B'nai Israel 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 his BA from Johns Hopkins University; MAHL, Rabbinic Ordination, and DD from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion; and a STM Degree from Yale Divinity School.
Contact Rabbi Polokoff
Linda Goodman, Director of Sacred Music (Emerita)
Linda co-leads services and participates in lifecycle events, 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
Leon'a's parents were both in the arts, which gave her great exposure to theater and music. She studied music (piano and guitar), voice and dance for many years. In 2009, Leona received her certification in choral conducting, from Sweet Adeline's International, the worldwide women's barbershop harmony organization. She and her husband Allen moved to Connecticut in 2016 and joined B'nai Israel that year. She has been with the B'nai Israel choir Mahkela since then, learning the music under Linda Goodman's leadership and bonding with the choir members. In the past six months, she served as one of the music leaders, alongside Rabbi Polokoff, at Shabbat services.
Leona quotes,
"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 is the former President of the LLC, and an active Choir member, Ritual Committee member, Adult Education student, and participant in our Kulanu Initiative to Fight Antisemitism, and co-creator of 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. She is in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-1:30 PM. Do call or stop in and say hello.
The Jewish Center, LLC Staff
Maria Cruz, Facility Manager
Maria was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in New York City. She moved to Connecticut in 2002 with her husband and three daughters. Maria started at B'nai Israel in 2003 as a custodian and is now proud to be the Facility Manager. She manages and coordinates building and grounds maintenance, installations and refurbishments, maintains equipment and supplies, and manages our custodial staff and external contractors.
Patti Berkowitz, LLC President
Patti served as First VP and President of B'nai Israel (2023-2025) and LLC secretary and has now stepped up as LLC President.
B'nai Israel has been part of her family's life for over 22 years.
Her two boys attended BIRS and had their B'nai Mitzvah and were confirmed under Rabbi Polokoff's leadership. Patti is a Special Education teacher and she and her husband Mark enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Julio Nazario, Custodian
Julio was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in New York City. He moved to Heritage Village in Southbury to be closer to his son and grandchildren. Retired after 30 years delivering home heating oil around the tri-state area and married for 50 years, Julio is the father of two and grandfather of five. He started working at B'nai Israel in 2023 and has proven himself to be a very dedicated employee and one of the nicest and most personable people in our B'nai Israel family, always eager and ready to help anyone at any time.
Julio quotes,
"I am inspired by the amazing, talented, appreciative people at B'nai Israel."
Mark Grickis, Custodian
Mark, 57, is a personable and friendly employee, born in the Waterbury area to Irish, Italian parents. He is diversified in his working career having skills in Landscaping, Asphalt Construction, Roofing and Manufacturing. Mark started working at B'nai Israel in March, 2024 and wishes to express gratitude, thanking the members for the opportunity to be a part of the community, allowing him to contribute to the Synagogue's mission.
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.