PROFESSIONAL STAFF

 

Rabbi Michael Weinstein, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Michael Weinstein assumed the role of Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel in July of 2018, when he moved to Tulsa with his family to start their new life.   Born and raised in Cincinnati, Rabbi Weinstein earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy, with a focus in Jewish Studies, from the University of Cincinnati.  He continued his studies at Xavier University, completing a Master of Arts in Christian Theology, before entering the Rabbinical School at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he achieved a second Master of Arts, in Hebrew Letters.  Michael was ordained as Rabbi in 2010. 

Rabbi Weinstein has served congregations in the greater Boston, Atlanta, and Washington DC communities, in addition to spending time working in the Jewish Day School and Jewish Federation environments.  Rabbi’s professional interests are relationship based, in the areas of community organizing, engagement, and creating a welcoming community.  

Since ordination, Rabbi Weinstein has studied Professional Fundraising at Boston University, and achieved a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.  He is a trained Interim Rabbi from the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Interim Ministry Network.  He is also an Accredited Police Chaplain with the International Conference of Police Chaplains.  In his spare time, Rabbi Weinstein volunteers as part of the Tulsa Police Chaplain Corps.

Outside the synagogue, Rabbi Weinstein enjoys spending his time with his family.  Laurie, his wife, is an accomplished Cantor, also serving Temple Israel, while their son, Mose, is enamored with all things trains-related.  Michael enjoys the classics-- classic cars, music, movies, and motorcycles.  Never one to pass up a good burger and a beer, he would be happy to join you for a cup of coffee and conversation!

 

rabbi@templetulsa.com, 918.747.1309


Cantor Laurie Weinstein, Cantor
Cantor Laurie Weinstein is a Cincinnati native who takes pride in her multiple interests provided by our vast world. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music History with a Voice Concentration from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. She has Cantorial Certification from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York Campus under the direction of Cantor Ellen Dreskin. She has also studied on the graduate level at Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts. Before pursuing her Cantorial Certification, she has served in multiple capacities, from B’nai Mitzvah tutor to Cantorial Soloist, for congregations in Ohio, Indiana, and Massachusetts.

Previously, she served as part-time Student Cantor for Temple Shir Tikva, in Wayland, Massachusetts, and Cantor Intern for Congregation Dor Tamid in Johns Creek, Georgia. Before completing her cantorial studies, Cantor Weinstein served for three years as Cantor Intern for Beth Sholom Temple, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Laurie also holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science from the University of Cincinnati and was licensed to practice Dental Hygiene in Ohio before entering the professional Jewish world. She finds great pride and joy in other facets of her life as a mother, professional dog walker to Mavis and Pixie, a yogi, bird watching; and enjoys anything music related. She is fascinated by the “Why?” and finds the intersection of history and the human narrative most interesting. She enjoys motorcycles and rye whiskey, but not at the same time. Her life’s philosophy can be summed up in a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson- "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Laurie is excited to develop relationships with the Temple Israel family and to engage with the larger Tulsa community.

cantor@templetulsa.com, 918.747.1309


Rabbi Tzvia Jasper, Rabbi

Rabbi Tzvia Jasper is the new Engagement Rabbi at Temple Israel. She was raised in the Chicagoland area and went to college at Bradley University, where she studied Public Relations and Business. She spent the better part of the past six years in Cincinnati. She received a Graduate Certificate in Judaic Studies from the University of Cincinnati before attending the Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion.

During her time as a Student Rabbi, Rabbi Jasper served congregations in South Dakota, Joplin, and the greater Cincinnati community. She has spent many years as a Religious School teacher and a

senior staffer at camps, working hard to make Jewish education exciting and creative.

Rabbi Jasper is also an artist. She has dabbled with many mediums but has found her passion in digital art and composing liturgy. She loves taking Jewish motifs and expressions and representing them through a modern and creative lens.

Outside of her responsibilities at the Temple, Rabbi Jasper loves spending time with her new spouse, Yonah, who is an American Sign Language interpreter. Together, they love playing Dungeons & Dragons, swimming, exploring their new home in Tulsa, and playing with their pet tortoise, Godzilla. Rabbi Jasper will never say no to a good cup of ice coffee (even in the winter) or something sweet to nosh on, and she would be happy for you to join her anytime!

rabbitzvia@templetulsa.com


Rabbi Emeritus Charles P. Sherman, D.D.,was Senior Rabbi from 1976-2013.He retired in 2013 and was given the honorary title of Rabbi Emeritus.

charles18@att.net, 918. 749.4523

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Charles Philip Sherman graduated in 1963 from the University of Pittsburgh,
B.A., Honors Major in Philosophy.  He was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio in June, 1969.  The seminary awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1994.

Rabbi Sherman became Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in July 1976, and served for 37 years before retiring in June 2013.  During his years in Tulsa, Rabbi Sherman served as President of the Southwest Association of Reform Rabbis and is the only person to serve as President of both the National Conference for Community and Justice, Tulsa Region (Now OCCJ), and the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry (TMM).  He also taught for many years at Phillips Theological Seminary, which presented him an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in 2013.

Upon retirement, Rabbi Sherman trained as a mediator, serving in Small Claims Courts in Tulsa and Creek Counties. He then took additional training to become a Family and Divorce Mediator and received the State Volunteer Mediator of the Year 2015 award “in
recognition of outstanding volunteer service to Early Settlement.”

Rabbi Sherman’s wife, Nancy, has been his helpmate and partner for the past 55 years.  The Shermans have three happily married adults children who have produced four wonderful grandchildren.


Lesley Bumgarner, Director of Congregational Life
Lesley Bumgarner began her work as Temple Israel's Director of Congregational Life in July of 2022.  In this role, Lesley enhances our members' experience, recruits new members, plans events and fundraisers, and strives to make our temple a welcoming place for all.    

Lesley grew up at Temple Israel in Westport, Connecticut.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Pictures and Television from U.C. L.A. and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from National Louis University.  Lesley taught Kindergarten for nine years before her children were born.  
Lesley has been a member of our congregation since moving to Tulsa in 1997 and is a Past President of Temple Israel as well as a recipient of the Amudim Award.  Her three children, Grant, Ava, and Charlotte, became B'nai Mitzvah and Confirmands here. Lesley has 25 years of volunteer experience planning events and programs and fundraising at Temple Israel and other non profits in Tulsa. 
Outside of synagogue, Lesley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants and wines, traveling, reading and visiting museums.  Having lived in France for a year in 1988, she is always looking for opportunities for French conversation.  Stop by and say., Bonjour!".  

lesley@templetulsa.com


Jenny Labow, Office Manager, Clergy Assistant, Cantorial Soloist
jenny@templetulsa.com
918.747.1309


Jory Budd, Staff Accountant, Human Resources
jory@templetulsa.com
918.747.1309


Melani Crosley, Bookkeeper
melani@templetulsa.com
918.747.1309


Paul Sweet, Accompanist

Composer and pianist Paul Sweet has earned regional acclaim as a multitalented musician.  He is frequently invited to perform with singers, instrumentalists, and ensembles in Oklahoma and the surrounding region. His recent work as a pianist includes collaborations with concert flutist Alexa Still, Tulsa Symphony, Tulsa

Chorale, Arkansas Philharmonic, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Council Oak Men's Chorale, Tulsa Camerata, the "First Lady of Country Fiddle" - Jana Jae, and numerous regional artists. Equally at home with younger performers, Paul welcomes many collaborations with students of all levels in auditions, contests, and recitals. 

As a composer, Paul has enjoyed recent commissions from Tulsa Botanic Garden, clarinetists Dawn Lindblade-Evans and Michael Scheuerman, and the 2019 OK Electric Music Festival. His catalogue of original compositions includes music for string orchestra, wind symphony, chorus, chamber ensembles, solo instruments, and electronics. Piano Pronto Publishing in Temecula, California offers a selection of Mr. Sweet's piano music for students.

In addition to composing and performing, Paul maintains a small piano studio and serves as Director of Music at Bethany Christian Church in Tulsa.

Mr. Sweet earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in piano performance from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma.  His teachers there were David Forbat, Valery Kuleshov, Peggy Spence, and Leon Whitesell.

Away from the piano, Paul enjoys hiking and camping, mushroom hunting, gardening, outdoor picture taking, fancy coffee, embroidery, and spending time with his husband David and their three Pomeranian fur babies. 


Eliot Glaser, Former Accompanist

EliotGlaser.jpg

Eliot Glaser (Z”L) of blessed memory, Former Choir Director/Accompanist