STAFF
If we can be of assistance, please call or email us anytime.
The temple general number is 518-374-8173.
Laura J. Ehrich, MSP
Executive Director
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 my partner Doug and I started to look for a synagogue here, we 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, and 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 Doug and I have made our 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!
Jesse Cohen
Groundskeeper
Good Morning, good afternoon or good evening. My name is Jesse Cohen and I partly grew up in this building, starting in the early 80's, through my Bar Mitzvah in '87, my Confirmation in' 90', and my initial employ in the early 90's. I have held fond memories of Gates ever since. I am proud to be Emma's father. She is 11, and I hope to instill in her some of the spirituality that I am seeking for myself. I'm a long time fan of the Mets, Celtics, Syracuse Orange, and The Washington Football Team. It's my honor to be rejoining the Temple Gates of Heaven family again. I look forward enthusiastically to our future together. Shalom and take good care.
