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, particularly those involving interfaith and interracial activities. He 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. Rabbi Brockman 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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Cantor Martin Levson
Director of Education

Cantor Martin Levson grew up in San Jose, California, and graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor's degree in Music and History. He was invested as Cantor by the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, School of Sacred Music in May of 1991. Cantor Levson served for nine years at Temple Israel of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and for four years at Temple Beth-El of Monroe, New York.

Cantor Levson is a faculty member for the Lev Shalom/URJ Jewish Meditation Kallot in Prescott, Arizona. His CD, Kolot D’mamah -- Music of the Jewish Meditation Kallah, was released in 2005. Cantor Levson serves on the URJ Joint Commission on Worship, Music, and Religious Living, and is a member of the Executive Board of the American Conference of Cantors. He also enjoys serving on the faculty of Eisner Camp during the summer. Cantor Levson was the founder, lead vocalist, and guitarist for Musicat Neshama, Tulsa’s premiere (and only!) Jewish folk-rock ensemble. His wife, Sheri, is an attorney, teacher, singer, bass guitarist, and papercut artist. They have been blessed with two daughters.

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Administrator, 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 4-year-olds at Gan Hayeled Nursery School for 10 years and writing and teaching curriculum for the Little Scientists Program. Ms. Luty won the Teacher of the Year Award at Elizabeth Blackwell Junior High School in 1970, the Teachers Award for Little Scientists in 1997, and 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 in the State. She has regaled children in many locations and organizations such as the Connecticut Storytelling Festival, numerous Public Libraries, the Nature Center in Ansonia, the Whitney Barn, Spring Glen School, Foote School, and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was the recipient of the Connecticut Storytelling Center’s Barbara Reed Award in 2005.

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