Board of Trustees

Sheri Kipperman, President

Sheri Steiglitz Kipperman, grew up in Wallingford CT.  At that time her family was the only Jewish family in town.  They were active congregants at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, where Sheri became Bat Mitzvah and a Confirmand, and where Sheri and her husband Eric married.  Sheri played soccer in college, and graduated with a BSN from Adelphi University. She attained her Masters Degree in Nursing from Western CT State University. She became an APRN in 2002.  Sheri and Eric moved to Southbury knowing that a Reform congregation was constructing a building here. Upon arriving they embraced B'nai Israel and the Jewish community. Their young daughter Elyssa started pre-school with the Jewish Federation. A second daughter, Samantha, followed and the family became involved in synagogue life.  Sheri helped initiate and lead what is now the annual Purim Carnival, taught in our B'nai Israel Religious School, and also fought tirelessly and successfully for Region 15 to close for the High Holy Days. Always feeling most comfortable in the synagogue, she has long served on the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee, including as Secretary, 2nd Vice President and 1st Vice President.  Elyssa made Aliyah and now lives in Israel playing profession soccer. Samantha is a rising senior at Brandeis University, and is likewise a soccer player.  Sheri writes:
        "I am so honored to be the President at B'nal Israel and can not wait to create and continue growing our community."

Contact Sheri Kipperman

Iurie Schwartz, 2nd VP

Iurie has been with B’nai Israel for over 15 years as a congregant and a trustee and steps up this year as Second Vice President.  His wife Allison also served on the Board of Trustees (2021-2023).  Iurie and Allison have two children, ages 25 and 21.  Iurie has 23 years experience as a corporate attorney with a Fortune 200 company,
and resides in Newtown.

Lisa Segal, Secretary

Lisa is reprising her role as B'nai Israel Board of Trustees
Secretary after serving as president for an unprecedented 3 year term (2018-2021).   In her free time Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, Scott, Em and Matthew, traveling, reading, walking and going to the dog park with Ruby and Pippa.
       "It is an honor to continue serving our amazing congregation while also acting as a lay cantorial soloist in our Makhela and Ritual Committee Chair." 

Melissa Fleischer, Trustee
Melissa is the Founder and President of HR Learning Center, 
LLC, a full-service Human Resources Consulting Firm specializing in the area of employment law. HR Learning Center LLC provides training seminars, on-line webinars, advice and counsel and consulting on a wide range of workplace and human resource issues including preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and COVID-19 safety in the workplace. Ms. Fleischer is a management-side employment attorney with over 23 years experience and is nationally recognized as an expert in her field. She resides in Southbury with her family and has been a member of B'nai Israel for many years.

Ben Kugielsky, Trustee
Ben is a dedicated Zionist with a deep love for Jewish life and Israel.  Since joining B'nai Israel after October 7, he’s been active in Israel advocacy and has volunteered with the IDF through SAR-EL. An avid adventurer, Ben enjoys aviation, SCUBA diving, kite-surfing, and spending time outdoors.  He brings his passion for Jewish culture to life by playing Jewish music on the violin. Professionally, Ben works as a Systems Engineer in the nuclear power industry.

Steven Reps, Trustee
Steven and his daughter Hanna have been proud members of B'nai Israel since 2012.  Hanna started B'nai Israel Religious School at the age of 6 and had her Bat Mitzvah in the spring of 2019.  Steven served on the Board of Trustees from 2014-2023, serving as secretary, second VP, first VP, and President (2021-2023) and is now proud to accept a role as a trustee after a 2 year break. He is a certified I/T Architect with over 35 years experience in the corporate sector and puts that experience to good use as the synagogue's technical advisor and Tech Corp. leader.  Steven lives in the neighboring town of Sandy Hook and Hanna attends The University of New Hampshire where she studies Nutritional Science. 
 

.