February 06, 2012   13 Sh'vat 5772
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OUR CLERGY  

 

Rabbi Josh Breindel

Rabbi Josh Breindel and his family have been a blessing to Temple Anshe Amunim and the Jewish community of the Berkshires since arriving here in 2009.

 

Raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Rabbi Josh received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Legal Studies from Brandeis University in 1997. 

 

A gifted educator, singer and storyteller, Rabbi Josh worked as assistant education director at Temple Shir Tikvah in Winchester,  Massachusetts for six years, and taught at the Prozdor School of Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts for six years.  While at Hebrew College in Boston, Rabbi Josh earned two Master's Degrees, in Jewish Studies in 2002 and Jewish Education in 2003.  Rabbi Josh was ordained by the Hebrew College of Boston in May 2009.

 

In the greater Berkshire community, Rabbi Josh is currently serving as co-chairperson of PACC (Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations) for the 2011 year, and he has lectured extensively to local and regional organizations on Jewish mysticism, spirituality, storytelling, and the role of science fiction in Jewish culture. 

 

Rabbi Josh lives in Pittsfield with his wife, Stephanie Bennett, and son Elijah.

 

Rabbi Josh can be reached by e-mail at rabbijosh@rnetworx.com, or by calling the Temple's office at (413) 442-5910.

 

 



 

Harold Salzmann, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus

 

Rabbi Emeritus Harold I. Salzmann has been a rock to our congregation, serving us and the Berkshire Jewish community for nearly 60 years. 

 

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Rabbi Salzmann received a Bachelors of Arts degree from Ohio University, and was ordained a Rabbi at the Hebrew Union College's Cincinnati campus in 1950.  A veteran of the armed forces, Rabbi Salzmann served as an army chaplain during the Korean War.

 

Rabbi Salzmann was engaged to serve Temple Anshe Amunim in 1954, and during his thirty year tenure as our Rabbi, the congregation constructed our current building on Broad Street in Pittsfield.  In 1975, Rabbi Salzmann was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree from the Central  Conference of American Rabbis.  Rabbi Salzmann led the congregation until 1984, when upon his retirement was designated Rabbi Emeritus.

 

Always active in the local community, Rabbi Salzmann is a dedicated member of Pittsfield's Rotary Club, the Monday Evening Club, Phi Beta Kappa, and is a life member of the Society of Israel Philatelists.  Most recently, Rabbi Salzmann served on a board established by the City of Pittsfield to restore the World War I Memorial on Colt Road, which was successfully completed in May 2010.

 

Rabbi Salzmann lives in Pittsfield with his wife, Audrey, and together they have two grown children and five grandchildren.
OUR STAFF  
 

Alan Gold, D.D.S., Musical Director

 

Dr. Alan Gold, a versatile and gifted musician and composer, has been the Temple's music director and accompanist since 1995.  In addition to providing piano accompaniment for our Shabbat services, Alan also directs the Temple's Adult Volunteer Choir, a dedicated group of singers who enrich the High Holidays and special events with beautiful song.  Among the many programs Alan has performed for and directed at the Temple include our Chanukah parties, Religious School Shabbat services, and our annual Purimspiel.

When Alan isn't seated at his keyboard delighting our ears with beautiful song, he practices general dentistry in Pittsfield and plays for many local bands and organizations.

Keren Weiner, Office Manager

Keren Weiner began as Office Manager in November of 2009 and has quickly put her skills and experience to work.  Keren is an indispensable part of our team as she handles much of the work which allows for services and events to run smoothly.  When you call the Temple's office, Keren's friendly voice is the first you will hear!

 

Keren's responsibilities include ensuring smooth operations within the facility, working with the Rabbi and Temple board members on day-to-day activities, and working in conjunction with the Jewish Federation to publicize programming and events.  She is our guide in maintaining the various and sundry tasks necessary to maintain the vitality of the congregation.

 

A native of Iowa, Keren is a resident of Pittsfield.  Her careers in the Berkshires have included grant writing and nonprofit administration.  Keren also maintains a special interest in researching Jewish geneaology.

 

Keren can be reached by calling the Temple at (413) 442-5910, or by email at templeoffice@rnetworx.com.

 

 

Dave Wallace, Facitilies Manager

 

Dave can be reached by calling the Temple at (413) 442-5910, or by email at templeoffice@rnetworx.com.

 

Ed Robinson, Bookkeeper

 

Ed can be reached by calling the Temple at (413) 442-5910, or by email at templeoffice@rnetworx.com.

   

 

     


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