STAFF
If we can be of assistance, please call or email us anytime.
The temple general number is 518-374-8173.
If you have an after-hours emergency, please call or text Laura at 518-256-4051.
Laura J. Ehrich, MSP
Executive Director
(my pronouns are she/her/hers)
My life as a Jewish professional has been totally unexpected. I walked into my first synagogue in Rochester, NY more than 20 years ago. My plan had been to start my journey toward becoming Jewish. Most certainly that happened, but I also walked out the door that day with a new job in the temple office. When I started to look for a synagogue here, I walked into Gates hoping for a good worship experience and- well, here we are! In between I’ve served my community in many ways, from doing geriatric social work to working as a community organizer and lobbyist. I hold a Certificate in Jewish Learning from the Melton School at Hebrew University, undergraduate degrees in History and Jewish Studies, and a MA in Social Policy from SUNY Empire State College. It is an honor to be serving the Gates community at this critical time of change. I draw energy from the opportunities we have to help people connect to Reform Judaism, to build community and belonging in the place that I have made my spiritual home, and to use change as a tool to build a sustainable, vibrant community with Gates at its heart.
lehrich@cgoh.org
Arnold Rotenberg
Director of Congregational Jewish Living
It is my pleasure to serve as the Director of Congregational Jewish Living, a position that has grown to include the roles of Director of our Religious School, Adult Education, and programs throughout CGOH. I come with over 40 years’ experience in synagogue and day school education. Even with this, I am always a teacher at heart, modeling lifelong learning as an example to our students and teachers. My background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from the University of Denver and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Colorado in Denver. Learning is a part of my life. I have the same expectations for your children as I do mine—to see them excel and become engaged in Jewish life and become productive human beings. I invite you to join me on this journey.
Julia Cutler
Youth Director
Hi, I'm Julia Cutler! I've spent my entire life at Congregation Gates of Heaven, minus 4 years of college. I recently graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelors in Social Work. I am so excited to be the Youth Director!
Dan Palmer
Custodian
Dan began working for CGOH in 2018, filling in when extra help was needed and assisting Arnie with religious school setup and breakdown/cleaning. Dan has been organizing the kitchen and maintenance backroom areas as we await a time when we can return to in-person school, events, and services. Dan and Tom are working hard to keep the temple clean and disinfected for the health and safety of our staff and visitors. A published historian, Dan is looking forward to contributing to the temple's newsletter, website, and Facebook page with content from our archives.
