Our Clergy and Directors
ELLIOT M. STROM, Rabbi
[CONTACT RABBI STROM VIA EMAIL]
I believe Shir Ami is a very special place. It is young, vibrant and full of enthusiasm. Here is a place where your children can discover the joys of Jewish learning and the delight of being a Jew. Here is a place for you to deepen and enrich your own knowledge and commitment as an adult Jew. Here is a place that you can tie your family together with the binds of Jewish Learning and love. Here is a synagogue that can deeply enrich your life and the lives of every member of your family.
I am delighted to be one of the spiritual leaders of such a dynamic, thriving congregation. I extend a personal invitation to anyone who wishes to discuss your part in our congregational family.
MARK ELSON, Cantor
[CONTACT CANTOR ELSON VIA EMAIL]
I am pleased and proud to offer this greeting to you on behalf of Shir Ami. We have many exciting and special programs to offer our members, ranging from an excellent religious education program for both children and adults, to choirs, youth activities and wonderful social gatherings. Most of all, Shir Ami is made of young-thinking, forward-looking, friendly and dedicated people.
If you would like to speak with me about our B’Nai Mitzvah program, the music program or our congregational youth and adult choirs, feel free to call. I would be most happy to answer any of your questions.
ANNETTE KOCH, Rabbi
[CONTACT RABBI KOCH VIA EMAIL]
The heart of a community is its people, but the soul of a community is the warmth and love they offer one another. Although I only recently became part of the Shir Ami family when Temple Shalom of Lower Bucks County merged with Shir Ami in September, 2011, it took very little time for me to feel like a true member of this warm and loving extended family. The welcome which I and the members of Temple Shalom have received here has been extraordinary, and continues to embrace us as we take part in all of the events, programs and activities which Shir Ami offers. Because I have felt so warmly welcomed, it is easy for me to invite you to come experience the community which is Shir Ami.
ERIC GOLDBERG, Rabbi, Director of Religious School
[CONTACT RABBI ERIC GOLDBERG VIA EMAIL]
In Hebrew, a school where Torah is studied is known as a Beit Midrash, which means a house of learning or explanation. A Beit Midrash seeks to educate its students about Torah, sacred Jewish texts, and the rituals and beliefs that have sustained Jewish people for centuries. With this in mind, our school strives to develop and challenge each student’s beliefs, to increase each student’s Judaic knowledge and to inspire each student to take what he/she learns and use it to guide his/her life.
Our school also seeks to be a warm and welcoming environment for families, where lifelong connections and friendships are built. I look forward to getting to know, and study with, each child and parent/guardian who passes through the doors of our religious school. You should feel free to say hello and engage in conversation at any time and on any day of the week. If I am not in the hallways, classrooms, or my office, you can always contact me via e-mail or phone.
HILARY M. LEBOFF, Executive Director
[CONTACT HILARY LEBOFF VIA EMAIL]
Shir Ami, Many Voices – One Song. To me this best describes who we are. We are a congregation with many people coming from many different Jewish journeys. But put us all together, we become a wonderful Jewish community. As Executive Director of Shir Ami these past 28 years, I have seen firsthand the joys of our congregants as they find their place of comfort at Shir Ami. I would love to talk to you about how you can become a part of our amazing community. Please give me a call, or come in and meet with us. With you here I know our song can be even more beautiful.
BARBARA COHEN, Director of Early Learning Center
[CONTACT BARBARA COHEN VIA EMAIL]
For more than twenty years I have been privileged to listen in as our Shir Ami hallways resonate with the sounds of children engaged in learning, wonder and delight. With a highly experienced staff of teachers inspiring good beginnings, the Early Learning Center has solidified a truly nurturing and engaging environment that caters to the development of the total child. I believe by teaching and sharing we make this a better place – in our own community and on into the future. Come see me to speak about the perfect early learning program for your child.
PAULA GOLDBERG, Rabbi, Rabbinic Scholar
[CONTACT RABBI PAULA GOLDBERG VIA EMAIL]
I am pleased to welcome you to Shir Ami, a warm, caring and exciting community. I am very proud to be the Rabbinic Scholar at Shir Ami. Our ancient sages said that study is one of the most important things a Jew can do. From our excellent Early Learning Center, to our vibrant religious school, through our adult learning programs, Shir Ami offers you the best in Jewish study and experience. Coupled with a warm and caring social community and a spiritually uplifting ritual life, our congregation is a wonderful place to make friends while you celebrate and enrich your world. Feel free to stop by my office or contact me anytime by email with your special interests and suggestions for adult learning.
FERNE LEVY, Youth Director
[CONTACT FERNE LEVY VIA EMAIL]
Every day I remark how proud I am of the tremendous energy and leadership that springs from our SHAFTY youth groups here at Shir Ami. As one of the largest reform temple youth organizations in the region, our members have the creativity, devotion and passion for Judaism that allows them to embrace opportunities for life-long friendships and worthwhile community involvement. Along with my two fabulous assistants, Leslie Leibowitz and Mindy Smoot, we provide regular events and youth programming for kids ages 3rd through 12th grade. SHAFTY groups build confidence, sharpen social skills, create leadership roles, influence important values, and most of all, bring real fun to our kids so they keep coming back for more! Feel free to visit our interactive youth lounge or speak to one of us at the next event to see how your child can get involved in SHAFTY.
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