Dennis Ross
Rabbi
We are delighted that Rabbi Dennis Ross is our interim rabbi.
After many years as a pulpit rabbi, Rabbi Ross found his calling as an intentional interim rabbi. In his interim work, he engages collaboratively in synagogue rituals, life cycle events, and other activities. He also supports congregations in building the foundation for a successful transition to their next settled rabbi. He has worked with numerous synagogues and their lay leaders and staff to articulate a vision for congregations during transition. He is a helpful advisor in this interim year, as well as a wonderful spiritual leader during a time in which we need a bridge to the future.
Rabbi Ross is a distinguished leader in the interim rabbinic field of practice. In his work with the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), he leads professional training for rabbis in interim positions, and has developed a new curriculum to build on a Jewish framework to address the specific needs of Reform congregations. He is a faculty member of the interfaith Interim Ministry Network, and the only rabbi invited to serve on its national board.
Rabbi Ross brings a strong commitment to social justice and has been a champion for such issues as interfaith relations, racial equity, and reproductive rights. After being ordained as a rabbi, he earned a Master of Social Work degree to strengthen his skills in helping people in time of need, at life cycle ceremonies, and in lifelong teachable moments. Rabbi Ross is the author of several books, most recently A Year with Martin Buber: Wisdom on the Weekly Torah Portion.
Arthur Giglio
Cantor
Cantor Arthur Giglio is a graduate of the H.L. Miller Cantorial School at The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) with a Master of Sacred Music and Diploma of Hazzan. He also holds a Bachelor in Voice and a Master in Music Education from Manhattan School of Music. Prior to coming to CMI, Cantor Giglio served as Interim Cantor at the Conservative Synagogue of Fifth Avenue, High Holiday Hazzan at Heichal Baoranim in Flagstaff, AZ and Temple Beth Israel at Plattsburgh, NY, and Assistant Cantor/Cantorial Soloist at Congregation Emanu-el of the City of New York.
Herbert N. Brockman
Rabbi Emeritus
Herbert N. Brockman is a seventh-generation rabbi. Raised in a richly Orthodox home, he chose the liberal tradition of Reform Judaism. After graduating from Ohio University, Rabbi Brockman attended Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, where he received both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Hebrew Letters. He received his Ph.D. from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary and University of Baltimore. Upon completion of 25 years in the rabbinate, Rabbi Brockman was awarded the Doctor of Divinity from Hebrew Union College. He also is certified in divorce mediation.
Rabbi Brockman teaches and engages in community projects, and he has been at the forefront of interfaith and justice work, not only in New Haven, but also nationally and internationally. He serves on the board of Interfaith Cooperative Ministeries and Hartford Seminary, and teaches at Yale Divinity School. He has been described as a champion of compassion and justice. Rabbi Brockman describes the synagogue as being a spiritual home as well as a place where individuals can learn about and gain an appreciation of other peoples, cultures, and traditions. He views involvement in the community as central to the synagogue’s mission. “A temple exists to serve its members, first of all, but it should be a light to the community as well.”
Steven Jacober
Executive DIRECTOR
Steven Jacober brings extensive experience in leading both nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies to CMI. He has served on numerous synagogues’, Jewish community, and nonprofit-business Boards of Directors. In his role as a business leader, he has appeared on CNN and Good Morning America, was quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and numerous local and international newspapers.
Steve’s interest and hobbies include Family, reading, genealogy, history, foreign languages, New York Times crossword puzzles, travelling, and The Ohio State University football team. Go Bucks!
Steve is a graduate of Providence College and earned graduate degrees (an M.A. and M.Phil.) in Hebrew Bible from Columbia University. He and his wife Beth have four adult children and two beloved grandchildren.
Steve can be reached by calling the office 203-288-3877
Michelle Goldstein
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Michelle Goldstein earned a BA in English and a BS in Elementary/Special Education from the University of Hartford and a Master's of Education from the University of Phoenix. In addition to being CMI’s Religious School Director, she is a special education teacher in a local school system. She has been a program director at several summer camps, a youth group advisor, and long time teacher in CMI’s Religious School. Michelle’s love of children and youth of all ages is a lifelong passion. Her energy, enthusiasm, creativity and love of Judaism can be seen in all her work. She is proud to have been a child of the Congregation and transmit that same pride to children and adults alike.
Jennifer Verrier, M.Ed.
EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR
Jennifer has been an Early Childhood educator for more than 20 years, most recently at Temple Israel in New Rochelle, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2000 and her Masters in Early Childhood Education/Administration and Leadership from Champlain College in 2017. After earning her BA, Jennifer began teaching preschool. This sparked a passion for all things Early Childhood.
With a proven track record of successfully managing and growing early childhood centers, Jennifer believes that it is her role to provide teachers with tools to be successful, show them how to use those tools, and guide them through the entire process as their cheerleader. She focuses her energy on building strong positive relationships with teachers and families striving to foster a close feeling of community within the program.
Jennifer can be reached by calling the office 203-288-2375.