CMI Leadership

Rabbi Herbert N. Brockman

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 Bachelors and a Masters 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 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."

To read messages from the Rabbi, click here.

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Assistant Rabbi/Educator Alison Adler

Rabbi Alison Adler received her BA in Psychology from Kenyon College, an MA in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and an MA in Jewish Studies from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. She was ordained at Hebrew College in May 2008. Rabbi Adler strives to empower people of all ages to engage in Jewish study, to be moved to work for social justice and to experience prayer and life-cycle rituals that are vibrant and meaningful. Her background as a therapist has influenced a particular interest in teaching adolescents, college students and adults about Jewish understandings of body image and food. Rabbi Adler’s work and life have been shaped by involvement in the havurah movement.

To read a message from the Rabbi, click here.

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Cantor Arthur Giglio

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.

To read a message from the Cantor, click here.

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Executive Director, Jennifer Levin-Tavares

Jennifer Levin-Tavares grew up in Tennessee in a background of conservative Judaism. After receiving a Bachelors degree in Psychology at Indiana University, Jennifer attained her law degree from American University's Washington College of Law. She brings a unique depth and breadth of experience in an array of areas, including administrative management, finance, and member services, as well as a love for Judaism. Prior to joining the staff at Mishkan Israel, she held management posts at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C. and at Yale University's School of Medicine.

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Nursery School Director, Rebecca Luty

Rebecca Luty earned a BS in Education from SUNY Potsdam, and did post-graduate work at NYU Graduate School of Education and Southern Connecticut Graduate School of Education. She taught at Elizabeth Blackwell Junior High for 4 years before turning her attention to younger children, teaching at Gan Hayeled for 10 years and writing and teaching curriculum for the Little Scientists Program. Ms. Luty has won numerous teaching awards, including the coveted national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education in 2003. In addition to being a seasoned educator, Ms. Luty is a well-known story-teller.

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