Congregation Anshei Israel has hired Rabbi Ben Herman to serve as director of congregational learning, effective July 1. In this new position at CAI, Herman will be responsible for the synagogue’s religious school and adult education programs and will also be the liturgical coordinator, arranging for congregants to lead services and read Torah for CAI’s daily Minyan, Shabbat and Yom Tov services.
“My goal is to foster a school atmosphere where each child’s presence and participation is valued,” says Herman. “I envision making the school welcoming and stimulating for younger students and being a positive Jewish role model who encourages and appreciates the growth of older students. As liturgical coordinator, I value interacting with each member and closely sharing in services, classes and life cycle events with them.”
Originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Herman was ordained as a rabbi in May from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, N.Y., where he also earned a master’s degree in Jewish education. His background as an educator includes teaching religious school and acting as a B’nai Mitzvah tutor at several congregations in the Northeast, including Temple Beth Israel in Port Washington, N.Y., and Temple Beth El in Stamford, Conn., as well as serving as a staff member at Camp Ramah in Palmer, Mass. Herman has also held several student pulpits, served as a rabbinic intern, and led High Holy Days services both domestically and abroad.
“Rabbi Herman will be an educational resource for the entire congregation, from our youngest toddlers to our seniors,” said CAI’s president, Madeline Friedman. “We look forward to the year ahead as he brings a new approach to our now two-day [instead of three] religious school program.”
