Temple Israel

Professional Staff

Rabbi Charles P. Sherman, D.D., has been the spiritual leader, teacher, and counselor of the congregation since 1976. Ordained in 1969 at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, our rabbi is a Past-President of the Southwest Association of Reform Rabbis. Actively involved in all areas of Tulsa's Jewish Community, Rabbi Sherman is also a very active participant in Tulsa's interfaith activities and has become one of this city's leading clergy spokespersons.
Cantor Kari Siegel-Eglash has recently joined the Temple Israel family as its Chazzan. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, she was invested as Cantor in 2001 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She then served as Cantor of Temple Chaverim in Plainview, NY, before officially becoming a Tulsan in 2004. The Cantor's greatest love is for Jewish music and culture; she strives to constantly enrich and renew the musical life of the Temple. From Shabbat and Holiday services to the classroom, her love for Judaism and teaching infuses all that she does here at Temple Israel.
Jennifer Lorch, Director of Youth and Education, has come to Temple Israel from southern California in July 2011. She holds a Masters of Arts in Education and Masters in Business Administration from American Jewish University, and a Bachelors of Arts in Jewish Studies from UCLA. Jennifer enjoys working with learners of all ages and believes that Judaism is best learned through experiences. Jennifer has lived in Israel and staffed teenage trips to Eastern Europe and Israel. She has also traveled around Africa, including her visits to the Abayudaya, the Jewish community of Uganda. An avid runner, she has completed two marathons and cannot wait to run the third! Jennifer looks forward to meeting and getting to know you!
Jeanne Jacobs is our Membership/Volunteer/Program Coordinator, and her roots in Temple Israel run deep, her family having belonged to the congregation since she was six years old. Jeanne and her four sons became B'nai Mitzvah and were confirmed in our congregation. She has taught on our faculty and served in many capacities in Temple Israel's lay leadership including terms as Sisterhood President and as President of the Congregation. She has been our part-time Program Coordinator since 1990 and has been on our full-time staff since July of 1995.

TEMPLE ISRAEL SUPPORT STAFF Jo Ann Hill, Administrative Assistant Klara Bode, Accountant Sam Bradley, Building Superintendent James Wright, Building Superintendent Assistant Eliot Glaser, Organist/Accompanist Susan Woitte, Librarian Patti Elliott, Youth Group Advisor