assistant Rabbi in Comunidad Bet-El de Mexico in Mexico City, one of the largest conservative synagogues in Latin America. Rabbi Goodman’s charisma has had a profound impact on the Jewish community of Las Vegas. Attendance at Shabbat services has climbed from handfuls to hundreds, with eager, joyful numbers rising by the week. With out-of-the-box programming and by creating a true sense of being a Kehila Kedoshah, vibrant Temple Beth Sholom is anything but a synagogue of once-a-year congregants. In April 2013, Rabbi Goodman was chosen by The Daily Forward as one of America's Most Inspiring Rabbis... "36 Rabbis Shaping The 21st Century!"

  

Rabbi Michael B. Greenbaum, Ed.D.

1st Vice Chair

Rabbi Michael B. Greenbaum, Ed.D. is Vice Chancellor Emeritus of The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). Rabbi Greenbaum’s career at the Seminary spanned some 40 years, the last 25 as the Vice Chancellor/Chief Operating Officer and as an assistant Professor of Educational Administration. Upon retirement, the Seminary awarded Rabbi Greenbaum an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters. In 1998 he received an honorary doctorate of Hebrew Letters for his work in the Rabbinate and Conservative Movement. Rabbi Greenbaum was ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary in 1973 and earned his doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University.

He has served as chairman of the Joint Retirement Board on two separate occasions during his tenure on the Board which began in 1974. He is the author of Louis Finkelstein and the Conservative Movement: Conflict & Growth published by the Seminary and a recognized expert on the legendary JTS Chancellor Louis Finkelstein, the Seminary and the Conservative Movement. His work in these areas has appeared in the journal Conservative Judaism; Tradition Renewed, the two volume history of the JTS.

For 34 years, Rabbi Greenbuam was privileged to share the pulpit at Temple Israel in Sharon, MA on the High Holidays. In 2008 and 2009 Newsweek named him one of the “Top Most Influential Rabbis in America.” Rabbi Greenbaum and his wife Cindy live in Teaneck, New Jersey and are members of Congregation Beth Sholom.

 

Hazzan Abraham Lubin

2nd Vice Chair

Hazzan Abraham Lubin is Hazzan Emeritus at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, Maryland. A past president of the Cantors Assembly, he is a lifelong member of its Executive Committee. He served as editor of The Journal of Synagogue Music for ten years and is the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of a distinguished career in Hazzanut.

Hazzan Lubin is a scholar of Jewish music and Liturgy and has contributed articles to various publications. He is the author of Siddur 101 and served on the editorial committee of the latest edition of the weekday Siddur Sim Shalom. He has recorded the critically acclaimed “Cantorial Classics.” He is listed in the Encyclopedia Judaica, Who’s Who in Religion and The International Who’s Who in Music. He appeared in concert recitals throughout the United States, Europe, Israel and the former Soviet Union. He recently visited the Jewish community in Argentina where he was invited by the Masorti Olami to link that community closer to the Conservative Movement. Hazzan Lubin met with the Jewish leadership, taught B’nai Mitzvah students, led Services, lectured to the cantorial students at the Seminario Rabinico and presented a recital of Yiddish songs.

Hazzan Lubin is a graduate of Jews’ College in London, with diploma of “Hazzan” the London college of Music with diploma of A.L.C.M. graduate of the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s degree from De Paul University. He is the recipient of the degree of Doctor of Music (honoris causa) from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

 

Rabbi Tracee Rosen

Secretary

Rabbi Tracee Rosen served 21 years in pulpits in Encino, CA, Salt Lake City, UT and Phoenix, AZ before retiring. She is currently a part-time hospital chaplain. She serves on the Committee of Jewish Law and Standards, the Rabbinical Assembly Investment Committee, and other Rabbinical Assembly subcommittees and interest groups. She is involved in the allocations process of the local Jewish Foundation and Federation, and enjoys participating in interfaith dialogue opportunities.

Rabbi Rosen was raised in Denver, CO and attended college at Washington University in St. Louis, where she received both a bachelor’s in Jewish Study and her MBA degrees. After a 13-year career in banking, she returned to school, attending the newly established Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles. She was ordained in 2000.

Rabbi Rosen lives in Phoenix with her wife, Keren, teenage son and pets. Her hobbies include family genealogy research, solving puzzles and collecting Jewish folktales.

 

Stanley M. Hochhauser, CPA

Treasurer

Stanley Hochhauser was the President of Bellmore Jewish Center (BJC) for 1977 and 1978. Currently, he is chairman of both the High Holiday Committee and the Budget Committee. Stanley has worked on many committees as chairpersons and members and is currently a member of the BJC board.

Stanley has served with many other religious groups. He was a board member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ.) He was also the Financial Secretary and a Vice President of the New York Metropolitan Region of USCJ. Stanley was also the budget chairman for METNY. He served on the Metropolitan NY Region Advisory Council. Stanley was honored to begin the salute to the Israel Day Parade, sounding the shofar the entire route. This was the 29th year that he will sound the shofar at the parade.

Stanley is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in New York State. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), and is on the NYSSCPA Hospitality Industry Committee.

Stanley and his wife, Sheila, are very proud of their three children, their spouses, and their six grandchildren.

 

Rabbi Jacob M. Blumenthal

Trustee

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1999. He served as Founding Rabbi of Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg, Maryland, for over 20 years.  He has served as Chief Executive of the Rabbinical Assembly since July 2019.

 

Mr. Robert Greenwald

Trustee

Mr. Robert Greenwald is a lifelong member of Temple Israel in Wilkes Barre, PA. He served on their Board and rose to the role of president. He remains active on various committees and is passionate about inclusion and music. Mr. Greenwald serves on the Board of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism which appointed him to the JRB Board.

After graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, Robert returned home to join his father and grandfather in the family insurance business. He is now Managing Director and Partner at Hilb Group where he runs the Greenwald Berk Division. While helping to grow the business, Robert served on numerous boards in the community and was past president of the Seligman J. Strauss Lodge of B’nai B’rith and the Jewish Community Center of Wyoming Valley. He was also a member of the National UJA Young Leadership Cabinet.

Robert and his wife Nan just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Rebecca and Danielle. In the lay world, Robert enjoys opera and ice hockey -– watching only.

 

Rabbi Joel H. Meyers

Trustee

Rabbi Joel H. Meyers is Executive Vice President Emeritus of the Rabbinical Assembly. He is involved in a wide range of Jewish communal and interfaith projects including current service as Chairman of the World Jewish Congress, United States, and is a long time board member of the Joint Retirement Board. Rabbi Meyers was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1966 and holds several advanced degrees. He and his wife, Sandy, reside in White Plains, NY.

 

Ms. Dana Sharon Winer

Trustee

Dana Sharon Winer is a lifelong member, past president and past Sisterhood president of Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, TX. She has served on the USCJ Board since 2017 and is currently Vice President. She was the program chair for the 2017 USCJ biennial convention.

Dana has spent her career at Accenture, a management and technology professional services company, focusing on quality, risk management and process improvement.

Dana serves on the boards of her local Sigma Delta Tau Educational Foundation and the future Austin Community Mikveh and volunteers as a tax preparer and girl scout cookie coordinator. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and their peppy Chihuahua and the favorite pastime of Austin, watching Longhorn football.

 

Rabbi Melinda Zalma

Trustee

Rabbi Melinda Zalma serves as Manager of Programs for the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, providing support and direction for Tanenbaum’s programs including on content creation, evaluation, expansion and growth. Now at the rank of Commander, she has served as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserve Component for over 20 years. In this capacity, she advises Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard leadership in moral and spiritual matters. She also provides for the spiritual, moral and religious needs of service personnel. Her assignments include serving in the office of the Navy Chief of Chaplains and in the Religious Affairs Office to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rabbi Zalma was appointed to the JRB Board by the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Before her appointment to the Tanenbaum Center, Rabbi Zalma served as Program Director at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. In her work there, she brought together diverse people and organizations to build bridges and strengthen the community.

Rabbi Zalma was ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary where she also received her Master’s in Midrash; she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Northwestern University. She lives in New York City with her husband, Adam, and two children.

 

Dr. Edward Edelstein, CJE

Observer

Dr. Edward Edelstein, CJE is the Executive Director of the Jewish Educators Assembly. “Eddie” has especially enjoyed the opportunity to work in different aspects of Jewish education and the Jewish community during the course of his career. Teaching and drawing the Jewish community closer are truly his passions. His previous work includes serving as the Headmaster of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Suffolk County, a Teacher Educator and Consultant for the Etgar Curriculum and a longtime Rosh Edah and Senior Advisor at Camp Ramah, Nyack, NY. He also served as the Director of Jewish Life and Learning for the Sid Jacobson JCC in Roslyn, NY.

Eddie has enjoyed a longtime relationship with Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst, NY where he has served as a Youth Director, Education Director and Executive Director.

Eddie holds a BA in Education and Judaic Studies from Hofstra University and an MA in Hebrew Culture and Education from New York University. He has done extensive course work at both the Jewish Theological Seminary and Hebrew University, Jerusalem. In 2007, Eddie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Pedagogy by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Eddie and his wife Anna have two children and five wonderful grandchildren.

 

Mr. David Rothenberg

Observer

David Rothenberg has been a Synagogue Executive Director for twenty five years, recently retiring as Executive Director of Beth Am Synagogue, the largest synagogue operating in Baltimore City. Previously he had worked at other synagogues in Maryland as Executive Director — over 18 years at Beth Israel Congregation in suburban Baltimore, and 3 years at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland.

David is active on the Board of Governors of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE) where he has held various positions of leadership. NAASE has named him a Fellow in Synagogue Administration and he is one of only four active Executive Directors to have been commissioned as an Amin Tzibur by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He also participates in the Mid-Atlantic Association of Temple and Synagogue Administrators (MAATSA), being a past president. Since moving to Baltimore a little over forty years ago, David has been active in synagogue and Jewish communal life, including many years on the board of the Hebrew Free Loan of Baltimore.

Prior to entering the field of synagogue management, David held positions as Director of Finance / Administration for businesses in a variety of industries. He has a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Operations Analysis from the SUNY at Buffalo, where he grew up, and he is a CPA. He enjoys the professional challenge of synthesizing business management theory and practice with Jewish religious belief and values.

David and his wife Aliza have three sons – Jonathan (married to Alexandra), Samuel (married to Jamie), and Chanan, and two granddaughters.

 

 
Mitchell J. Smilowitz, CPA

Chief Executive Officer

Mitchell J. Smilowitz, CPA, is the Chief Executive Officer of The Joint Retirement Board for Conservative Judaism (JRB), the Plan Sponsor and Plan Administrator of the denominational retirement plan for the Conservative Movement. He joined the JRB in 2006 with over 20 years of experience in pension consulting and retirement planning. Mitch brings extensive knowledge in pension plan design, compliance, investment analysis and financial planning to the JRB. He has an MBA in Accounting and Finance and completed the Certified Financial Planning program at New York University. A former contributing editor to The CPA Journal, he has authored several articles on retirement planning and pension administration. He also lectures frequently on developing investment strategies for retirement plan assets.

Mitch is an active member of the NY State Society of CPAs and serves on the Society’s Employee Benefits and Personal Financial Planning Committees. He also is a member of the AICPA, the professional association of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association’s Personal Financial Planning Section. In addition, Mitch sits on the Board of Directors of the Church Benefits Association, an organization composed of over 50 denominational benefits programs serving clergy and “church” professionals.

In his younger days, Mitch was President of his synagogue’s USY Chapter (Temple Shalom in Westbury, NY) and lived and worked on a kibbutz in Israel for a year (Kibbutz Heftzi-Bah).

An avid runner and tennis player who enjoys jazz, classical, and Cantorial music, Mitch and his wife, Audrey Sussman, divide their time between the Upper West Side of Manhattan and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. They are members of Ansche Chesed in New York City and the Berkshire Minyan in Great Barrington, MA. Mitch and Audrey dote on their 9 nieces and nephews and delight in their two cats and 85-lb Golden Retriever.

Mitch’s skill is in simplifying complex tax, financial and investment concepts and working with plan participants to help them achieve their financial and retirement goals. Please schedule an appointment to discuss your situation with him at 888-JRB-FREE (888-572-3733).