Temple Emanu-El

Carolyn Shane has been a Temple Administrator/Executive Director for over 22 years. She has served for the last 15+ years, here at Temple Emanu-El. Her past work experience includes six years as a self-employed organizing specialist and two years as a professional fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

She has volunteered for the URJ Department of Synagogue Management as a workshop facilitator. Carolyn is a Senior Member of the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA) where she is currently on the Board of Directors as the representative to the Reform Pension Board and serves on the Membership Committee. She was the Membership Chairperson for 5 years and was the Education Co-Chair of the 2006 NATA Convention and Co-Chair of the 2003 NATA Convention. During her 22 years in NATA she has served on various committees and has held several chairmanship positions. She is also the Past President of the Metropolitan Chapter (NY, NJ, CT) of NATA. Carolyn is also an active member of Twinless Twins Support Group International.

Most importantly she loves what she does and loved being a part of the Temple Emanu-El community.

Ms. Shane has a BS in Elementary Education with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology from Northern Illinois University. She is the “busy” wife of dear, patient husband Gerry and the mother of two wonderful adult daughters, Alyssa and Suzanne.

Call her at 908-232-6770, ext. 114, or email Carolyn Shane with any Temple questions.

Jill Cimafonte , a native of Cherry Hill, NJ, received her BS in Business Administration from Rutgers University and Masters degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Hunter College, graduating with high honors. Before joining Temple Emanu-El, Jill was a Head Teacher at the Ring Nursery School at the Jewish Community Center of Delaware Valley in NJ. She has a NJ and NY elementary teaching certification.

Jill is a founding member of the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ), an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism, currently serving on its Executive Board. This groundbreaking organization supports, encourages and challenges educators, with the hope of continually raising the bar of Jewish Early Childhood Education.

As Early Childhood Director at Temple Emanu-El, Jill believes that the secret to the program’s success involves an innate love for children, a deep understanding of child development, open communication and respect with both parents and staff, along with many opportunities for staff development. She takes great pride in being a part of such a thriving organization.

Contact her at 908-232-6770, ext. 126 or email Jill Cimafonte.

Brad Gerstle, our Director of Youth Programs, has a long and varied career working with Jewish Youth. He has worked as the advisor to youth groups in two different temples and directed two different NFTY regions. He is also a product of the Reform Movement’s camping program, spending time as a camper at URJ Camp Harlam, as the Associate Director at URJ Eisner Camp, and as the Director of URJ Crane Lake Camp. In a prior incarnation, Brad was a high school Biology teacher. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and earned Masters Degrees in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at Hebrew Union College and in Adult Education from the University of Southern California. His biggest claim to fame, however, is having visited every state in the US. Brad and his wife Rabbi Deborah Joselow have three sons, Lev, Shai, and Eitan.

Contact him at 908-232-6770, ext. 135 or email Brad Gerstle.