Rabbi Matthew Berger
Ext. 25 or 508-791-8414 (Rabbi’s Study)
mberger@temple-emanuel.org
Rabbi Matthew Berger was drawn to Temple Emanuel because of its proud and distinguished history as a leading congregation in the Reform Movement. A native of New England and an avid Red Sox fan, Rabbi Berger was raised in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where his family affiliated with Sinai Temple, a Reform congregation. Rabbi Berger attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In May 2003, he was ordained as a rabbi by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Prior to his appointment at Temple Emanuel, Rabbi Berger served for six years as the Associate Rabbi of Temple Chai in Long Grove, Illinois. He is an accomplished musician and composes Jewish liturgical music with voice and guitar. Rabbi Berger comes to Worcester with his wife Ida and son Avi. Most importantly, he is thankful to have found a calling in which he feels at home. He believes it is an honor to serve as an integral link in the chain of Jewish tradition and serve as the spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel.
Sue Summit
Religious School Principal
Ext. 15
simcha6sas@gmail.com
Sue Summit brings a familiarity with Temple Emanuel as well as a wealth of talent and experience. Sue has been an active and committed educator for many years. At Temple Emanuel, she has taught in the Religious School and the Early Childhood Center, served as Family Educator, and worked individually with special needs students on their Hebrew skills. As director of the Worcester Community Hebrew High School, Sue has spearheaded its revitalization during the past few years. At the same time, her own education continues through classes at Hebrew College, conferences, and participation in the Hadassah Leadership Academy. The 2009 recipient of thenational Grinspoon-Steinhart Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, Sue brings energy and unwavering devotion to the task of imparting of Jewish ideas and values to our children.
Phyllis Spool
Early Childhood Center Director
Ext. 19
pspool@temple-emanuel.org
Phyllis Spool was born and raised in Boston. She and her husband, Richard, have been married for 33 years. They have one daughter, Sarah, who lives in Manhattan.
Phyllis has always enjoyed working with young children. She first realized her love of teaching while living in Israel in the 1960’s and 70’s. There she was given the opportunity with work with young children in the gan yeladim or preschool. The kibbutz sent her to many courses to learn about early childhood education. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education at Lesley College in 1976.
She has taught at many of the temples and synagogues in the Worcester area since moving here in 1985. In 2008, she became the director of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center. She has found her home at last.
Sharon Brown Goldstein
Cantorial Soloist
sharon@twin-islands.com
Beth Meltzer
WESTY Youth Advisor
b.meltzer@neu.edu
