Our Staff
Rabbi Eric Polokoff
Rabbi Eric is our founding rabbi, serving the congregation since 1997. He gives great attention to his roles here as a teacher, pastor, speaker, and community leader. His interests and activities begin locally and extend beyond our community. He is Moderator of the Southbury Clergy Association and has been active in the Connecticut Community Foundation and CT ADL. He is an ADL Associate National Commissioner and a Board Member of “Amplify Israel." Rabbi Eric is also known locally as one of The Three Amigos, working with a Monsignor and Imam to extend interfaith understanding.
Rabbi Eric received a BA from Johns Hopkins University, Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and a Doctor of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, STM.
rabbi@bnaiisraelsouthbury.org
Linda Goodman, Director of Sacred Music
Linda co-leads services and participates in lifecycle events, directs our choir and oversees a talented group of singers and musicians, teaches students Jewish music, and is a pastoral presence within our congregational family. In her current position for a dozen years, her music and vision is grounded in inclusiveness and celebrates community and spiritual connection. Linda also coordinates our highly successful Mitzvah Garden. Linda’s husband Dan is likewise dedicated to our congregation and promoting Jewish life.
Leona Schwartz, Music Director
My parents were both in the arts, which gave me great exposure to theatre and music. I studied music (piano and guitar), voice and dance for many years. In 2009, I received my certification in choral conducting, from Sweet Adelines International, the worldwide women's barbershop harmony organization. Allen and I moved to Connecticut in 2016 and joined B'nai Israel that year. I have sung with Mahkela since then, learning the music under Linda's leadership and bonding with the choir members. In the past six months, I have served as one of the music leaders, alongside Rabbi Polokoff, at Shabbat services. The older I get, the more I realize how big a role music plays in my life. I look forward to working with the choir and the congregation, as we lift our voices together in song.
Jacqui Schulefand, Director of Education
Jacqui first joined our staff in 2022 as a Hebrew teacher and B’nai Mitzvah Tutor. Previously, Morah Jacqui was the Director of Programs and Engagement at UConn Hillel; a teacher at Ezra Academy in Woobridge, leading 2nd and 3rd Grade Judaics; and a teacher and B'nai Mitzvah tutor at the Hebrew Schools of B’nai Jacob of Woodbridge and Temple Beth Sholom of Hamden, her home congregation. A strong Zionist with great Hebrew knowledge, she was educated at The Jewish Theological Seminary, Baltimore Hebrew University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and SUNY Brockport. Her training and skills highlight the essential elements for nurturing proud Jewish identity.
Janessa Jameson, Religious School Music Director
Janessa is our Religious School Music Director. In this role, Janessa participates in lifecycle events, and teaching our B’nai Israel Religious School students Jewish music. Music has always been an important part of her life and she has been a musician since the second grade. She plays multiple instruments, as well as singing with Makhela. Janessa is a firm believer in fostering creativity and learning through music. She lives with her husband, children, and pets in Sandy Hook, CT. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, reading, movies, and gaming. She also enjoys outdoor activities, such as gardening, hiking and swimming, when weather allows.
Abby Peklo, Temple Administrator
Abby has a long and distinguished record of service to our congregation, the Jewish community and wider region and knows us all quite well. The former Director of the B’nai Israel Religious School, where she was most impactful in redesigning our curriculum and fostering inclusion, over the years she has likewise served on our Board, committees and faculty. We know her to be a skilled manager, supervisor and writer. Earlier in her career Abby was the Director of Program and Outreach at the Jewish Federation. Abby will also continue her position as Director of Grants and Special Programs at EdAdvance. Abby’s dedication to our congregation, community, the Jewish people and Reform Judaism has been ongoing and steadfast, and we welcome her into her new role. While we are currently testing and refining schedules, Abby will be in the building on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons, on Sundays when religious school or other programming is in session, and at worship services.
Lindsey Noble, Temple Coordinator
Lindsey began engaging with our congregation and community far more recently, albeit also with great enthusiasm and commitment. Lindsey’s the current President of the LLC, which manages our shared campus with the Federation, as well as an active Choir member, Ritual Committee member,
Adult Education student, and participant in our Kulanu Initiative to Fight Antisemitism. It was Lindsey who first proposed and then helped to create our “Back to Brooklyn” Klezmer concert. Recently elected a Trustee, she is stepping down to take the Coordinator position. Lindsey’s background as a tour and booking manager helped her to develop strong organizational and technological skills. We plan for her to be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-1:30 PM. Do call or stop in and say hello.
Office Hours
Tuesday - 8:30am-1:30pm
Wednesday - 8:30am-1:30pm
Thursday - 8:30am-1:30pm
Friday - 1:00pm-5:00pm
Sunday - 8:30am-12:30pm
Feel free to drop in at 444 Main Street North in Southbury
or call 203.267.3394 to make an appointment.
We look forward to seeing you.
Shalom. A Day of Peace.